The third semi final of Melodi Grand Prix 2008, the Norwegian semi final for the Eurovision Song Contest, is about to take place. You can follow our live coverage below.
The show has started!
1. Avalanche –Two monkeys on the roof
We start with a catchy, slightly old-fashioned Scandinavian up-tempo pop song. The performance is simple but charismatic and works well with the song. The vocals are flawless and the band looks good appearing all in black and white on stage. Of course there is wind machine and again it seems a bit out of place.
2. Maria Trøen–Hear when I'm calling
No, the Melodi Grand Prix is not held on the open sea, it's just another performance with a wind machine. Maria gives a very strong vocal performance although she seems not really happy on stage and she sings in a pretty agressive way. The song is again a catchy up-tempo one and could do well in the national selection.
3. Ole Ivars– Som i himmelen
Ole is one of the more mature performers in this year's Melodi Grand Prix. This is an entry that could have taken part in any Eurovision Song Contest from 1956 to 1969 and reminds of various Scandinavian entries from the early years. The singer could show his experience but nevertheless this one could not be called a potential winner (although we thought that of the Olsen Brothers too).
4. Lene Alexandra– Sillycone Valley
This has been the entry with the highest expectations since the very beginning. Nevertheless (or because?)this is a rather monotone Scandinavian disco pop song of a familiar kind. The performance is nice but could be more spectacular: Lene looks both like Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera (wouldn't Pamela Anderson and Katie Price have been a better choice regarding the title?), there are some background dancers and the hint of a choreography. Nevertheless, if this one wins, it will definitely get some attention from the media… it's a song about breasts!
5. Torstein Sødal – Eastern wind
Torstein is the singer who is seen last according to the betting odds. It's an operatic performance, very dramatic and there are some torches on stage as an eye-catcher. Nice, but not very spectacular entry. Could be a surprise qualifier though. There is no wind machine, but it would have not much impact on the performance anyway regarding the haircut of the singer.
6. King of Trolls – Far away
The final song is the favourite tonight according to the betting odds. The outfits are a bit Ruslana, a bit Lordi and the songs sounds a lot like Roger Pontare's entry in the 2000 Eurovision Song Contest. Definitely catchy, but would this work in the Eurovision Song Contest? Well, two of the acts mentioned above won the Eurovision Song Contest and the third one finished in the top 10.
This week it's time to look back at the 1980s. Ketil Stokkan performs his Romeo again. With this song, he represented Norway on homeground in the 1986 Eurovision Song Contest in Bergen. He finished 12th.
Ole Ivars and Lene Alexandra to the second chance round. Torstein Sødaland King of Trolls to the final.
