Norway - 12 points!

Eurovision Express has now just about recovered from its very first trip to the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix.  And what a great time we had!

We arrived in Oslo on Friday afternoon, and made our way to the Hard Rock Cafe, where the Norwegian Fan Club were holding a get-together.  And what a friendly bunch of people they are!  Of course, everyone was chatting about who was going to win, with most thinking it was a battle between Keep of Kalessin and Didrik Solli-Tangen. 

The highlight of the evening was when MGP hosts Per Sundnes and Marte Stokstad arrived with the MGP competitors (although, alas, Alexander Stenerud couldn't make it) in tow!  Venke Knutson, our favourite, was the life and soul of the party, but we also managed a quick chat with Maria Haukaas Storeng too.

Saturday meant meeting up with the guys who run the Schlagerblog.  After a bit of sight-seeing and a bite to eat, we made our way to the Spektrum, where we'd been kindly granted access to the dress rehearsal by NRK.

All eight acts appeared calm and gave great performances, and, although we still thought Didrik was going to win, we knew it was going to be a fantastic evening's entertainment.  It became even more exciting when we, together with the Schlagerblog boys, were asked to take part in the show in a quick interview after Venke's song.  Per was keen to know what we thought about the MGP as visitors from outside Norway.

So, after a few drinks, the final came.  The atmosphere in the hall was electric. Just after the second song we were ushered backstage to meet with Per and get ready for the 'interview'.  Ben from A1 introduced himself and we wished him luck.

The 'interview' was good fun, especially as we were slightly 'naughty boys' and revealed that Venke was our favourite (not that it did her much good!)

The rest of the show passed by at top speed.  We thought all the acts came across really well, and were especially impressed with Alexander Stenerud, and Venke of course!

Didrik's win came as no surprise, and we're convinved Norway is in with a good chance of claiming a second victory.  After the show we mingled with some of the contestants before heading off to the Latter Club, where former MGP hopefuls Jenny Jensen, Queentastic and Birgitte Einarsen entertained us with some of the songs they had sung in the Norwegian finals.  A good few hours later we staggered back to our hotel after a brilliant evening.

We had a fab time in Oslo.  Yes, it is expensive and we're going to need to save our pennies for our return trip in May, but the welcome is incredibly warm.  We can't wait to go back!