Norway kicks off its selection show with the first heat tonight where 4 acts will battle it out via a duel format to earn a place at the finale.

Duel 1: Eline Noelia vs Mira Craig

Eline Noelia is set to start the show with a unique electro-pop song, “Ecstasy”. This will be a very difficult song to pull off live but going through Eline’s social media where she has posted previous performances she looks like she has the ability to pull it off. However there are a number of red flags. The song is very jarring with a very unusual drop which I am not sure the public will warm to. Mira Craig is a previous MGP winner as a songwriter in 2008 and her entry, “Hold On Be Strong” very much sounds like it comes from the same. I’m expecting Eline to take this duel.

Duel 2: Trollfest vs Frode Vassel

Trollfests’ ‘Dance Like A Pink Flamingo’ is an uptempo punk novelty song that is sure to attract lots of votes. They are also likely to bring a novelty staging, possibly with a gimmick. Frode Vassel has had plenty of Eurovision experience having helped JOWST, Rybak and KEIINO. His song, “Black Flower”, which focuses on climate change is unlikely to pose any threat in this duel.

Overall winner: This is a very tough heat to call and one where the duel system creates even more uncertainty. Both Trollfest and Eline Noelia are likely to attract negative votes. Staging is likely going to call the winner of this one, but I would give the edge to Trollfest.

Recommended bet: Back Trollfest @ 2.75 to win MGP heat 1