Norway: Frode wins Melodi Grand Prix 2022 semi-final 1

This morning saw semi-final 1 of Norway’s Eurovision national selection show ‘Melodi Grand Prix’ (MGP) take place in Fornebu, just outside Oslo.

After two duels and a Gold Duel, Frode Vassel with his song 'Black Flowers' won the semi-final, thereby booking a spot in the Grand Final on 19 February.

Full results

The first of the five semi-finals featured four artists fighting for a spot in the MGP Grand Final. Performing this evening were Eline Noelia with 'Ecstasy', Mira Craig with 'We Still Here', TrollfesT with 'Dance Like a Pink Flamingo' and Frode Vassel with 'Black Flowers'.

During the semi-finals the four acts are split into two duels, determined by a draw prior to the show. The winners of both duels then compete in the Gold duel, where the winner advances directly to the Grand Final. The remaining acts go through to 'The Second Chance' round beginning on Monday 7 February.

Duel 1 - Eline Noelia defeated Mira Craig

In the first duel, Eline Noelia faced off against Mira Craig. With a silver and black buckled blazer shimmering in front of a moving line of blue and purple strobe lights, Eline and her four dancers sparkled. In a very pink performance, Mira and her four dancers were adorned in pink feathers and bejeweled pink bikinis complete with pink flags! But it was Eline who emerged victorious and she moved through to the Gold Duel.

Image Source: NRK

Duel 2 - Frode Vassel defeated TrollfesT

In the second duel, TrollfesT faced off against Frode Vassel. Taking inspiration from the title of their song, TrollfesT were indeed dressed as pink flamingos and even had two giant inflatable pink flamingoes on stage along with lots of pyro as part of their performance. In contrast, Frode was dressed in black leather and sang the first part of his song behind a barred screen before emerging to sing to camera. Complete with two drummers, it was a much darker and serious performance given the nature of his song. But it was Frode who took the win and he moved through to the Gold Duel against Eline.

Image Source: NRK

Elsie Bay (Elsa Søllesvik) then debuted her track 'Death of Us'. She is among six pre-qualified artists who will perform in the 12-song final on February 19.

Image Source: NRK

Gold Duel - Frode Vassel defeated Eline Noelia

Eline and Frode then went head to head in the Gold Duel. And it was Frode Vassel who emerged victorious and advanced to the MGP final on 19 February. Eline Noelia, Mira Craig and TrollfesT will all take part in the Second Chance Round.

Semi-final 2 of Melodi Grand Prix takes place next Saturday 22nd January with the Grand Final scheduled for 19th February.

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