Norwegian broadcaster, NRK, has announced who will be the hosts for Melodi Grand Prix 2023, Norway’s National Final for Eurovision. Arian Engebø and Stian “Staysman” Thorbjørnsen will be the hosts for all four shows. The first semi-final of MGP will take place on 14 January.
Meet the hosts
Arianrhod Engebø is a well known radio presenter in Norway where she hosts the show “Studio P3”. On the 5 October episode of the show, Staysman made a surprise appearance and played her a specially written song to tell her she would be a host of the show alongside him. Upon learning she would be hosting, she stated “I feel the excitement and overjoy, and of course some nervousness as well. … I have always been really fond of [MGP].”
Stian “Staysman” Thorbjørnsen is a familiar face for fans of MGP. He has competed twice, in 2015 and 2021. In the interview, Staysman expressed how honored he was to be hosting the contest. He stated “It looks like a utopia. It is absolutely fantastic … And I’m so fond of MGP, so I feel a little awe.” They stated that the viewers “can expect fireworks” and for it to be like a music party!
All we know about Melodi Grand Prix 2023 so far
Broadcaster NRK opened submissions for Melodi Grand Prix back in June. Since then, they have been working hard to organize their national selection. The format will be the same as it has been for the past two years. There will be region-specific semi-finals as well as a second-chance and grand final. They have not announced whether there will be automatic qualifiers or not. The first semi final will premier of 14 January, and the rest of the shows follow weekly after that. Only the premier date has been announced; but going off of past years, the heats should take place
- 14th January
- 21st January
- 28th January
- 4th February
The second chance round should be held on 11th February to give one non-qualifying song the chance to be in the final. The grand final will take place on Saturday 18th February. NRK has yet to announe where the contest will be held or if there will be a live audience.
Norway’s Eurovision Journey
The Scandinavian nation made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960, with Nora Brockstedt and the song “Voi Voi”, which placed 4th. Since their debut, they have participated 60 times, and made the grand final 57 of these. In addition, Norway has won the competition three times (1985, 1995, and 2009).
Norway’s latest Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Subwoolfer with the song “Give That Wolf a Banana”. During their participation, Norway placed 10th in the grand final, receiving 182 points from the jury and televoters.
Are you looking forward to MGP 2023? Who do you want to see represent Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. In addition, be sure to follow ‘THAT Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for all things MGP.
News source: NRK
Photo Credit: ULRIK KRAMER / NRK
7 thoughts on “🇳🇴 Hosts of Melodi Grand Prix 2023 revealed”