The Norwegian participating broadcaster, Norsk rikskringkasting (NRK), selected its entry through the Melodi Grand Prix 1981.

Norsk rikskringkasting (NRK) held the Melodi Grand Prix 1981 at its studios in Oslo, hosted by Sverre Kjelsberg who represented Norway in 1980.

Ten songs took part in the final, with the winner chosen by a 9-member jury, two of whose members were Ellen Nikolaysen, who represented Norway in 1973 (as a member of the Bendik Singers) and 1975, and Anita Skorgan, who represented Norway in 1979, who awarded 10 points to their favourite song down to 1 point to the least-liked.

[1] On the night of the final Kalvik performed 13th in the running order, following Ireland and preceding the United Kingdom – in one of Eurovision's stranger coincidences, this was to be the first of six consecutive contests in which Norway was drawn to perform immediately before the United Kingdom.

"Aldri i livet" got totally lost, and at the close of voting had failed register any score, giving Norway a second nul-points in four contests and a sixth time at the foot of the scoreboard.