Medina: “We feel that our song is really made for the big arenas!” | Exclusive Interview

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Andreas Papayiannakis and EurovisionFun is accredited by SVT to follow the Melodifestivalen tour for a third year in-a-row. In Stockholm we got the chance to meet a few people involved in this year’s Melodifestivalen. Among those was the duo of Medina who are participating at the fifth heat of Melodifestivalen and had us over at the artist hotel in Karlstad and spoke with us on an extensive interview.

Medina were in a very fun mood and they passed it on to me, they spoke about their song, their staging and about them being potential winners of Melodifestivalen 2024. Their song “Que Sera” is going to involve an explosive show and a lot of things are going to happen. It’s gonna be about dancing and partying. It’s an arena song. What do they feel about their song?

“We feel that this song really is made for the big arenas. We didn’t want to waste our time there. We did the song in gibberish, like Spanish. And then we were gonna rewrite it in Swedish, but it didn’t feel good. It didn’t sound good. So we just kept it with the language that we just sang it in, Spanish, French and Italian that is not perfect but it’s just the vibe. It’s easy to sing with it.”

Medina will have a big speaker prop, as it is written in Melopedia. They’re gonna have dancers, bicycles but they don’t wanna say much. They tell us a bit more about the vibe of their staging though:

“Things will be around us. We have some choreography. But maybe we will see if somebody uses the bike or the drum. How things are gonna be interacted with. We don’t want to reveal that. We will see how we integrate with what’s on the stage and how it will be used. That’s gonna be the fun part.”

They made the chorus in the same sense as “In i dimman“, a big chanting chorus, like a football anthem.

“It’s three choruses. So for the last chorus maybe everybody has already learned the chorus and can sing along with us.”

How would they describe their song to those people that haven’t listened to it yet?

“It’s not that much different than “In i dimman”. The intro starts slow, we have the words like mama in it, but this is more explosive and this is more happy and it’s not so dark as “In i dimman”. We have parts of happy-sad moments in the verses, I can’t find the word in English, it’s a bit of deepness in it and then it evolves into that big happy thing, that’s what I wanted to say.”

They wrote the song together with Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt and Anderz Wrethov. They explain a bit how the creative process was like:

“They were with us in the studio and they created the track with us, so Jimmy comes in, I have this great idea and he started humming on the melody to this song, like we changed it a bit, but the first thought was him in the room, it was all silent, I have the song for you and he started singing that chorus and if felt like this was a football chant chorus and we started working on the song from there, from his vision.”

They are gonna close the fifth and last heat of the year. They feel very honoured that SVT chose them to be the closing act and they describe why they feel this way:

“Yeah it’s a bit pressure of course, because we heard afterwards that the last one out it was always artists like Loreen and Måns, all these big profiles and we feel like everybody is gonna expect you to get to the finals. We just want to do our thing, but it’s an honour to be last. It feels like they put the icons, how are we gonna carry that? That’s the pressure.”

They would be extremely happy if they won and got the chance to represent Sweden. They point out the fact that Swedish people don’t easily vote for entries in Swedish, like they would vote for example back in 2006 when they voted for Carola. And even then, the song was changed to “Invincible” with English lyrics. They could make the perfect host entry.

“Now I started thinking about it, I’ve never thought about it, because it’s so far away, now I just want to get to the finals first, you know, and do our best there, but to win, yeah historically it’s hard, but let’s be hopeful.”

They really hope they can do good in the international jury vote, like they did two years ago:

“If we come to the finals, then the party starts, because then Europe can also vote, and that’s the fun part. Last time we got a wonderful result from the international jury and we think the international crowd might like the song hopefully.”

Finally both Ali and Sami reach out to all their fans in Sweden and internationally and give their message:

“I hope you’ll have fun and our spirit will reach you and that you perhaps gonna stand up and dance and have fun. Que sera, sera, what happens, happens try to just enjoy life and accept what you can’t fix. And vote for us if you can.”

You can watch our exclusive interview with Medina at the video down below:

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun and don’t miss out on anything regarding this year’s Melodifestivalen!

Follow us in all our social media, so that you’ll not miss anything regarding the your favourite national selection process:

 

 

 

Sweden: The general rehearsal of the Fifth Heat of Melodifestivalen 2024! (Live)

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

The general rehearsal of the 5th and last Heat of Melodifestivalen 2024 has just started. It is sad but true, this is the last heat of the year and takes place at Löfbergs Arena in Karlstad, Sweden. We will be covering this rehearsal from within the arena, 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 March 2nd, at 20:00 CET, when you watch the actual show of the heat, on SVT and SVT Play.

The experts

New in Melodifestivalen this year is the participation of a couple of really knowledgeable music and Mello-experts – radio and TV profile Tina Mehrafzoon and Mello-oracle Ronny Larsson. During both the races and the final, they analyze the evening’s line-up and give their opinion on how they are doing.

The show

Carina Berg is the host of all the shows of the tour this year! With the next show of the contest on Saturday March the 2nd, Melodifestivalen will take place in Karlstad and then finally the final show in Stockholm on the 9th of March.

After the intro of Johan Östling, Carina presents this show’s contestants!

The numbers

  • “Unforgettable” – Marcus & Martinus

Two side walls for the twins, giving me vibes of the Loreen Smörgåsgrillen (toaster) but in vertical mode. In the beginning it is narrow, then they are moved further apart. Our favourite twins, Marcus and Martinus, are always super professionals and great vocally, however they kept their voice for tomorrow evening and didn’t even sing the high note of the “so good it hurts” part. Does this give me winner vibes? Hell yeah!

Photo: Andreas Papayiannakis

  • “Controlla” – Chelsea Muco

I am in the humid Karlstad at the moment, but this song gives me sunbed, cocktail, beach, swimming trunk vibes. I wanna dance to the beat. Palm trees and warm colours in the background, six completely new dancers one of which has a rather familiar surname (D’Mello). Chelsea is quite good for a debutant, good vocally, nice energy. However, I don’t this going anywhere. NQ for me, but let’s see what happens tomorrow.

