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Eurovision 2024: Norway
Apr. 9th, 2024 07:14 pmThis year due to life I don't have time to do my usual reviews so I am just poaching those done by Voyager
Norway History
Eurovision 2023: Norway
Apr. 26th, 2023 07:55 pmArtist: Alessandra
Song: Queen of Kings
Currently with bookmakers: 6th (12/1-20/1)
Place 2022: 10th in the Final
Wins: 3 (1985, 1995, 2009)
Alessandra won both the jury and public vote in Melodi Grand Prix 2023 finishing with almost 100 points more than the second placed artist. This was a much better result than she finished with in The Voice - Norway last year, where she was knocked out in the first round of lives in week 4. Alessandra will also be the first act to perform at Eurovision 2023, opening Semi final 1. Good Luck to her there.
Queen of Kings does not fit into any genre snuggly. It is power-pop, dance with some operatic, folk, and fantasy elements. Not being able to decide on a genre is a very Eurovision thing and should go down well. Even if Alessandra nails the vocal, this needs a good performance. Perhaps wearing a cape that at the line "Nothing in this world can stop the spread of her wings", is picked up by the wind machine and ripples behind her, as if it is her wings and she is flying. Wind Machines and Scandi countries go together at Eurovision so this could be done.
This years Eurovision will be in the UK after they finished second last year and the Ukraine were unable to host because they are grifters who have no idea on diplomacy. In 1960 the UK also hosted after coming second the previous year when the Netherlands declined to host. That year was Norway's first and they sent Nora Brockstedt
Eurovision 2022: Latvia Vs Norway
Apr. 15th, 2022 08:32 pmMost Wins: Norway 3 (Latvia 1)
Most Entries: Norway 59 (Latvia 21)
Bookies Favourite: Norway 35/1 (Latvia 250/1)
Latvia:
Citi Zēni met at a song writing camp and released their debut album last year, and that is about the whole extent of their Bio. Subwoolfer have even less. They have a made up history, and even their names (Jim and Keith) appear fake. Both bands are sending novelty songs to Eurovision and the novelty of both of them wears off pretty quick
Subwoolfer have been popular with fans since their song was released and it ranked 1 with many of the fan groups. Citi Zēni have not had the same cut-through, and being in a semi with a couple of novelty songs it will be hard for them to make it in the face of the competition. Subwoolfer will probably fade in popularity closer to the event, that usually happens, but Citi Zēni will not over take them
In the end Subwoolfer have the better gimmick and the more memorable song. I personally dislike them both and if I never hear them again I would be happy, but Give that Wolf a Banana is technically better and has a ready made package an easily repeatable performance. Citi Zēni just has a cheap rip off of Epic Sax Guy
This round goes to Norway
Norway:
Eurovision 2021: Norway
Apr. 15th, 2021 06:49 amSelection: Melodi Grand Prix
Wins: 3 (1985, 1995, 2009)
2020: Ulrikke – Attention
2021: Tix – Fallen Angel
Current Bookmakers: 9th
Tix got his name from his Tourette’s that cause his involuntary tics. Tourette’s has not stopped his success as a singer, songwriter and producer. He has even co-produced a song with Flo Rida, giving Flo Rida two connections to this years contest (after working with San Marino’s song). Maybe Flo Rida should perform at Eurovision next year.
This years song from Norway is a vast improvement on last years intended contender for the Eurovision crown. Melodi Grand Prix tends to attract a lot of pop, which both songs are, but this year’s Backstreet Boys/Take That mash song is not annoying like Attention was.
It is hard to hate ‘Fallen Angel’, but it is Norway and inexplicably they finish last almost 3 times as much as they win. 1974 deserved more than 3 points, surely…
Wins: 3 (1985, 1995, 2009)
2020: Ulrikke – Attention
2021: Tix – Fallen Angel
Current Bookmakers: 9th
Tix got his name from his Tourette’s that cause his involuntary tics. Tourette’s has not stopped his success as a singer, songwriter and producer. He has even co-produced a song with Flo Rida, giving Flo Rida two connections to this years contest (after working with San Marino’s song). Maybe Flo Rida should perform at Eurovision next year.
This years song from Norway is a vast improvement on last years intended contender for the Eurovision crown. Melodi Grand Prix tends to attract a lot of pop, which both songs are, but this year’s Backstreet Boys/Take That mash song is not annoying like Attention was.
