Sweden: Markus & Martinus were asked to participate in MGP but declined the offer!

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Melodifestivalen 2023 is underway and the third heat took place in Lidköping on Saturday with Norwegian duo Markus & Martinus and Paul Rey advancing to the Grand Final in Stockholm.

Sweden: Marcus & Martinus and Paul Rey are the two direct finalists of the Third Heat of Melodifestivalen 2023!

There have been a lot of comments online regarding the participation of Markus & Martinus at the Swedish national final, while they are currently second in the betting odds to win Melodifestivalen 2023. As they revealed in an interview at the Swedish Newspaper Expressen, they were asked to participate in Melodi Grand Prix 2023, the Norwegian national selection for Eurovision, but declined the offer, since they have already agreed to take part in the Swedish preselection.

The boys are based in Sweden over the last years while they also have a new PR and Management team, after signing with Universal Sweden.

Despite not being registered or born in Sweden, a prerequisite to participate in Melodifestivalen, they are able to participate in the show since the songwriters of their entry “Air” (Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Joy Deb and Linnea Deb) are all Swedish and co-wrote the song along with Marcus & Martinus.

The final of Melodifestivalen 2023 will take place on March 11th at Friends Arena in Stockholm.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates on the Swedish Eurovision entry and more!

Source: Expressen

Sweden: First insight into the numbers of the 4th Heat of Melodifestivalen 2023 | SVT Pre-Listening Event

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Melodifestivalen 2023 next show is on the forthcoming Saturday, February the 25th! The fourth heat of the national selection process of Sweden, will take place at Malmö Arena in Malmö.

What to expect

Back in 26th of February, almost 40 years ago, by just a day, Carola won Melodifestivalen 1983 with the song “Främling“. Now Carola celebrates by returning to where it all began to be a guest at Melodifestivalen on Saturday. She will perform the Swedish winning songs “Främling” (1983) by Lasse Holm and Monica Forsberg, “Fångad av en stormvind” (1991) written by Carola herself and Stephan Berg as well as “Evighet” (2006) written by Bobby Ljunggren, Carola, Henrik Wikström and Thomas G:son.  Forty years later, there are seven contestants, bidding to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to be held in Liverpool.

The Pre-listening Process

This year, we were invited to the pre-listening event that SVT holds every Tuesday at 10am CET, before each of the four heats of Melodifestivalen 2023, or as it is called “Förhandslyssningen deltävling 4“. Approximately 50 people, carefully selected by SVT are invited to listen the entire songs of each heat in the pre-listening events. So, we had the chance to listen to the entire running order of this week’s heat twice.

But how do the songs of this heat sound like?

The numbers

  1. Kiana – Where Did You Go
    The sixteen year old Kiana, debuts this year with “Where Did You Go” an absolute banger, that sounds quite familiar and is super radio friendly. It could also become Mello-friendly, with a proper staging. It kind of reminds me of “When Love Takes Over” by David Guetta/Kelly Rowland, but not too old. Rather a modernised version of it, maybe it reminds me a bit of Sigala sounds. I really need to see how this will be staged and if Kiana can pull great vocals and perform an intense choreography cause, seemingly, she will be joined by six dancers on stage. For me, she is on my top 5 list, sure thing! Maybe she will be on the Melodifestivalen 2023 top 5 too! Oh! And direct finalist for sure!
  2. Signe & Hjördis – Edelweiss
    Signe & Hjördis     sing “Edelweiss“, a Swedish kind-of folk song, sung entirely in Swedish. “Edelweiss” is the kind of song that might not appeal to everyone, but Swedes would love and vote for. I have seen this happening in the past and it would not surprise me it happened this Saturday with “Edelweiss” too. Also the song features a key change, the fans of this formula might love it, just for the key change! I have to see this staged, I’m not sure if this one will qualify to either the finals or the semi-final. Most likely not.
  3. Smash Into Pieces – Six Feet Under
    Third number of this week’s show, Smash Into Pieces‘ “Six Feet Under” is a pop rock song that reminds me of a hybrid of Evanescence‘s “Going Under” and The Rasmus‘ “Livin’ in a World Without You“. The hook is super-nice. This song could be staged in a clever way and qualify at least to the semi-finals, easily. I’m expecting a strong staging here and I would be let down if this doesn’t happen!

  4. Mariette – One Day
    Number four for this heat, Mariette with her song “One Day“. It gives me vibes of Cornelia Jacobs “Hold me Closer” and Atle Pettersen “Masterpiece” (the MGP number) but that doesn’t mean it is a blatant copy. It follows a similar formula, has chord progressions and also it’s an amazing production. In my opinion, that’s the most modern version of Mariette we have ever seen. Like, ever! That’s nothing like her past entries in my opinion. Do I see a heat winner here? I don’t think so, but it’s a nice song overall, maybe it qualifies to the semi-final!

