Sweden: Maria Sur is now the big favorite to win Melodifestivalen 2023! | Loreen drops to second place, according to the odds!

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We are halfway through the Melodifestivalen 2023 shows and not long after the Second Heat, when Maria Sur with the song “Never Give Up” won the first voting round and directly qualified to the finals.

The bets

Over the last few days, Maria Sur was struggling to surpass Loreen in betting odds, as the latter was the absolute favourite even before Loreen’s song “Tattoo” got published. But this seems to just have come to an end.

A few moments ago, Maria Sur, the Ukrainian contestant of this year’s Melodifestivalen, seems to have impressed not only the Swedish 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 her the first favorite to win and represent Sweden this year.

Loreen has now dropped to second place with odds starting at 2.5 and reaching 2.3. In third and fourth place we see Jon Henrik Fjällgren, Arc North feat. Adam Woods and Marcus & Martinus respectively. Kiana is predicted to place fifth and Tone Sekelius sixth.

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

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Melodifestivalen 2023 next show is on the forthcoming Saturday, February the 18th! The third heat of the national selection process of Sweden, will take place at Sparbanken Arena in Lidköping.

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

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

  1. Paul Rey – Royals (Writers: Dino Medanhodzic, Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, LIAMOO, Paul Rey)
    The city sleepsIt’s calling for me

    I come alive in the nighttime

    Out in the streets

    For centuries

    We’ve been down on our knees

    But together we’ll rise up

    Just wait and see

    Oooh

    Flashes in the sky

    Can you see it?

    Thunder in the night

    Can you feel it?

    Coming for the crown

    Cause I believe

    (I believe)

    We can be royals

    We can be legends

    If I was king for a day

    I would treat you royally

    We can be royals

    We can be rebels

    We can go anywhere in the world

    You and me

    You and me

    We can be

    Royals! Royals!

    We can be

    Royals! Royals!

    We can go anywhere in the world

    You and me

    Royals! Royals!

    Finally free

    World at my feet

    I’ll climb any mountain

    I’ll cross any sea

    Oooh

    Flashes in the sky

    Can you see it?

    Thunder in the night

    Can you feel it?

    Coming for the crown

    Cause I believe

    (I believe)

    We can be royals

    We can be legends

    If I was king for a day

    I would treat you royally

    We can be royals

    We can be rebels

    We can go anywhere in the world

    You and me

    You and me

    We can be

    Royals! Royals!

    We can be

    Royals! Royals!

    We can go anywhere in the world

    You and me

    Royals

    Oooh

    We can be royals

    Royals

    Oooh

    We can be royals

    We can be legends

    If I was king for a day

    I would treat you royally

    Royally

    Royally

    We can be

    Royals! Royals!

  2. Casanovas – Så kommer känslorna tillbaka (Writers: Henrik Sethsson, Mikael Karlsson)
    Du vannMen det va nog ganska längesen

    Jag kommer inte ihåg

    Alla ord vi sa till varandra en gång

    Men du hann

    Lämna spår bakom dig i min själ

    Som finns där någonstans

    Oh jag undrar om jag kommer i hamn

    Dag efter dag

    Jag blir säkrare nu

    Det måste väl finnas nån annan än du

    Jag lever nu

    Men så kommer känslorna tillbaka

    Innan jag har hunnit läka sår

    Jag vill bara stanna här o vara

    Nära dig, om jag får

    Ingen annan fångar när jag faller

    Ingen annan frågar hur jag mår

    Livet blir som stjärnor och kristaller

    Vet att ingen kan förstå

    Den jag va

    Har fått lämna plats för en charad

    För när du går förbi

    Så står jag där med ångest igen

    Dag efter dag

    Jag blir säkrare nu

    Det måste väl finnas nån annan än du

    Jag lever nu

    Men så kommer känslorna tillbaka

    Innan jag har hunnit läka sår

    Jag vill bara stanna här och vara

    Nära dig, om jag får

    Ingen annan fångar när jag faller

    Ingen annan frågar hur jag mår

    Livet blir som stjärnor och kristaller

    Vet att ingen kan förstå

    Vill ha kvar

    Alla stunderna som var

    När du går ifrån mig sakta

    Är det kärleken du tar

    Men så kommer känslorna tillbaka

    Innan jag har hunnit läka sår

    Jag vill bara stanna här och vara

    Nära dig, om jag får

    Ingen annan fångar när jag faller

    Ingen annan frågar hur jag mår

    Livet blir som stjärnor och kristaller

    Vet att ingen kan förstå

    Livet blir som stjärnor och kristaller

    Vet att ingen kan förstå

    Men så kommer känslorna tillbaka

  3. Melanie Wehbe – For The Show (Writers: David Lindgren Zacharias, Herman Gardarfve, Melanie Wehbe)
    Too many times awake in my bedMillions of thoughts are eating my head

    Let go

    Just let go

    All of my life I’ve been trying to fit in

    No matter what I wasn’t able to win

    I know

    I know

    Is this what you wanted?