It is hard to hate ‘Fallen Angel’, but it is Norway and inexplicably they finish last almost 3 times as much as they win. 1974 deserved more than 3 points, surely…
Norway - 3 wins
KEiiNO - "Spirit in the Sky"
Verses
North Macedonia - 0 wins
Tamara Todevska - "Proud"
Norway is sending Finland's song from last year. This is up against a ballad of power from North Macedonia. The bookmakers think Norway is the better song but that may just be because they are familiar with the tune that finished second last in the final last year.
KEiiNO - "Spirit in the Sky"
Verses
North Macedonia - 0 wins
Tamara Todevska - "Proud"
"KEiiNO - Spirit In The Sky - Norway 🇳🇴 - Official Music Video - Eurovision 2019" (Watch on YouTube)
Norway is sending Finland's song from last year. This is up against a ballad of power from North Macedonia. The bookmakers think Norway is the better song but that may just be because they are familiar with the tune that finished second last in the final last year.
Spirit in the Sky is like a dark Nocturne. It uses images like Game of Thrones and sounds that could be from Genghis Khan's Moscow and others that sound inspired by indigenous people. I get why it would be liked but it would be a fairytale if they won. La det swinge though.
In the end I think the better song is the one least popular. it is more powerful. I am going North Macedonia.
In the end I think the better song is the one least popular. it is more powerful. I am going North Macedonia.
Eurovision 2018: Norway
Apr. 4th, 2018 08:51 pmAppearances: 56
Wins: 3
Selection method: National Final Melodi Grand Prix
Vote: Jury determines who goes to the Silver final and public vote determines the Gold final participants and later the winner.
Winner: Alexander Rybak
Song: That’s How You Write a Song
Alexander is a repeat offender who won Eurovision 9 years ago. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance though as previous winners like Carola (1991 and 2006), Lena (2010 and 2010) and Dana International (1998 and 2011) all discovered. Dana International didn’t even make the final on her return, which is feared may be Alexander’s fate. Opening the Second Semi is possibly also not a good for his chances.
This has parallels with Morris Minor and the Majors other song “This is the Chorus”, except that UK trio were satire whereas this song quite probably serious. Seriously this could be the theme song for the Junior Eurovision and probably will be but is probably too naff for real Eurovision…. If something can be too naff…
So Norway has a Belorussian as their representative, Belarus has a Ukrainian… Ukraine should have a Norwegian. That would be a nice fairytale…
Alexander is reported to fly off the handle a bit when he is put under pressure. There better not be any Stress put on him this year.
Wins: 3
Selection method: National Final Melodi Grand Prix
Vote: Jury determines who goes to the Silver final and public vote determines the Gold final participants and later the winner.
Winner: Alexander Rybak
Song: That’s How You Write a Song
Alexander is a repeat offender who won Eurovision 9 years ago. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance though as previous winners like Carola (1991 and 2006), Lena (2010 and 2010) and Dana International (1998 and 2011) all discovered. Dana International didn’t even make the final on her return, which is feared may be Alexander’s fate. Opening the Second Semi is possibly also not a good for his chances.
This has parallels with Morris Minor and the Majors other song “This is the Chorus”, except that UK trio were satire whereas this song quite probably serious. Seriously this could be the theme song for the Junior Eurovision and probably will be but is probably too naff for real Eurovision…. If something can be too naff…
So Norway has a Belorussian as their representative, Belarus has a Ukrainian… Ukraine should have a Norwegian. That would be a nice fairytale…
Alexander is reported to fly off the handle a bit when he is put under pressure. There better not be any Stress put on him this year.
Eurovision 2017: Norway
Apr. 10th, 2017 09:42 pmNorway
Semi final 2
Artist: JOWST
Song: Grab the Moment
Odds: $81
Word of the day
øyeblikk - Moment
in a fucking moment
When Norway last hosted Eurovision in 2010 the theme was “Share the Moment”. This year they intend to Grab the Moment, with a song that has parallels to Lose Yourself by Eminem, just a bit cheerier than Marshall Mathers III.
The vocalist for JOWST for this song is one Aleksander Walmann (Åsgården), who came second in Norway’s version of The Voice, The Voice – Norges beste stemme in 2012. So when he sings the first line of the chorus “I’m gonna kill that voice in my head”, is he referring to his own anxiety or the reality TV show?
