Tonight, the big six-week extravaganza kicks off from Oslo. As Norway pays special attention to its contests’ sixtieth anniversary we will see four acts compete for a spot in the Grand Final on February 15th.
Earlier this week we learned the 5 artists pre-qualified for the Grand Final as chosen by a jury led by Stig Karlsen. For the remaining hopefuls, Melodi Grand Prix 2020 will consist of 5 semi-finals before the national final, one for each region of Norway (North, Central, West, South, East). The 2020 competition will not include a European jury. The winner of MGP 2020 will be strictly in the hands of the Norwegian viewers
So who will emerge victorious and join the five acts selected by the expert jury in the Grand Final?
WHO WILL TAKE PART?
The acts competing in tonight’s Heat 1 of Melodi Grand Prix 2020 are:
- Lisa Børud: Talking About Us
- Kim Rysstad: Rainbow
- Raylee: Wild
- Geirmund: Come Alive
Lisa Børud understands what it’s like when people are ‘Talking About Us’ and her scandi-pop uptempo gem will have you thinking of Malou Prytz from Sweden meets Anne-Marie crossed with a little bit of Zena from Belarus
Kim Rysstad will sing ‘Rainbow’, a James Bond meets Conchita Wurst sounding Eurovision friendly ballad.
Raylee will perform ‘Wild’ a sequel to Margaret’s ‘Tempo’ from Melodifestivalen 2019 (same songwriting team). Raylee previously participated in Melodi Grand Prix in 2016.
Geirmund will ‘Come Alive’ with his midtempo song with a little bit of Viking anthem in it.
In addition to the four contestants, we will also see pre-qualified finalist Sondrey perform his entry ‘Take My Time’.
WHO WILL DECIDE?
The songs will compete in a duel style faceoff until there is a winner. We don’t yet know the pairings and this may only be revealed at the time of broadcast. What we do know is that ultimately the fans will decide the winner. The jury has already determined the songs to be sent to the final, so the heats are the fans’ chance to decide which of the songs still looking for a spot in the final should go through. Viewers can only vote through NRK.no.
In total, there will be ten participants in the final on 15 February, and the Norwegian television viewers will announce the winner. The selected winning song will represent Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in The Netherlands.
WHO IS THE FAVOURITE TO WIN?
Prior to the semi-final rehearsals, the bookmakers favor Raylee by a small margin. Kim may have a broader appeal to a national audience, while Raylee may be the favorite amongst the international fans. Raylee’s odds have improved dramatically after the first rehearsal.
WHERE CAN WE WATCH IT?
You can follow the show via ESCplus Live beginning at 19.50 CET.
All six shows will be presented by Kåre Magnus Bergh, Ingrid Gjessing Linhave and Ronny Brede Aase.
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE IN OUR POLL
In total, there will be ten participants in the final on 15 February, and the Norwegian television viewers will announce the winner. The selected winning song will represent Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in The Netherlands. Who would you like to see to advance tonight and win the chance of representing Norway at Eurovision? Let us know in the comments.