Music, shows and crazy outfits. Melodi Grand Prix has entertained Norwegians since 1960, and after the new year the table is set for a new round of Norway’s biggest music competition. But this time it will be different. – More is at stake In contrast to previous years, there are now no artists who are qualified in advance. There will also be no duels, and the number of dolphins will go from five to three. In addition, the final will take place in Trondheim Spektrum. Stig Karlsen is responsible for music in Melodi Grand Prix. Photo: news – We are now going for a competition model that is easier to understand, and where all the artists compete with the same starting point. More is at stake for everyone from day one, says music manager Stig Karlsen. Program manager Arianrhod Engebø believes the changes make it more exciting to follow: – It becomes even clearer that it is a Eurovision golden ticket. I particularly like that no one is pre-qualified, and that there are no duels. That way, everyone gets to shine equally. No “last chance” Arianrhod Engebø will be the host together with Stian “Staysman” Thorbjørnsen. The first semi-final is on 14 January. But already on January 4, this year’s 21 artists will be presented. Everything is at stake now that none of the artists is guaranteed a place in the final. In order to offer more music in each broadcast, seven artists will perform in each semi-final. Instead of duels, there will be voting after all the artists have performed once each. The three artists who receive the most votes advance to the final. The “last chance” is therefore scrapped this year. – I generally think that these changes will set even more emotions in motion among the viewer, says Engebø. International jury at the final This time, jury votes will also be introduced. The aim of this is to increase the chances of winning in Eurovision. The juries consist of industry professionals from a selected country and will count for 50% during the final, while the audience’s votes count for the remaining 50%. No one will know who is on the jury until after the final. – A model with both expert jury and audience votes also gives us a better basis for creating a more exciting MGP, says Stig Karlsen. There was a good atmosphere during the MGP final in Trondheim Spektrum in 2020. Photo: Julia Marie Naglestad Final in Trondheim The final will be held in Trondheim. It is not often that the winner has been chosen elsewhere than in Oslo. In fact, it has only happened three times before. The first time was in Stavanger in 1989, and the last time was in Trondheim in 2020. – We are ready to create a TV party again from the middle of the country to the whole of Norway, says Stig Karlsen. Melodi Grand Prix 2023 The three dolphin finals will be broadcast live in Nydalen in Oslo. Delfinale 1 is Saturday 14 January. Dolphin final 2 is Saturday 21 January Dolphin final 3 is Saturday 28 January. The grand final takes place on 4 February in Trondheim. All 21 artists will be presented during a press conference at Marienlyst on Wednesday 4 January. Here we will also find out what kind of semi-final they will be in. The songs will be released every week. First song release is Monday 7 January. Second song release is January 16. Third song release is 23 January.
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– Will set even more sensations in motion – news Culture and entertainment