    Careful where you go

    Look what we are

    doing, doing, doing

    Just for the show

    Barefoot, poor and broken

    In your heart you know

    Look what we are

    doing, doing, doing

    Just for the show

    You shouldn’t be mad of the mirror you see

    Nobody’s perfect that’s perfection to me

    Let go

    Just let go

    Enough is enough so

    It’s time we’re letting our colors glow

    Cause I know

    Yeah I know

    Is this what you wanted?

    Careful where you go

    Look what we are

    doing, doing, doing

    Just for the show

    Barefoot, poor and broken

    In your heart you know

    Look what we are

    doing, doing, doing

    Just for the show

    Only you know (doing, doing, doing oh)

    Only you know (doing, doing oh)

    When to let go (doing, doing, doing oh)

    When to let go (doing, doing)

    Is this what you wanted?

    Careful where you go

    Look what we are

    doing, doing, doing

    Just for the show

    Is this what you wanted?

    Careful where you go

    Look what we are

    doing, doing, doing

    Just for the show

    Barefoot, poor and broken

    In your heart you know

    Look what we are

    doing, doing, doing

    Just for the show

    Only you know (doing, doing, doing oh)

    Only you know (doing, doing oh)

    When to let go (doing, doing, doing oh)

    When to let go (doing, doing)

    Is this what you wanted?

  4. Nordman – Släpp alla sorger (Writers: Jimmy Jansson, Thomas G:son)
    Jag gick vilse på min vägJag trodde jag skulle gå under

    Så många minor på min färd

    Men jag står kvar ändå

    Finns ingenting jag

    Ångrar, ångrar

    Finns mycket mer att

    Fånga, fånga

    Så, släpp alla sorger

    Vi går vidare

    Låt det vackra va’ det som gör dig svag

    Ja, släpp alla sorger

    Vi går vidare

    Jag lovar dig, från och med idag

    Finns inga sorger kvar

    Allt jag gjorde gick så fel

    Allting brast och jag gick sönder

    Men jag hitta’ dig och jag blev hel

    Nu står jag här ändå

    Finns ingenting jag

    Ångrar, ångrar

    Finns mycket mer att

    Fånga, fånga

    Så, släpp alla sorger

    Vi går vidare

    Låt det vackra va’ det som gör dig svag

    Ja, släpp alla sorger

    Vi går vidare

    Jag lovar dig, från och med idag

    Finns inga sorger kvar

    Finns inga sorger kvar

    Dimmorna har skingrats

    På vägen där jag går

    Vill inte dit igen

    Aldrig tillbaks igen

    Så, släpp alla sorger

    Vi går vidare

    Låt det vackra va’ det som gör dig svag

    Ja, släpp alla sorger

    Vi går vidare

    Jag lovar dig, från och med idag

    Släpp alla sorger

    Vi går vidare

    Låt det vackra va’ det som gör dig svag

    Ja, släpp alla sorger

    Vi går vidare

    Jag lovar dig, från och med idag

    Finns inga sorger kvar

  5. Laurell – Sober (Writers: Anderz Wrethov, Andreas Stone Johansson, Laurell Barker, Thomas Stengaard)
    Work 2 jobs: 9 to 55 to 10 then I close my eyes

    And realize

    Oh my god I need a life

    Friday comes switching gear

    In a club where I just can’t hear

    Then you appear

    With your smoky atmosphere

    I was bouncin’ with my homies

    Twistin’ up the rollies

    Linin’ up the grey goose yeah

    I ain’t even started drinkin’

    I’m already trippin’

    On ya

    I’m la la lightin’ up here like

    I’m gonna go all night

    Floatin’ on champagne skies

    I’m hi-hi-high

    when I’m sober

    Feel so fly

    No gummy got that vibe

    Oh you the reason why

    I’m hi-hi-high

    when I’m sober

    High when I’m sober

    I’m hi-igh

    When I’m sober

    Feel so fly

    No gummy got that vibe

    Oh you the reason why

    I’m hi-hi-high

    when I’m sober

    Sippin’ on all that love

    Thirsty but I don’t need no drug

    You got a buzz

    And I – and I can’t get enough

    Sign me up, double A

    Goin’ straight edge baby you make me

    Hallucinate

    Nah the hooch can’t top ya babe

    I was bouncin’ with my homies

    Twistin’ up the rollies

    Linin’ up the grey goose yeah

    I ain’t even started drinkin’