Photo: Andreas Papayiannakis

  • “Back To My Roots” – Jay Smith

Large prop with the title of the song twice, his band behind him faking playing on a live gig and then it’s Jay with his amazing voice. The song reminds me a bit of Nickelback, a bit of the 00s, but as people say here this is a very familiar sound to Swedish people and in combination with Jay‘s amazing voice, this might go somewhere. The crowd is clapping along. Maybe this one goes to the finalkvalet (final qualifier) round.

Photo: Andreas Papayiannakis

  • “Banne maj” – Elecktra

She was at Drag Race Sverige and the people love her. She is fabulous, very much a Verka Serduchka style song, but not in the sense of giving me winning vibes. She just stands there, doing the bare minimum and then there are dancers that look how the best men on my wedding could look like. What I am seeing though, don’t understand, she is not a qualifier for me.

Photo: Andreas Papayiannakis

  • “Light” – Annika Wickihalder

Her song and aura gives me Faith Kakembo vibes. She has an amazing voice but she seems like the stage swallows her. She has two big deformed mirror props that don’t seem to add up to the whole staging. Typical Melodifestivalen or Eurovision ballad.  FQ round most likely for Annika.

Photo: Andreas Papayiannakis

  • “Que Sera” – Medina

Large speakers prop, bicycles, too many colours and too much going on, on stage, dancers are included. However they manage to make it somehow work. Their vocals are not the best in this run, but I am sure they will fix everything tomorrow. This is a football anthem, the crowd does move during their performance and they hum. Mission accomplished. Direct finalists for sure.

Photo: Andreas Papayiannakis

These were the six numbers of this week, a recap follows to show the voting numbers for the contestants of the heat.

The Intervals

When the fifth and final round of Melodifestivalen 2024 kicks off on Saturday, March 2, it will do so with a vengeance. It will be Värmland with an extra big V when Karlstad‘s son, actor and musician Johan Östling opens the broadcast with Sven-Ingvar‘s classic Torparrock. Carina is now at the arena and everything is ready to begin! It’s time to face the music!

Fredrik Kempe is also inducted into the Melodifestivalen Hall of Fame and since 2004 he has delivered 35 songs, including four winners: “Hero“, “La Voix“, “Popular” and “Undo“. The genre breadth of his song treasure is hard to beat.

From danceable pop via powerful ballads and rockabilly to opera, disco and dance bands. A song catalogue with Mello classics such as “Cara Mia“, “Manboy“, “Moving On” and “Bada Nakna” speaks for itself: Fredrik Kempe is one of Melodifestivalen‘s foremost hitmakers.

Actual Kristin Amparo performs “I See You” and Sanna Nielsen performs “Undo” and “Du och Jag mot Världen“, with Sanna Nielsen closing the interval.

The virtual Direct Qualifiers

First voting round virtual winner: “Banne maj” – Elecktra

The first voting round winner moves from the green room onto an intermediate small stage in the middle of the audience and sing their song.

Second voting round virtual winner: “Que Sera” – Medina

The second voting round winner does exactly what the first voting round winner did. Green room, intermediate stage, main stage.

Those who virtually remain at the contest

Second voting round virtual 2nd place: “Back To My Roots” – Jay Smith
Second voting round virtual 3rd place: “Unforgettable” – Marcus & Martinus

Second voting round results

Age-band 3-9 years old virtual winner:“Que Sera” – Medina

Age-band 10-15 years old virtual winner: “Unforgettable” – Marcus & Martinus

Age-band 16-29 years old virtual winner: “Que Sera” – Medina

Age-band 30-44 years old virtual winner: “Controlla” – Chelsea Muco

Age-band 45-59 years old virtual winner: “Que Sera” – Medina

Age-band 60-74 years old virtual winner: “Controlla” – Chelsea Muco

Age-band 75+ years old virtual winner: “Light” – Annika Wickihalder

Televoting virtual winner:“Que Sera” – Medina

The final qualifiers

The entries that came 3rd and 4th in the five rounds compete in the final qualifiers. Two of the ten competing in the final qualifiers will advance to the final. All of the competing artists are on the show, but they will not be performing again. Instead, a quick replay of their previous performances is shown.

The viewing age groups that we recognise from the competitions are not included in the final qualifiers. It is therefore the count of the total number of votes that counts in the final qualifier. The contestants take with them the votes they received in their heats, and these are combined with the new number of votes they receive in the final qualifiers. The final qualifiers begin with the entries being awarded points that are calculated based on how many votes they received in their sub-competition, weighted according to how many actually voted in each sub-competition. In other words, the number of votes cast for the entries is divided by the total number of voters in the competition. This is to avoid that those who competed in competitions with more viewers are favored or that those who competed in competitions with superior winners will be disadvantaged.

Based on the calculations we go through above, the artists will receive points. A total of 1,000 points will be distributed among the entries and we will know the status before the new voting opens.  When the new voting in the final qualifier ends, 1000 new points will be distributed among the entries. Just like in the final, viewers will be told who got the lowest score first.

In the end, the two artists with the most points will clinch the last two final spots and each will perform their entry. The remaining eight artists are eliminated.

First Virtual Final Qualifier: “Supernatural” – Adam Woods

Second Virtual Final Qualifier: “Unga & Fria” – Fröken Snusk

A prediction

First voting round winner:“Unforgettable” – Marcus & Martinus

Second voting round winner: “Que Sera” – Medina

Second voting round 2nd place: “Back To My Roots” – Jay Smith

Second voting round 3rd place: “Light” – Annika Wickihalder

 

First Final Qualifier: “Unga & Fria” – Fröken Snusk

Second Final Qualifier: “Back To My Roots” – Jay Smith

The schedule for the six shows of the Melodifestivalen 2024 tour

  • Heat 1: Saturday 3 February 2024, Malmö Arena, Malmö
  • Heat 2: Saturday 10 February 2024, Scandinavium, Göteborg
  • Heat 3: Saturday 17 February 2024, Vida Arena, Växjö
  • Heat 4: Saturday 24 February 2024, Stiga Sports Arena, Eskilstuna
  • Heat 5: Saturday 2 March 2024, Löfbergs Arena, Karlstad
  • Final: Saturday 9 March 2024, Friends Arena, Stockholm – Solna

Which two of today’s competing artists do you think will be the direct qualifiers to the finals, on the 9th of March?

