Norway: Melodi Grand Prix Loses 158,000 Viewers

The viewing figures for the final of Melodi Grand Prix have fallen by 158,000 viewers over last years selection, as show faces criticism from viewers.

NRK has announced this afternoon that a total of 1.155 million viewers watched the final of Melodi Grand Prix 2017 on Saturday night. The viewing figures for the show are down 158,000 over last years selection process, however the show had it's highest share of viewers since 2010, with 73% of viewers tuning into watch the competition.

The viewing figures for the final of Melodi Grand Prix in the past five years are as follows:

- 2017 - 1.155 million

- 2016 - 1.313 million

- 2015 - 1.250 million

- 2014 - 755,000

- 2013 - 975,000

The show came under criticism from viewers who stated that the show was drawn out and too focused on the producers, as well as comments regarding the quality of the songs competing.

Ten acts participated in the show, which was narrowed down to four for the Goldfinal following a 50-50 vote from the public and international juries. The introduction of international juries in this year’s Melodi Grand Prix marks an attempt from Norway to try and appeal more to a European audience in May. International juries were previously chosen to select Norway’s entrants in 1985 and 1995, which went on to win the contest.

Source: NRK

Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest:

Norway debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960, and have won the contest three times - in 1985, 1995 and 2009. The country has the dubious record of finishing last the most times, eleven in total, and have received nul points four times. Norway last won the contest in 2009 when Alexander Rybak broke all records with his song “Fairytale”. He scored 387 points in the final, receiving 16 sets of 12 points and scoring points from every country.