[Behind the scenes] Melodi Grand Prix 2025 Final in Oslo

We were lucky enough to be in Oslo for the weekend for the Melodi Grand Prix 2025 Final, which determines Norway's representative at Eurovision. As we mentioned earlier, this year NRK, the public broadcaster, had chosen to organize just one final with 9 candidates, rather than several semi-finals across the country as in previous years.

Like many people, we were a little disappointed at the idea of no longer being able to follow dozens of talented artists over January and February, and we were also worried that the Melodi Grand Prix 2025 would lose some of its soul with this change. But we can tell you that this is not the case, and despite the -10 degrees last night in the streets, the Oslo Spectrum Arena resounded with a delirious crowd and an incredible spectacle in front of the performances and the energy exuded by the artists who performed last night.

The meeting point was set for 6pm in front of the gates of the Oslo Spektrum Arena in downtown Oslo. As soon as they arrived, the fans dressed in their sequined costumes, who had come in their numbers to support the great favourite Kyle Alessandro, were able to attend a meet & greet with Ulrikke. A very popular artist in Norway, she was the unsuccessful candidate for Eurovision 2020, which was cancelled after she had won the MGP a few weeks earlier. She will reapply for the Melodi Grand Prix in 2023, but it's not for her. Alessandra who beat her to victory that year with his Queen of the Kings.

Speaking of Alessandra, we were lucky enough to bump into her on the red carpet shortly before the start of the event. She caught everyone's eye with her radiant allure. Adorned in a red dress, she combined elegance and confidence. A generous, sincere artist we'd love to see again at the MGP!

Then it was the turn of Sondrey, LLL, Ladybug and Bobbysocks, four of the finalists in the Melodi Grand Prix 2025 were interviewed and posed for photographs. They also shared many smiles and moments of complicity with the fans, who were there in large numbers to catch a glimpse of and chat with their idols.

We then met Nataleen, Wig Wam and Tone Damli, and even though the Melodi Grand Prix 2025 is a competition, there's a real sense of complicity and support between the artists. We love it!

The Meet & Greet ended with a performance by Emmy who will represent Ireland at this year's Eurovision (and had taken part in the Melodi Grand Prix 2021) and the winners, a.ka. Gate.

Shortly before 8.00 pm, everyone took their seats and the artists took to the stage in front of a multitude of fans. The atmosphere was truly convivial, with an audience made up of people of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks to the “human” size of the venue, the atmosphere was particularly warm and pleasant.

The opening of the show with Gate was extraordinary. The performances were breathtaking. The arrival of the presenter suspended above the audience with a popcorn projector was a completely unexpected moment, just the way we like it. Gothminister also added the quirky touch we so appreciate. The interval act punctuated by artists such as Marcus et Martinus, Sissel Kyrkjebø, Reidun Sæther, and Kim Wigaard and this tribute to Rolf Løvland (celebrating the victories that marked Norway in 1985 and 1995) provided an emotional moment.

Late evening, Kyle Alessandro, who was rather surprised and amazed at what was happening to him, was crowned and will represent Norway at Eurovision in Basel in May.