On Jan. 16, 2021, Melodi Grand Prix returned with the 1st heat of its 59th edition.
This year, NRK continued with the new format from last year: 5 semi-finals of 4 songs each followed by a final with a mix of pre-qualified entries and winners from the semis. New this year will be a “wild card” entry: one of the eliminated acts from the semifinals will be able to win a ticket to the final through an online vote, the results of which will be announced Feb. 15, the day after the last semi-final.
After a live draw, the 4 competing entries are divided into two duels: Stina Talling’s vs Beady Belle’s, and Jørn vs Blåsemafian feat. Hazel.”
First Duel:
Stina Talling - Elevate
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3nPMDvbWG0
Starting the show is 17-year-old Stina Talling, who enters as the odd-on favorite among fans. The performance is nice if a bit Melfest/MGP-by-numbers, and her vocals seem a bit weak for the song.
Beady Belle - Playing with Fire
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8durce0AI_A
Following up in this duel of girl vs woman is Beate S. Lech with her jazz band Beady Belle. The song falls on the wrong side of retro, but Beady Belle, with their strong vocals and a staging that’s reminiscent of a poor man’s Sergey Lazarev with its mirrors, elevates the performance to something that’s quite enjoyable.
Winner: Stina Talling - Elevate
Second Duel:
Jørn - “Faith Bloody Faith”
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgcGN_oc93I
Jørn, another veteran artist, seems to have gone with a “throw the kitchen sink at the stage and see if it works” approach. The performance is a curious mix of Eastern sounds and images, hard rock sounds, and Viking visual elements. The smörgåsbord of elements seems to work despite itself, though the song may not be everyone’s cup of tea (as is often the case with rock/metal entries).
Blåsemafian feat. Hazel - Let Loose
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qiy15KUZ9sg
Make room Epic Sax Guy, because here comes the epic brass guys. The popular brass trio makes full use of the stage to present the most engaging and funnest staging of the night.
Winner: Blåsemafian feat. Hazel - Let Loose
After each duel, each of the two pre-qualified acts scheduled for tonight (out of a roster of 6) also perform their songs.
1. KEiiNO - Monument (Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GUsLvUvSu0)
KEiiNO is back, and they sound better than ever! While the staging looks like it’s still a work in progress, KEiiNO proved with their performance that it’s absolutely their final to loose (especially Alexandra that killer of a high note).
2. TIX - Ut av mørket (Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4otEnMUGcg)
This performance is...well...just watch it. (I claim no responsibility for any damages
caused by too much extraness and cringe)
Gold Duel: Stina Talling - Elevate VS Blåsemafian feat. Hazel - Let Loose
Winner: Blåsemafian feat. Hazel - Let Loose
- Cindy Zhang