  5. Emil Henrohn – Mera mera mera
    Emil Henrohn     (known by going viral with “Jag är mamma” on TikTok) sings “Mera mera mera” which is catchy and super fun and makes you wanna dance, even though it’s in Swedish and most of us international fans won’t understand much. It remains to be seen how this is going to be staged and how well the crowds will receive it at the general rehearsal and the live show on Saturday! If it is staged properly, it could be a semi-finalist. Could also be not!
  6. Axel Schylström – Gorgeous
    Axel is one of the writers of Theoz’ number “Mer Av Dig” and participates by himself too with the song “Gorgeous“. “Gorgeous” is a pop power ballad with strong choruses. Also has a vocoder part (remember how “Die Together” by Amanda Tenfjord starts?). Ends with a huge clap part! This is that kind of song that you will most likely make you hit the skip button. Would that make you tap on the heart and vote for it? I highly doubt it! For me that is a non-qualifier!
  7. Loreen – Tattoo
    Last (but not least) Melodifestivalen queen herself Loreen with the song “Tattoo“! Starts with a very distinctive lead synth that will get stuck into your heads and ethereal vocals by Loreen. The song gives out melancholic-joy vibes. It’s that kind of song that can make you feel sad and melancholic and nostalgic and a bit happy and a bit hopeful at the same time, it is very important that it can stimulate so many emotions at the same time. At least it did for me! There are synths, strings, there’s a build up, plus the vocals that Loreen always delivers! The song is very very strong! Don’t expect a Euphoria VOL2, cause it’s nothing like it and you will be disappointed. We cannot compare it with songs from a different decade, “Tattoo” is very 2025! It might have similar elements with Euphoria but Loreen does not repeat herself, so I personally don’t see the resemblance! It sounds more like “Neon Lights” but personally I like it more! However, it is crucial for me to see how this will be staged. It all depends on the staging, I hope it’s not too dark! Let’s see how this will be received by the Swedes, will they vote for her or will they not? I have seen this happen before (ding! ding! Statements). If she’s not the winner, she will be top two for sure.

My Prediction

This is by far the strongest heat of the tour! SVT has left most of the good part at the end!

Regarding this heat, it is clear for me that Loreen and Kiana are going to be the two direct qualifiers. As for the semi-finalists, this is quite uncertain, as it depends on many factors. A guess would be Smash Into Pieces, Mariette and maybe Emil Henrohn!

Now that we have a clear view of all the songs that have already qualified to the final and the semi-final shows, previously, I thought that this was going to be a game of three. But Kiana now enters the game! Third and fourth place most likely Maria Sur and Kiana respectively. And we might have a split screen between Loreen and the Norwegian duo Marcus & Martinus!

The dates of Melodifestivalen 2023

  • Heat 1: Göteborg – Saturday 4 February 2023 (Scandinavium)
  • Heat 2: Linköping – Saturday 11 February 2023 (Saab Arena)
  • Heat 3: Lidköping – Saturday 18 February 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)
  • Heat 4: Malmö – Saturday 25 February 2023 (Malmö Arena)
  • Semi-Final: Örnsköldsvik – Saturday 4 March 2023 (Hägglunds Arena)
  • Final: Stockholm – Satuday 11 March 2023 (Friends Arena)

Which two of the above artists do you think will be the direct qualifiers to the finals, on the 11th of March?

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2023 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2023!

Source/Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

Sweden: The lyrics of the songs competing at the fourth heat of Melodifestivalen 2023!

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Melodifestivalen 2023 next show is on the forthcoming Saturday, February the 25th! The fourth heat of the national selection process of Sweden, will take place at Malmö Arena in Malmö.

Back in 26th of February, almost 40 years ago, by just a day, Carola won Melodifestivalen 1983 with the song “Främling“. Now Carola celebrates by returning to where it all began to be a guest at Melodifestivalen on Saturday. She will perform the Swedish winning songs “Främling” (1983) by Lasse Holm and Monica Forsberg, “Fångad av en stormvind” (1991) written by Carola herself and Stephan Berg as well as “Evighet” (2006) written by Bobby Ljunggren, Carola, Henrik Wikström and Thomas G:son.  Fourty years later, there are seven contestants, bidding to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to be held in Liverpool.

A while ago, SVT, the Swedish national broadcaster released the lyrics of all seven competing songs, of the fourth heat.

You can read the lyrics of the fourth heat songs below:

  1. Kiana – Where Did You Go (Writers: Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Joy Deb, Linnea Deb)
    So many times I asked myself

    I need to know

    Where did you go?

    I felt so left out in the rain

    Come numb the pain

    Where did you go?

    I wanna know

    Everyday time I get lost in emotions

    I wish I could turn back time

    In my dreams I imagine that you’re still mine

    Under the stars

    That’s where I found you

    (I found you)

    Under the stars

    That’s where I found you

    (I found you)

    (I wanna know)

    Where did you go

    Where did you go

    Where did you go

    Where did you go?

    (I wanna know)

    Under the stars

    That’s where I found you

    Where did you go

    Where did you go

    Where did you go

    Where did you go?

    Oh oh oh oh oh

    Oh oh oh oh oh

    Where did you go

    Where did you go

    Where did you go

    Where did you go?

    Oh oh oh oh oh

    Oh oh oh oh oh

    A drive by the ocean

    With The Weeknd playin’ on the radio

    Where did you go?

    You and me were chasing dreams

    Oh boy you had me at hello

    So where did you go?

    In my dreams I imagine that you’re still mine

    Under the stars

    That’s where I found you

    (I found you)

    Under the stars

    That’s where I found you

    (I found you)

    I wanna know

    (I wanna know)

    Where did you go,

    Where did you go,

    Where did you go,

    Where did you go?

    Oh oh oh oh oh

    Oh oh oh oh oh

    Where did you go,

    Where did you go,

    Where did you go,

    Where did you go?

    I wanna know

    Under the stars

    (Where did you go, where did you go, where did you go, where did you go?)

    That’s where I found you

    (Oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh)

    Under the stars

    (Where did you go, where did you go, where did you go, where did you go?)

    That’s where I found you

    (Oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh)

    Where did you go

    Where did you go

    Where did you go?

