Noweigan newspaper VG has today suggested that a number of previous singers who’ve represented Norway will be competing in next year’s Norweigan final, including Stella Mwangi, and 2009 Eurovision winner Alexander Rybak.

Rumours began circulating about Rybak’s possible return to the contest after an interview on the show ‘God Morgen, Norge’ shortly after Portugal’s this year. Rybak said:

“There’s a production company that offered me millions to represent Belarus next time in Eurovision, but I would rather do it for free for Norway.”

Rybak, who was born in Belarus, composed the song “Accent” sung by MILKI in the 2015 Belarusian national selection, which finished in fourth place. This summer, he appeared on the show ‘Allsang på grensen’ alongside two-time Eurovision winner, Johnny Logan. He also posted a photo on Instagram with Logan with the comment: “Makes me want to go for Eurovision all over again!”

Rybak is not the only former Norwegian Eurovision participant rumoured to be making a comeback to MGP in 2018. Other artists rumoured to be making a comeback include Aleksander Wallmann (who was part of JOWST in 2017) aswell as Stella Mwangi, who competed in 2011. Norwegian newspaper VG is also reporting that Ida Maria, Vidar Villa and Alexandra Rotan will be taking part in the competition.

Stig Karlsen project manager and music director for MGP, commented:

“It is always exciting with rumors and speculation, but I do not comment on the artist or songwriter names before publication. We are holding a press conference on January 15th and are looking forward to presenting a solid collection of composers and artists.”

Melodi Grand Prix 2018 will take place in the Oslo Spektrum on March 10th. Silya Nymoen and Kåre Magnus Bergh will present the event, where 10 songs compete for the chance to represent Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Lisbon.