The Norwegian national broadcaster NRK has revealed the eight artists competing for the ninth and final spot in “Melodi Grand Prix 2026”. Listen to the songs and vote for your favorites!
The Norwegian national broadcaster, NRK, has just unveiled the eight artists competing for the ninth and final spot in “Melodi Grand Prix 2026”. The winner will represent Norway at Eurovision 2026, which will be held in Vienna, Austria. Among the eight contestants are many familiar faces making comebacks — including one fresh from last year’s Eurovision held in Basel, Switzerland. NRK has opened voting worldwide — all you need to do is follow the link below, listen to the songs, register, and vote for your favorite!
Like last year, “Melodi Grand Prix 2026” will be held without semifinals. The ninth participant and all the competing songs will be revealed on January 26th. The final show will take place on February 28th, when Norway’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest will be selected.
How Will the Final Competitor Be Chosen? Everyone — not just Norwegian citizens — can vote for their favorite artists and songs. This year, NRK is introducing an exciting new concept. The eight artists have been divided into duels. Each day, a new duel opens for voting for exactly 24 hours, from 09:00 to 09:00 CET. The four winners from the first round will face each other again in a second round of duels using the same format. The final duel will take place next Monday, January 26th, when the winner will be announced and will receive the final ticket to the “Melodi Grand Prix” grand final.
Duel 1 – Tuesday, January 20th
Skrellex vs Emmy
Skrellex: Following his 2023 success with the song “Love Again”, Skrellex promises an even more intense performance this time. His song “Into the Wild” is described as larger than life, fierce, and majestic — an unmissable party.
Emmy: Emmy, who represented Ireland at last year’s Eurovision with the song “Laika Party”, returns to “Melodi Grand Prix” after first participating in 2021 with fan-favorite “Witch Woods”. Her 2026 entry, “Sykt Fin”, is a catchy anthem that celebrates Norway — and instantly turns into a party.
Click on the song title to listen!
Who gets your vote? Cast it here!
Duel 2 – Wednesday, January 21st
Gothminister vs Vika Anonymous
Gothminister: The artist first competed in 2013 with the song “Utopia” and again in 2024 with the song “We Come Alive”. His new song, “The Spell” is described as his most infectious yet — crafted especially for grand stages.
Vika Anonymous: The band from Innlandet invites everyone to a rural celebration in Toten with their song “Har du itte vøri på Toten før”, a true village-party anthem guaranteed to get everyone on their feet.
Click on the song title to listen!
Who will you choose? Tomorrow you can vote here!
Duel 3 – Thursday, January 22nd
Aranja vs Sandra Silva & Victorjus
Aranja: The young artist recently completed her music studies. Her song “Payjams Song” is described as a pure Eurovision number showcasing her impressive vocal talent.
Sandra Silva & Victorjus: Selected from 60 young talents at Kristiania University College, their song “Fritt Fall” boasts a catchy chorus that sticks in your head and refuses to leave.
Click on the song title to listen!
Vote for your favorite in 2 days here!
Duel 4 – Friday, January 23rd
Raylee vs Thomas Jenssen
Raylee: One of Norway’s most beloved Eurovision artists, Raylee returns after her 2020 hit “Wild” and 2021 entry “Hero”. Her new song “Where Did Your Friend Go?” is described as a modern classic tailor-made for the grand Eurovision stage.
Thomas Jenssen: Thomas participated in Melodi Grand Prix 2024 with “Take Me To Heaven”, which did not reach the final. Now he returns with “Smalltown”, a heartfelt song inspired by his life experiences. With a Master’s degree in songwriting, he delivers emotive, heartfelt pop aimed to connect with Norway and all of Europe.
Click on the song title to listen!
Vote for your favorite in 2 days here!
List of Competing Artists and Songs
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Alexander Rybak – “Rise“
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Emma Gunnarsen – “Northern Lights”
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Hedda Mae – “Snap Back”
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Jonas Lovv – “Yayaya”
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Leonardo Amor – “Prayer”
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Mileo – “Parasite”
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Silke – “Forevermore”
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Storm – “Lullaby”
Notable Returning Stars and Rising Talents
Alexander Rybak – The winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with his iconic song “Fairytale“, notably set a historical record at the time with 387 points. In 2018, Rybak returned to “Melodi Grand Prix” and won for a second time with the entry “That’s How You Write a Song“. At the main contest in Lisbon, he won the second semi-final but ultimately finished 15th in the Grand Final.- Emma – The younger sister of the famous twin duo Marcus & Martinus, who began their journey in 2012 by winning the Junior Melodi Grand Prix. After securing second place in the Swedish national selection in 2023 with the song “Air“, they were chosen to represent Sweden in Eurovision 2024 with “Unforgettable“, which achieved a top-ten finish in the Grand Final.
- Mileo – A prominent fan favorite during “Melodi Grand Prix 2024” national selection with the song “You’re Mine“, though he did not qualify to the final that year.
- Leonardo Amor – Participated last year in the “San Marino Song Contest” with the song “Calling For You“, where he reached the second chance round but failed to qualify for the final.
What should you know about “Melodi Grand Prix”?
As mentioned, today eight out of the nine names of the contestants in the competition were announced. On January 26th, the final contestant will be revealed, and the songs will be released for listening.
The final of “Melodi Grand Prix 2026”, will take place on February 28th at Håkons Hall in Lillehammer – the large arena that hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994. The move from Oslo is intended to bring new energy to the competition, create a more enjoyable and impressive experience, and provide both artists and the audience with a grand and welcoming event. According to NRK, Håkons Hall allows for ambitious technical infrastructure and can host thousands of spectators, providing an opportunity to renew and enhance the production of the contest. Toward the end of February, Lillehammer is expected to become a lively hub of events surrounding MGP 2026 and to serve as a focal point of Norway’s music scene.
Mads Tørklep, “Melodi Grand Prix 2026” director, shared his excitement and high expectations ahead of the national final:
“I think this might be the best MGP in history. I am convinced that we can truly win Eurovision with the songs submitted during the submission window”.
In addition, Tørklep revealed that no fewer than 1,500 songs were submitted to MGP 2026—a significant increase from last year. Last year, 1,193 songs were submitted to “Melodi Grand Prix 2025”, meaning 307 more songs were submitted this year than last year!
Norway at Eurovision 2025
“Lighter” was the song performed by Kyle Alessandro, who represented Norway in the Eurovision 2025 grand final. Norway finished in 18th place overall with 89 points – 67 points from the audience and 22 points from the juries. In the televote, Norway ranked 12th, while in the jury vote, it reached 23rd place.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Norway’s 64th participation in Eurovision. Norway joined the competition in 1960 and has won three times over the years. Their last win was in Eurovision 2009 with the song “Fairytale” performed by Alexander Rybak.
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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