  2. Signe & Hjördis – Edelweiss (Writers: Anderz Wrethov, Jimmy Jansson, Myra Granberg)
    När regnet öser ovanför

    Så tänker jag på dig

    Hur något vissnat inom dig

    Hur du inte hittat hem

    För jag vet, och jag ser

    Jag har alltid sett

    När du ler

    Finns det mer

    Inuti

    Men när vinden dansar över ängarna

    Så talar träden om hjältemod

    Hör grönskan spela över strängarna

    Låt dom sjunga om vår edelweiss

    Och när hoppet ekar över vidderna

    Ska blomster växa ur våra sår

    Vi skålar för dom gamla minnena

    Och sjunger om vår edelweiss

    Ett litet frö där inom dig

    Som aldrig fick slå rot

    Men tårarna ska rädda det

    Att växa och bli stort

    För jag vet, och jag ser

    Jag har alltid sett det

    När du ler

    Finns det mer

    Inuti

    Men när vinden dansar över ängarna

    Så talar träden om hjältemod

    Hör grönskan spela över strängarna

    Låt dom sjunga om vår edelweiss

    Och när hoppet ekar över vidderna

    Ska blomster växa ur våra sår

    Vi skålar för dom gamla minnena

    Och sjunger om vår edelweiss

    Säg mig om du inte längre tror

    Det är i mörkret som det finaste får gro

    Men när vinden dansar över ängarna

    Så talar träden om hjältemod

    Hör grönskan spela över strängarna

    Låt dom sjunga om vår edelweiss

    Och när hoppet ekar över vidderna

    Ska blomster växa ur våra sår

    Vi skålar för dom gamla minnena

    Och sjunger om vår edelweiss

    Och sjunger om vår edelweiss

  3. Smash Into Pieces – Six Feet Under (Writers: Andreas ”Giri” Lindbergh, Benjamin Jennebo, Chris Adam, Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Joy Deb, Linnea Deb, Per Bergquist)
    I’m six feet under

    Like I’m buried alive

    We’re so game over

    But we keep holding the line

    You fight me and I fight back

    And when you come back

    We get up and we do it again

    I’m turning to a shadow

    I can’t let go

    Though it’s wrong

    I don’t want it to end

    Better safe than sorry

    Better safe than sorry

    Felt so right now what are we?

    So turn it up, turn it up, turn it up

    We’re on the edge

    We’re miles apart

    And I’m six feet under

    Diggin’ down my heart

    We’re on the edge

    We keep falling down

    ’Til I’m six feet under

    Diggin’ down my heart

    ’Til I’m six feet under

    ’Til I’m six feet under

    ’Til I’m six feet under

    We’re in a maze now

    Playing arcade and I’m lost

    Counting our days now

    I’m in a straight jacket

    No matter the cost

    You fight me and I fight back

    And when you come back

    We get up and we do it again

    I’m turning to a shadow

    I can’t let go

    Though it’s wrong

    I don’t want it to end

    Better safe than sorry

    Better safe than sorry

    Felt so right, now what are we?

    So turn it up, turn it up, turn it up

    We’re on the edge

    We’re miles apart

    And I’m six feet under

    Diggin’ down my heart

    We’re on the edge

    We keep falling down

    ’Til I’m six feet under

    Diggin’ down my heart

    ’Til I’m six feet under

    ’Til I’m six feet under

    We’re on the edge

    We’re miles apart

    And I’m six feet under

    We’re on the edge

    We’re miles apart

    And I’m six feet under

    Diggin’ down my heart

    We’re on the edge

    We keep falling down

    (Keep falling down)

    ’Til I’m six feet under

    Diggin’ down my heart

    ’Til I’m six feet under

    ’Til I’m six feet under

    ’Til I’m six feet under

  4. Mariette – One Day (Writers: Jimmy Jansson, Thomas G:son, Mariette)
    I know that sometimes I’ve been lost

    But never try to hold me down

    I’m never givin’ up

    (Ain’t givin’ up)

    There’ll come a day that’s made for us

    I promise we’ll be standing there

    As the winners of our time

    One day we’ll ride out the storm

    We’re sailing with tomorrow in our hands

    And one day we’ll find our way home

    Another time, another place

    Somewhere there’s a promised land

    That’s waiting just for us

    (Just for us)

    Leave all your worries and regrets

    And forget about yesterday

    We’re heading for the skies

    If we get caught

    For who we are

    I take the fall

    One day we’ll ride out the storm

    We’re sailing with tomorrow in our hands

    And one day we’ll find our way home

    We’ll take the chance

    The power is our own

    What do you say

    (What do you say)

    So what do you say

    (So what do you say)

    We can be kings and queens

    Our dreams will be our throne

    Cos one day we’ll find our way home

    We’ll take the chance

    The power is our own

    We can make it

    We can make it

    We can make it

    We can make it

    One day we’ll ride out the storm

    We’re sailing with tomorrow in our hands

    Ooh, one day we’ll find our way home

    We’ll take the chance

    The power is our own

    What do you say

    (What do you say)

    So what do you say

    (So what do you say)

    We can be kings and queens

    Our dreams will be our throne

    What do you say

    (What do you say)

    So what do you say

    (So what do you say)

    We can be anything we wanna be

    You know

    Cos one day we’ll find our way home

    We’ll take the chance

    The power is our own

    I know that sometimes I’ve been lost

    But never try to hold me down

    I’m never givin’ up

  5. Emil Henrohn – Mera mera mera (Writers: Emil Henrohn, Jakob Redtzer, Ji Nilsson, Marlene Strand)
    Jag är som månens ljus i natten, stjärnor som glittrar

