Norway already has the first three qualifiers for the final of the Melodi Grand Prix 2023 after the first semi-final of its pre-selection, where seven artists, with their seven proposals, have been subjected to the public’s assessment.
The gala began at 19:50 CET from Screen Studios in Nydalen under the command of hosts Arian Engebø and Stian and surrounded by a dedicated audience. The opening singer was Alessandra Mele and her Queen of Kings, giving way to the rest of the performances and closing the set with the song Freaky For The Weekend by Byron Williams Jr & Jowst.
Melodi Grand Prix: First semi-final results
After the end of all the performances, a voting period was opened so that viewers, from home, could support their favourite entry by voting through the voting lines. The results were as follows:
Thus, we now know 3 of the 9 finalists who will play for the victory in the final of the Melodi Grand Prix 2023 on Saturday 4 February.
- Unami Tsunami – “Geronimo”
- Alessandra Mele – “Queen of kings”
- Ulrikke Brandstorp – “Honestly”
Relive the performances of the first semi-final of the Melodi Grand Prix 2023
We’ll have to wait until next Monday to find out which songs will be competing in the second semi-final on Saturday 21 January. In the meantime, if you missed the gala, you can enjoy the performances of the three qualified songs below.
Ulrikke Brandstorp – Honestly
Eirik Næss – Wave
Byron Williams Jr & Jowst – Freaky For The Weekend
Kate Gulbrandsen – Tårer i paradis
Umami Tsunami – Geronimo
Alessandra Mele – Queen of Kings
Rasmus Thall – TRESKO
THE MECHANICS OF THE MELODI GRAND PRIX
For the 2023 edition, NRK has introduced some changes to the Norwegian pre-selection. The addition of “autotune” has been a major development, as it will be allowed to be used to make the show more similar to other TV productions and give the viewer a higher quality experience. Another change is in the number of shows, as this edition brings fewer galas than in previous years, although the number of artists has been maintained, 21 in total, and we will have three semi-finals instead of last year’s five, which leaves seven proposals per gala.
Voting has also changed, with the introduction of an international jury in the final, made up of industry professionals, who will have 50% of the voting power, the other 50% will be up to the public. In the case of the semi-finals, it will be 100% the televote that will decide the winners. The voting process will begin after all the artists have performed and the three artists who have received the most votes will qualify for the final. In addition, no artists will qualify directly for the final gala and second chance duels will be eliminated.
The Melodi Grand Prix has started with the first semi-final on Saturday 14 January and will end with the final from the city of Trondheim on Saturday 4 February.