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Only Norwegian songwriters allowed
Norway: Over 350 songs for MGP 2009
The national finals were a great public success in Norway in 2008, and 8 out of 10 viewers tuned in to see Maria clear her way to a 5th place in Belgrade. This is the best audience for the Eurovision Song Contest in Norway since 1999 and the contest is also the most watched programme of the year.
NRK, the Norwegian broadcaster, says it is hoping MGP will be a forum for songwriters to improve themselves both on domestic and international level and has therefore allowed participation only from Norwegian songwriters. This means they have to either have Norwegian citizenship or have a permanent Norwegian residence. A co-operation with foreign songwriters is allowed, but the at least 50% of the team must still be Norwegian.
All of the 18 songs taking part in MGP 2009 will once again be released on a CD by Universal Music.
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if it wasn't for the eastern mafia Norway would have won
well it's kind of hard to win when the other countries in the rack has 10 formers to vote for them for sure with either 10 or 12
All countries should just let citizens, both songwriters and performers represent!
Hold on... was defenitely best song of the whole contest, together with Portugal. Met Maria in London, and she was absolutely fab. Saw her every time I went for a smoke (quite often...) standing there with a drink and a siggie in her hand... So friendly, down to earth, beautiful... If only she would have represented Russia, I could have accepted the fact that they won, now...I'm still very dissapointed. Good point is also that Norway only allows Norwegian songwriters...well done
Good luck!
I hope there will be a song like Andagassi again!
Well I didn't like Norwegian song before i got to Belgrade, but when I heard it over and over and OVER again, it kind of grow in me... And I think last days in Belgrade I was singing all day and night "Hold on, be strong" hehehe.
Like Portugese song, I really needed time to love this one, and now it is one of my favorite...
I'm really looking forward to MGP !!!
Maria was my favourite this year too. Deservedly top 5. Maybe should have done even better. I would appreciate a song like hers to win the contest. Charming, simple, no overstrained choreography...
I look forward to the MGP.
Fan since 1976, I agree. Maria is a great singer and I think "Hold on be strong" was the best of the Top 5 songs 
Throughly enjoyed watching the Norsk MGP this year and eagerly look forward to doing so again. Excellent shows, excellent (and sexy!) winner, excellent result, what more needs to be said? Norway set an example last year that the UK should follow.
Whoever follows Maria will have it very hard!
I'm really looking forward to MGP as Norway is one of my favourites countries ever (Christine Guldbrandsen, Maria Haukaas Storeng, Jostein Hasselgard...) and I am sure they will send another song that I love.
Maria was robbed the victory this year. Her song was great and she was by far the best singer in the Top5.
I can't wait, i'm glad to see western countries are starting to have a new attitude towards the contest if you know what I mean. Norway is getting really involved, we have a seirous selection, and Iceland, Denmark & Finland have already confirmed the format of their national finals 
Good luck to Norway, (for all we know, the winner of the ESC 2009 could have already been written and listened to by the MGP organisers 
)
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