Bærum, 29 January 2022
We’re here for the report on Norway’s third Delfinale, which aired last night. Let’s jump straight in!
As you know from the last two week, Norway once again 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 head-to-head duels, each providing a winner. These two winning acts then square off against each other in the 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. Female hostess Anikka Momrat returned after a COVID scare last week, only for Kåre Magnus Bergh to miss this week for the same reason.
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
Pop punk princess Mari Bølla and Nordic songbird Oda Gondrosen faced off in the first heat. You can watch to the two live performances below:
Mari Bølla – “Your loss”
Oda Gondrosen – “Hammer of Thor”
The Winner: Ultimately Oda Gondrosen was declared the winner.
Duel 2
The titanic talent of Vilda squared off against the quiet cool of Sturla in the second duel. You can watch the live renditions below:
VILDE – “Titans”
Sturla – “Skår i hjerte”
The winner: After voting closed, it was Vilde who emerged victorious.
Auto Qualifier Showcase: NorthKid
While Oda and VILDE warmed up their voices again, NRK showcased the third auto qualifier. Electropop band Subwoofer was meant to be perform last night, but, after one of the members had a Covid scare, NorthKid’s appearance was moved up one week. Subwoofer is scheduled to perform at next Saturday’s semi-final.
You can watch NorthKid’s performance of “Someone” below:
Gold Duel
After NorthKid, it was time for the final showdown: VILDE vs Oda. Who would win the golden ticket to the final on 19 February? Ultimately, Norway couldn’t resist the thunder and lighting (it was getting exciting), and Oda was chosen to fight another day, Mjollnir slung over her shoulder.
Her victory means that VILDE, Mari Bølla and Sturla are relegated to the repechages. On 7 Febuary, four acts will be chosen to compete live during the Second Chance show on 12 February.
Onward to next week, where our last group of four 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:
Before the show last night, 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 or did we just embarrass ourselves?? Find out here.
Do #YOU agree with the results in Norway? What do #YOU think of Oda and NorthKid’s songs? How DOES one steal a hammer from a Norse God? Let us know in the comments, on social media or on our Forum HERE.
