Norwegian broadcaster NRK recently published a few updates on its national selection for Eurovision 2026. We now have new information on the selection of artists, the venues, and the next dates in the process (including the date of the show itself). Here’s what we know so far!
A 28 February show in Lillehammer
Melodi Grand Prix (MGP) will take place, for the first time in history, in Lillehammer, specifically in Håkons Hall. The venue was built for the 1994 Winter Olympics for the Ice Hockey competition, when Sweden, Canada and Finland ended up on the podium (with Russia in fourth position, the first time ever a Soviet/Russian team would end up off the podium in the sports). Since these events, the Hall has been re-used by other sports, such as handball, and has hosted musical events.
One of these musical event was the second edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, held in Lillehammer in 2004, and in which Spain took the trophy for the first and only time in its JESC history.
This is a fantastic cultural city. A compact, nice city that has in its DNA the ability to create a popular festival. And that is exactly what we need for MGP.
Mads Tørklep, Norway’s head of Delegation and MGP Project Leader
NRK and the municipality of Lillehammer hope that city’s experience with festive events will help to create a party atmosphere for the national selection, with events planned for the entire week of 23 February, before the main event on the 28th.
That day is shaping up to become a classic case of Super Saturday, with the finals of Italy’s Sanremo Festival as well as Finland’s UMK due to be held on the same evening, alongside the last qualifications show for Melodifestivalen (Sweden) and the Festival da Canção (Portugal).
Ten artists, nine selected, eight fighting for the last spot
Nine finalists have already been selected, but the tenth spot will be decided by the public, through a radio competition between eight artists, in which the audience will vote for their favourite. This selection will take place on 26 January, when the songs of the ten finalists will be released to the public.
This contest will be the first with Tarjei Strøm fully in command as the MGP’s music director, after being appointed in late 2024. At the time, the 2025 line-up had already been finalised by Stig Karlsen before his departure. In the end, Kyle Alessandro won the national selection with “Lighter”, among a line-up which included Eurovision veterans Bobbysocks and Wig Wam.
Tarjei Strøm was in part chosen due to his wide-ranging network within the Norwegian music industry, in an effort to reach artists who may not have taken part in the selection in previous year. He did hint at some surprises, without a revolution.
There is a lot that feels new in 2026. But at the same time, it is MGP as people know it. It is a popular festival. There is good music, there is something for everyone, for the whole family.
Tarjei Strøm, MGP Musical Director
As for Mads Tørklep, Norway’s head of Delegation and MGP Project Leader, he is very confident in Norway’s ability to win with the quality of Strøm’s selection.
I think this might be the best MGP in history, if I dare say so. We can actually win Eurovision with [this line-up].
Mads Tørklep, Norway’s head of Delegation and MGP Project Leader
How do you feel about these updates? Do you want to attend Melodi Grand Prix? Who do you think will/should compete? Tell us more in the comments below or on social media, at @escxtra!
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