Norway 2023: Alessandra Mele with ‘Queen of Kings’

A convincing victory in the end for Alessandra and SHE will now take flight to Liverpool with her viral entry:

This isn’t something I had massively on my radar heading into mgp (much better option than Ulrikke fwiw) but I can see the appeal. It’s a catchy song with a strong structure and hook. Alessandra isn’t the finished article as a performer but I like her and she brings plenty of charisma to this.

That this is flying high on spotify is of course an unpredictable but key factor in judging the outcome here. Does this slip away before gaining much more traction, peak at new heights too early or break through even further into the mainstream just in time for Liverpool? The first two seem more likely but it will be something to have an eye on throughout the year. In any case, it shows that there is a receptive audience and it will be well received by televoters. A top 10 of some variety looks very likely.

Yet again it’s an entry in the field (and there’s plenty more floating around favoured to be selected) that traditionally would appeal less to the juries. Traditionally, international juries in these selection shows would also have something safer, more polished and more boring ahead of it too however. Seeing the result in mgp, I’d put her capable of making a jury top 10 but probably not a top 5.

Either way, Alessandra will certainly benefit from having a while to perfect this as there are some vocally dodgy moments scattered throughout. Her passion is infectious but needs to be refined a little. Staging in general is something NRK should be looking at and a carbon copy is not advised. There are more levels to be reached before becoming too kitsch and these should be explored.

If the producers don’t want to make the ‘We Are One’ pun wth Ireland going first this could also open semi 1. Wherever it is placed, this should be a lock for qualification. Overall and remembering this is a much reduced field, I’d guess something up to 130pts from the juries and up to 180pts from the televote for now placing it in the top 10 but short of the e/w spots and win. 20-1 outright is too short particularly with lots of televote potential around but of course factors in the viral question and the fear if nothing else surrounding that.

Norway continue on the right track but I don’t think this has that necessary spark to really give them a run at the title.

Personal Rating: 8/10 Competitive Rating: 8/10 Early Prediction: Semi One 3rd-6th, Final 6th-10th