Odds of $81 seem a bit unfair for this song, but HipHop/Rap never does particularly well at Eurovision. Igranka from Montenegro failed to qualify for the final in 2013 despite putting on an awesome performance on the night. The only exception to the rule was the 2003 winner Sertab Erener who proved that neither rap not a slightly off key performance will impede the right song. Pity Norway is not sending the right song
The song really doesn’t matter. This is not a song contest; it is Just a game as said in 1973. If only the Barbara Dex award existed in the 1970’s…
Semi final 2
Artist: JOWST
Song: Grab the Moment
Odds: $81
Word of the day
øyeblikk - Moment
in a fucking moment
When Norway last hosted Eurovision in 2010 the theme was “Share the Moment”. This year they intend to Grab the Moment, with a song that has parallels to Lose Yourself by Eminem, just a bit cheerier than Marshall Mathers III.
The vocalist for JOWST for this song is one Aleksander Walmann (Åsgården), who came second in Norway’s version of The Voice, The Voice – Norges beste stemme in 2012. So when he sings the first line of the chorus “I’m gonna kill that voice in my head”, is he referring to his own anxiety or the reality TV show?
Odds of $81 seem a bit unfair for this song, but HipHop/Rap never does particularly well at Eurovision. Igranka from Montenegro failed to qualify for the final in 2013 despite putting on an awesome performance on the night. The only exception to the rule was the 2003 winner Sertab Erener who proved that neither rap not a slightly off key performance will impede the right song. Pity Norway is not sending the right song
The song really doesn’t matter. This is not a song contest; it is Just a game as said in 1973. If only the Barbara Dex award existed in the 1970’s…
Eurovision 2016: Norway
Mar. 29th, 2016 06:09 pmPrevious Entries: 54
Wins: 3 1985 Bobbysocks - La det swinge
1995 Secret Garden – Nocturne
2009 Alexander Rybak – Fairytale
First Entry: 1960 Nora Brockstedt - Voi Voi
Most recent entry: 2015 Mørland & Debrah Scarlett – A Monster Like Me
National Anthem: No official anthem
2016:
Agnete – Icebreaker
Norway was stuck in the eternal quandary of Eurovision, should they send a Ballad or a pop-song. When trying to decide this you should not get your advice from TV ads for Tacos. “Why can’t we do both?” is not the correct response to the question of ballad or pop-song. Norway, why do I have to explain this! Aw Forget Norway
Agnete competed in the Nordic breakaway junior competition, MGP Nordic which ran in 2002 before the Nordic countries joined Junior Eurovision (JESC). The Nordic countries dropped out of JESC after the 2005 event because they were concerned about the ‘ethical treatment’ of the junior contestants (it had nothing to do with the fact that they lost twice to Eastern European countries and that even Spain was wiping the floor with the Nordic countries repetitively). So after restarting in 2006, MGP Nordic had their last contest in 2009.
This song won’t win. It will not come close. How it won the Norwegian national final (it got over 100 000 votes) has got me stumped.
Norway is just sticking with what they are good at this year and that is not winning Eurovision, They are much better at losing it. They started losing it in 1963 and they are experts at it now
Wins: 3 1985 Bobbysocks - La det swinge
1995 Secret Garden – Nocturne
2009 Alexander Rybak – Fairytale
First Entry: 1960 Nora Brockstedt - Voi Voi
Most recent entry: 2015 Mørland & Debrah Scarlett – A Monster Like Me
National Anthem: No official anthem
2016:
Agnete – Icebreaker
Norway was stuck in the eternal quandary of Eurovision, should they send a Ballad or a pop-song. When trying to decide this you should not get your advice from TV ads for Tacos. “Why can’t we do both?” is not the correct response to the question of ballad or pop-song. Norway, why do I have to explain this! Aw Forget Norway
Agnete competed in the Nordic breakaway junior competition, MGP Nordic which ran in 2002 before the Nordic countries joined Junior Eurovision (JESC). The Nordic countries dropped out of JESC after the 2005 event because they were concerned about the ‘ethical treatment’ of the junior contestants (it had nothing to do with the fact that they lost twice to Eastern European countries and that even Spain was wiping the floor with the Nordic countries repetitively). So after restarting in 2006, MGP Nordic had their last contest in 2009.
This song won’t win. It will not come close. How it won the Norwegian national final (it got over 100 000 votes) has got me stumped.
