Melodi Grand Prix is an annual Norwegian music competition organized by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation. A selection of original songs participates in the competition, and the winner will represent Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest. Melodi Grand Prix is one of Norway's longest-running television programs, and the first edition was broadcast in 1960. Since then, the competition has been held every year, with three exceptions: In 1970, when NRK boycotted the Eurovision Song Contest; in 1991, when NRK canceled the competition; and in 2002, when Norway did not qualify for the Eurovision Song Contest. Melodi Grand Prix, abbreviated MGP, is the official name of the Norwegian competition. In everyday speech, however, Melodi Grand Prix and Grand Prix about the Eurovision Song Contest are often used as well.