    I’m already trippin’

    On ya

    I’m la la lightin’ up here like

    I’m gonna go all night

    Floatin’ on champagne skies

    I’m hi-hi-high when I’m sober

    Feel so fly

    No gummy got that vibe

    Oh you the reason why

    I’m hi-hi-high when I’m sober

    High when I’m sober

    I’m hi-igh

    When I’m sober

    Feel so fly

    No gummy got that vibe

    Oh you the reason why

    I’m hi-hi-high when I’m sober

    Sober, sober

    (You get me high)

    When I’m sober, sober

    (You get me so high)

    Sober, sober

    (Oh-oh you get me so high when I’m sober)

    I’m la la lightin’ up here like

    I’m gonna go all night

    Floatin’ on champagne skies

    I’m la la lightin’ up here like

    I’m gonna go all night

    Floatin’ on champagne skies

    I’m hi-hi-high when I’m sober

    Feel so fly

    No gummy got that vibe

    Oh you the reason why

    I’m hi-hi-high when I’m sober

    Sober, sober

    (You get me high)

    Oh you the reason why

    I’m hi-hi-high when I’m sober

  6. Ida-Lova – Låt hela stan se på (Writers: Andreas ”Giri” Lindbergh, Ida-Lova Lind, Joy Deb, Linnea Deb)
    Oo-o-o-o-o-o-ohOo-o-o-o-o-o-oh

    Alla frågar vem man är

    Är det någon ens som vet

    Kanske du är lost som jag

    Kan vi inte vara dom barn vi är idag

    En sorglös kväll på Mosebacke Torg

    Helt utan krav

    Ett öppet hav

    Vi släpper allt vi river ner vår borg

    Stannar kvar

    Litet tag

    Hela staden lyser för vår skull

    Vi skriker allt vi kan

    Nu räddar vi varann

    Och vi ska dansa sönder all vår ångest

    Göra det vi kan bäst

    Vi lever så vi dör

    Låt hela stan se på-å-å-å

    Låt hela stan se på-å-å-å-å

    I en djungel av betong

    Kan ingen tysta ned vår sång

    I en svartvit värld är vi all färg

    Varmt och kallt

    Vi är allt

    Hela staden lyser för vår skull

    Vi skriker allt vi kan

    Nu räddar vi varann

    Och vi ska dansa sönder all vår ångest

    Göra det vi kan bäst

    Vi lever så vi dör

    Låt hela stan se på-å-å-å-å-å

    Låt hela stan se på – aa-a-a-ah

    Och vi ska dansa sönder all vår ångest

    Göra det vi kan bäst

    Vi lever så vi dör

    Låt hela stan se på-å-å-å-å-å-å

    Oo-o-o-o-o-o-oh

  7. Marcus & Martinus – Air (Writers: Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Joy Deb, Linnea Deb, Marcus Gunnarsen, Martinus Gunnarsen)
    You’re just like the oceanI’ve got a million emotions

    I’m breathing underwater

    You’re love is deeper than no other

    We go higher and higher

    Keep flying and flying

    We crash and we burn

    We keep trying and trying

    We’re higher and higher

    Fight fire with fire

    We’ll never give up

    long as we got each other

    Cuz when I’m with you I need no air

    Take my breath away now I don’t care

    I can breathe without air

    I can breathe without air

    Take my breath away now I don’t care

    I can breathe without air

    I can breathe without air

    (You’re my, you’re my, you’re my air)

    I’ll be there in a heartbeat

    Cuz I love the way you love me

    (Love me, love me, love me)

    We go higher and higher

    Fight fire with fire

    We’ll never give up

    long as we got each other

    Cuz when I’m with you I need no air

    (I don’t need no air)

    Take my breath away now I don’t care

    (I don’t even care)

    Cuz when I’m with you I need no air

    I can breathe without air

    (You’re my, you’re my, you’re my air)

    I can breathe without air

    (You’re my, you’re my, you’re my air)

    I can breathe without air

    You’re just like the ocean

    I’ve got a million emotions

    I’m breathing underwater

    I can breathe without air

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.

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: The Second Melodifestivalen 2023 Heat had the lowest TV ratings since 2006!

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SVT saw almost a massive 65.000 viewer-decrease in ratings compared to the 1st Heat and a drop of over 100.000 viewers compared to last year’s show. That led to SVT getting a total of 2.731.000 viewers for last week’s show, however, MMS has not revealed the viewing share for this heat.

That means that last week’s show figures were the third lowest rating numbers for a Melodifestivalen Second Heat of all time. The last time there were lower ratings was back in 2006 when the show was in parallel with the Winter Olympics held in Turin, Italy.