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2024 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2024!

Source: SVT
Photos: Andreas Papayiannakis/EurovisionFun

Follow us in all our social media, so that you’ll not miss anything regarding the your favourite national selection process: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweden: Problem with the voting in the first heat of Melodifestivalen 2024!

/2 Comments/in , , /by

As every year, one of the biggest national finals, which captures the interest of eurofans, is the one in Sweden, the Melodifestivalen. Many people vote for their favourite artists in order to represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest. If we look at last year’s numbers of voters in all the Melodifestivalen qualifiers, the number was between 512,000 and 542,000.

However, this year in the first qualifying round that number has plummeted to just over 460,000. Has the public’s interest waned? If we look at the programme’s viewing figures in conjunction with the number of voting units (i.e. the number of applications and the number of phones that voted) in each semi-final, we would come to anything but that conclusion.

Specifically:

  • Round 1 – Spectators: 2.900.000
    Number of voting units: 460,794
  • Round 2 – Viewers: 2,858,000
    Number of voting units: 589,162
  • Stage 3 – Spectators: 2,755,000
    Number of voting units: 567,234
  • Stage 4 – Spectators: 2,753,000
    Number of voting units: 555,108

There was a problem with the voting and the Melodifestivalen app in the first heat.

More specifically, according to exclusive information from Aftonbladet and Tobbe Ek, about 100,000 votes were lost in the first preliminary round of Melodifestivalen. Many viewers contacted Aftonbladet during the first round of the competition and reported that they could not get into the app to vote. According to SVT, this has not affected the outcome of the contest. However, the data suggests that there may be a lack of votes from almost 100,000 people.

During the contest, SVT will no longer publish the total number of votes in the different contests. Instead, it will announce the number of voting units.

What project manager Anders Wistbacka says.

The day after the first round, Melodifestivalen’s programme manager Anders Wistbacka confirmed that there were problems with the application and that this was due to an overloaded server. At the same time, however, he said that this did not affect the result.

“It was a server that was overloaded. There was just too much traffic on it and then there were some app users who had logged out of the app and had to log back in”.

Asked how he is sure that the lost votes did not affect the final result, he said:

“The eventual drop, if I can call it that, affects all viewers. So there’s no one who stands out, pure and simple. Which means that if it’s the case that we’re affected, it’s affected everyone evenly”.

Anders Wistbacka pointed out that it is a big problem when the application does not work as it should.

The application should simply work and be secure and fit for the purpose for which the application is intended. There are always a few people who have problems, but this time there were a few more.”

Source: Aftonbladet.se

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun to get all the latest news about your favourite contest!

Sweden: Watch clips from the rehearsals of the Melodifestivalen 2024 fifth heat!

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

As usual, a few hours before each Melodifestivalen heat, SVT published the rehearsal clips of all six competing artists of the fifth heat of March the 2nd, taking place in Karlstad.

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:

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

Carina Berg is the host of all the shows of the tour this year! With the next show of the contest on Saturday March the 2nd, Melodifestivalen will take place in Karlstad and finally the final show in Stockholm follows on the 9th of March.

The schedule for the six shows of the Melodifestivalen 2024 tour

  • Heat 1: Saturday 3 February 2024, Malmö Arena, Malmö
  • Heat 2: Saturday 10 February 2024, Scandinavium, Göteborg
  • Heat 3: Saturday 17 February 2024, Vida Arena, Växjö
  • Heat 4: Saturday 24 February 2024, Stiga Sports Arena, Eskilstuna
  • Heat 5: Saturday 2 March 2024, Löfbergs Arena, Karlstad
  • Final: Saturday 9 March 2024, Friends Arena, Stockholm – Solna

Which two of the above artists do you think will be the direct qualifiers to the finals?

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2024 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2024!

 

 

Sweden: Listen to the song snippets of the fifth Heat of Melodifestivalen 2024!

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

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

The competing songs of the fifth heat:

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

Carina Berg is the host of all the shows of the tour this year! With the next show of the contest on Saturday February the 3rd, Melodifestivalen will take place in Malmö, then Göteborg follows and finally the final show in Stockholm on the 9th of March.

The schedule for the six shows of the Melodifestivalen 2024 tour

  • Heat 1: Saturday 3 February 2024, Malmö Arena, Malmö
  • Heat 2: Saturday 10 February 2024, Scandinavium, Göteborg
  • Heat 3: Saturday 17 February 2024, Vida Arena, Växjö
  • Heat 4: Saturday 24 February 2024, Stiga Sports Arena, Eskilstuna
  • Heat 5: Saturday 2 March 2024, Löfbergs Arena, Karlstad
  • Final: Saturday 9 March 2024, Friends Arena, Stockholm – Solna

Which two of the above artists do you think will be the direct qualifiers to the finals?

 

Chelsea Muco: “Expect a very, confident vibe. And I will flirt a lot with you guys on camera.” | Exclusive Interview

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Andreas Papayiannakis and EurovisionFun is accredited by SVT to follow the Melodifestivalen tour for a third year in-a-row. In Stockholm we got the chance to meet a few people involved in this year’s Melodifestivalen. Among those was Chelsea Muco who had us over at LoudKult HQ on an extensive interview, in the studio where she gets to spend many hours of her daily life.

Her surname is pronounced “Mucho” and not “Muko“. I would definitely pronounce it incorrectly, if we hadn’t discuss this beforehands. She is a fresh face at the world of Melodifestivalen, but now we get to meet her. Chelsea Muco is here with the song “Controlla“. Chelsea is one of the most successful Afrobeat singers at the moment in Sweden she will be using the platform of Melodifestivalen to become well known outside of Sweden. What should people know about her?

