Oslo, January 20, 2026
Norway’s Next Eurovision Hopefuls Battle for a Spot
Table of Contents
Eight challengers are vying for the final place in Melodi Grand Prix 2026, with the audience deciding who joins the already-selected eight artists.
- The “MGP Cup” competition, hosted on “Nitimen” and NRK.no, will determine the ninth and final contestant.
- Daily duels began Tuesday, January 20th, with songs released on streaming services at 09:00.
- Voting is open for 24 hours each day, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. the following day.
- The final duel takes place Monday morning, with the last finalist revealed on Tuesday, January 27th.
Norway is gearing up to select its Eurovision contender, and the competition is heating up. Today, January 20th, marks the start of the “MGP Cup,” a series of daily duels designed to determine the ninth and final participant in the 2026 Melodi Grand Prix. The ultimate goal is to find the artist who will represent Norway on the Eurovision stage, and the power to decide rests squarely with the Norwegian public.
How the MGP Cup Works
Each day features a head-to-head matchup between two artists. The artist receiving the most votes advances to the next round. Voting is accessible via NRK.no and “Nitimen,” remaining open for a full 24 hours, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. the following day. Winners from the quarter-finals (Tuesday through Friday) will compete in further duels on Saturday and Sunday, culminating in a decisive final duel on Monday morning. The last finalist will be announced on Tuesday, January 27th.
First Duel: Skrellex vs. Emmy
The first duel pits Skrellex against Emmy. Skrellex – “Into the Wild” boasts lyrics and melody crafted by Michael James Down, Will Taylor, Primoz Poglajen, Kai Thomas Ryen Larsen, and Camilo Fernández. Kai Thomas Ryen Larsen, known as Skrellex, hails from Moss and returns after the success of his 2023 hit, “Love Again,” promising an even more spectacular performance. “Into the Wild” is described as an epic, warlike, and magnificent track—a party anthem that’s hard to resist.
Emmy – «Sykt Fin» features writing and composition by Ben Adams, Andreas Stone Johansson, and Emmy Kristine Guttulsrud Kristiansen. Emmy, originally from Sande, previously represented Ireland in Eurovision in 2025 and is now competing on home turf. Having debuted in MGPjr in 2015 and participated in MGP in 2021 with “Witch Woods,” she presents “Sykt Fin,” a catchy and enthusiastic tribute to Norway.
Second Duel: Gothminister vs. Vika Anonymous
Wednesday, January 21st, brings a clash between Gothminister and Vika Anonymous. Gothminister – «The Spell» is the creation of Bjørn Alexander Brem, a lawyer from Fredrikstad who transforms into the gothic persona when night falls. Having participated in MGP in both 2013 and 2024, Brem delivers what’s described as his most infectious song yet, perfectly suited for a grand stage.
Vika Anonymous – “Have you had a problem with the tote before?” features lyrics and melody by Jørgen Ulsrud, Gustav Fredholm, Torgeir Ryssevik, Kjersti Sleveland, and Chris Tsika Kabala. Jørgen Ulsrud and Gustav Fredholm aim to deliver authentic Norwegian party music, inviting listeners to a lively celebration at Toten with a song guaranteed to create a vibrant atmosphere.
Third Duel: Aranja vs. Sander Silva & Victorjus
Thursday, January 22nd, features Aranja and Sander Silva & Victorjus. Aranja – “Pyjamas song” is the work of Aranja Gharib, Sonia Maselik, Christopher Scott Simmons, and Ola Frøyen. Stavanger-based artist Aranja Gharib, a recent graduate of LIMPI, brings a song described as featuring many reindeer herders.
Sander Silva & Victorjus – “Free Fall” is a collaboration between Sander Gran (Larvik) and Torjus Fluge Fornes (Oslo), selected from a pool of 60 talents at Kristiania University College. The song, penned by Sander Gran, Torjus Fluge Fornes, Trym Olstad, and Stine Øen, boasts a chorus that’s instantly memorable and refuses to fade.
Fourth Duel: Raylee vs. Thomas Jenssen
Friday, January 23rd, sees Raylee take on Thomas Jenssen. Raylee – «Where did your friend go» is a collaboration between Steven Rodriguez, Emma Gale, Celine Solemsløkk Helgemo, and Raylee Charlotte Kristiansen. Raylee, currently based in Los Angeles, returns to compete for another spot in the MGP final. Following the success of “Wild” and “Hero,” she presents a modern classic suitable for both clubs and the Eurovision stage.
Thomas Jenssen – «Smalltown» is the creation of Thomas Jenssen, Carl-Henrik Wahl, Simon Peyron, Jakob Mihoubi, and Rudy Daouk. Thomas Jenssen, from Levanger, participated in MGP in 2024 and now offers a song rooted in his personal experiences. A recent songwriting master’s degree informs his genuine pop offering, which he hopes will resonate with audiences in Norway and across Europe.