    Och mina andetag får luften här att vibrera

    Jag är fylld av en lust och längtan

    Större än en hel ocean

    Glöm att jag sitter här och väntar

    Jag har inget tålamod kvar

    Jag vill ha mer av allt

    Jag vill inte gå hem

    Vill inte sova nu

    Jag kan göra det sen

    Jag vill ha pink champagne

    Fyll upp glaset igen

    Så ge mig

    Mera mera mera

    Mera mera mera

    Come give me more

    Och ge mig lite till

    Glöm bort igår

    Betyder ingenting

    Vill bara dansa

    Natten lång till ”Gimme Gimme”

    Mera mera mera

    Mera mera mera

    Vi skapar nya minnen som vi aldrig ska glömma

    Jag vill att världen ska se ut som i mina drömmar

    Jag är fylld av en lust och längtan

    Större än en hel ocean

    Glöm att jag sitter här och väntar

    Jag har inget tålamod kvar

    Jag vill ha mer av allt

    Jag vill inte gå hem

    Vill inte sova nu

    Jag kan göra det sen

    Jag vill ha pink champagne

    Fyll upp glaset igen

    Så ge mig

    Mera mera mera

    Mera mera mera

    Come give me more

    Och ge mig lite till

    Glöm bort igår

    Betyder ingenting

    Vill bara dansa

    Natten lång till ”Gimme Gimme”

    Mera mera mera

    Mera mera mera

    Jag är fylld av en lust och längtan

    Glöm att jag sitter här och väntar

    Jag har inget tålamod kvar

    Jag vill ha mer av allt

    Jag vill inte gå hem

    Vill inte sova nu

    Jag kan göra det sen

    Jag vill ha pink champagne

    Fyll upp glaset igen

    Så ge mig

    Mera mera mera

    Mera mera mera

    Come give me more

    Och ge mig lite till

    Glöm bort igår

    Betyder ingenting

    Vill bara dansa

    Natten lång till ”Gimme Gimme”

    Mera mera mera

    Mera mera mera

    Så ge mig

    Mera mera mera

  6. Axel Schylström – Gorgeous (Writers: Axel Schylström, Herman Gardarfve, Jonas Thander, Malin Halvardsson)
    I don’t know what’s going on inside your mind

    Is there something I can say

    Something just to lead the way

    For you

    Why, why you keep on beating on yourself

    Is there something I can do

    Something more than being there

    For you

    You tell me that the voice inside your head

    Is killing you

    I’m losing count of all the times you said

    I’m not enough

    But don’t you dare talk to yourself like that

    You’re gorgeous

    So gorgeous

    Don’t you dare talk to yourself like that

    You’re gorgeous

    So gorgeous

    Come, hide away with me just for a while

    We can laugh til’ we forget

    We can smile until we get

    Through this

    Oh, you tell me that the voice inside your head

    Is killing you

    Oh, I’m losing count of all the times you said

    I’m not enough

    But don’t you dare talk to yourself like that

    You’re gorgeous

    So gorgeous

    No, don’t you dare talk to yourself like that

    You’re gorgeous

    So gorgeous

    Come, hide away with me just for a while

    Oh, you tell me that the voice inside your head

    Is killing you

    (Is killing you)

    Oh, I’m losing count of all the times you said

    I’m not enough

    (I’m not enough)

    Don’t you dare talk to yourself like that

    You’re gorgeous

    So gorgeous

    No, don’t you dare talk to yourself like that

    You’re gorgeous

    So gorgeous

    You’re gorgeous

    So gorgeous

    Don’t you dare talk to yourself like that

    You’re gorgeous

    So gorgeous

  7. Loreen – Tattoo (Writers: Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Jimmy Jansson, Loreen, Moa ”Cazzi Opeia” Carlebecker, Peter Boström, Thomas G:son)
    I don’t wanna go

    But baby we both know

    This is not our time

    It’s time to say goodbye

    Until we meet again

    Cus this is not the end

    It will come a day

    When we will find our way

    Violins playing and the angels crying

    When the stars align then I’ll be there

    No I don’t care about them all

    Cus all I want is to be loved

    And all I care about is you

    You stuck on me like a tattoo

    No I don’t care about the pain

    I’ll walk through fire and through rain

    Just to get closer to you

    You stuck on me like a tattoo

    I’m letting my hair down

    I’m taking it cool

    You got my heart in your hand

    Don’t lose it my friend

    It’s all that I got

    Violins playing and the angels crying

    When the stars align then I’ll be there

    No I don’t care about them all

    Cus all I want is to be loved

    And all I care about is you

    You stuck on me like a tattoo

    No I don’t care about the pain

    I’ll walk through fire and through rain

    Just to get closer to you

    You stuck on me like a tattoo

    Oh I don’t care about them all

    Cus all I want is to be loved

    And all I care about is you

    You stuck on me like a tattoo

    I don’t care about the pain

    I’ll walk through fire and through rain

    Just to get closer to you

    You stuck on me like a tattoo

    All I care about is love

    Oh oh oh

    All I care about is love

    You stuck on me like a tattoo

Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi will present Melodifestivalen 2023. The heats are following the touring concept again, after SVT had pulled back last year due to health restrictions in Sweden, with the finals being held at Friends Arena!

With the next show of the contest on Saturday February the 25th, Melodifestivalen will take place in Malmö, then Örnsköldsvik follows and finally the final show in Stockholm on the 11th of March.

