The nine artists competing at Melodi Grand Prix 2025 have been revealed by the Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
Nine artists are set to take the stage and compete for victory at Oslo Spektrum on Saturday, February 15.
This year’s lineup includes several comebacks, artists celebrating anniversaries, and new talents. All of them share the dream of representing Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel this May.
The songs will be fully released on Friday, January 24.
Here are the artists who will perform at the grand final in Oslo Spektrum:
Bobbysocks – “Joyful”
Lyrics and music: Elisabeth Andreassen and Hanne Krogh
This year marks 40 years since Bobbysocks won Norway’s very first victory in the Eurovision Song Contest with La det swinge. Both Hanne Krogh and Elisabeth Andreassen have participated in Melodi Grand Prix several times as solo artists, but a new participation in MGP as Bobbysocks was never on the agenda.
The plan was to begin this year’s 40th anniversary celebration on their actual birthday, May 4th, with an anniversary concert at Chateau Neuf, followed by a Swinging Tour around the country in October. But that was before the song Joyful appeared.
Bettan woke up one night with a melody pounding in her head. That was the beginning of the song she composed, with Hanne writing the lyrics. In a time when the world is shaking, Joyful encourages embracing joy in order to gather strength – and power – to face the serious matters ahead.
The new song sparked their desire to kick off the entire anniversary celebration together with their friends in the MGP universe, in gratitude for the competition that has brought them so much joy and fun.
LLL – “Parasite”
Lyrics and music: Olli Äkräs, Nora Foss Al-Jabri, Ben Adams, and Jim Bergsted
“Girl power” is back! In a world full of boy bands, LLL is ready to conquer the throne with their powerful and catchy pop sound. Their MGP entry Parasite is a pop anthem about the “devil on your back,” and the struggle of being your own worst enemy while chasing your dreams.
Sofia-Augusta Thoresen, Rebecca Pleym, and Elisabet Drøsdal all grew up with strong pop icons like Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child, and Britney Spears. These figures were the driving force behind their dreams of making music and inspired them to believe in the magic of pop. They aim to bring that same power back into the world and be a relatable voice for a new generation.
Over the past year, LLL has worked intensively on their debut album, collaborating with a team of established songwriters, producers, and creative minds. Now, they are ready to storm the MGP stage and begin their journey toward becoming superstars and Europe’s next iconic girl group.
Sofia was born and raised in Oslo. Rebecca was born in Kirkenes but grew up in Kristiansand. Elli was born and raised in Grimstad.
Nora Jabri – “Sulale”
Lyrics and music: Emma Louise Gale, Ovidiu Jacobsen, Ola Frøyen, and Nora Foss Al-Jabri
Nora Jabri (28) from Gjøvik was first known by her full name, Nora Foss A-Jabri. Despite her young age, she can look back on an eventful career.
In 2008, she had her breakthrough at the age of 12, achieving third place in Norske Talenter. The following year, she was invited to The Oprah Winfrey Show as one of the “World’s Most Talented Kids.” In 2012, she placed second in Melodi Grand Prix with the song Somewhere Beautiful, and in 2014, she won Stjernekamp.
She spent several years in the United States, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in music at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Now, she is back home and ready for new challenges and opportunities. Nora Jabri’s family background is a blend of Norwegian and Arabic heritage, which is also reflected in her music.
The song Sulale is inspired by her Arabic father, with the lyrics forming a dialogue between father and daughter. Sulale means “Bloodline” and is a declaration of love to the Arabic culture she grew up with.
Nataleen – “The Game”
Lyrics and music: Madeleine Nataleen Tverberg, Julie Aagaard, Henning Olerud, Stanley Ferdinandez, and Kjersti Sleveland
Nataleen (Madeleine Nataleen Tverberg) from Sandefjord has had a passion for show and dance since early childhood. Music has played a major role in her life since she was seven years old, with singing lessons, cultural school, a music program in high school, and later studies in performing popular music at Westerdals in Oslo.
Alongside music, Madeleine has studied nursing and has a strong commitment to elderly care.
In 2022, she participated in The Voice and impressed with her powerful voice, which took her all the way to the semifinals. The experience fueled her desire for an artist career, and since then, she has dedicated her time to writing songs and establishing musical collaborations.
She co-wrote the song The Game with, among others, the Starlab duo Stanley Ferdinandez and Henning Olerud, known for their 2023 winning song Queen of Kings.
Listen to Nataleen’s song “The Game”
Sondrey – “Vagabond”
Lyrics and music: Sondre Mulongo Nystrøm and Magnus Emaka Einang
Sondrey is an emerging Norwegian artist who has made a mark with his unique blend of R&B, afrobeats, and catchy melodies. With a passion for creating music that unites emotions and rhythms, Sondrey delivers a soundscape that both touches and moves listeners.
