Norway | Melodi Grand Prix to select act for 2021

It has been revealed that the Norwegian selection process, Melodi Grand Prix, will be returning in 2021 and will be choosing the artist that will represent Norway. As a result, the 2020 artist Ulrikke Brandstorp will not be internally selected to represent Norway. Next year's contest will run similar to this year's edition, with a number of semi-finals as well as a grand final.

The head of entertainment for NRK, Christina Rezk Resar, clarified the decision to bring Melodi Grand Prix back in 2021. She stated "MGP has always been an important platform for Norwegian music. Due to the situation were in at the moment, it is important now more than ever to maintain this tradition and to showcase the breadth of Norwegian artists and newly written songs."

Ulrikke was offered a place in the final next year for another chance to represent Norway, however she declined the offer. She issued a statement on an Instagram post regarding the decision of NRK: "My dream is shattered. I then wanted to represent Norway in Eurovision. I fully understand that Eurovision 2020 has been canceled due to the corona virus, but I hoped for a long time that NRK would do as many other countries and support its artist by sending the artist to Eurovision in 2021 with a new song. So naturally I am very disappointed with NRK’s decision today to run an ordinary MGP season next year. It breaks my heart over the fans who have been absolutely fantastic supporters and extended family over the last few months, that we will not have the opportunity to experience ESC together. I want you guys to know that Christoffer and I have been fighting to the last minute to try to make this possible. This was our dream NRK has offered me to be a finalist in MGP 2021 now as it will be a regular MGP year. As of now I have declined no, but you should never say never. I do not want a final place on the grounds that I did not go to Eurovision this year, but because I might have had as good a song as “Attention” on the table right now. Now I want to focus on other exciting projects going forward. Lots of love for you all".

Ulrikke won this years edition of Melodi Grand Prix with the song "Attention". She was drawn to perform in the 2nd half of the 1st Semi Final on the 12th May prior to cancellation of the contest. You can check out her performance in Melodi Grand Prix below: