Next Up: 2021 – Norway

When she heard that Eurovision 2020 would not take place, Ulrikke Brandstorp was heartbroken. She immediately announced that she would not take part in MGP 2021. So what now for Norway?

In today’s episode we look at Norway in 2021. For a full review of their potential entry for 2020, check out this article on our partner website Eurovision Union. Check out our thoughts for next year below.

Key takeaways: Mørlands amazing lyrics

Ulrikke Brandstorp is an amazing vocalist, however we already know that she will not return in 2021.

The power of “Attention”, a relatively standard ballad with an almost gothic like build-up in the second part of the song, lies in the lyrics. The song tells a very interesting story about an unbalanced love relationship. Mørland (Eurovision 2015) wrote the lyrics, and much like “A Monster Like Me”, it paints a hauntingly beautiful picture.

While poetic beauty is definitely not a prerequisite for Eurovision success, it can be the extra touch. Especially if the staging sets the right atmosphere.

How to proceed with MGP 2021?

The format with the regional preselections seems to work quite well in theory. Bigger artists get a chance to showcase new music early on, while already being certain of a spot in the Grand Final. There are a few good examples of newcomers with interesting entries too, such as Raylee and Kristin Husoy.

However, NRK needs to be careful with whom they admit into the national selection process. At one point, their preselection portrayed a battle between two outright novelty songs, of which one was titled “Vote for me” while the other was named “I am gay”. One could see how being in such a competition could scare away superstars like Tone Damli.

This was supposed to be Norway’s Eurovision 2020 entry

About “Next Up: Eurovision 2021”

In our series Next Up: 2021, we look ahead to the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. After the cancellation of Eurovision 2020, all participating countries now face the choice: Stick with their Eurovision singer, or come up with a new preselection or internal selection.

We make an analysis based on what we know so far. What will this country do, or most likely do? And is that the wise choice, looking at the fact that the Eurovision Song Contest remains a music competition?