Second Heat Results

  • Direct finalists

Maria Sur – “Never Give Up“
Panetoz – “On My Way“

  • Semi-final qualifiers

THEOZ – “Mer av dig“
Tennessee Tears – “Now I Know“

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.

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!

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson
Source: MMS

Estonia: Alika with “Bridges” in Eurovision 2023!

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After two Semi-Finals and a Grand Final, Eesti Laul 2023, the selection process for the next Estonian entry in the Eurovision Song Contest, has just finished.

The big winner of the evening was Alika with the song “Bridges” , who will travel with the Estonian flag to Liverpool.

The Participants:
The presenters of the evening were Grete Kuld and Tõnis Niinemets, and the evening took place at Saku Suurhall in Tallinn.

In today’s Grand Final, twelve songs competed to represent Estonia in Liverpool.

  1. Meelik – “Tuju”
  2. Inger – “Awaiting You”
  3. JANEK – “House of Glass”
  4. Elysa – “Bad Philosophy”
  5. m els – “So Good At What You Do”
  6. Bedwetters – “Monsters”
  7. Andreas – “Why Do You Love Me”
  8. Alika – “Bridges”
  9. Anett x Fredi – “You Need to Move On”
  10. OLLIE – “Venom”
  11. MIA – “Üks samm korraga”
  12. Sissi – “Lighthouse”

The Show:

  1. Meelik – “Tuju”

Meelik opened the final of Eesti Laul 2023. They are using a black and white effect for their performance until the third chorus. They have a well thought-out performance.

2. Inger – “Awaiting You”

Second on stage is Inger. He is on a round platform, sitting on a chair. He is very good on TV, but has slight vocal difficulties.

      3. JANEK – “House of Glass”

Janek will follow up Inger with a powerful ballad. His performance for the grand-final is simplistic unlike his semi-final one. There are multiple videos during his performance that show him in a room full of confetti. 

      4. Elysa – “Bad Philosophy”

Elysa was one of the two wildcards. She is accompanied by three dancers that were dressed in red and black. She will not be among the strong vocalists tonight.

5. m els – “So Good At What You Do”

The red colour continues to prevail in m els’ performance. She starts her performance from the front of the stage and ends up on a high platform. She’s a present performer and a good vocalist.

6. Bedwetters – “Monsters”

The first rock song of the final. The Bedwetters have an eccentric performance reminiscent of Winny Puhh. The crowd was going crazy.

7. Andreas – “Why Do You Love Me”

After Bedwetters’s bombastic performance, Andreas sings an ethereal ballad accompanied by a female dancer. Low lighting prevails. Not many changes from his semi-final performance.

8. Alika – “Bridges”

Alika is accompanied by a piano that has the illusion of being played on it’s own. She’s dressed in white. One of the best vocalists from this Eurovision season.

9. Anett x Fredi – “You Need to Move On”

Anett x Fredi are next, an atmospheric and well-staged performance that will get highly appreciated by the jurors.

10. OLLIE – “Venom”

The second rock entry of the night. The performance is very professional. Pink lighting predominates, and Ollie’s vocals are very good.

11. MIA – “Üks samm korraga”

Mia follows Ollie’s energetic performance. She sings in Estonian while wearing a silver jumpsuit. She is accompanied by a pianist and a dancing couple.

12. Sissi – “Lighthouse”

Sissi will close Eesti Laul 2023. She is dressed in white for her Eesti Laul performance. Manages to stand out on her own and gave Alika a run for her money.

The Results:

The winner will be selected over two rounds of voting. In the first round, an international jury (50%) and public televote (50%) will determine the top three entries to proceed to the superfinal. The second round will be fully determined by the public televote.

The jury panel that will vote in the first round of the final consists of Alma (Finnish musician), Birgit Simal (Belgian TV producer), Kat Reinhert (Berklee College of Music professor), Lucas Gullbing (Swedish music producer), Deban Aderemi (British journalist, editor at Wiwibloggs), Matther Tryba (American music producer), Anja Roglić (Serbian TV producer, music editor at RTS), Joe Bennett (American musicologist), Tomi Saarinen (CEO of Live Nation Finland) and Yves Shifferele (Swiss Eurovision Head of Delegation).

eesti laul 2023 jurors

The results of the juries were as follows:

These are the combined results

In the final round, the country’s representative emerged solely from the people at home.

The Super Final was contested by:

The final results:

  1. Alika – “Bridges”
  2. OLLIE – “Venom”
  3. Bedwetters – “Monsters”

The winner of Eesti Laul is the one and only, Alika with the song “Bridges”

Estonia will participate in the first half of the second semi-final of Eurovision 2023, claiming one of the tickets leading to the grand final.

