Deadline looms for entries in Norway

It seems like only yesterday that we reported that broadcaster NRK had opened shop for entries into its popular national selection show, Melodi Grand Prix. Now, we are only a few days away from the 2nd of September deadline, when songs should be submitted.

"I am completely sure that there is someone out there with a song that should be in the competition", said presenter of Melodi Grand Prix, Per Sundnes.

Words of wisdom from someone that has presented the show for the last few years and is a self-confessed super-fan of Europe's favourite TV show.

Actually, making this final call for entries isn't in vein. Last year's Norwegian entrant, Stella Mwangi, sent in no less than 3 entries to NRK at the very last minute, including her song Haba Haba. Unfortunately she failed to qualify for the final in Düsseldorf in May.

When describing her dilemma Stella said, "I kept the advert (for entries) in my diary all summer and was unsure whether or not I should apply. I am actually a rapper and didn't know how I would get this to work. In the end my gut reaction was to say yes".

She went on to say, "The (three) songs were completely different and I wanted to make sure that I got in. Afterwards I though that if they call then it was meant to be. I hoped that this would be my breakthrough".

Although Stella didn't qualify for the final in Düsseldorf, she was happy just performing in the Melodi Grand Prix semi-final in Skien and by no means regrets sending in her songs.

"Everything happened after I took part in Melodi Grand Prix. I needed a large stage to be noticed and thanks to Melodi Grand Prix I achieved that", explained Stella.

Meanwhile, presenters Per Sundness and Marte Stokstad are wading through the piles of entries already received by budding songwriters and artists. Last year around 700 songs were received in all and for the 2012 competition they are hoping for just as many, if not more.

"Eight people from record labels, NRK and production companies are listening to absolutely everything that gets sent in, which is imporant to point out. For even though we have meetings and discussions with songwriters and arists, we are considering everything that comes in. It's only fair or otherwise there would be no point in getting people to send stuff in", said project manager Skjalg Solstad to NRK.no.

Per Sundnes from Northern Norway, is hoping for more Sami entries this year. "There have been far too few of these the past few years. I also believe that the world is ready for an original sami song", he said.

After the deadline on the 2nd of September, a final selection of entries will be chosen to participate in the 2012 edition of Melodi Grand Prix to choose Norway's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in May.

Fancy seeing some more of Stella? Well why not grab a cup of tea and take a look at this video we made back in February in Oslo when we interviewed Stella: