According to the OGAE Norway president, Kato Hansen, the Norwegian broadcaster NRK is almost ready to release the list of participants for the national selection Melodi Grand Prix 2003.

After a jury evaluated the participating songs at a special audition on December 15, some changes were made in the line-up. In a few cases, the jury insisted on the inclusion of a particular song, but deemed the performer(s) not professional enough for the task.

It is the NRK's explicit wish that this year's Melodi Grand Prix is of the highest possible quality, in terms of both the songs and the performers. The list of participants is expected to be made public at a press conference in Oslo on January 20.

Melodi Grand Prix 2003 will be held at March 1 in the Oslo Spektrum.