“I think that’s like a very wide question, but I’ve always been doing music and I love to be out there and spread my music because that’s what I’ve been working on and that’s what I do best. My style of music is Afrobeat. But lately, I’ve been doing a little fusion, a little pop a mix of the good stuff.”

What should we expect from “Controlla“? She tells us more about her participation this year:

“‘Controlla’ is a lot of dance moves. We will give a show, prepare yourselves to see colours, happiness because what I do think and like my thing is, I don’t like to be on stage only me. I like to bring people. I like to have dancers. I like to have a DJ. I’m very challenged right now, really, because I am not used to dancing. I love dancing, but you know, this time it’s dance on cameras, you know, it’s like a whole different thing. But I’m ready. I do think that we got this.”

She has worked a lot at LoudKult HQ studios that hosted us for the interview. She tells us more about the people behind this contribution:

“For the song, I worked with Pa Modou. He’s one of the writers, and Elsa Carmona as well, and then me. We wrote the song, and then we have, Fernand MP, and Karl Flyckt. So, we are six people total on this song. And Anderz Wrethov, he is really well known. He knows what he’s doing. He’s so talented.”

They wrote the song privately and not at a songwriting camp. They did two sessions with Anderz in Malmö. There were six people, two were producing, Chelsea was performing in the booth and as she says “there was a magical rotation in everything” they did that day. Chelsea is in a really strong heat in Karlstad. Is there any one of her fellow-contestants that she is looking forward to?

“Marcus & Martinus will deliver because their stage performance is always on point, their voice and the whole appearance, they are really good, and I do think Medina as well they’re really, really good. And I do actually think Danny Saucedo, he got it. And Adam.”

What are her expectations about her participation at Mello?

“My expectation is to have a great time. You know, literally, my first thing is to live in the moment. Because when you do such a big thing, or reach the milestone in your life or in your career, I do think that you tend to easily forget because it’s a lot of things happening and they drag you here, they drag you there, you just flow.”

Finally Chelsea gives her own message to those people that would like to get to know her and her music:

“Expect a very, confident vibe. And I will flirt a lot with you guys on camera, expect that as well. But in the end of the day, be ready to feel the warmth during cold seasons, because “Controla” is really here to make a show.”

You can watch our exclusive interview with Chelsea Muco at the video down below:

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun and don’t miss out on anything regarding this year’s Melodifestivalen!

Follow us in all our social media, so that you’ll not miss anything regarding the your favourite national selection process:

 

Sweden: Insight into the Melodifestivalen 2024 5th heat songs! | SVT Pre-Listening Event

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Melodifestivalen 2024 second show is on the forthcoming Saturday, March the 2nd, which will take place at Löfbergs Arena, in Karlstad.

The Pre-listening Process

This year, we are invited to the pre-listening event that SVT holds every Tuesday at 10am CET, before each of the five heats of Melodifestivalen 2024, or as it is called “Förhandslyssningen“. 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?

“Unforgettable” – Marcus & Martinus
It is darker and rougher than “Air“! This is an absolute banger! Great build-up and the lead synth is fire, the Deb duo did it again! They said it is a motivational song and it actually does work! My winner up to now!

“Controlla” – Chelsea Muco
Second afropop/afrobeat of the year, after C-Joe. Interesting structure. Sax intro is so pleasing. I love it, I wanna dance, the crowd will feel that too. Hope she performs well live. I could see her remaining at the competition

“Back To My Roots” – Jay Smith
Rock song with a country vibe. Jay has an amazing voice and will pull this off live, I think. Typical sound of Smith. & Thell, retro production/vibe. Have to listen to more of the songs, up to now I think he will not qualify.

“Banne maj“ – Elecktra
“Oh la la, comme ci, comme ci, comme ça” addictive lyrics. This is not a comme ci, comme ça song, it is a typical pop drag performance song, as expected by Elecktra. Don’t know how she will do, will have to listen to the last two songs.

“Light” – Annika Wickihalder
I didn’t expect I would love a debutant song so much. I absolutely love it! A really powerful ballad with gospel vibes, that, if it is performed well it could be the surprise of the week and remain in the competition.

“Que Sera” – Medina
Closing act of the year, we have the party vibe mixing Swedish, French and Spanish. This is so much better than “In i dimman” in my opinion! The entire arena will go nuts! DTF? YES! Winner? Not sure. I could see it at the top 3. Oh, there comes the key change! Ear candy!

Our thoughts

  • I have the feeling we will have an impressive stage show by our favourite superstar twins, Marcus & Martinus. Definitely DTF and most probable winner.
  • The colour of Chelsea‘s voice reminds me of Toni Braxton a bit. She could either remain in the competition or disqualify.
  • Jay Smith‘s song could be a Dawson’s Creek theme song. For those who don’t know, this is a series that aired back in late ’90s early 00’s. This is the vibe of the song. Don’t think this will qualify.
  • Those who loved Drag Race Sverige, would definitely vote for Elecktra. I already know Swedish people that are anticipating Elecktra‘s song more than Marcus & Martinus or Medina. I wouldn’t be surprised if she remained in the competition. I could see this song getting performed by Verka Serduchka btw. This is the vibe I am getting. Also we got a key change, which I didn’t notice in the first listen.
  • Annika Wickihalder is giving me Faith Kakembo vibes and partly The Mamas vibes. It will certainly slide into my daily playlist after its release this Saturday.
  • If Sweden decides to get represented by a song in Swedish, Medina‘s MUST be it! Would be an amazing host entry! Definitely final closing act, if SVT doesn’t put them last in order, I would be surprised!