The detailed schedule of Melodifestivalen 2023 is described below:

  • Heat 1: Göteborg – Saturday 4 February 2023 (Scandinavium)
  • Heat 2: Linköping – Saturday 11 February 2023 (Saab Arena)
  • Heat 3: Lidköping – Saturday 18 February 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)
  • Heat 4: Malmö – Saturday 25 February 2023 (Malmö Arena)
  • Semi-Final: Örnsköldsvik – Saturday 4 March 2023 (Hägglunds Arena)
  • Final: Stockholm – Satuday 11 March 2023 (Friends Arena)

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Sweden’s entry for Eurovision 2023!

Source/Photo: SVT

Sweden: Marcus & Martinus dethrone Loreen! | Melodifestivalen 2023 is a game of three, according to the odds!

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We are almost done with all the heats of Melodifestivalen 2023 and it’s just a day after the Fourth Heat, when Marcus & Martinus with the song “Air” won the first voting round and directly qualified to the finals.

The bets

Over the last few days, Maria Sur had managed to surpass Loreen in betting odds, as the latter was the absolute favourite even before Loreen’s song “Tattoo” got published. Loreen managed to overturn the betting odds a day after that happened.

It was always between them two, Marcus and Martinus were third and at a secure distance from the second place, where Maria Sur was. Things however happened quite fast, after the performance of Marcus & Martinus, who seem to have wowed not only the Swedish (and international) public who generously cast their vote by sending her directly in Stockholm and Friends Arena, to compete in the final of March the 11th, but also the betting companies, which now consider them to be the favourite to win and represent Sweden this year.

Loreen has now dropped (once more) to second place with odds starting at 2.58 and reaching 2.3. In third and fourth place we see Maria Sur and Jon Henrik Fjällgren, Arc North feat. Adam Woods respectively. Kiana is predicted to place fifth and Mariette sixth at the moment of writing.

The betting odds depend on many factors and as these factors are subject to changes anytime, the odds can still fluctuate, even last minute.

Let’s see what is going to happen, when we will get the chance to watch the actual shows live, on SVT and SVT Play. Of course at EurovisionFun you will get the chance to be informed about the results as soon as they are announced on TV!

Who do you thing will be selected to represent Sweden in Liverpool, this year?

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2023 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2023!

Source: Eurovision World

Sweden: Marcus & Martinus and Paul Rey are the two direct finalists of the Third Heat of Melodifestivalen 2023!

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Ninety minutes ago, the show for the Third Heat of Melodifestivalen 2023, started off on SVT and SVT Play. And we are here to share the results of the night with you!

The two numbers that qualify directly to the finals are Marcus & Martinus and Paul Rey which we will get to see perform their songs live, on the 11th of March, when the finals will take place at Friends Arena.

But how things developed during the night?

The show

Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi are presenting Melodifestivalen 2023. The heats are following the touring concept again, after SVT had pulled back last year due to health restrictions in Sweden, with the finals being held at Friends Arena! With the next show of the contest on Saturday February the 25th, Melodifestivalen will take place in Malmö then Örnsköldsvik will follow and finally the final show in Stockholm on the 11th of March.

Dolly Style performed their 2019 entry “Habibi“, with Farah also joining with a colourful wig.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

The numbers

  • Paul Rey – Royals

First up on stage, Paul Rey with his song “Royals”.

His song is a pop anthemic song, that doesn’t require any superb vocals, however, Paul delivers. He delivers voice, stage presence, some moves maybe and some fireworks in the process.

The staging is dark but features bright strobe lights and a led backdrop that shows words from the song lyrics, yellow rectangles, abstract art making Paul blend in with his jacket that is in black and white stripes. Dancers join him with a simple but powerful choreography.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Casanovas – Så kommer känslorna tillbaka

Next up, Casanovas with their song “Så kommer känslorna tillbaka”.

Their song is a typical Swedish schlager song, all five of them are on stage, each of them on a platform with spotlights all around. Vocally they’re all quite good I must admit.

Stagewise, there’s a backdrop video shown on the LED, initially shows their band name, reminding a Las Vegas sign in mainland US. The staging is nice and nostalgic of other times.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Melanie Wehbe – For The Show

Third on stage, it’s Melanie Wehbe with her song “For The Show”.

For the show is a mid-tempo power ballad, that you could easily listen to the radio, on your headphones while you’re on the move. Vocally she’s not that bad, but definitely could do much better. She pulled off the high note though, quite nicely and effortlessly.

Stage-wise, she is alone on stage, with a large light prop that at the end of her performance splits up into two pieces and the backdrop LED screen, showing octagon shapes, matching the prop. Quite simplistic but visually pleasing.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Nordman – Släpp alla sorger

Next up on stage, Nordman with their song “Släpp alla sorger”. Nordman have a powerful, pop, EDM with some folklore elements song, that reminds me of sound that I have listened in some Avicii songs. The song could have a crowd effect, but they are a bit static.

Regarding the staging, there’s a vulture at the back for starters, then there’s more birds, a scenery and more strobe lights and a green background.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Laurell – Sober

Now Laurell takes over the stage with her number, singing “Sober“.

After an SVT emergency meeting, the Canadian Laurel Barker had to change part of the lyrics of her song, so that she doesn’t mention a famous brand of vodka, as brands are not allowed to be promoted directly or indirectly by any of the performances.

Her signature Laurell Barker sound is now conquering the stage in Lidköping, with a nice uptempo and joyfull song, nice and spot-on vocals.

Stage-wise, there’s a galore of neon and colours, a video on the backdrop showing funky images, probably depicting how one feels when they’re high and delusional.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Ida-Lova – Låt hela stan se på

Next up on stage Ida-Lova  with the song “Låt hela stan se på“!

Now that’s a ballad entirely in Swedish, but full of sentiment that she puts through her eyes. Vocally she is impeccable. Nice high note there Ida, she did it!

