NRK, the Norwegian broadcaster, has just made a historical change in Melodi Grand Prix’s history. For the first time ever, the contestants will be allowed to use autotune during their performance.
As the Norwegian media VG states, all 21 acts taking part in Melodi Grand Prix 2023 will be able to choose whether or not they want to use autotune for their live performance during the national final. The news was later confirmed by Stig Karlsen, Norway’s Head of Delegation.
Perfect vocals for MGP 2023
That way, singers can protect themselves from bad vocals and maximize their chance to appeal juries and televote, but the change is certainly a controversial one.
If autotune is forbidden at the Eurovision Song Contest, pre-recorded backing vocals have been allowed since 2021, partly because of the pandemic. Despite the improving Covid situation, Turin decided to keep allowing pre-recorded vocals, and this year’s organisation team already confirmed they will be allowed again.
“We’ve set high standards for the vocalists’ performance level, and will help to perfect the quality of the sound production through the use of tuning. This is done to give the audience a similarly solid sound experience as in the rest of the industry. On the other hand it is essential that the artists we select for MGP deliver at a high level, even without tuning.”
Stig Karlsen, Norway’s HoD for VG
Stig Karlsen defends the decision by saying autotune doesn’t have much of an impact on the overall performance, as stage presence, song, and staging matter as well. If an artist chooses to use autotune, they just want to ensure their performance will be perfect vocally speaking.
The 21 competing entries
A couple days ago, NRK revealed the full list of participants + a snippet of each song for the Melodi Grand Prix 2023. There will be three semi finals this year, and 3 of each will qualify to the Grand Final on 4 February.
Here are the 21 competing songs for MGP 2023:
Semi-final 1: 14 January
- Ulrikke Brandstorp – “Honestly“
- Eirik Næss – “Wave“
- Kate Gulbrandsen – “Tårer i paradis“
- Rasmus Thall – “TRESKO“
- Alessandra Mele – “Queen Of Kings“
- Byron Williams Jr & Jowst – “Freaky For The Weekend“
- Umami Tsunami featuring Kyle Alessandro, Kristian Haugstøyl & Magnus Winjum- “Geronimo“
Semi-final 2: 21 January
- Sandra Lyng – “Drøm d bort“
- JONE – “Ekko Inni Meg“
- Swing’ it – “Prohibition“
- Ella – “Waist“
- Alejandro Fuentes – “Fuego“
- Bjørn Olav Edvardsen – “Turn Off My Heart“
- Elsie Bay – “Love You in a Dream“
Semi-final 3: 28 January
- Skrellex – “Love Again“
- Tiril Beisland – “Break It“
- Akuvi – “Triumph“
- Atle Pettersen – “Masterpiece“
- Eline Thorp – “Not Meant to Be“
- Maria Celin – “Freya“
- Stig van Eijk – “Someday“
Who do #YOU want to see qualify for the Grand Final? And who do #YOU want to see win Melodi Grand Prix 2023? Let us know on social media @ESCUnited, on our discord, or on our forum page!
