Posts

Sweden: The running order for Melodifestivalen 2023 is announced!

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

The the running order for the semi-finals of Melodifestivalen 2023 was just revealed by SVT!

The running order is determined, each year, by the production team of Melodifestivalen, taking into consideration both the competing songs’ musical qualities as well as stage performance and other production considerations and can be read below:

First Heat: Göteborg, 4th February 2023

  1. Tone Sekelius – Rhythm Of My Show
  2. Loulou LaMotte – Inga sorger
  3. Rejhan – Haunted
  4. Elov & Beny – Raggen går
  5. Victor Crone – Diamonds
  6. Eva Rydberg & Ewa Roos – Länge leve livet
  7. Jon Henrik Fjällgren, Arc North feat. Adam Woods – Where You Are (Sávežan)

Second Heat: Linköping, 11th February 2023

  1. Wiktoria – All My Life (Where Have You Been)
  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

Third Heat: Lidköping, 18th February 2023

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

Fourth Heat: Malmö, 25th February 2023

  1. Kiana – Where Did You Go
  2. Signe & Hjördis – Edelweiss
  3. Smash Into Pieces – Six Feet Under
  4. Mariette – One Day
  5. Emil Henrohn – Mera mera mera
  6. Axel Schylström – Gorgeous
  7. Loreen – Tattoo

Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi will present Melodifestivalen 2023. The Semi-Finals will follow 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 opening of the contest in Göteborg, Saturday February the 4th, Melodifestivalen will be held in Linköping, Lidköping, Malmö, Örnsköldsvik and then in Stockholm on the 11th of March.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the developments related to the Swedish national selection for Eurovision 2023!

Sweden: This is the final list of participants for Melodifestivalen 2023!

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

After the SVT announcement for the 14 initial names that will participate in Melodifestivalen 2023, the time has come for the remaining names to be revealed. So, now we know the 28 names that are going to claim the Swedish victory and representation in Eurovision 2023. Are you ready?

You can read the first 14 names here.

 

Heat 3: Linköping, 18/02/2023

Marcus & Martinus – Air

Created by: Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Joy Deb, Linnea Deb, Marcus Gunnarsen, Martinus Gunnarsen

 

Marcus and Martinus are 20-year-old twins from Norway that became famous when they were aged 10 at the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix Junior. In their 10 years at the foreground, they have had sold out concerts in Europe, they performed the official song for the Swedish heir of the throne and won a Norwegian Grammy. Their greatest hit Elektrisk, holds a record in Norway as the song that managed to stay for the longest period of time at the Top 10 charts, 66 weeks to be exact. After winning The Masked Singer Sweden in 2022 now their base is in Stockholm and have started to collab with Swedish songwriters and producers.

 

Melanie Wehbe – For the Show

Created by: David Lindgren Zacharias, Herman Gardarfve, Melanie Wehbe

 

In addition to being a performer, Melanie Wehbe is an award-winning songwriter who has written music for both Swedish and international artists. She is now celebrating ten years as a songwriter; a decade in which she has managed to write two Idol winning singles, a number one on Svensktoppen, three on Spotify and number one on radio, as well as a win at both Melodifestivalen (2020) and Melodi Grand Prix Denmark (2019). As an artist, Melanie recently established herself as a rising star, gracing the cover of QX magazine and was given the honour of closing Stockholm Pride 2022 on the main stage at Pride Park.

 

Ida-Lova – Låt Hela Stan Se På

Created by: Andreas “Giri” Lindbergh, Ida-Lova Lind, Joy Deb, Linnea Deb

 

Ida-Lova came to Sweden’s attention when, as a 13-year-old, she performed a version of Kent’s Utan Dina Andetag, at the 2017 Svenska Hjältargalan TV fundraiser. Since then she has released eight songs, five of which were included in her debut album on the EP Hallå Världen Kan Du Stanna; , released in June 2022. Ida-Lova is now 18 years old and lives in Stockholm.

 

 

Paul Rey – Royals

Created by: Dino Medanhodzic, Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, LIAMOO, Paul Rey

 

Paul Rey, 30 years old, hails from Lund in southern Sweden. A familiar face to Melodifestivalen fans, he has previously competed twice. In 2020 with Talking In Your Sleep and in 2021 with The Missing Piece. In 2022 he also competed, this time as a songwriter, and reached the final once again, with Cazzi Opeia’s I Can’t Get Enough. Paul has written many big hits for other artists and his own releases have been streamed over 200 million times.

