Norwegian media reports that Eurovision 2009 winner Alexander Rybak may be competing in Melodi Grand Prix 2026.
Speculation is rife that Alexander Rybak may be among the acts competing in Melodi Grand Prix 2026 to represent Norway at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. The singer, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009 and competed in Eurovision 2018, where he placed 15th, has sparked speculation following a social media post.
The singer announced on Instagram that he will be celebrating the new year with a new album and “Get ready 2026 (coming January 19)”. January 19, while being confirmed as the album release date, is also the day that NRK will reveal the acts competing in Melodi Grand Prix 2026.
Alexander Rybak has not commented on the speculation, while Music Manager for Melodi Grand Prix, Tarjei Strøm, told TV2 in a statement that:
“We don’t comment on artist rumors before the launch, but it’s clear that the rumor mill is already well underway – and I think that’s great fun. We have a wonderful mix of artists that we have been working with for several months now, and that we are very proud of. It’s just a matter of speculating further and really starting to enjoy.”
This year’s edition of Melodi Grand Prix, the Norwegian national selection for Eurovision, will take place on February 28 at Håkons Hall in Lillehammer and will feature ten finalists. Nine out of the ten artists have already been chosen, and they will be announced on January 19. The tenth and final finalist will be decided through a radio duel between eight artists, where the audience will vote for their favorite. This tenth finalist will be chosen on January 26, and the songs will also be released on that date.
Kyle Alessandro represented Norway at Eurovision 2025 with “Lighter”. He finished 18th in the final, scoring 89 points. Norway were 23rd with the jury, receiving 22 points, and 12th with the public, receiving 67 points.
Image source: Alexander Rybak | Source: TV2
Norway debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960 and have won the contest three times; in 1985, 1995 and 2009. The country has the dubious record of finishing last the most times, twelve in total, and have received nul points four times. Norway last won the contest in 2009, when Alexander Rybak broke all records with his song “Fairytale”. He scored 387 points in the final, receiving 16 sets of 12 points and scoring points from every country.
