Norway: Bobbysocks return to Melodi Grand Prix 40 years after their Eurovision victory

They won Norway’s first victory in Eurovision 40 years ago this year. And now Hanne Krogh and Elisabeth Andreassen – also known as Bobbysocks – make a comeback in Melodi Grand Prix 2025, the Norwegian national selection for Eurovision that will be held in Oslo on Saturday 15 February.

This year the Nordic country is back to a one-show format by scrapping the semi-finals and having the grand final coming back to Oslo Spektrum for the first time since 2019. Oslo Spektrum has hosted this event several times in the past and was the venue for the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1996.

The 9 acts competing were revealed today Thursday 16 January, and besides the Eurovision winning duo there were also comebacks from Eurovision contestants 2005 Wig Wam plus Tone Damli, Kyle Alessandro, Nora Jabri and Sondrey.

All the songs will be released in full length on Friday 24 January, but you can already now listen to snippets on NRK’s website.

Originally 10 artists were to compete, but just before the reveal was made the artist Lavrans withdrew from the competition, because he didn’t feel ready for it according to national broadcaster NRK. Another late withdrawal came from Angelina Jordan, who NRK were able to replace with a substitute act in the final line-up.

Melodi Grand Prix 2025 line-up

Bobbysocks – “Joyful”
Composers: Hanne Krogh, Elisabeth Andreassen
This year marks 40 years since Bobbysocks took home Norway’s very first Eurovision Song Contest win with “La det swinge”. Both Hanne Krogh and Elisabeth Andreassen have both participated in MGP several times as solo artists, but a new participation in MGP like Bobbysocks was never in their minds.

The plan was to start this year’s 40th anniversary celebration on the jubilee date itself, May 4, with an anniversary concert in Chateau Neuf, and then a “Swinging Tour” around the country in October. But that was before the song “Joyful” appeared.

Elisabeth woke up one night with a melody line pounding around in her head. It was the beginning of the song she composed and for which Hanne wrote the lyrics. In a time when the world is trembling, “Joyful” encourages us to embrace joy; to gain strength – and power – to face the seriousness when it comes.

The new song gave them the desire to start the entire anniversary celebration together with their friends in the MGP universe. In gratitude to the competition that has given them so much joy and fun.

Nora Jabri – “Sulale“
Composers: Emma Louise Gale, Ovidiu Jacobsen, Ola Frøyen & Nora Foss Al-Jabri
Nora Jabri (28) from Gjøvik, first known by her full name Nora Foss A-Jabri, can look back on a rich career, despite her young age.

In 2008, she had her breakthrough at the age of 12 with a 3rd place in Norwegian Talent. The following year, she was invited to the Oprah Winfrey show as one of the “World’s most talented kids”. In 2012, she came in second place in the Melodi Grand Prix with the song “Somewhere beautiful”. And in 2014, Nora Jabri went all the way to the top in “Stjernekamp”.

She has lived in the USA for several years where she completed a bachelor’s degree in music at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Now she is back home and ready for new assignments and challenges. Nora Jabri’s family background consists of a good mix of Norwegian and Arabic, which is also reflected in her music.

The song Sulale is inspired by her Arab father, and the lyrics are a dialogue between father and daughter. Sulale means “Bloodline” and is a declaration of love for the Arab culture she grew up with.

LLL – “Parasite“
Composers: Olli Äkräs, Nora Foss Al-Jabri, Ben Adams & Jim Bergsted
Girl power is back! In a world full of boy bands, LLL is ready to reclaim the throne with their powerful and catchy pop sound. Their MGP entry “Parasite” is a pop anthem about the «Devil On Your Back», and the struggle of being your own worst enemy while chasing your dreams.

Sofia-Augusta Thoresen, Rebecca Pleym and Elisabet Drøsdal grew up with strong pop icons like the Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child and Britney Spears. These were the driving force behind their dreams of making music and made them believe in the magic of pop. They want to bring that same power back to the world and be a relatable voice for a new generation.

Over the past year, LLL has been working hard to create their debut album together with a team of established songwriters, producers and creative souls. Now they are ready to take the MGP stage by storm and start their journey towards becoming superstars and Europe’s next iconic girl group. Sofia was born and raised in Oslo. Rebecca was born in Kirkenes, but grew up in Kristiansand. Elli was born and raised in Grimstad.

Nataleen – “The Game“
Composers: Madeleine Nataleen Tverberg, Julie Aagaard, Henning Olerud, Stanley Ferdinandez & Kjersti Sleveland
Nataleen (Madeleine Nataleen Tverberg) from Sandefjord has had a passion for show and dance since early childhood. Music has played a big role in her life since she was seven years old, with singing lessons, cultural school, music line in high school and later studies in performing popular music at Westerdals in Oslo.

In addition to music, Madeleine has studied nursing and has a strong commitment to elderly care.

In 2022, she participated in The Voice and impressed by her strong voice, which took her all the way to the semi-finals. The experience gave her a taste for an artist career, and since then she has dedicated her time to writing songs and establishing musical collaborations.

