Norway: Frode wins the first Delfinale and qualifies for the final!

Bærum, 15 January 2022

We’re here for the report on Norway’s first Delfinale, which aired earlier tonight. Let’s jump straight in!

Like last year, Norway opted for a Duel format, where two entries are pitted against each other. Whoever receives the most votes via the app vote wins the duel. There are two duels total, each providing a winner. These two winning acts then square off in a head-to-head Gold Duel, which will detemine who advances to the Final.

Because of COVID restrictions, MGP does not have an audience, with fans being able to “clap” via the NRK app and website, which would then be played after the performance in lieu of actual applause.

Likewise, due to the pandemic, the Duels were drawn in advance of the live show. Scroll below to see which acts performed against each other and who advanced!

Duel 1

Débutante Eline Noelia drew the experienced Mira Craig as an opponent. You can listen to the two live performances below:

Eline Noelia – “Ecstasy”

Mira Craig – “We still here”

The Winner: Ultimately ELINE NOELIA was declared the winner.

Duel 2

Voice alumnus and rockstar-wannabe Frode Vassel (who just went by Frode on the show) squared off against comedy band TrollfesT in a showdown. You can listen to their songs below:

Frode – “Black Flowers” 

TrollfesT – “Dance like a pink flamingo”

The winner: After voting closed, it was FRODE who emerged victorious.

Auto Qualifier Showcase: Elsie Bay

While Frode and Eline prepared to sing again, NRK showcased their first auto qualifier. Elsie Bay performed her touching break-up ballad “Death of us” live, in a tasteful act full with vocal emotion. You can see and listen for yourself below:

Every week, one of the Auto qualifiers will bring their entry live during the show. Next week, we’ll be hearing Christian Ingebrigtsen perform him song, “Wonder of the World” live for the first time.

Gold Duel

After Elsie, it was time for the final showdown: Eline Noelia vs Frode. Who would win the golden ticket to the final on 19 February? Well… you’ve clicked the article so you already know: FRODE won, but we wouldn’t want you to miss out on his reaction to winning the heat <3

His victory also means Mira, TrollfesT and Eline Noelia are relegated to the repechages, set to air on 12 February.

Onward to next week, where four more hopefuls will square off in an equally long-winded showdown! To see which five acts will feature next Saturday, consult this pretty graphic I made for your convenience:

Earlier this morning, a Team ESC United panel of experts weighed in on the songs in this delfinale and collectively selected the song we thought should advance. Did we get it right? Find out here.

Do #YOU agree with the results in Norway? What do #YOU think of Frode and Elsie Bay? Let us know in the comments, on social media or on our Forum HERE.