With nearly two months to go, we now have the dates, and we will soon find out who will be participating artists at Melodi Grand Prix 2021. However, before we find out who is fighting for the right to represent Norway in Rotterdam. Stig Karlsen; Norway’s Head of Delegation has revealed some of the upcoming changes to ESCNorge.
More contestants in the final, changes to the Semi-Finals
For the 2020 edition of the Melodi Grand Prix, the Semi-Finals of the competition (which is being broadcasted at the H3 Arena) were done by region. However, for the 2021 edition, this format will not be used. As with last year, the finalists and Norway’s eventual representative will be selected by the public.
In addition to this, a Second Chance round is also be added to the format. After the fifth semi-final, a special show will be used to give the 15 artists who did not qualify, one more chance to get to the final.
As per last year, the six qualified will reveal their entries in the semi-finals. However, due to the addition of the Second Chance round, two of the six pre-qualified artists will reveal their entry on the 16th of January.
All Scenarios being planned in response to COVID-19
With COVID-19 forcing broadcasters how they will present the show, Stig has mentioned that a few scenarios are being planned. With it, including having a couple of hundred spectators, to an empty arena.
During the interview, it was revealed that contingencies and measures are being worked on, should a participating artist be required to self-isolate. This even includes changes to which Semi-Final the competing artist will compete at.
Melodi Grand Prix artists to be revealed on January 11
In the same Q&A, Stig also revealed that they will start revealing the contenders for Melodi Grand Prix 2021 on January 11, 2021. The four artists competing in the first semi-final and the six pre-qualified contestants will be revealed on this date.
As with last year’s format, the remaining contenders for the remaining Semi-Finals will be revealed every Monday.
Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest
The Scandinavian nation debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960 with Nora Brockstedt and her song ‘Voi Voi’, which placed fourth. Since their debut, Norway has managed to win three times (1985, 1995 & 2009).
In 2020, Ulrikke won Melodi Grand Prix with her song ‘Attention’. Norway was set to perform in the First Semi-Final of this year’s contest before it was cancelled. NRK has confirmed that it has offered Ulrikke has been offered a direct qualification for the 2021 final; but declined the offer.
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