Regarding the staging, it’s super simple but aesthetically pleasing. Nothing much is going on, either than herself performing and a large piece of fabric hanging off the stage ceiling. Many strobe lights that give room to more lights as she proceeds to the song.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Marcus & Martinus – Air

Last (but sure not least), the worldwide known duo Marcus & Martinus with their song “Air”.

This song is for me like the air that I’m breathing! I LOVE IT! I WANT IT! The song is a pop EDM banger, that one could vibe all day and night long! Both the guys are great vocally, except one tiny part of improvised adlibs. But other than that, this number is pure PERFECTION!

Stage-wise, I think it is a hybrid of Eric Saade’s “Every Minute” and last year’s entry “Bluffin” by LIAMOO, but in blue. The lights play an important role and make it even more visually pleasing, while the twins follow a light choreography with some contemporary dance moves.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

Afro-Dite were the performers before the announcement of the direct finalist!

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

The Direct Qualifiers

First voting round winner: Marcus & Martinus – Air
Second voting round winner:Paul Rey – Royals

Semi-Finalists

Second voting round 2nd place: Nordman – Släpp alla sorger
Second voting round 3rd place: Melanie Wehbe – For The Show

Second voting round results

Age-band 3-9 years old winner: Paul Rey – Royals

Age-band 10-15 years old winner: Paul Rey – Royals

Age-band 16-29 years old winner: Paul Rey – Royals

Age-band 30-44 years old winner: Paul Rey – Royals

Age-band 45-59 years old winner: Paul Rey – Royals

Age-band 60-74 years old winner: Nordman – Släpp alla sorger

Age-band 75+ years old winner: Paul Rey – Royals

Televoting winner: Nordman – Släpp alla sorger

See you next Saturday, after the third heat, when you will have the chance to be informed in detail about the results, as soon as they are announced on TV!

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2023 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2023!

Source: SVT
Photos: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

Sweden: The betting odds, just a few moments before the Third Melodifestivalen 2023 Heat results!

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Melodifestivalen 2023 Third Heat show will begin in a few moments, with the new competition and voting format in place and will be aired on SVT and SVT Play. Seven contestants will have to compete against each other tonight, in order to secure one of the direct finalist places, or if not directly qualifying to the finals, claiming their ticket for the fifth semi-final, as their last chance in the hopes of competing at the finals.

Tonight’s contestants

  1. Paul Rey – Royals
  2. Casanovas – Så kommer känslorna tillbaka
  3. Melanie Wehbe – For The Show
  4. Nordman – Släpp alla sorger
  5. Laurell – Sober
  6. Ida-Lova – Låt hela stan se på
  7. Marcus & Martinus – Air

The odds

The betting odds depend on many factors and as these factors are subject to changes anytime, the odds can still fluctuate, even last minute. Currently there seem to be two clear direct finalists and these are Marcus & Martinus and Paul Rey.

As for the two semi-final qualifiers, we might have quite a close combat between some of the artists. Currently, in the third and fourth place of the betting odds we have Nordman and Ida-Lova respectively.

Let’s see what is going to happen, we will get the chance to watch the actual heat live, on SVT and SVT Play and of course at EurovisionFun you will get the chance to be informed about the results as soon as they are announced on TV!

Which two of today’s competing artists do you think will be the direct finalists, that will be competing on the 11th of March, hoping to represent Sweden in Liverpool, this year?

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2023 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2023!

Source: Eurovision World

Sweden: Heat 3 of Melodifestivalen 2023 tonight!

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Melodifestivalen 2023 continues tonight, with the third heat of this year’s Swedish national selection. Four heats, one semi-final and the grand final will keep us company from today until March 11, when we will officially find out the representative of Sweden in Eurovision 2023.

In tonight’s third heat, seven entries claim the two tickets to the final, while two more entries will have the chance to compete in the semi-final on March 4th.

Participants

  1. Paul Rey – Royals
  2. Casanovas – Så kommer känslorna tillbaka
  3. Melanie Wehbe – For The Show
  4. Nordman – Släpp alla sorger
  5. Laurell – Sober
  6. Ida-Lova – Låt hela stan se på
  7. Marcus & Martinus – Air 

Finalists

From the first two heats, four artists have secured their presence in the grand final of the Swedish national selection. These artists are:

From the first two heats, four artists will claim through the semi-final their presence in the grand final of the Swedish national selection. These artists are:

Format

Two songs will directly qualify to the grand final of Melodifestivalen 2023, which will take place on the 11th of March. The songs that will place third and fourth will have to compete again, at the semi-final, held on the 4th of March. There will be four heats in total.

As we have already informed you, the voting system of Melodifestivalen has changed following the announced changes by EBU regarding the voting format in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool!

The broadcaster now scraps the group division at the fifth show, known as the semi-final and all eight contestants will now have to face each other. Points will be awarded from the viewing groups and the four entries with the highest points will advance to the final!

The dates of Melodifestivalen 2023

  • Heat 1: Göteborg – Saturday 4 February 2023 (Scandinavium)
  • Heat 2: Linköping – Saturday 11 February 2023 (Saab Arena)
  • Heat 3: Lidköping – Saturday 18 February 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)
  • Heat 4: Malmö – Saturday 25 February 2023 (Malmö Arena)
  • Semi-Final: Örnsköldsvik – Saturday 4 March 2023 (Hägglunds Arena)
  • Final: Stockholm – Satuday 11 March 2023 (Friends Arena)

Melodifestivalen 2023 is scheduled to take place between February 4th to March 11th and will be hosted by Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi.

