XTRA Decides returns for the Eurovison 2022 season! In this feature the team here at ESCXTRA rank the national final songs, giving our choice of the winner. We are ranking the songs using the Eurovision style 12-1 scoring system.
In this special we are ranking each round of Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix 2022 national selection. Eline Noelia with the song ‘Ecstasy’ has been chosen by the team to win the first semi-final.
Our Scores
| Song | Total | Twelves |
|---|---|---|
| Eline Noelia – Ecstasy | 148 | 7 |
| Frode Vassel – Black Flowers | 123 | 6 |
| TrollfesT – Dance Like A Pink Flamingo | 109 | 1 |
| Mira Craig – We Still Here | 96 | 0 |
Reviews
Costa (12pts)
Ecstasy follows in a long line of ultra-polished synthy bops that MGP has provided over the years. The vibe is very Karin Park-meets-Agnete-meets-Ariana Grande, i.e. pandering directly to me. But what seperates Ecstasy from the stock bops that have been appearing across the continent in the past few years is that a) The lyrics are very cohesive and b) rather than a drop, it gives us the sound of a Boeing lifting off the tarmac in what I like to think is an ode to Iveta Mukuchyan’s LoveWave. The song traverses being polished, catchy and absolutely bonkers impeccably. As advertised, I am addicted to this song, and very much hope to see it in the final.
Sami (12pts)
This probably is the weakest semifinal of this year’s Melodi Grand Prix, so ranking the four songs was bit difficult. However, I feel like “Ecstasy” has the best potential on having a performance that will lift the song up too. The song sounds like it’s very difficult to sing, so let’s hope Eline nails the live performance tonight. It’s also only of the four songs that I actually feel like listening more than once, the other three I don’t want to hear again.
Nick (10pts)
Ecstasy to me isn’t the most interesting pieces of music in this year’s MGP. As Costa rightfully says, it’s the kind of song you’ve come to expect from Norway. In this semifinal, it surely is one of the better efforts. Looking at the full Norwegian line-up, however, I can’t see this getting to Turin in the end. It is reminiscent of songs we’ve loved in the past, but slightly falls short of living up to the expectation that would normally come with such a description. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t excite me one bit.
Isabella (10pts)
When I first heard “Ecstasy”, I thought that it would fit perfectly on the radio as it contains everything that people are drawn to in today’s music scene – a great voice, a smooth production, strong beats, an interesting melodic hook and not to mention the synth and electronic-pop beats seen throughout. It can’t be understated that Eline Noelia has an amazing voice and her Arianda Grande-esque whistle notes showcase this. If she is able to deliver “Ecstasy” live, will be a very special moment on stage.
The Melodi Grand Prix 2022 format
All the semi-finals as well as the grand final will be broadcast from the H3 Arena at Fornebu, outside of Oslo. Annika Momrak, Mikkel Niva and Kåre Magnus Bergh will host the shows.
In each semi-final two duels will determine two finalists who will then battle it out in a second round. The winner will progress to the Grand Final. All the other entries later compete in a wildcard round for an additional place in the Grand Final.
- Semi-Final One – January 15
- Semi-Final Two – January 22
- Semi-Final Three – January 29
- Semi-Final Four – February 5
- Wildcard / Last Chance – February 12
- Grand Final – February 19
Xtra Decides so far…
Previously on Xtra Decides:
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