Raised in Øyer in Gudbrandsdalen, and with roots that reflect a global musical heritage, Sondrey has developed a sound that combines Scandinavian elegance with warm African rhythms. Many may recognize him from last year’s Farmen Kjendis, where he won.
Sondrey, or Sondre Mulongo Nystrøm as his full name is, has also participated in Melodi Grand Prixin 2020, Stjernekamp, and the production of Bonnie & Clyde, which toured with Riksteatret. Now, Sondrey is ready to showcase what he has been working on in the studio.
Ladybug – “Hot as Hell in Paradise”
Lyrics and melody: Iris Severine Mikalsen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen, Anderz Wrethov, and Thomas Stengaard
Ladybug, or Iris Severine Mikalsen as her full name is, is a singer and songwriter from the Helgeland coast, specifically the beautiful island of Lovund.
She is not one to say “she sang before she could walk,” but instead had to explore, fail, and change course several times before realizing that music was her true passion.
In recent years, Ladybug has worked intensively as an artist, singer, and songwriter, gaining recognition for her unique ability to write and convey lyrics. She draws inspiration from people’s thoughts and emotions and enjoys delving into the unsaid.
Alongside her music, she works as a nursing assistant at a nursing home for those with dementia. Ladybug is also passionately involved in redesign.
She has previously worked behind the bar at Oslo Spektrum, but now Ladybug is looking forward to standing on stage with her song “Hot as Hell in Paradise.” The song explores themes of forbidden love and irresistible desire. It is about setting aside others’ prejudices to follow one’s own instincts and seeing who the person in front of you truly is with your own eyes.
listen to Ladybug’s song “Hot as Hell in Paradise”
Tone Damli – “Last Song”
Lyrics and melody: Sophie Tweed Simons, Kristoffer Tømmerbakke, Erik Smaaland, and Yoshi Breen
Tone Damli first gained recognition as a teenager through her participation in “Idol” in 2005. Now, 20 years later, the beloved artist is back on stage at Oslo Spektrum. This will be Tone’s third appearance at “Melodi Grand Prix.” In 2009, she finished in second place with “Butterflies,” a song that still holds a special place in many people’s hearts.
Tone has had a long and varied career as an artist, both on stage and through numerous TV appearances. She has participated in popular programs such as “Hver gang vi møtes,” “Stjernekamp,” and “Kompani Lauritzen.” Recently, we saw her make it all the way to the final in “Maskorama” as the Gladfisken (Happy Fish).
Now, as Tone returns to the “Melodi Grand Prix” stage with “Last Song,” she presents a new side of herself as an artist, with a song full of positive energy.
Listen to Tone Damli’s song “Last Song”
Kyle Alessandro – “Lighter”
Lyrics and melody: Kyle Alessandro and Adam Woods
18-year-old Kyle Alessandro is back in “Melodi Grand Prix,” this time as a solo artist. In 2023, he participated with the song “Geronimo” alongside the group Umami Tsunami.
The young artist and music producer from Steinkjer has been involved with music since he was a child. At just 10 years old, he impressed in the TV 2 program “Norske Talenter.” Kyle Alessandro draws inspiration from a wide range of musical genres and cultures – from South America and Japan to Norwegian folk music and instruments like langeleik and fiddle.
Kyle Alessandro wrote and produced “Lighter” largely on his own, with help from artist, songwriter, and producer Adam Woods. The song is inspired by Kyle Alessandro’s mother, who recently fought through cancer treatment and is now healthy. With the lyrics “I’ll be my own lighter,” Kyle expresses a mantra for finding hope and light, even in tough periods of life.
Wig Wam – “Human Fire”
Lyrics and melody: Åge Sten Nilsen, Trond Holter, and Bernt Jansen
Wig Wam was first introduced to the MGP audience in 2004 with “Crazy Things,” which ended in 3rd place. The following year, they took the top spot with “In My Dreams,” which became a monster hit, and the band earned a solid 9th place in the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv 2005.
The entire glam rock band of Norway is now celebrating their 20th anniversary since their breakthrough.
Wig Wam has found significant success outside of Norway as well, having toured with both Alice Cooper and Gothard. They released five studio albums and a live album from Tokyo before the band disbanded in 2013.
In 2021, Wig Wam made a comeback with the album “Never Say Die,” and the following year, they achieved their first hit in the USA with the song “Do Ya Wanna Taste It.” The track also became the theme song for the HBO series “Peacemaker” and has more than 40 million streams on Spotify.
The song they will compete with now, “Human Fire,” is written and produced by the band themselves. The song is a tribute to all those who dare to stand up for who they truly are.
Wig Wam – “Human Fire”
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