OSLO – Kyle Alessandro will represent Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland on May 17th, the country’s Constitution Day. Alessandro won the Melodi Grand Prix, Norway's national selection competition, held at Oslo Spektrum arena on Saturday. His winning song, "Lighter," is a powerful ballad dedicated to his mother’s successful battle against cancer.

“We shall win Eurovision, mark my words,” Alessandro declared after his victory. “I speak four languages, so we’ll mobilize all of Europe.” Despite his confidence, oddsmakers currently place Norway 26th out of the 37 participating countries. Some reviewers even labeled Norway’s entries as “søppel” (trash), but the negative feedback didn’t dampen the celebratory atmosphere at the Oslo Spektrum.

Alessandro’s performance resonated with both the international juries and the public. He garnered top scores from juries in Denmark, Georgia, Luxembourg, Finland, Iceland, Croatia, Australia, Sweden, and the UK, amassing a total of 307 points (118 from the juries and 189 from public votes). He significantly outscored his competitors, finishing 117 points ahead of runner-up Nataleen and 142 points ahead of third-place winner Bobbysocks, the duo who famously won Eurovision for Norway in 1985 with “La det swinge.” Only the Ukrainian jury awarded their top score to Nataleen.

Nataleen (Madeleine Nataleen Tverberg) impressed with her vocal strength and her self-penned song, “The Game,” co-written with Starlab. Bobbysocks’ performance of “Joyful” also evoked nostalgia and enthusiasm. However, it was Alessandro’s “Lighter” and its poignant message of overcoming adversity that captured the hearts of voters. His stage costume, resembling a suit of armor, was a tribute to his mother’s strength. “It helped me to create the energy for my mamma,” he told NRK. “She’s shown a warrior’s soul through her entire ordeal.”

Alessandro is no stranger to the Eurovision scene. He previously competed in the 2023 Melodi Grand Prix as part of the group Unami Tsunami. A musician since childhood, he participated in the TV2 program "Norske Talenter" at the age of 10. His musical influences range from South American and Japanese styles to Norwegian folk music.

This year’s Melodi Grand Prix was a streamlined version of previous competitions, foregoing the usual semi-finals held across the country. The final featured nine contestants, a smaller number than usual due to two withdrawals, including former child star Angelina Jordan, who now faces compensation claims from NRK.

The evening also included a special tribute to renowned Norwegian songwriter Rolf Løvland, the composer behind Eurovision winners “La det swinge” and “Nocturne,” as well as the popular anthem “You raise me up.” Norwegian artists Sissel Kyrkjebø, Reidun Sæther, Marcus og Martinus, and Kim Wigaard performed versions of his celebrated compositions.

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