What I think will happen:

DTF: Marcus & Martinus, Medina
Final qualifiers: Elecktra, Jay Smith

What I want to happen:

DTF: Marcus & Martinus, Medina
Final qualifiers: Annika Wickihalder, Chelsea Muco

The show

Carina Berg is the host of all the shows of the tour this year! With the next show of the contest on Saturday March the 2nd, Melodifestivalen will take place in Karlstad and then the final show in Stockholm on the 9th of March.

The schedule for the six shows of the Melodifestivalen 2024 tour

  • Heat 1: Saturday 3 February 2024, Malmö Arena, Malmö
  • Heat 2: Saturday 10 February 2024, Scandinavium, Göteborg
  • Heat 3: Saturday 17 February 2024, Vida Arena, Växjö
  • Heat 4: Saturday 24 February 2024, Stiga Sports Arena, Eskilstuna
  • Heat 5: Saturday 2 March 2024, Löfbergs Arena, Karlstad
  • Final: Saturday 9 March 2024, Friends Arena, Stockholm – Solna

Which two of the above artists do you think will be the direct qualifiers to the finals? Let us know in the comments section below.

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2024 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2024!

Follow us in all our social media, so that you’ll not miss anything regarding the your favourite national selection process: 

 

 

 

Sweden: The lyrics of the songs competing at the fifth heat of Melodifestivalen 2024!

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

The upcoming heat of Melodifestivalen 2024 will take place next Saturday, March the 2nd and will take place at Löfbergs Arena in Karlstad.

A while ago, SVT, the Swedish national broadcaster released the lyrics of all six competing songs, of this upcoming heat.

You can read the lyrics of the competing songs down below:

  • “Unforgettable” – Marcus & Martinus

She comes alive at night

When her prey’s asleep

Make your eyes go blind

And now you’re in too deep

She’s gonna chew you up

And leave you empty, hollow

Then she’ll spit you out

Anyway I follow

She’s gonna hurt you bad

But it feels so good

I don’t care

No I don’t care

You better know she’s dangerous

She is unforgettable

And it feels so good it hurts

She is unforgettable

Whoah

She’s unforgettable

She’s unforgettable

She’s unforgettable

Her love is venomous

It’s getting serious

She’s gonna chew you up

And leave you empty, hollow

Then she’ll spit you out

Anyway I follow

She’s gonna hurt you bad

But it feels so good

I don’t care

No I don’t care

You better know she’s dangerous

She is unforgettable (unforgettable)

And it feels so good it hurts

She is unforgettable

Whoah

She’s unforgettable

She’s unforgettable

She’s unforgettable

Her love

Is dangerous

And know it

It’s venomous

Cause I feel it

Inside of me

She’s unforgettable

Her love

Is dangerous

And know it

It’s venomous

Cause I feel it

Inside of me

She’s unforgettable

  • “Controlla” – Chelsea Muco

It’s a risky business

Tell me only you can fix this

Can we fall in love

Cause you got all I need and I want it

Oh

He got me like

Oh

Got my body like

Oh

Oh

Let me see your body rolla

Wanna feel that heat all over

Turn it up let me take controlla

Let me take controlla

Let me see your body rolla

I got all this waiting for ya

Turn it up let me take controlla

Controlla, controlla

Let me see your body

I wanna vibe like this forever

We can do, we can do whatever

We can do whatever

I know you want some more

You and me in slowmo

Don’t wanna let it go

Let’s keep it nice and slow

Energy steady grow

Don’t wanna let go

Let me see your body rolla

Wanna feel that heat all over

Turn it up let me take controlla

Let me take controlla

Let me see your body rolla

I got all this waiting for ya

Turn it up let me take controlla

Controlla, controlla

Let me see your body

Keep working it

Keep working it

Keep working it

Take controlla

Keep working it

Keep working it

Keep working it

Take controlla

Keep working it

Keep working it

Keep working it

Take controlla

Keep working it

Keep working it

Keep working it

It ain’t over till it’s

Done done

Done done

Done done

It ain’t over till it’s

Done done

Done done

Done done

It ain’t over till it’s (take controlla)

Done done

Done done

Done done

It ain’t over till it’s

Done done

Done done

Done done

Ohh yeah

Controlla

Let me see your body rolla

Wanna feel that heat all over

Turn it up let me take controlla

Let me take controlla

Let me see your body rolla

Wanna feel that heat all over

Turn it up let me take controlla

Let me take controlla

Let me see your body rolla

I got all this waiting for ya

Turn it up let me take controlla

Controlla, controlla

Let me see your body

Keep working it

Keep working it

Keep working it

Take controlla

Keep working it

Keep working it

Keep working it

It ain’t over till it’s

Done done

Done done

Done done

It ain’t over till it’s

Done done

Done done

Done done

It ain’t over till it’s

Done done

  • “Back To My Roots” – Jay Smith

Been hiding in blind sight

A ghost in the bar light

Heavy hearted with regret

This life, it taught me step by step

Been good with the bad lies

And bad with the goodbyes

Slowly waking from the dead

Now there’s a new road just ahead

And I’ve learnt ´bout luck

And a lot about love

And how to pick up the pieces

It’s been tough

But if I got us

I ain’t gonna break that easy

Oh, I’ve taken so many turns

Been lonely out in the dark

Now I’m heading back to the start

I’m back to my roots now baby

Oh, you think that I’ll crash and burn

But I’m lucky I fell apart

Got a fire and a country heart

I’m back to my roots now baby

A song for the broken

And forgotten

Here’s to all you walking dead

And I’m here to hold your heavy heads

And I’ve learnt ´bout luck

And a lot about love

And how to pick up the pieces

It’s been tough

But if I got us

I ain’t gonna break that easy

Oh, I’ve taken so many turns

Been lonely out in the dark

Now I’m heading back to the start

I’m back to my roots now baby

Oh, you think that I’ll crash and burn

But I’m lucky I fell apart

Got a fire and a country heart

I’m back to my roots now baby

I’m back playing with fire

Thanks for all that I’ve learnt

This time I´ll reach higher

Spite the bridges I’ve burnt

I’m back playing with fire

Ain’t afraid to get burnt

I ain’t gonna break that easy

Oh, I’ve taken so many turns

Been lonely out in the dark

Now I’m heading back to the start

I’m back to my roots now baby

Oh, you think that I’ll crash and burn

But I’m lucky I fell apart

Got a fire and a country heart

I’m back to my roots now baby

(I’m back to my roots now)