She wrote the song “The Game” together with, among others, the Starlab duo Stanley Ferdinandez and Henning Olerud, known for Alessandras powerful song in Eurovision Song Contest 2023, “Queen of Kings”.

Sondrey – “Vagabond”
Composers: Sondre Mulongo Nystrøm & Magnus Emaka Einang
Sondrey is an up-and-coming Norwegian artist who has made a name for himself with his unique blend of R&B, Afrobeats and catchy melodies. With a passion for creating music that unites emotions and rhythms, Sondrey delivers a sound that is both touching and moving.

Raised in Øyer in the Gudbrandsdalen valley, and with roots that reflect a global musical heritage, Sondrey has developed a sound that combines Scandinavian elegance with warm African rhythms. Many will recognize him from last year’s Farmen Kjendis 2024 where he won under his full name, Sondre Mulongo Nystrøm.

Sondrey has also participated in MGP 2020, Stjernekamp and the production Bonnie & Clyde which was on tour with the National Theatre. Now Sondrey is ready to show off what he has been working on in the studio.

Ladybug – “Hot as Hell in Paradise”
Composers: Iris Severine Mikalsen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen, Anderz Wrethov & Thomas StengaardLadybug (Iris Severine Mikalsen) is a singer and songwriter from the Helgeland coast, more specifically the beautiful island of Lovund.

She is not one of those who can say that “she sang before she could walk”, but rather had to explore, fail and change course several times before she realized that music is her great passion.

In recent years, Ladybug has worked intensively as an artist, singer and songwriter, and has garnered recognition for her unique ability to write and convey lyrics. She draws inspiration from people’s thoughts and feelings and likes to delve into the unspoken.

In addition to music, she works as a care assistant at a nursing home for the elderly. Ladybug is also passionate about redesign.

Ladybug has previously been behind the bar in Oslo Spektrum, but now she is looking forward to taking to the stage with the song “Hot as Hell in Paradise”. The song explores themes such as forbidden love and irresistible desire. It’s about putting aside other people’s prejudices to follow your own instincts and see with your own eyes who the person in front of you really is.

Tone Damli – “Last Song“
Composers: Sophie Tweed Simons, Kristoffer Tømmerbakke, Erik Smaaland & Yoshi Breen
Tone Damli first became known as a teenager through her efforts in “Idol” 2005. Now, 20 years later, the beloved artist is once again on stage in Oslo Spektrum. This will be the third time Tone has made her mark on Melodi Grand Prix. In 2009, she came in 2nd place with “Butterflies”, a song that still holds a special place in many people’s hearts.

Tone has had a long and varied career as an artist, both on stage and through a number of TV appearances. She has participated in popular programs such as “Hver gang vi møtes”, “Stjernekamp” and “Kompani Lauritzen”. Recently, we saw her make it all the way to the finals of “Maskorama” as Gladfisken.

When Tone now returns to the Melodi Grand Prix stage with “Last Song”, she shows a new side of herself as an artist, with a song full of positive energy.

Kyle Alessandro – “Lighter”
Composers: Kyle Alessandro & Adam Woods
18-year-old Kyle Alessandro is back in Melodi Grand Prix, this time as a solo artist. In 2023, he participated with the song “Geronimo” together with the group Umami Tsunami.

The young artist and music producer from Steinkjer in Trøndelag has been involved in music since he was little. As early as 10 years old, he impressed in the TV 2 program Norske Talenter. Kyle Alessandro draws inspiration from a wide range of musical genres and cultures – from South America and Japan to Norwegian folk music and instruments such as langeleik and fiddle.

Kyle Alessandro has written and produced “Lighter” largely on his own, with help from artist, songwriter and producer Adam Woods. The song is inspired by Kyle Alessandro’s mother, who has recently fought her way through cancer treatment and is now healthy. With the lyrics “I’ll be my own lighter”, Kyle expresses a mantra for finding hope and light, even in tough times in life.

Wig Wam – “Human Fire”
Composers: Åge Sten Nilsen, Trond Holter & Bernt Jansen
Wig Wam was introduced to the MGP audience for the first time in 2004 with “Crazy Things” which finished in 3rd place. The following year they went all the way to the top with “In My Dreams”. It became a monster hit, and the band got a solid 9th place in the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv 2005.

All of Norway’s glam rockers are thus celebrating the 20th anniversary of their big breakthrough.

Wig Wam has also had great success outside of Norway and have toured with both Alice Cooper and Gothard. They managed to release five studio albums and a live album from Tokyo, before the band disbanded in 2013.

In 2021, Wig Wam made a comeback with the album “Never Say Die”. And the following year they had their very first hit in the US with the song “Do Ya Wanna Taste it”. It also became the theme song for the HBO series “Peacemaker” and has more than 40 million streams on Spotify.

The song they will be competing with now, “Human Fire,” was written and produced by the band themselves. The song is a tribute to everyone who dares to stand up for who they really are.