The Norwegian Eurovision broadcaster NRK announced through their official website that the submission of songs for next year's Melodi Grand Prix is now open. Norway becomes the 18th country to officially confirms its participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 which is scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan on May 22nd, 24th and 26th.

Stella Mwangi won this year's Norwegian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with an impressive number of tele votes. Haba Haba received a total number of 248, 601 calls from the Norwegian people and became a number one hit in the country. Sadly enough, the juries decided that Norway should stay out of the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2011.

NRK started the search for songs for next year's Norwegian national selection – Melodi Grand Prix. Every Norwegian citizen who turned 16 can submit a song until the official deadline on September 2nd, 2011. Foreign composers and singers are also encouraged to take part in the selection.

You can read the official rules (in Norwegian) here .