Back to my roots now baby

(I’m back to my roots now)

I’m back to my roots now baby

(I’m back to my roots now)

(I’m back to my roots now)

I’m back to my roots now baby

  • “Banne Maj” – Elecktra

Upp med ridån

Dansa i neon

Här är det fest

Låt oss glittra som mest

Så öppna dörren, åh äntligen

Här kan du va den du vill va igen

Oh la la

Comme ci comme ci comme ça

Inget lagom här

Nu är det premiär

Oh la la

Comme ci comme ci comme ça

Låt oss synas

Nu tar vi vår plats

Banne maj

Kom vi skapar historia

Banne maj

Som nästa drottning Victoria

Banne maj

Åh lev nu så märker du att nu finns inga tabun

Ja, banne maj

Vi har all rätt att finnas

Banne maj

Ja en kväll som ska minnas

Banne maj

Åh lev nu det ordnar sig

Okej

Jadå banne maj

Hehehehe

Nu tänder vi ljusen

För så många tusen

Vi glöder i natten

Och vrider upp ratten

Så lossa korsetten, gud så skönt

Herre min je, en primadonna är krönt

Oh la la

Comme ci comme ci comme ça

Inget lagom här

Nu är det premiär

Oh la la

Comme ci comme ci comme ça

Åh, detta glitter

Nu tar vi vår plats

Banne maj

Kom vi skapar historia

Banne maj

Som nästa drottning Victoria

Banne maj

Åh lev nu så märker du att nu finns inga tabun

Ja, banne maj

Vi har all rätt att finnas

Banne maj

Ja en kväll som ska minnas

Banne maj

Åh lev nu det ordnar sig

Okej

Jadå banne maj

Nu måste vi unna oss

Ställ er upp allihopa

Synd å sitta ju!

Banne maj

Kom vi skapar historia

Banne maj

Som nästa drottning Victoria

Banne maj

Åh lev nu så märker du att nu finns inga tabun

Ja, banne maj

Vi har all rätt att finnas

Banne maj

Ja en kväll som ska minnas

Banne maj

Åh, lev nu det ordnar sig

Okej

Jadå banne maj

  • “Light” – Annika Wickihalder

Light, light

Oh oooh

Always in between

Like a crossroads of how to be

It’s getting hard to breath

When you hold tight

Lost in emotions

There’s so many voices

Give me a moment

To find my own

I can’t give you all of me

Don’t you know

I’ve gotta keep

Something for myself

Before there’s nothing left

I’ll find the light, light

Hidden deep inside

I’ll find the light, light

In the darkest night

Even if I will crash and burn

Even if I will end up hurt

I’ll find the light, light

Hidden deep inside

The haze starts to clear out

While I start to heal now

All of my tears have dried

I can’t give you all of me

Don’t you know

I’ve gotta keep

Something for myself

Before there’s nothing left

I’ll find the light, light

Hidden deep inside

I’ll find the light, light

In the darkest night

Even if I will crash and burn

Even if I will end up hurt

I’ll find the light, light

Hidden deep inside

Oooooooh ooooooh

Oooooooh ooooh

Even if I will crash and burn

Even if I will end up hurt

I’ll find the light, light

Hidden deep inside

Losing sight of what I need

Every time I try to please

Everybody else

Now it’s for myself

I’ll find the light, light

Hidden deep inside

I’ll find the light, light

In the darkest night

Even if I will crash and burn

Even if I will end up hurt

I’ll find the light, light

Hidden deep inside

Light

Light

  • Que Sera” – Medina

Mamma frågar hur jag mår

Det är la vida, mi amor

Men allting kommer bli okej

Mamma, det kan jag lova dig

Vi tar kommando

Vi går loco loco

Är ni med

Bailando

Vi går prrropopop

Vårt nya motto är

Danse danse

Allé allé allé

Det går upp och det går ner

Que sera sera

Danse

La viva la vida

Oooh

Que sera sera

Chante

La viva la vida

Vi tänker leva la vida

Sen får det bli va det blir va

Oh oh oh

Que sera sera

Jag ser mitt liv i panorama

Vi är inte lovade mañana

Det gamla, vill inte va kvar i det

Skiner som hundra solarier

Låt oss få leva som barn igen

Vi tar kommando

Vi går loco loco

Är ni med

Bailando

Vi går prrropopop

Vårt nya motto är

Danse danse

Allé allé allé

Det går upp och det går ner

Que sera sera

Danse

La viva la vida

Oooh

Que sera sera

Chante

La viva la vida

Vi tänker leva la vida

Sen får det bli va det blir va

Oh oh oh

Que sera sera

Que sera sera

Danse

La viva la vida

Vi kommer leva la vida

Que sera sera

Chante

La viva la vida

Vi tänker leva la vida

Sen får det bli va det blir va

Oh oh oh

Que sera sera

Vi tänker leva la vida

Sen får det bli va det blir va

Oh oh oh

Que sera sera

Carina Berg is the host of all the shows of the tour this year! With the final heat of the contest on Saturday March the 2nd, Melodifestivalen will take place in Karlstad and then finally the final show will take place in Stockholm on the 9th of March.

The schedule for the six shows of the Melodifestivalen 2024 tour

  • Heat 1: Saturday 3 February 2024, Malmö Arena, Malmö
  • Heat 2: Saturday 10 February 2024, Scandinavium, Göteborg
  • Heat 3: Saturday 17 February 2024, Vida Arena, Växjö
  • Heat 4: Saturday 24 February 2024, Stiga Sports Arena, Eskilstuna
  • Heat 5: Saturday 2 March 2024, Löfbergs Arena, Karlstad
  • Final: Saturday 9 March 2024, Friends Arena, Stockholm – Solna

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Sweden’s entry for Eurovision 2024!

