NuVidz: Mo, Jessica Mauboy, Shakira, Hind!

Mo came third in Melodi Grand Prix with Heal. He was one of the favourites to represent Norway - and it is a very nice song. Although I think Norway made the right choice! The lovely Jessica Mauboy will perform as the interval act in the 2nd semi-final, in Copenhagen. Her latest single is Never Be the Same. She could easily chart in the United Kingdom or America with this song. She's amazing!! I've am a massive fan of Shakira. Her new song is entitled Empire! This is an amazing song. It's clocked almost 19 million views on YouTube in one month. She also performed this song on The Voice UK. Remember Hind? She represent The Netherlands in 2008 although didn't manage to qualify. Well here's one of her latest songs - Make It Count. She recently gave an exclusive interview to my friend at Life After Helsinki 2007. :-)

Norway: Carl Espen wins "Melodi Grand Prix"!

What a fantastic result! Carl Espen will fly the Norwegian flag - one of the best songs this year without a doubt. Many fans are saying Norway could win the whole thing in Copenhagen... I defiantly think he has a shot. Oslo 2015?

When I heard "Silent Storm" for the first time, I knew there was something rather special about it. Linnea Dale came 2nd, her song was very pleasant. Meanwhile, Mo and Knut also made the super-final. The results:

1. Carl Epsen – Silent Storm / 53,712
2. Linnea Dale – High Hopes / 39,086
3. Mo – Heal / 37,405
4. Knut Kippersund Nesdal – Taste Of You / 27,757

It's worth remembering that Portugal will chose their entry at some point tonight. And wasn't Azerbaijan going to reveal their song? But for now, let's enjoy Silent Storm!

Norway: Representative to be selected tonight!

The grand final of "Melodi Grand Prix" will be held this evening. Norway always have great national selections and this year is no exception. I'm really looking forward to watching this tonight But who's going to be crowned the winner? My preference would be Carl Espen. His haunting ballad is without a doubt the big favourite to take the trophy tonight... My 2nd favourite is Linnea Dale. I have high hopes for her, too!

I predict Elisabeth Carew and Mo will make the super-final, but the winner should defiantly be between Carl Espen and Linnea Dale. The show will start at 19:55 CET and can be watched here. I'll defiantly be tuning in. This is tonight's running order - and doesn't Carl have a great draw?

1. El Cuero – Ain’t no Love (in This City No More)
2. Elisabeth Carew – Sole Survivor
3. Knut Kippersund Nesdal – Taste of You
4. Dina Misund – Needs
5. Mo – Heal
6. Linnea Dale – High Hopes
7. Charlie – Hit Me Up
8. Carl Espen – Silent Storm
9. Oda & Wulff – Sing

Norway: Mo survived 2011 Utøya massacre!

Mohamed Farah Abdi is one of the fifteen acts who hopes to represent Norway in Copenhagen. The Guardian has reported his personal struggles following the Utøya massacre in July 2011 where 69 people were killed. He managed to survive this terrifying ordeal although sadly lost his best friend.

Mo was a finalist on Norwegian X Factor in 2010 and was at the point of a massive breakthrough although after witnessing the terrifying attack on Utøya island, he has been struggling with post-traumatic stress and has disappeared completely from the public eye. He has now decided to enter Melodi Grand Prix - the Norwegian selection, with a song that has a strong personal meaning. The song he's competing with is entitled "Heal" and is a electro-pop ballad. He said:

"The song's about taking your time to heal. My goal is to inspire people and touch their hearts, that they should never, ever give up."

 It's a heartwarming story. The singer also said:

"It's important to keep your good friends and family around you, and that's what I did. I kept myself around people who really love me. That's the main thing that really got me through these years, and of course all of my supporters who really encouraged me to come back. They were just waiting, and that's really special."

The song will be released on 19th February!

Norway: Semi-finalists revealed!

The fifteen acts, which are in the running to represent Norway, have today been revealed in a special press conference! Adelén isn't going to return - although there was speculation she was going to make a comeback this year. Here are the lucky semi finalists!

Semifinal 1:

1. Hilda & Thea Leora - Best friend's boyfriend
2. Mo - Heal
3. Dina Misund - Needs
4. Linnea Fale - High hopes
5. Timbre & Fikk Heide-Steen feat. Ida Stein - Frozen by your love

Semifinal 2:

1. Cir.Cuz - Hele verden
2. Martine Marbel - Right now
3. Oda & Wulff - SIng
4. Knut Kippersund Nesdal - Taste of you
5. Charlie - Hit me up

Semifinal 3:

1. Moi - Bensin
2. El Cuero - Ain't no love in this city no more
3. Ilebek - Who needs the universe?
4. Elisabeth Carew - Sole survivor
5. Carl Espen - Silent storm

Snippets of each competing entry can be heard here!  The semi finals will be held on 7th, 8th and 9th March with the final taking place on 15th March.