EUROVISION 2022: NORWAY - MELODI GRAND PRIX 2022 REVIEW

Norway's Melodi Grand Prix 2022 went through four semi-finals where from only one act made it to the final. The we had two rounds of last chance before one more act was added to the line up. These five meet five internally chosen acts in the grand final before we finally find out the winner who gets the ticket to Turin 2022. Generally the standard has been very low, sadly low for Norway and the two favorites Subwoolfer and Elise Bay are very different. Noway has already proven during these semi-finals they often go for not the obvious so let's see what they come out with from this season....

Dance like a pink flamingo by Trollfest was the closest to the final before dropping out to Maria Mohn's Fly. My favorite to make it would have been Steffen Jacobsen's With me tonight (Estonia is pleased!) Prior this I only partly saw and heard the first semi-final and listened the songs of the second semi-final until I lost my interest.

Oda Gondrosen - Hammer of Thor **

A musical song with staging that screams Eurovision. Sounds a bit a children's riddle. Nothing original or interesting sadly.

NorthKid - Someone ***

First thought goes to Roman Lob. But this one's standing still more than Roman was. Simple and pleasant though. Keep it simple and nail the performance in final and who knows?

Anna-Lisa Kumoji - Queen bees *

No extra points given if this is co-written by a Finn. Annoying staging, the vocals aren't that great either and the song.... Nothing to praise. Let' s say the slomo didn't do any favours!

Farida - Dangerous *

The violin choreography is something kinda new and if it was meant to distract from the rather boring Bond-esque tune they succeed. Burning piano? Oh dear..... There goes the second star off ranking. Totally ruined by this staging. Sigh.

Sofie Fjellvang - Made of glass **

At least she's giving it all live. Rather strong voice, but the song isn't that interesting I'm afraid. This final isn't looking great for Norway but then again, you only need one song......

Frode Vassel - Black flowers ***

This is the only one I saw winning its semi-final and this was kinda my favorite out of that miserable mix of songs. But once again the staging is off big time. But is this good? Outstanding? Worth to send to Turin? No.

Christian Ingebringtsen - Wonder of the world ***

Starts off very Elton John-ish. The lyrics are a total cliché bag but he seems to believe in them, here's a proper melody going on and its beautifully arranged. But still not good enough, is it?

Maria Mohn - Fly **

This is so Norwegian Eurovision, so 1990's/2000's Eurovision with that crystal clear voice, drums, that dress.... I used to be big fan of these entries back in the day but these days..... No.

Subwoolfer - Give that wolf a banana ****

Ylvis or not Ylvis, is it? That's the question? What does the fox say? In any other national selection I would probably hate this but here everything is so mediocre and average this actually comes as a relief and stands out. Do I want this in Turin? Maybe not but it will do. Can't even say this knocked out any other goodies as it really didn't. Pink flamingos out of the final these wolves should walk it.

Elisie Bay - Death of us **

In 2020 and 2021 the national finals were filled with songs like this, now they have luckily mostly vanished to oblivion. I kinda like her and even the song but it's still rather sleepy and forgettable.

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