Will this year’s will bring Estonia to the final? Stay tuned to Eurovision Fun for all the news regarding Estonia’s participation in Eurovision 2023.

Photo source: Gea Kumpel / ERR

Sweden: Maria Sur and Panetoz are the two direct finalists of the Second Heat of Melodifestivalen 2023!

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Ninety minutes ago, the show for the Second 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 Maria Sur – “Never Give Up” and Panetoz – “On My Way”  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 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!

Today, SVT welcomes us in Linköping at Saab Arena, with the next show of the contest taking place on Saturday February the 18th in Lidköping, then Malmö and Örnsköldsvik follow and finally the final show in Stockholm on the 11th of March.

Initially went through the direct finalists and the semi-finalists and then they show us this show’s contestants! Of course, when Theoz‘ name was heard, the entire crowd went manic! Linköping, Theoz’ hometown is this week’s host city of the show!

The performances

  • Wiktoria –All My Life (Where Have You Been)

First up on stage, Wiktoria with her song “All My Life (Where Have You Been)”.

It’s a typical modern pop Swedish song, with a few 70s/80s elements. She was vocally impeccable as usual, she began the song alone on stage standing on a staircase prop. Later, two dancers joined her but then they became four in total. The staircase moved away, and a large W showed up behind her.

What a glamorous stage look, pink and purple dominated the colour palette, lots of glitter and glow went on, but still, you couldn’t take your eyes off Wiktoria. At the same time the song also can captivate you, the lyrics stick into your head and make you wanna get up and dance!

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Eden –Comfortable

Second contestant was the debutant Eden and her song “Comfortable”.

As a song, it gave me Samira Manners vibes from her participation last year with “I Want to Be Loved”, which of course I consider less powerful and interesting than Samira’s song. A ballad with an acoustic style Eden’s vocals have improved a bit, compared to how she sounded like at her rehearsals.

Initially on stage sitting on a stool with a guitarist also sitting next to her and then a small orchestra appeared in the background consisting of three violins and a bass, in a minimalistic (but not so much in a good way) staging where not much was happening. Not that the song can make you even think that anything wow would happen during this performance.

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Uje Brandelius –Grytan

Third performance of the show was another debutant, Uje Brandelius, with his song “Grytan”.

By no means is that a bad song, but since we’re talking about potential Eurovision contestants, I personally got bored within the first ten seconds. The song was not interesting, there was no peak at any point, it’s totally flat.

Regarding its staging, the only interesting feature of it, were the colors of the Swedish flag that dominated the props and the clothes of the people on stage. Three ladies who are his backing vocalists, joined him too, perhaps that was the only highlight of this participation, their perfect harmonies.

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Panetoz –On My Way

Fourth number for today, Panetoz with their song “On my Way”, their third participation in the Swedish national final, seven entire years after their last participation, which was back in 2016.

The title makes you think that you will listen to a full English song, but it’s not. It is entirely in Swedish with a few English words and phrases here and there. They’re quite good vocally, I must admit!

The party vibes were also here, I saw similarities in style with Medina but also with this year’s Elov & Beny. The setting was quite summery, if only we could sunbathe right now, the background on the LED screen makes you wanna time-teleport somewhere in July 2023!

Two female dancers joined Panetoz and they altogether started a party on stage. It’s a very joyful and uplifting song, which makes you wanna dance to its beat even if you don’t understand exactly what the lyrics say!

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Tennessee Tears –Now I Know

The duo Tennessee Tears debuted at Melodifestivalen with their song “Now I Know”, and they were the fifth performance of the Second Heat show.

They gave me “Calm After the Storm” by the Dutch country rock duo The Common Linnets that placed 2nd at Eurovision Song Contest 2014 in Copenhagen. They were vocally great; they also fixed some issues that they had with their harmonies in some of their rehearsals!

The staging was simple, but warm and nice, fitted the song and the image of the singers totally. Lights, colours and warm sunset and countryside sceneries and three kids playing dominated the backdrop LED screen. That was one of the most aesthetically pleasing stagings I’ve seen today.

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Maria Sur –Never Give Up

Sixth number for today, the highly anticipated Ukrainian contestant Maria Sur, debuting with her song “Never Give Up”.

Maria got widely known in Sweden after she participated in a concert helping raise money for Ukraine, then she got signed off by Warner Sweden and everything after that is history. The song is a mid-tempo power ballad, one could say that it is not that modern as it reminds me a bit of the ballads of the 10s, but I can totally understand why the voting viewers could potentially like this.

Maria has a big voice and, unlike her surname which in Swedish means sour/mad/angry she is very very sweet! Today she totally nailed her performance! WOW! What a song ending! She gave it all!