Norway is just sticking with what they are good at this year and that is not winning Eurovision, They are much better at losing it. They started losing it in 1963 and they are experts at it now
Eurovision 2015: Norway
Apr. 7th, 2015 04:52 pmNorway
Population: 5 136 700
Area: 385 178 km2
Language: Norwegian (Lule Sami, Northern Sami, Southern Sami)
Eurovision Attendances: 53
Eurovision Wins: 3 (1985, 1995, 2009)
Mørland & Debrah Scarlett - A Monster Like Me
‘I did something in my early youth’, yes, opening for Girls Aloud is something that would be shameful to admit, but it is something Mørland did in his former life when he performed with a band. Oh the shame.
This is a song that can either be made or broken by the performance. It is an interesting song. I am glad it beat the song that came second in the national final because the singer of that could not hit any of the low notes. In saying that Debrah Scarlett could not articulate half the words in her solo live so this song could collapse in Vienna.
The song Norway sent last year was one of my favourites. This year I think I am going to have to forget Norway.
Back to 1972 for a more classic style duet.
Population: 5 136 700
Area: 385 178 km2
Language: Norwegian (Lule Sami, Northern Sami, Southern Sami)
Eurovision Attendances: 53
Eurovision Wins: 3 (1985, 1995, 2009)
Mørland & Debrah Scarlett - A Monster Like Me
‘I did something in my early youth’, yes, opening for Girls Aloud is something that would be shameful to admit, but it is something Mørland did in his former life when he performed with a band. Oh the shame.
This is a song that can either be made or broken by the performance. It is an interesting song. I am glad it beat the song that came second in the national final because the singer of that could not hit any of the low notes. In saying that Debrah Scarlett could not articulate half the words in her solo live so this song could collapse in Vienna.
The song Norway sent last year was one of my favourites. This year I think I am going to have to forget Norway.
Back to 1972 for a more classic style duet.
Eurovision 2014 preview: Semi 2
May. 4th, 2014 07:16 amThis is all of the semi final 2 performers this year. SPOILER ALERT this has details of their performances as well as a link to their rehearsals. If you want to keep how dire the acts are a surprise, please stop reading now
There is always one Eurovision semi that is far better than the other. This is not the better semi.
Anyways
( full list of second semi finalists )
There is always one Eurovision semi that is far better than the other. This is not the better semi.
Anyways
( full list of second semi finalists )
so in short, I doubt anything from this semi will win or even come close. either the song is dire or the performance it not good enough to get it votes.
Best performances: well... possibly slovenia
Auto non-qualifiers: either greece or poland wont qualify or both,
the highlight of this semi is clearly Jessica Mauboy
Eurovision 2014: Norway
Apr. 25th, 2014 12:01 pmNorway is currently in the top 5 with most of the bookmakers this year. His results hinge on his live performance which needs to be better than the Melodi Grand Prix. Can he do it? I hope so.
Artist: Carl Espen
Song: Silent Storm
From what I can find, this guy is a nobody who just happened to have a cousin who could write a brilliant song. It is so simple and understated. Yeah sure, Carl is not the best singer, but if this song is presented right, it will be right up there.
You just read this guys biography and it makes you want him to win. Raised by a single mum, he won a singing contest when he was 16 and joined the military and served in Kosovo. He has worked all sorts of crap jobs and done volunteer work for cancer research. Guy deserves a break really.
Norway is a country that tries in Eurovision and this could be the second consecutive year that Norway has finished in the top 5 after Margaret Berger. Norway has had eleven last places, 4 of those after scoring no points at all doesn't really say they have been trying but they have still entered every year since 1971 (except in 2002 when they were relegated) and that has got to count for something
I have been wanting to post “Een Speeldoos” from 1963. I know in Dutch it translates to “A Musical” but every time I see the title I think of speedos, something I don't want to see Carl Espen in, he is possible too hirsute for budgie smugglers.
Artist: Carl Espen
Song: Silent Storm
From what I can find, this guy is a nobody who just happened to have a cousin who could write a brilliant song. It is so simple and understated. Yeah sure, Carl is not the best singer, but if this song is presented right, it will be right up there.
You just read this guys biography and it makes you want him to win. Raised by a single mum, he won a singing contest when he was 16 and joined the military and served in Kosovo. He has worked all sorts of crap jobs and done volunteer work for cancer research. Guy deserves a break really.
Norway is a country that tries in Eurovision and this could be the second consecutive year that Norway has finished in the top 5 after Margaret Berger. Norway has had eleven last places, 4 of those after scoring no points at all doesn't really say they have been trying but they have still entered every year since 1971 (except in 2002 when they were relegated) and that has got to count for something
I have been wanting to post “Een Speeldoos” from 1963. I know in Dutch it translates to “A Musical” but every time I see the title I think of speedos, something I don't want to see Carl Espen in, he is possible too hirsute for budgie smugglers.
