Momentum builds as Norwegian entry deadline passes
27 September 2010 at 01:27 CESTThis year on home turf in Oslo, Didrik Solli-Tangen achieved a 20th place in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest.
NRK already began its search for the 2011 entrant this summer, sending out a call for songs to be sent in by the 15th of September. Entry was also open to foreign songwriters although NRK has stipulated that it will prioritise Norwegian composers and has the right to choose the artist. The broadcaster has also said that it will directly approach various parties to provide entries. Now the process of listening to and shortlisting entries commences!
So far NRK has provided a few details as to where and when the Norwegian final (Melodi Grand Prix) will take place with the semi-finals being held on the 15th, 22nd and 29th of January with a second chance round taking place on the 5th of January. The final will take place on the 12th of February. Three of next year's locations have already been announced with the first semi-final taking place in Ørland, near Trondheim and the second chance round taking place in Sarpsborg in Southern Norway. The final will, of course take place at Oslo Spektrum as it has done since 2001.
Next year's Melodi Grand Prix shows will be presented by veteran-presenter and Eurovision Song Contest pundit Per Sundnes and for the first time, NRK-Sports presenter Anne Rimmen will take to the Melodi Grand Prix stage as a presenter.
Since appearing on stage in Oslo in May, this year's Norwegian entrant, Didrik Solli-Tangen has been busy recording new material and releasing his new single Best Kept Secret, a more upbeat pop song compared to his entry My Heart Is Yours. A departure from his usual opera stylings.
The song chosen to represent Norway will appear at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Germany on the 10th, 12th and 14th of May next year. The host city will be announced here on Eurovision.tv soon!