Source: SVT

 

Marcus & Martinus: “Τhe timing was perfect and we felt like we had the song for Melodifestivalen as well!” | Exclusive Interview

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Andreas Papayiannakis and EurovisionFun is accredited by SVT to follow the Melodifestivalen tour for a third year in-a-row. In Stockholm we got the chance to meet a few people involved in this year’s Melodifestivalen. Among those was the duo of Marcus & Martinus who had us over at the headquarters of Universal Sweden and spoke with us on an extensive interview.

Marcus & Martinus are truly “Unforgettable“, they debuted last year with the song “Air“, this year with the song “Unforgettable“, written by the same team as last year, they aim for the win. Last year they came second to Loreen, who ended up winning Eurovision for the second time with the song “Tattoo“. How do they feel for being back back-to-back a year later after their debut?

“I feel very good. It’s very good to be back and we’re super excited about this year and this year’s song. So, it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Joy Deb, Linnea Deb, Marcus Gunnarsen, Martinus Gunnarsen and Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt were the team behind their entry last year. Now the same team wrote this year’s song. Marcus & Martinus tell us a bit more about “Unforgettable“:

“Well, it’s kind of the same vibe as Air but more rough and more dark, I think. And it’s gonna be a big show when we’re going to perform it. You can dance. I think it’s a very good song to listen to when you’re working out as well. So, it’s like a motivation song type of thing.”

Mellopedia, writes that Marcus & Martinus will have “high-tech changing walls and dancers” on their staging. They don’t wanna say much obviously, because they haven’t performed the song for the public yet:

“Well, I don’t think we can say too much yet because we haven’t performed the show yet. All I’m gonna say is that we’re gonna use walls and it’s gonna be so cool. And yeah, you just gotta wait and see.”

Among the competing artists in the fifth heat to be held in Karlstad, Sweden, they commented on Medina, who are competing on the same heat as them:

“I know it’s a lot of amazing artists and especially we know Medina from before and I think their song will give some very good vibes. I’ve heard some rumors about the song, so it’s gonna be very fun to see them. They’re going to be last in the last heat, so I guess that’s a sign.”

On the contrary, Marcus & Martinus will open the show this Saturday. They want to start off the show “with a bang”. They add:

“We want the people to feel the stage and everything and then hopefully the next artist will keep it up until the last one, Medina, are coming on. So, I think it’s good to get the pressure off the shoulders just to be the first one out and give them a good show and then we’re gonna relax and enjoy the others after.”

One can understand that they guys love Melodifestivalen a lot, that’s why they are returning the year immediately after their debut. They tell us more about their love for Mello:

“We love Mello. We didn’t know that Mello was that big last year when we performed. We just loved it and it was hard to say no for the second time. We felt the timing was perfect and we felt like we had the song for Mello as well. Perfect timing and I’m very excited to perform there.”

But what about Norway and Melodi Grand Prix? What could their thoughts be about the national final of their country?

“If we’re going to perform for Norway in Melodi Grand Prix, it has to be a very good timing. Because right now it’s perfect timing for us to be at Mello. We’re here, we’re working here. Everything happens here right now, so it just was a very good suit for us. Our music label is signed here in Sweden. We’re signed with Universal Music Sweden. Our music management is in Sweden and everything. So everything just makes sense.”

They have a lot planned for this year already. They started the year in January, in February they went on a Nordic arena tour that they just finished. Now they are doing Melodifestivalen and then they are already planning a European tour for autumn.

“The tour we did just right now was called “We Are Not The Same Pt1″. And now we’re going to do the Melodifestivalen. And then for the Part Two, it’s going to be around summer or after summer and we’re going to Greece, we’re going to all of the countries in Europe. For Melodifestivalen it doesn’t matter much what happens with the tour. If we come to the final and get a fourth or third place, it doesn’t matter. We’re still going to do the European tour because that’s planned from before. But of course, our focus right now is Melodifestivalen. And we want to do good here.”

Last year they came second to Loreen. If hypothetically they won this year’s version of Melodifestivalen, how would they feel representing Sweden, a country different than their home country?

“Well, it’s a country that we’ve used a lot of time in growing up, working, having a lot of concerts. We have a lot of memories. So it’s like a second home. And we really like it here. And as you said, it’s very difficult to describe the feelings of winning it when we haven’t yet. But I think it’s a super big honour for us to represent Sweden because they’re so good in this competition as well. And they’re always performing well.”

Finally, Marcus & Martinus gave a message for all their fans in Greece but internationally too:

“We just want to say that we’re coming to you very soon. Hopefully you guys are waiting and are excited. And yeah, hopefully see you soon. We love you guys. New music is coming. Σας αγαπάμε!”

You can watch our exclusive interview with Marcus & Martinus at the video down below:

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun and don’t miss out on anything regarding this year’s Melodifestivalen!

Follow us in all our social media, so that you’ll not miss anything regarding the your favourite national selection process:

 

 

Sweden: Danny Saucedo and Dotter are the two direct finalists of the Fourth Heat of Melodifestivalen 2024!

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Ninety minutes ago, the show for the Fourth Heat of Melodifestivalen 2024, 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 Danny Saucedo and Dotter which we will get to see perform their songs live, on the 9th of March, when the finals will take place at Friends Arena.

But how things developed during the night?

The experts

New in Melodifestivalen this year is the participation of a couple of really knowledgeable music and Mello-experts – radio and TV profile Tina Mehrafzoon and Mello-oracle Ronny Larsson. During both the races and the final, they analyze the evening’s line-up and give their opinion on how they are doing.

The show

Carina Berg is the host of all the shows of the tour this year! With the next show of the contest on Saturday February the 24th, Melodifestivalen will take place in Eskilstuna, then Karlstad follows and finally the final show in Stockholm on the 9th of March.

