Norwegian broadcaster NRK has announced a major rule change for Melodi Grand Prix 2024: all songs released after September 1st 2023 are now able to be selected to participate in the next edition of the national selection process.

For most Eurovision fans, the 1st of September marks the beginning of the season. As per EBU regulations, any song released after this date is eligible for submission to the contest. Yet for MGP and many other national finals, songs are typically kept under wraps until their artists are officially confirmed in the new year. Now, NRK will allow artists to release their MGP entries ahead of time, in the hopes of drumming up some excitement before the contest begins.

Potentially, it will create increased commitment to new Norwegian music and to MGP before the season kicks off. The rule change means that the MGP participants can have a direct dialogue about material that has already been released to the public. The public and media can start speculating in September about whether any songs from the autumn’s releases will be seen and heard in MGP. This will also give the fans the opportunity to put pressure on artists and the MGP producers with requests for specific songs and artists.

With registration for MGP now open, we will soon be able to speculate whether our favourite Norwegian alumni will be returning to the stage – and, in light of the rule change, potentially see them release some of the first entries of the season.

NRK has also confirmed several other MGP rules, as follows:

1. Only three songs are able to be entered per composer/artist/producer.
2. It is encouraged that every song should have at least one Norwegian songwriter.
3. The artist(s) must be at least 16 years old by April 2024 (in keeping with EBU regulations).
4. Registration closes on the 31st of August 2023.

What do you think of this rule change and the other confirmed regulations? Are you now extra excited for September 1st, and to be able to speculate potential MGP entries before the contest begins? Who do you hope to be Alessandra’s successor? Let us know!