Last week saw a winning tip from us with Farida’s competently performed Bond ballad, “Dangerous, beating out the competition.

Heat 3 is arguably the best heat with 3 strong contenders fighting it out for a space in the final.

Mari Bølla won Idol in 2020 so the public are used to voting for her week in, week out. Her song, Your Loss, is an Avril Lavigne inspired pop-rock song. This is a genre that is trending again because of Olivia Rodrigo. It would be difficult not seeing a very recent idol winner with an accessible pop song not make it out a heat.

Vilde’s, “Titans”, has emerged as a co-favourite in the odds. Her song is a very anthemic, uplifting pop song reminiscent of Klara Hammarström’s “Beat of Broken Hearts.” She has by far the most accessible song of tonight’s heat. There is also some staging potential, I can already see the pyro curtain in the final chorus.

Oda is bringing a viking pop song, “Hammer of Thor.” Whilst this is likely to have some novelty appeal the song itself is too slow and not as exciting as previous viking songs we have seen at NFs. However this entry has by the far the biggest amount of staging potential.

Sturla’s song is a mid tempo Norweigan language ballad. Whilst it is a competent effort it is nothing special and I fail to see how it will attract votes against the 3 other stronger female efforts.

This is another tight heat with all 4 songs being very competent and accessible. I would give the edge to Vilde just because of how uplifting and anthemic her effort is, I can see it resonating with all types of voters. However it would be ignorant to write off a recent Idol winner.

Recommended bet: Back Vilde to win MGP Heat 3 @ 2.86 (Smarkets)