It opens with Kent‘s song “Gravitation” performed by Björn and Oscar Gustafsson. Oscar is Björn Gustafsson‘s brother. Kent is from Eskilstuna, so it’s a nice tribute. Carina is now at the arena and everything is ready to begin! It’s time to face the music!

The numbers

  • “Done Getting Over You”– Albin Tingwall

Reminds me of Bengtsson‘s “Innocent Love” also if you mix Aha’s “Take on me“. Albin is massively improved compared to his past rehearsals. He is joined by two of the in-house dancers on stage and the LED screen shows his silhouette dancing in multiple colours. I like it but doesn’t sound special to me. At some point it sounds like two separate songs, but gets back on track. First key change of the week.

Photo:Stina Stjernkvist/SVT

  • “30 km/h”– Lia Larsson

She is much better to what I’ve seen up to now. First epadunk song I like, but still Liaseems to be just there on stage not doing much. Vocally not good, not bad. Fireworks bang hard in the small arena. Also on the LED screen we can see a human sketch that reminds me of Måns 2015 staging, just grown up. Nice staging, they’ve put a lot of work on that and it is obvious.

Photo:Stina Stjernkvist/SVT

  • “It’s Not Easy to Write a Love Song”– Dotter

I insist that even though it is a nice song, it is not what I would expect to see this year from Dotter. She starts lying on a grand piano, her moves ring a bell, her being barefoot too. Loreen 2023. The clothes she was wearing as well. Now she is wearing a different top which is black, trying not to look so much like Loreen last year. Nice song (not as nice as “Bulletproof“) and nice vocals, even though she had to be on vocal rest for the entire day today, she is suffering from a massive cold. Overall a nice song, staging, appearance.

Photo:Stina Stjernkvist/SVT

  • “Circus X”– SCARLET

“Circus X” looks nothing like we are used to in Mello. The two girls hiding their identities like skulls, sing with perfect vocals in a scary staging on a dark, pop, fun, dance song. Four dancers dressed like unidentified creepy black creatures. I could definitely see it as a theme song of a horror movie or series.

Photo:Stina Stjernkvist/SVT

  • “En sång om sommaren”– Lasse Stefanz

I will avoid commenting bad on this act. Christer Eriksson is the oldest entrant of this year’s Melodifestivalen, he is 71 years old. Dansbandmusik done the best way possible. I still don’t like it, but I have to admit that it looks good. Wild west theme here as well and I have to say I very much prefer it than the staging of Gunilla. Vocally they are great, they do what they can do best.

Photo:Stina Stjernkvist/SVT

  • “Happy That You Found Me”– Danny Saucedo

Danny had to cut down on his staging but it still looks impressive. We have seen Danny dance, joined by dancers, sing in Swedish. This year he opted for being alone on stage and we will see how this goes. He holds back on his vocals. On stage there are arches and a large tilted arch prop with stairs right in the middle, which has led strips and lights on it, moves upright then moves back and drops. LED works on the floor, smoke, sun projections and in the second chorus the projections are a bit psychedelic. I still don’t understand what the staging is for, but I like the song and I try to enjoy it. He wrote it for his newborn child.

Photo:Stina Stjernkvist/SVT

These were the six numbers of this week, a recap follows to show the voting numbers for the contestants of the heat.

The Intervals

After Danny steps off the stage, comedian Sofia Dalén comes into her character hockey coach Börje and interrupts Carina Berg.

Then it is Hall of Fame time. The sisters Mia, Ackie and Clara Kempff stepped as Chattanooga cockily into Swedish pop history in 1982. Dressed in cool blazers and a nice attitude, they sang their “Hallå hela pressen” to a fourth place in the Melodifestivalen and blew in a fresh pop wind in the festival. The song became a national scourge with its apt lyrics about a lost flirtation and that the trio belongs in the Melodifestivalen Hall of Fame is a given. They are not in the dress rehearsal, we will get to see them tomorrow night.

The Direct Qualifiers

First voting round winner: “Happy That You Found Me” – Danny Saucedo
Second voting round winner: “It’s Not Easy to Write a Love Song” – Dotter

Semi-Finalists

Second voting round 2nd place: “Done Getting Over You” – Albin Tingwall
Second voting round 3rd place: “Circus X” – SCARLET

Second voting round results

Age-band 3-9 years old winner: “30 km/h” – Lia Larsson

Age-band 10-15 years old winner: “It’s Not Easy to Write a Love Song” – Dotter

Age-band 16-29 years old winner: “It’s Not Easy to Write a Love Song” – Dotter

Age-band 30-44 years old winner: “Circus X” – SCARLET

Age-band 45-59 years old winner: “It’s Not Easy to Write a Love Song” – Dotter

Age-band 60-74 years old winner: “It’s Not Easy to Write a Love Song” – Dotter

Age-band 75+ years old winner: “Done Getting Over You” – Albin Tingwall

Televoting winner: “En sång om sommaren” – Lasse Stefanz

Melodifestivalen Finalists

  • “Heroes Are Calling“ – Smash Into Pieces
  • “Awful Liar“ – Lisa Ajax
  • “Dragon“ – Liamoo
  • “When I’m Gone“ – Maria Sur
  • “Effortless“ – Jacqline
  • “Give My Heart A Break” – Cazzi Opeia
  • “Happy That You Found Me” – Danny Saucedo
  • “It’s Not Easy to Write a Love Song” – Dotter

Acts that remain in the competition

  • “Forever Yours“ – Elisa Lindström 
  • “Supernatural“ – Adam Woods 
  • “The Silence After You“ – Dear Sara
  • “Unga & fria“ – Fröken Snusk
  • “I Won’t Shake (La La Gunilla)” – Gunilla Persson
  • “För dig” – Klaudy
  • “Done Getting Over You” – Albin Tingwall
  • “Circus X” – SCARLET

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2024 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2024!

Source: SVT
Photos: Stina Stjernkvist/SVT

Follow us in all our social media, so that you’ll not miss anything regarding the your favourite national selection process: