02 February 2024

From eighteen songs and three semi finals, we are down to nine songs in what promises to be an epic final of Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix of 2024 on Saturday night. Former winners, Margaret Berger and Keiino, are back, and not only must they battle each other to take the prize, they must repel an onslaught of quality songs from the other candidates too.

The Semi Finals

The three semi finals mostly went as predicted. Six songs in each with three qualifying for the final made it a fair system. The only entry that could feel unlucky is Mileo with You’re Mine in the second semi final. It was a loaded semi that saw Super Rob & Erika Norwich, Dag Erik Oksvold & Anne Fagermo and Gåte progress. In either of the first or third semis, Mileo likely would qualify as his entry was a really catchy song and performed well.

Also in that loaded second semi final was Farida with Heartache. It’s another excellent entry that quite easily could have reached the final from another semi final. Even the sixth song, Touch Of Venus by Eli Kristin, I really enjoyed.

The Final – My Top 9

9 Miia – Green Lights

Fairly generic pop song.

8 Annprincess – Save Me

The best of the standard pop songs of the entire competition, as there’s a distinct feel to it and included some novel choreography. It includes the line “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe; Catch a tiger by the toe” from the classic children’s rhyme, albeit, I don’t recall it as catching a tiger when I was a kid. Of course, times have changed, which is good!

7 Ingrid Jasmin – Eya

This instantly reminds of Hadise’s Düm Tek Tek for Turkey at Eurovision 2009. Very exotic dance vibes to it, and quite addictive.

6 Gåte – Ulveham

A folk/rock mix, and is attracting plenty of attention due to its originality. Personally, it’s a bit of a jumbled mess. No real song to it. It’s been rewritten for the final because the lyrics were taken from a medieval ballad of 1000 years ago. Most of us outside Norway probably won’t even notice the difference.

5 Gothminister – We Come Alive

Goth/grunge/trance with “we come alive” reverberating throughout the song. Great energy and builds and builds into a fiery ending. Could be a winner in another year, or in Denmark’s MGP.

4 Super Rob & Erika Norwich – My AI

A mix of Aqua and Subwoolfer, this is so addictive and presented really well. If Erika’s voice was stronger, My AI probably would be ranked second.

3 Keiino – Damdiggida

The weakest of Keiino’s three MGP entries so far, which is not a sleight, given their standard is so high. Not as interesting as Spirit In The Sky (sixth at ESC 2019) and lacks the presence of Monument that came second at MGP in 2021. While it still oozes quality and has that classic Keiino feel, it just lacks the variety and punch of the other two. There’s only so many times “Damdiggida” can repeat itself before overstaying its welcome. One key highlight is Alexandra’s vocals, which are really top notch, and include a delicious big note during the bridge.

2 Dag Erik Oksvold & Anne Fagermo – Judge Tenderly of Me

This is a really lovely country/pop style of song, reminiscent of The Common Linnets for Netherlands in 2014. While it doesn’t reach that super high standard, it’s really oh so good, and oh so sweet.

1 Margaret Berger – Oblivion

The classiest act from all the semi finals, with a well structured song and that unique and peerless vocal style that only the Berger possesses. I especially love how she holds those long notes. It’s so exquisite. Oblivion contains the familiar hallmarks that made I Feed You My Love so great, which was her song that she performed to finish fourth at Eurovision in 2013 and is among my among my all time Eurovision favourites. Obviously I have a huge bias towards the Berger, and it’s wonderful to see her back. It’s interesting that Oblivion’s chorus is just ooh-ooh-ooh bits, as the Berger relies on the verses and the bridge section to convey the song’s message. While I hope she wins, I feel Oblivion is missing some key vocal moments for it to really excel, and hope the Berger can beef it up for the final.

Running Order

1 Keiino – Damdiggida
2 Annprincess – Save Me
3 Gothminister – We Come Alive
4 Ingrid Jasmin – Eya
5 Miia – Green Lights
6 Margaret Berger – Oblivion
7 Dag Erik Oksvold & Anne Fagermo – Judge Tenderly of Me
8 Gåte – Ulveham
9 Super Rob & Erika Norwich – My AI

Prediction

Gåte is the dominant favourite in the betting market, with Keiino next. Combined they represent an 80% of winning. Super Rob & Erika Norwich and Gothminister are in the next bracket at around 5% each, with the rest trailed off. The running order is always a strong indicator, and Gåte is the plum position of second last. Dag & Anne are third last. Last placed is typically now used for something fun to finish off the night. Keiino placed first means they are well regarded as a chance, and there’s a long break until the big hitters come to ensure they remain strong in everyone’s memory With just nine entries, it’s unlikely any entry will get swamped or be forgotten anyway. With everything pointing to Gåte and Keiino, I personally hope it is Keiino, while accepting it likely will be Gåte.

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