The staging though was what took the song to another level! Much work had been done here. While it was nothing super-original, it was engaging! Initially alone but then the 6 backing vocalists appeared behind her like halos! I could easily see this entry win the whole thing, but let’s not foresee things too much in advance, we have two more heats and fourteen more songs.

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • THEOZ –Mer av dig

Last number for this heat of the week, the Linköping sweetheart Theoz, with his (Swedish once more) song “Mer av dig”. Last year somewhere around mid-March, in the interview we’ve done together, he was not sure if he would ever participate in Melodifestivalen again. Now we already see him in his hometown, Linköping, competing for a second year in a row!

As for his song, it’s a happy and uplifting Swedish pop song entirely in Swedish, Theoz distinctive style and I’m sure his fans in Sweden will stream it like hell when it gets released. Vocally he was quite good, taking into account that he has an intense choreography that he has to perform at the same time.

Regarding the staging, he initially appears to be alone but eventually the in-house Melodifestivalen dancers and his choreographer (who almost always takes part in his performances) joined him up on stage, we saw lots of Theoz signature moves here. It was all about lights and camerawork and the LED backdrop plays a colourful mosaic pallete. And fireworks. And an eye wink. We could hear there were many of his fans in the arena going crazy over him. He also served a nice key change. 

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

After all the performances were complete, the presenters interviewed the contestants and after that there was a recap of all the numbers of the show, as usual.

A small tribute to Thomas G:son and the songs he had composed followed. Last Saturday, Thomas G:son was suddenly expelled from the Greenroom during Heat 1 in Gothenburg. The whole thing was staged before the Melodifestival profile is now elected into the Melodifestivalen Hall of Fame. In today’s heat in Linköping, Thomas G:son joined the star-studded crowd that has grown up in the years since the Hall of Fame was formed.

The first voting round

The first direct qualifier to the finals is: Maria Sur – “Never Give Up”

The Intervals

In addition, the Melodifestivalen veterans, Linda Bengtzing and Magnus Carlsson stepped up on stage in a real song duel. Linda and Magnus have both competed eight times each in Melodifestivalen. Now, through a medley of their competition songs, they fought for space in a raging battle, during the second voting round. 

Winners of viewer age-bands

Winner of the age-band 3-9 years old is: THEOZ – “Mer av dig”

Winner of the age-band 10-15 years old is: Panetoz – “On My Way”

Winner of the age-band 16-29 years old is: Panetoz – “On My Way”

Winner of the age-band 30-44 years old is: THEOZ – “Mer av dig”

Winner of the age-band 45-59 years old is: Panetoz – “On My Way”

Winner of the age-band 60-74 years old is: Tennessee Tears – “Now I Know”

Winner of the age-band 75+ years old is: Tennessee Tears – “Now I Know”

Winner of the televoting is: Tennessee Tears – “Now I Know”

Final Results

·       Direct qualifiers

First voting round winner: Maria Sur – “Never Give Up”
Second voting round winner: Panetoz – “On My Way”

·       Qualifiers at the semi-final

First qualifier: THEOZ – “Mer av dig”
Second qualifier: Tennessee Tears – “Now I Know”

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: Heat 2 of Melodifestivalen 2023 tonight!

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Melodifestivalen 2023 continues tonight, with the second 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 second semifinal, 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. Wiktoria – All My Life
  2. Eden – Comfortable 
  3. Uje Brandelius – Grytan
  4. Panetoz – On My Way 
  5. Tennessee Tears – Now I Know
  6. Maria Sur – Never Give Up
  7. THEOZ – Mer av dig 

Finalists

From last Saturday’s first semi-final, two artists have secured their presence in the grand final of the Swedish national selection. These artists are:

From the first semi-final last Saturday, two 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 second 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 betting odds, just a few moments before the Second Melodifestivalen 2023 Heat results!

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Melodifestivalen 2023 Second 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. Wiktoria – All My Life
  2. Eden – Comfortable 
  3. Uje Brandelius – Grytan
  4. Panetoz – On My Way
  5. Tennessee Tears – Now I Know
  6. Maria Sur – Never Give Up
  7. THEOZ – Mer av dig

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 Maria Sur and Theoz.

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 Panetoz and Wiktoria 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: The general rehearsal of the Second Melodifestivalen 2023 Heat! (Live)

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The general rehearsal of the Second Melodifestivalen 2023 Heat has just started. We are happy to be watching it live, at Saab Arena in Linköping, 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 11, 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 11th, Melodifestivalen will take place in Linköping, then Lidköping, Malmö, 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! Of course, when Theoz‘ name was heard, the entire crowd went manic! Linköping, Theoz’ hometown is this week’s host city of the show!

