NORWAY

The Norwegian Final was held on March 14th at the Spektrum in Oslo, hosted by Silya Nymoen & Kåre Magnus Bergh. The winner was chosen in two rounds of 100% televoting - the first to select the top 4 and the second to select the winner. The song going to Vienna is " A monster like me" sung by Mørland & Debrah Scarlett.

After last year's result, there seemed to be extra enthusiasm for Norway's Eurovision selection this year to the point that when songs were submitted there were almost 30% more than in 2014. This year, NRK used a one-off final for the Melodi Grand Prix. But this year's contest had an interesting twist - there would be a live orchestra. Competitors were not obliged to use it but was there if needed.

This is a dark and moody ballad which seems to follow on in a strange way from last year's entry. The theme of the song seems to be a sad sentimental song about letting love go. It is certainly one of the more melancholy songs this year. You can really tell that he wrote the song and also had her voice in mind for the duet. They have very interesting voices and not ones that you would like would blend together but surprisingly they do, especially in harmony.

Mørland although fom Norway has spend most of the latter part of his like in the UK. He was best known in Norway as the singer with the band Absent Elk which supported many bands on tour. Debrah Scarlett also grew up in Norway before moving to Switzerland. In 2013 she returned to her homeland to take part in the Norwegian Voice TV programme.

The whole mood of this song is very unique, especially when put up against the other songs in this year's Eurovision. It seems to have taken some cues from the Common Linnets last year as the whole of the song is done in one continuous shot on a steady cam. It certainly helps create movement and stillness at the right times and also creates some great shots of the duo from all sides - as well as the orchestra. As for the orchestra, it really did something to make the song come alive. I almost hope they re orchestrate the backing track to beef up the strings to really make it outstanding. On the negative side they need some serious work on their styling. He doesn't look too bad but she looked odd and not in a good way. She looked like her hair had been styled by a child and has been assaulted by a doily. I think she needs to look 'odd' but not that odd.

I think this song has a lot going for it. It really stands out against the crowd and certainly creates that atmosphere that stays with you. On the negative side the song might be a bit too weird. It has taken me quite a lot of listens to get into the song and at times I have found the performance almost too intense and private that you feel like you are watching something you shouldn't be watching. My real concern is with voting - who will vote for this? I'm not sure it is commercial enough or musical enough for juries to rant and rave and I think you are only going to pick up the phone if it moves then enough and in the right way. Looking at semi 2 there are a lot of ballads. especially in the first half. However it has just the right amount of 'friends' to score enough to qualify. I really don't know how this will do. Maybe it will just sum up the moment and go the whole way. maybe it will freeze people out and go bottom 5.

ARTIST - Mørland & Debrah Scarlett

SONG - A monster like me

MUSIC - Kjetil Mørland

LYRICS - Kjetil Mørland