Back in March, NRK was one of the first broadcasters to confirm the return of their national final for 2021. In May, applications opened for the 2021 selection and teased a similar format to the 2020 show. Now, NRK have teased more details about what to expect from MGP in 2021.
In an interview with Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet, MGP project manager Stig Karlsen has teased a number of details about the forthcoming edition. He also went on to explain how the broadcaster intend to address safety concerns around COVID-19 and navigating potential restrictions.
About the show, he said the following:
MGP 2021 will be big and hefty! Obviously there will be fewer spectators in the hall, but there will be a people’s festival when potentially more than a million people gather in front of the TV screen. We will offer TV magic, and take innovative measures to create close contact between the stage and the audience.
Stig Karlsen, Project Manager for MGP 2021
Six-show format returns
All the way back in 2018, the broadcaster had announced preparations for a bigger-than-ever MGP 2020. This was to mark the show’s 60th anniversary, and included upping the usual one-shot final to a multi-show format. Last year saw MGP run five regional heats and a final.
According to Stig Carlsen, the 2021 edition will once again run six shows, but did not confirm whether the format will remain the same. This year, each heat had one pre-qualifier perform and with an additional qualifier emerging from two duels.
He explained that this decision was not made in spite of the pandemic, but in response to it:
We will not do anything halfway, even though we are in the middle of a pandemic. It is more important than ever to gather Norway for common experiences and pleasant events.
Stig Karlsen, Project Manager for MGP 2021
Melodi Grand Prix 2020
The 60th anniversary of MGP was notable for many reasons, not all positive. Beyond the controversy of the pre-qualifier format, the show’s finale was struck by an app fault, which saw the televoting crash. This resulted in the four superfinalists being chosen by a 30-person demoscopic jury. As a result, Norwegian media, MGP contestants and the public called the debacle “scandalous” and prompted with a formal statement by NRK.
Ulrikke won the show with her song “Attention”, and won the right to represent Norway in Rotterdam. Norway was set to perform in the First semi-final of this year’s contest before it was cancelled. NRK later confirmed that it had offered Ulrikke a direct qualification for the 2021 final; but she declined the offer. Stig confirmed that Ulrikke will be involved in MGP, 2021 but not as a contestant.
Are you looking forward to MGP 2021? Who would you like to see to participate in next year’s MGP? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see our reactions to the news in the upcoming months.