The performances

  • Wiktoria –All My Life (Where Have You Been)

First up on stage, Wiktoria with her song “All My Life (Where Have You Been)”.

It’s a typical modern pop Swedish song, with a few 70s/80s elements. She’s vocally impeccable as usual, she begins the song alone on stage standing on a staircase prop. Later, two dancers join her but then they become four in total. The staircase moves away, and a large W shows up behind her.

What a glamorous stage look, pink and purple dominate the colour palette, lots of glitter and glow going on, but still, you can’t take your eyes off Wiktoria. At the same time the song also captivates you, the lyrics stick into your head and make you wanna get up and dance! Is she going to directly qualify to the finals? Let’s see!

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Eden –Comfortable

Next up on stage, it’s debutant Eden and her song “Comfortable”.

As a song, it gives me Samira Manners vibes from her participation last year with “I Want to Be Loved”, which of course I consider less powerful and interesting than Samira’s song. A ballad with an acoustic style Eden’s vocals have improved massively, compared to how she sounded like at her rehearsals yesterday.

Initially on stage sitting on a stool with a guitarist also sitting next to her and then a small orchestra appears in the background consisting of three violins and a bass, in a minimalistic (but not so much in a good way) staging where not much is happening. Not that the song makes you even think that anything wow would happen during this performance.

For me, from what I see, I’m sorry to say that, but I don’t think she stands a chance to even make it to the semi-final.

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Uje Brandelius –Grytan

Third performance of the show is another debutant, Uje Brandelius, with his song “Grytan”.

By no means is that a bad song, but since we’re talking about potential Eurovision contestants, I personally got bored within the first ten seconds. The song is not interesting, there’s no peak at any point, it’s totally flat.

Regarding its staging, the only interesting feature of it, are the colors of the Swedish flag that dominate the props and the clothes of the people on stage. Three ladies who are his backing vocalists, join him too, perhaps that’s the only highlight of this participation, their perfect harmonies.

Another non-qualifier for this week’s semi-final, poor debut at Melodifestivalen for Uje, in my opinion.

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Panetoz –On My Way

Fourth for their rehearsal, here Panetoz come with their song “On my Way”, their third participation in the Swedish national final, seven entire years after their last participation, which was back in 2016.

The title makes you think that you will listen to a full English song, but it’s not. It is entirely in Swedish with a few English words and phrases here and there. They’re quite good vocally, I must admit!

The party vibes are also here, I see similarities in style with Medina but also with this year’s Elov & Beny. The setting is quite summery, if only we could sunbathe right now, the background on the LED screen makes you time-travel somewhere in July 2023!

Two female dancers join Panetoz and they altogether start a party on stage. It’s a very joyful and uplifting song, which makes you wanna dance to its beat even if you don’t understand exactly what the lyrics say! I had foreseen that their song would have a crowd-effect and here it is. I can see it happening! Maybe they will qualify to the semi-finals. Let’s see what happens tomorrow!

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Tennessee Tears –Now I Know

The duo Tennessee Tears debuts at Melodifestivalen with their song “Now I Know”, and they’re the fifth performance of the Second Heat show.

They give me “Calm After the Storm” by the Dutch country rock duo The Common Linnets that placed 2nd at Eurovision Song Contest 2014 in Copenhagen. They are vocally great; they’ve also fixed some issues that they had with their harmonies in yesterday’s rehearsals!

The staging is simple, but warm and nice, fits the song and the image of the singers totally. Lights, colours and warm sunset and countryside sceneries and three kids playing dominate the backdrop LED screen. That’s the most aesthetically pleasing staging I’ve seen until now, in this Heat. For me that could be a surprise semi-final qualifier, but let’s not forget that there are Panetoz too claiming for that position.

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Maria Sur –Never Give Up

Next up on stage, the highly anticipated Ukrainian contestant Maria Sur, debuting with her song “Never Give Up”.

Maria got widely known in Sweden after she participated in a concert helping raise money for Ukraine, then she got signed off by Warner Sweden and everything after that is history. The song is a mid-tempo power ballad, one could say that it is not that modern as it reminds me a bit of the ballads of the 10s, but I can totally understand why the voting viewers could potentially like this. Maria has a big voice and, unlike her surname which in Swedish means sour/mad/angry she is very very sweet! At some points, though, she kind of lost it, maybe she’s anxious? In-ear problems? Tomorrow they will all be gone! Bow WOW! What a song ending! She gave it all!

