Here we go again, then! Straight on the back of Ireland choosing their song for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest last night, this evening sees the final heat of Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix this year. There’s another six songs hoping to grab a ticket to the final. Once again, I’m taking a listen of the studio versions of each song to see how I think they’ll do in the selection progress. Obviously, the real telling will be in the performances during the live show.

Vidar Villa – “MER”

It’s a chirphy little song, with lyrics in Norwegian – but straight away it sounds like there’s a naughty English word that’s been sneaked into the mix. I’ll have to check the lyrics to confirm, but it would have to be looked at if it won MGP, in order to please the EBU! It’s catchy. I’ve no idea what he’s singing about, but nice to hear the national language. Definitely sounds like something you’d hear on a top-40 radio station. It’s uplifting, and I think it will do quite well tonight with a nice bit of stage. A good start to this week’s heat.

MISTRA – “Waltz of Death”

The song opens with talking, rather that singing. It’s quite unusual, and something that you might hear at one of the more obscure, experimental stages at Glastonbury or somewhere. Plenty of nice guitar riffs, and her voice sounds to me like a mix of Nina from the Cardigans and Sheryl Crow. There’s not really much singing, so it feels more like some kind of spoken poetry – but there’s an interesting dark style, that doesn’t go too crazy at any point, so it’s not likely to scare away too many potential voters. Not sure how it will do, but I quite like it. I think. If it made it to Malmö, I think it could be competing with Ireland’s choice.

Thomas Jenssen – “Take Me To Heaven”

Straight from the offset, this sounds like it’s going to be very good. From the ‘oohs’, funky bassline, guitar riffs and drum loop, it’s both very contemporary, but also reminiscent of the eighties. Thomas’ voice is quite high like The Weeknd or Justin Timberlake. As the song continues, it’s not letting me down. The ‘duh-duh-duh-duh’s’ will have the audience singing along, and I think this would be a very good choice for Malmö. Could see this one easily getting though to the next stage, and I’ve not even seen the staging yet.

Annprincess – “Save Me”

Another decent pop song in tonight’s selection. A few whistles to open the song, and some very Rihanna or Dua Lipa like vocals from Annprincess herself. There’s plenty of energy in the song, and a great beat. If she’s joined by dancers, with a great choreographed routine, this one will be another one to watch. From the single’s artwork, she’s looking very Loreen-like with her long flowing hair and dress, so it’s possible that some inspiration has been taken from both of her winners.  It seems like they’re really saved the best songs for Heat 3. It’s going to be quite a bloodbath this evening. Lots to pick from.

MiiA – “Green Lights”

I’m sure it’s totally unrealated that the written style of MiiA’s name is very much like KEiiNO’s (and not in any way a cash-in), so we’ll forgive her for that one. The intro before the vocals kick in, sounds like something you’d find in a big-budget Hollywood movie set in space. Very nice. Hans Zimmer would be impressed. There’s some very sweet vocals in the song, and again, like many of the other of tonight’s songs – it’s very radio friendly and upbeat. I like the string sections and drum beats in the song, and it seems quite an emotional song – so if this is portrayed well on stage tonight, that could grab her a few more points too.

KEiiNO – “Damdiggida”

He we go then. Probably one of the most talked about acts of this year. They are back for more! The plinky-plonky instrumentation reminds me of ‘Belissima‘ from DJ Quicksilver, and the rest of the song is very nineties dance inspired too. I’m hearing influences from N-Trance, and the ‘damdiggida’ refrain that’s throughout is very close to Ice MC’s ‘Think About The Way’. Alexandra’s vocals are as superb as always, and the rest of the gang’s unique offerings gel very well together. Much like in Melodifestivalen last year, where it seemed like Loreen was being primed for the win, I think the same could be true here. It’s a very high quality song, but with so many other fantastic contestants in tonight’s show, I hope that’s going to be a close battle.

As with previous weeks, Heat 3 of Melodi Grand Prix will be streamed live on NRK’s website from 19:50CET, and if you live in Norway, you’re able to watch on NRK1. Best of luck to all contestants – it’s gonna be tricky picking the three for the grand final!