Norway: Melodi Grand Prix 2023 semi-final 1 results

This morning saw semi-final 1 of Norway’s Eurovision national selection show ‘Melodi Grand Prix’ (MGP) take place in Oslo.

Umami Tsunami, Ulrikke, and Alessandra Mele were the three acts that received the highest number of public votes and will move through to the Grand Final on 4 February.

Rasmus Thall, Byron Williams Jr. & Jowst, Eirik Næss and Kate Gulbrandsen were eliminated from the competition after finishing in the bottom four.

The first of the three semi-finals featured seven acts fighting for a spot in the MGP Grand Final including three former Eurovision artists.

Performing this evening were:

• Alessandra Mele - 'Queen of Kings'

• Eirik Næss - 'Wave'

• Rasmus Thall - 'Tresko'

• Kate Gulbrandsen - 'Tårer i paradis'

• Umami Tsunami - 'Geronimo'

• Ulrikke - 'Honestly'

• Byron Williams Jr. & Jowst - 'Freaky for the Weekend'

Kate Gulbrandsen previously represented Norway in 1987 finishing ninth with 'Mitt liv'. Ulrikke Brandstorp was scheduled to compete in 2020 with 'Attention' before the cancellation of the contest due to COVID. Jowst finished tenth for Norway with Aleksander Walmann in 2017's 'Grab the Moment'.

A total of 21 entries will compete in this year's Melodi Grand Prix, with seven songs in each semi-final. The three performers who obtain the most public votes in each will qualify for the final.

Unlike last year, there are no duels or second chance round and no pre-qualified artists, with voting in each semi-final beginning after all seven acts have performed. In addition, the international jury has been re-introduced for the final, consisting of industry professionals from multiple countries. The jury and the public will each contribute 50% to the final result.

Semi-final 2 of Melodi Grand Prix takes place next Saturday 21st January with the Grand Final scheduled for 4th February.

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