MGP 2026: Dagbladet vurderer låtene – Hvem vinner i Wien?
Norway’s selection for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest is underway, with nine finalists set to compete on February 28th at Håkons Hall in Lillehammer. The field was initially ten, but the duo Ylvis dramatically withdrew approximately two weeks ago in protest of Israel’s participation in the competition.
A Diverse Lineup Takes Shape
Eight entries were released on Monday, January 26th, with a ninth to be determined by public vote through “MGP-cupen,” a week-long process where listeners vote out one song each day. The winner of “MGP-cupen” will be announced on the morning of Tuesday, January 27th, and this article will be updated with a review of that final entry.
Alexander Rybak’s “Rise” – Familiar Territory
Alexander Rybak, a past Eurovision winner, presents “Rise,” a song that notably wasn’t initially identified among the tracks on his recently released album, “Fairytales Too.” The album and single were released on the same day. The song incorporates elements from his 2009 winning entry, including a similar rhythm and a prominent violin riff, which is also noted to bear a resemblance to Franz Ferdinand’s “Take Me Out.”
Despite Rybak’s skillful performance, reviewers suggest “Rise” doesn’t reach the same level as his winning song, feeling more like a copy. It is, however, considered an improvement over his 2018 entry.
Hedda Mae’s “Snap Back” – A Digital Soundscape
Hedda Mae’s “Snap Back” is described as “trist funk with a little dancefoot” and explores themes of “toxic masculinity.” However, the song’s production relies heavily on digital effects, resulting in a sound that is described as antiseptic and overly processed. The six songwriters involved appear to have prioritized a modern sound over a memorable melody.
Mileo’s “Frankenstein” – A Genre Blend
Mileo, backed by manager David Eriksen, returns with “Frankenstein,” a more memorable and catchy track than his previous Eurovision attempt. The song blends elements of metal with electronic music, and features a “tribal” feel. It is considered a potential contender for success in Vienna.
Emma’s “Northern Lights” – A Swedish Influence
Emma delivers “Northern Lights,” an electronic song with strong national romantic themes. The song benefits from the involvement of songwriters who previously worked with Loreen, the winner of the 2023 Eurovision contest. However, the song’s production also utilizes significant digital effects, potentially diminishing its emotional impact. Emma’s vocal performance in a previous television show, “Maskorama,” was noted to be stronger in rap than in singing.
Storm’s “Lullaby” – A Rock Offering
Storm presents “Lullaby,” a rock song that stands out as more organic compared to the other entries. The song features dynamic shifts between energetic and quieter sections, and incorporates electronic elements. Storm’s musical background includes connections to the band Gåte.
Leonardo Amor’s “Prayer” – A Strong Vocal Performance
Leonardo Amor delivers a powerful vocal performance in “Prayer,” a song that follows the established formula of Eurovision entries. The song features a strong falsetto and dynamic range. It is considered a strong contender, potentially finishing in the top three.
Silke’s “Forevermore” – A Synthetic Offering
Silke’s “Forevermore” is described as standard Eurovision trance music. The song includes a brief section in Norwegian, but is otherwise heavily reliant on synthetic sounds. The vocals are also heavily processed, contributing to an artificial feel.
Jonas Lovv’s “Ya Ya Ya” – A Rock-Inspired Entry
Jonas Lovv’s “Ya Ya Ya” is a guitar-driven song inspired by bands like The Hives, Jack White, and The Black Keys. The song features a strong vocal performance and a “tribal” influence. Jonas Lovv made a memorable impression during the artist launch event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the initial field of contestants to shrink?
The field of ten contestants was reduced to nine after Ylvis dramatically withdrew in protest of Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.
When will the final contestant be announced?
The winner of “MGP-cupen” will be announced on the morning of Tuesday, January 27th.
What is “MGP-cupen”?
“MGP-cupen” is a week-long process where listeners vote out one song each day from a selection of eight entries, with the final winner joining the other finalists.
With a diverse range of styles and sounds represented, which of these artists do you believe will best represent Norway on the Eurovision stage?