The third heat of Melodifestivalen 2023 will start at 20:00 CET and will last one and a half hour. You can watch it through the SVT frequency by clicking HERE.

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2023 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2023!

Sweden: The general rehearsal of the Third Melodifestivalen 2023 Heat! (Live)

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The general rehearsal of the Third Melodifestivalen 2023 Heat has just started. We are happy to be watching it live, at

Sparbanken Arena in Lidköping, Sweden. We will be covering this rehearsal, describing in detail what is happening during the show, for you to follow the entire process.

This article is being updated in real-time, all you need to do is hit the refresh button on your browser and all the rest is on us!

We will keep you up to date with all the latest information and images off this semi-final rehearsal, allowing you to get a glimpse of what you will get to see tomorrow February 18, at 20:00 CET, when you watch the actual show of the heat, on SVT and SVT Play.

The show

Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi will present Melodifestivalen 2023. The heats are following the touring concept again, after SVT had pulled back last year due to health restrictions in Sweden, with the finals being held at Friends Arena! With the next show of the contest on Saturday February the 18th, Melodifestivalen will take place in Lidköping, then Malmö and Örnsköldsvik follow and finally the final show in Stockholm on the 11th of March.

Jesper and Farah are at the arena and everything is ready to begin! It’s time to face the music!

Initially they go through the direct finalists and the semi-finalists and then they show us this show’s contestants! 

Dolly Style now perform their song “Habibi“, past Melodifestivalen entry, with Farah joining them with a colourful wig. So funny!

The numbers

  • Paul Rey – Royals

First up on stage, Paul Rey with his song “Royals”.

His song is a pop anthemic song, that doesn’t require any superb vocals, however, Paul delivers. He delivers voice, stage presence, some moves maybe and some fireworks in the process.

The staging is dark but features bright strobe lights and a led backdrop that shows words from the song lyrics, yellow rectangles, abstract art making Paul blend in with his jacket that is in black and white stripes. Dancers join him with a simple but powerful choreography.

According to my personal taste, this would be a song that I would have on my daily playlist. But would that qualify directly to the finals? I think it’s highly unlikely. He’s gonna be a semi-finalist or a NQ most likely.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Casanovas – Så kommer känslorna tillbaka

Next up, Casanovas with their song “Så kommer känslorna tillbaka”.

Their song is a typical Swedish schlager song, all five of them are on stage, each of them on a platform with spotlights all around. Vocally they’re all quite good I must admit.

Stagewise, there’s a backdrop video shown on the LED, initially shows their band name, reminding a Las Vegas sign in mainland US. The staging is nice and nostalgic of other times. However I don’t see this qualifying either to the finals or the semi-final show.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Melanie Wehbe – For The Show

Third on stage, it’s Melanie Wehbe with her song “For The Show”.

For the show is a mid-tempo power ballad, that you could easily listen to the radio, on your headphones while you’re on the move. Vocally she’s not that bad, but definitely could do much better. She pulled off the high note though, quite nicely and effortlessly.

Stage-wise, she is alone on stage, with a large light prop that at the end of her performance splits up into two pieces and the backdrop LED screen, showing octagon shapes, matching the prop. Quite simplistic but visually pleasing.

Would she now qualify? Not to the finals, but maybe to the semi? Who knows!

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Nordman – Släpp alla sorger

Next up on stage, Nordman with their song “Släpp alla sorger”. Nordman have a powerful, pop, EDM with some folklore elements song, that reminds me of sound that I have listened in some Avicii songs. The song could have a crowd effect, but they are a bit static.

Regarding the staging, there’s a vulture at the back for starters, then there’s more birds, a scenery and more strobe lights and a green background. As a whole, this performance looks powerful and gives me DTF vibes. Let’s see.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Laurell – Sober

Now Laurell takes over the stage with her number, singing “Sober“.

After an SVT emergency meeting, the Canadian Laurel Barker had to change part of the lyrics of her song, so that she doesn’t mention a famous brand of vodka, as brands are not allowed to be promoted directly or indirectly by any of the performances.

Her signature Laurell Barker sound is now conquering the stage in Lidköping, with a nice uptempo and joyfull song, nice and spot-on vocals.

Stage-wise, there’s a galore of neon and colours, a video on the backdrop showing funky images, probably depicting how one feels when they’re high and delusional.

Now would she qualify? Sadly, I don’t think so. Next time, cause there will be a next time. Once you pop, you can’t stop with mello. 😉

Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Ida-Lova – Låt hela stan se på

Next up on stage Ida-Lova  with the song “Låt hela stan se på“!

Now that’s a ballad entirely in Swedish, but full of sentiment that she puts through her eyes. Vocally she is impeccable. Nice high note there Ida, she did it!

Regarding the staging, it’s super simple but aesthetically pleasing. Nothing much is going on, either than herself performing and a large piece of fabric hanging off the stage ceiling. Many strobe lights that give room to more lights as she proceeds to the song.

Maybe this one qualifies to the semi-final, the crowd really enjoyed it and gave it a big round of applause.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Marcus & Martinus – Air

Last (but sure not least), the worldwide known duo Marcus & Martinus with their song “Air”.

This song is for me like the air that I’m breathing! I LOVE IT! I WANT IT! The song is a pop EDM banger, that one could vibe all day and night long! Both the guys are great vocally, except one tiny part of improvised adlibs. But other than that, this number is pure PERFECTION!

Stage-wise, I think it is a hybrid of Eric Saade’s “Every Minute” and last year’s entry “Bluffin” by LIAMOO, but in blue. The lights play an important role and make it even more visually pleasing, while the twins follow a light choreography with some contemporary dance moves.