Eurovision Song Review: Norway
Apr. 15th, 2013 08:40 amCountry: Norway
History...
Debut: 1960
Previous Appearances: 51
Wins: 3 (1985 – Bobbysocks 'La Det Swinge', 1995 - Secret Garden 'Nocturine', 2009 - Alexander Rybak 'Fairytale')
2013...
Artist: Margaret Berger
Song: I Feed You My Love
I can understand why this is a favourite. It is a stand out single. It is different enough from anything else to win.
Though the lyrics are a bit 'what tha...?' and her engrish doesn't start off great, This song could damn well go all the way. There is competition for first place this year, real competition.
The only thing going against this is that it doesn't have a violin. The last two songs Norway sent to Eurovision prominently featured a violin and their only other win was back in the days of the orchestra so it had a violin by default. Can Norway win without a violin? we will soon see.
This style of music isn't strictly new, not ever for Eurovision, but then Intet er nytt under solen
History...
Debut: 1960
Previous Appearances: 51
Wins: 3 (1985 – Bobbysocks 'La Det Swinge', 1995 - Secret Garden 'Nocturine', 2009 - Alexander Rybak 'Fairytale')
2013...
Artist: Margaret Berger
Song: I Feed You My Love
I can understand why this is a favourite. It is a stand out single. It is different enough from anything else to win.
Though the lyrics are a bit 'what tha...?' and her engrish doesn't start off great, This song could damn well go all the way. There is competition for first place this year, real competition.
The only thing going against this is that it doesn't have a violin. The last two songs Norway sent to Eurovision prominently featured a violin and their only other win was back in the days of the orchestra so it had a violin by default. Can Norway win without a violin? we will soon see.
This style of music isn't strictly new, not ever for Eurovision, but then Intet er nytt under solen
Eurovision 2012: Norway
May. 18th, 2012 08:48 pmPerformer: Tooji
Song: Stay
Song: Stay
How could I forget Norway. Can you believe it? Well not so much forgot as purposely avoided, mainly because the 'stay' line hurts my ears. Can you guess the singer is a model and VJ by trade.... either is more believable than singer/songwriter.
the song isn't horrible, it is just tat chorus. it isn't that different to anything in the charts for the last 6 or so years, except for that chorus. This song could do well, if it wasn't for that chorus. I hate that chorus.
For a rating of one to ten, one being christian band and ten being Mardi Gras, this is well and truly a ten. I am am sure this is already being played at the court and the peel. it is a Eurovision song after all
This song sounds like something Turkey should be entering, but instead they send us.. well it was 1978. as for what Norway sends... well this was a year before ABBA.
Eurovision Review: Norway
Mar. 31st, 2008 08:37 amNorway
Wins: 2
Eurovision Entries: 47
2007 Semi final:18
2007 final: DNQ
Maria - Hold On Be Strong
As I listen to her warble through this ballad for the second time, I still cant find anything interesting or original about her. I mean she stole Mariah Carey's Hair (but not her talent, obviously, else she wouldn't be in Eurovision).
My favourite line in this song is 'Why ain't anybody lovin´me'... well lets just start on that dress and leave you to fix that first, one thing at a time n. next week we work on your clingy personality but this week that dress. I mean the sleeves are from when Celine Dion won Eurovision and when you have a stomach like yours, dont wear a fitted mini skirt dress... you look up the duff. Burn the dress and give Mariah back her hair and you might have some hope girl
*sigh*
As for winning In Your Dreams.... you are no Wig Wam
Wins: 2
Eurovision Entries: 47
2007 Semi final:18
2007 final: DNQ
Maria - Hold On Be Strong
( lyrics )
As I listen to her warble through this ballad for the second time, I still cant find anything interesting or original about her. I mean she stole Mariah Carey's Hair (but not her talent, obviously, else she wouldn't be in Eurovision).
My favourite line in this song is 'Why ain't anybody lovin´me'... well lets just start on that dress and leave you to fix that first, one thing at a time n. next week we work on your clingy personality but this week that dress. I mean the sleeves are from when Celine Dion won Eurovision and when you have a stomach like yours, dont wear a fitted mini skirt dress... you look up the duff. Burn the dress and give Mariah back her hair and you might have some hope girl
*sigh*
As for winning In Your Dreams.... you are no Wig Wam
