The songs for the first Norwegian semi-final that takes places in Alta tonight have been released on the internet this morning. This is the first time, NRK, the Norwegian broadcaster, has published any of the songs beforehand.
On the Saturday for each of the three Norwegian semi-finals NRK will release the 6 songs participating in that evenings competition. The songs will be released in the radio program “Nitimen” at 9am CET on NRK P1 and at the same time on NRK’s website.
As an extra bonus the voting will be open three hours in the morning before it will close again and not open before the actual semi-final starts.
The decision to release the songs beforehand is by Stian Malme, the programme controller, mentioned to be due to the fact that the Norwegian fans have been pressuring NRK for years, but also to make sure that the population are the first to hear the songs. It is common for the press to receive the CD with the songs before the actual show; by putting them on the internet at the same time everyone will have equal rights. Stian Malme has big expectations to this year’s songs: “If I am right we will have 10 hits, at least!”
According to the bookmakers Torhild Sivertsen & Funky Family and Stian Joneid are the two favourites from the first semi-final to qualify directly to the final. Currently the odds on them are down to 1.80 while they don’t believe in Marika Lejon who is at the bottom with 3.50.
As the winner of the Grand final on 10th of February Torhild Sivertsen & Funky Family are in third position with the odds 10. The bookmaker favourite at the moment is Jannicke Abrahamsen with 7.50. She will sing the song Rocket Ride in the third Norwegian semi-final.
Click here to listen to the 6 songs for the first Norwegian semi-final.
Click here to read more about the participants.
Voting information for Norwegian readers:
You can choose to vote for your favourite song either by SMS or telephone. The voting will be open between 9 and 12am CET and again as soon as the show starts. Each vote cost 5kr whether you chose telephone or SMS.
Vote for song nr.1 – Torhild Sivertsen & Funky Family – Love on the dance floor
SMS: 01 to 1987
Telephone: 829 49 001
Vote for song nr. 2 – Blue Moon Band – Goodbye to yesterday
SMS: 02 to 1987
Telephone: 829 49 002
Vote for song nr. 3 – Marika Lejon – Perfect sin
SMS: 03 to 1987
Telephone: 829 49 003
Vote for song nr. 4 – Marianne Solberg – Livet’s små stjerner
SMS: 04 to 1987
Telephone: 829 49 004
Vote for song nr. 5 – Stian Joneid – Are you ready
SMS: 05 to 1987
Telephone: 829 49 005
Vote for song nr. 6 – Infinity – Hooked on you
SMS: 06 to 1987
Telephone: 829 49 006
