Norway – Melodi Grand Prix Song Selection For Eurovision 2015. Photo : NRK

It is being reported in Norwegian press that NRK in Norway will only have one grand final this year for Melodi Grand Prix and no semi finals for the first time in over 8 years. Also they are re-introducing the live orchestra as a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Eurovision. Viewing figures were down last year so they hope this will reinvigorate the viewer interest.

As well as the 60th anniversary it is also 20 years since Secret Garden won and 30 years since Bobbysocks won.

They also hope that bringing the orchestra back may inspire Eurovision executives to consider it again for the International stage. There will be 10 songs in the Final chosen from over 800 songs sent in for consideration. All the songs in the final will be made available beforehand so that the public can become familiar with them. The songs will be known soon after the New year and the MGP 2015 will be held on March 14th.

Norway was represented last year by Carl Espen with Silent Storm.

Carl Espen. Photo : YouTube

Who do you hope might represent Norway in Austria?

Written by Andrew James Main for Eurovision Ireland.