This is definitely a DTF number! If this doesn’t qualify to the finals, it would be very very strange! A big contender for the win (at least till next heat in Malmö, when Loreen participates).

Alma Bengtsson / SVT

After all the performances are complete, the presenters interview the contestants and after that there’s a recap of all the numbers of the show, as usual. Afro-Dite were the performers before the announcement of the direct finalist!

The first voting round

The virtual direct qualifier to the finals is: Casanovas – Så kommer känslorna tillbaka

Second voting round

Virtual winner of the age-band 3-9 years old is: Nordman – Släpp alla sorger

Virtual winner of the age-band 10-15 years old is: Marcus & Martinus – Air

Virtual winner of the age-band 16-29 years old is: Paul Rey – Royals

Virtual winner of the age-band 30-44 years old is: Melanie Wehbe – For The Show

Virtual winner of the age-band 45-59 years old is: Laurell – Sober

Virtual winner of the age-band 60-74 years old is: Nordman – Släpp alla sorger

Virtual winner of the age-band 75+ years old is: Marcus & Martinus – Air

Virtual winner of the televoting is: Paul Rey – Royals

A prediction

I believe that Marcus & Martinus and Nordman  will directly qualify to the finals. For the semi-final qualifiers, it will probably be Paul Rey, Melanie Wehbe or Ida-Lova (these are in random order). There’s only one day left, we’re less than 24 hours away from the actual show!

Which two of today’s competing artists do you think will be the direct qualifiers to the finals, on the 11th of March?

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2023 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2023!

Source: SVT
Photos: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

Sweden: Watch clips from the rehearsals of the third Melodifestivalen 2023 heat!

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As usual, a few hours before each Melodifestivalen heat, SVT published the rehearsal clips of all seven competing artists of the third heat of February the 18th, taking place in Lidköping.

A while ago, the first 30 third rehearsal clips of the upcoming heat got published! You can watch the published clips, by clicking on the song title links below:

  1. Paul Rey – Royals
  2. Casanovas – Så kommer känslorna tillbaka
  3. Melanie Wehbe – For The Show
  4. Nordman – Släpp alla sorger
  5. Laurell – Sober
  6. Ida-Lova – Låt hela stan se på
  7. Marcus & Martinus – Air

The lyrics of the songs are already published and you can have a look in more detail, in our corresponding article.

The process

Two songs will directly qualify to the grand final of Melodifestivalen 2023, which will take place on the 11th of March. The songs that will place third and fourth will have to compete again, at the fifth semi-final, held on the 4th of March. There will be four heats in total.

As we have already informed you, the voting system of Melodifestivalen has changed following the announced changes by EBU regarding the voting format in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool!

The broadcaster now scraps the group division at the fifth show, known as the semi-final and all eight contestants will now have to face each other. Points will be awarded from the viewing groups and the four entries with the highest points will advance to the final!

The dates of Melodifestivalen 2023

  • Heat 1: Göteborg – Saturday 4 February 2023 (Scandinavium)
  • Heat 2: Linköping – Saturday 11 February 2023 (Saab Arena)
  • Heat 3: Lidköping – Saturday 18 February 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)
  • Heat 4: Malmö – Saturday 25 February 2023 (Malmö Arena)
  • Semi-Final: Örnsköldsvik – Saturday 4 March 2023 (Hägglunds Arena)
  • Final: Stockholm – Satuday 11 March 2023 (Friends Arena)

Which two of the above artists do you think will be the direct qualifiers to the finals, on the 11th of March?

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2023 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2023!

Source/Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

Sweden: Listen to the song snippets of the third heat of Melodifestivalen 2023!

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As usual, a couple of days before each Melodifestivalen heat, SVT publishes snippets of all seven competing songs of the heat. A while ago, the song snippets of the third heat got released.

The competing songs of the third heat:

  1. Paul Rey – Royals CLICK TO LISTEN
  2. Casanovas – Så kommer känslorna tillbaka CLICK TO LISTEN
  3. Melanie Wehbe – For The Show CLICK TO LISTEN
  4. Nordman – Släpp alla sorger CLICK TO LISTEN
  5. Laurell – Sober CLICK TO LISTEN
  6. Ida-Lova – Låt hela stan se på CLICK TO LISTEN
  7. Marcus & Martinus – Air CLICK TO LISTEN

In the meantime, you can read through the lyrics of all seven competing songs of this heat in our previous article.

The process

Two songs will directly qualify to the grand final of Melodifestivalen 2023, which will take place on the 11th of March. The songs that will place third and fourth will have to compete again, at the fifth semi-final, held on the 4th of March. There will be four heats in total.

As we have already informed you, the voting system of Melodifestivalen has changed following the announced changes by EBU regarding the voting format in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool!

The broadcaster now scraps the group division at the fifth show, known as the semi-final and all eight contestants will now have to face each other. Points will be awarded from the viewing groups and the four entries with the highest points will advance to the final!

The dates of Melodifestivalen 2023

  • Heat 1: Göteborg – Saturday 4 February 2023 (Scandinavium)
  • Heat 2: Linköping – Saturday 11 February 2023 (Saab Arena)
  • Heat 3: Lidköping – Saturday 18 February 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)
  • Heat 4: Malmö – Saturday 25 February 2023 (Malmö Arena)
  • Semi-Final: Örnsköldsvik – Saturday 4 March 2023 (Hägglunds Arena)
  • Final: Stockholm – Satuday 11 March 2023 (Friends Arena)

Which two of the above artists do you think will be the direct qualifiers to the finals, on the 11th of March?