The staging though, takes the song to another level! Much work has been done here. While it is nothing super-original, it is engaging! Initially alone but then the 6 backing vocalists appear behind her like halos! I could easily see this entry win the whole thing, but let’s not comment too much in advance, we have two more heats multiplied by seven songs to see. So I would hold my horses for now and I would say that Maria could dethrone Wiktoria from the direct finalist position in this Heat. Let’s see! (Farah interviews her right after she gets off stage)

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • THEOZ –Mer av dig

Last rehearsal for this heat of the week, the Linköping sweetheart Theoz, with his (Swedish once more) song “Mer av dig”. Last year somewhere around mid-March, in the interview we’ve done together, he was not sure if he would ever participate in Melodifestivalen again. This year we already see him in his hometown, Linköping, competing for a second year in a row!

As for his song, it’s a happy and uplifting Swedish pop song entirely in Swedish, Theoz distinctive style and I’m sure his fans in Sweden will absolutely love this. Vocally he is improved compared to his performance yesterday at the camera rehearsals.

Regarding the staging, he initially appears to be alone but eventually the in-house Melodifestivalen dancers and his choreographer (who almost always takes part in his performances) join him up on stage, we see lots of Theoz signature moves here. It’s all about lights and camerawork and the LED backdrop plays a colourful mosaic pallete. And fireworks. And an eye wink. As this is a family rehearsal too, we could hear there are many of his fans in the arena going crazy over him. Now, will he qualify to the final show? I can see a direct-to-the-finals contestant here. For Theoz, Linköping is home, after all!

Oh, I almost forgot. We have one more key change. Nice! Ear-candy! Nu kör vi Theoz!

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

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.

A small tribute to Thomas G:son and the songs he had composed follows. Last weekend, Thomas G:son was suddenly expelled from the Greenroom during Heat 1 in Gothenburg. The whole thing was staged before the Melodifestival profile is now elected into the Melodifestivalen Hall of Fame. In Saturday’s partial competition from Linköping, Thomas G:son joins the star-heavy crowd that has grown up in the years since the Hall of Fame was formed.

The first voting round

The virtual direct qualifiers to the finals are: Eden – Comfortable and Maria Sur – Never Give Up!

The Intervals

In addition, the Melodifestivalen veterans, Linda Bengtzing and Magnus Carlsson step on stage in a real song duel. Linda and Magnus have both competed eight times each in Melodifestivalen. Now, through a medley of their competition songs, they are fighting for space in a raging battle, during the second voting round.

Second voting round

Virtual winner of the age-band 3-9 years old is: Maria Sur – Never Give Up

Virtual winner of the age-band 10-15 years old is: Tennessee Tears – Now I Know

Virtual winner of the age-band 16-29 years old is: Wiktoria – All My Life

Virtual winner of the age-band 30-44 years old is: Uje Brandelius – Grytan

Virtual winner of the age-band 45-59 years old is: Panetoz – On My Way

Virtual winner of the age-band 60-74 years old is: Maria Sur – Never Give Up

Virtual winner of the age-band 75+ years old is: Tennessee Tears – Now I Know

Virtual winner of the televoting is: Wiktoria – All My Life

A prediction

I believe that Theoz (he’s got a super-dedicated fanbase in Sweden) and Maria Sur will directly qualify to the finals. For the semi-final qualifiers, it will probably be Wiktoria (who I foresee that might lose her DTF position over Maria Sur) and Panetoz (this week it’s a hard one, I want Tennessee Tears to qualify to the semifinalen too). It all depends on how Maria Sur will do. 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 second 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 second heat of February the 11th, taking place in Linköping.

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

  1. Wiktoria – All My Life
  2. Eden – Comfortable 
  3. Uje Brandelius – Grytan
  4. Panetoz – On My Way 
  5. Tennessee Tears – Now I Know
  6. Maria Sur – Never Give Up
  7. THEOZ – Mer av dig 

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)

We remind you that Melodifestivalen 2023 is takes place between February 4th to March 11th and will be hosted by Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi.

Which two of the above artists do you think will be the direct qualifiers to the finals, on the 12th 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 second heat of Melodifestivalen 2023!

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

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 second heat got released.

The competing songs of the second heat:

  1. Wiktoria – All My Life LISTEN HERE
  2. Eden – Comfortable LISTEN HERE
  3. Uje Brandelius – Grytan LISTEN HERE
  4. Panetoz – On My Way LISTEN HERE
  5. Tennessee Tears – Now I Know LISTEN HERE
  6. Maria Sur – Never Give Up LISTEN HERE
  7. THEOZ – Mer av dig LISTEN HERE

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)

We remind you that Melodifestivalen 2023 is takes place between February 4th to March 11th and will be hosted by Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi.

Which two of the above artists do you think will be the direct qualifiers to the finals, on the 12th of March?

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