 

Nordman – Släpp Alla Sorger

Created by: Jimmy Jansson, Thomas G:son

 

Nordman’s story began in 1991, when violinist, producer and songwriter Mats Wester was looking for a singer for his experimental new project, mixing folk music with pop. By chance, Håkan Hemlin found himself in the same studio as Mats, to record a demo with his rock band. They both liked what they heard from each other and the duo was formed. They sold over a million albums in the 90s alone. This will be Nordman’s third time competing at Melodifestivalen, after participating in 2005 with Ödet Var Min Väg and in 2008 with I Lågornas Sken.

 

Laurell – Sober

Created by: Anderz Wrethov, Andreas Stone Johansson, Laurell Barker, Thomas Stengaard

 

Born in Canada but having moved to Malmö for love, Laurell is an established singer-songwriter who has recently embarked on her own career as a solo artist. Her debut single Habit was a big hit on radio and streaming in Sweden in 2022, as well as in other parts of Europe. In 2019, Laurell became the first female songwriter to contribute to three Eurovision Song Contest entries in the same year (Switzerland, Germany and the UK). At Melodifestivalen, she has previously written entries for Hanna Ferm, Renaida, Faith Kakembo and Paul Rey.

 

Casanovas – Så Kommer Känslorna Tillbaka

Created by: Henrik Sethsson, Mikael Karlsson

 

One of Sweden’s most popular dansband, the Casanovas were formed in 1989. Since then, their rise to success has led them to the top of the charts on many occasions. They have been nominated five times for the Swedish Grammy Award. Band member Henrik Sethsson has previously won the Melodifestivalen as a songwriter, with Listen To Your Heartbeat by Friends in 2001. He also wrote the Melodifestivalen hit Something In Your Eyes by Jenny Silver.

 

Heat 4: Malmö, 25/2/2023

Signe & Hjördis – Edelweiss

Created by: Anderz Wrethov, Jimmy Jansson, Myra Granberg

 

Signe and Hjördis Bornemark, 16 and 18 years old from Kullabygden in Skåne, are siblings. These days, the sisters enjoy doing everything from singing, working with choirs and writing their own songs to participating in many theatre and music productions. They like everything from jazz to rock, but would better describe their singing at Melodifestivalen as folk-pop.

 

Axel Schylström – Gorgeous

Created by: Axel Schylström, Herman Gardarfve, Jonas Thander, Malin Halvardsson

 

Axel Schylström became known through his participation in Idol in 2015, quickly followed by his recording debut at Melodifestivalen in 2017 with När Ingen Ser. More recently, in 2022, he competed as a songwriter and reached the final of Melodifestivalen with THEOZ and Som Du Vill. Axel has published his autobiography in recent years and established himself as one of the most popular spoken word artists.

 

Emil Henrohn – Mera Mera Mera

Created by: Emil Henrohn, Jakob Redtzer, Ji Nilsson, Marlene Strand

 

When the pandemic struck, musical theatre artist Emil Henrohn was left without a job. He began making humorous videos of himself at home and quickly became a hit on TikTok as the character “Mama” (the mother). In 2022, he gained even more recognition on TikTok with the song Jag Är Mamma and today he has gained over 500,000 followers on the platform and has been named Sweden’s most powerful TikToker. Now that the music theatre has reopened, Emil has recently starred in productions of Annie and Hair.

 

Mariette – One Day

Created by: Jimmy Jansson, Thomas G:son, Mariette

 

Mariette first participated in Melodifestivalen in 2015 with the song Don’t Stop Believing. Since then, she has competed three more times, in 2017, 2018 and 2020, reaching the final in all four attempts. Outside of music, Mariette recently moved from Stockholm to the southwest coast of Sweden and started a family with her wife. This year she released the song Just Du, dedicated to their son born in 2021.

 

 

Smash Into Pieces – Six Feet Under

Created by: Andreas “Giri” Lindbergh, Benjamin Jennebo, Chris Adam, Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Joy Deb, Linnea Deb, Per Bergquist

 

Internationally, Swedish rock exports Smash Into Pieces are perhaps best known for their cinematic, apocalyptic image and sound, thanks in large part to their legendary masked drummer, leader and mascot, APOC. With over half a billion streams to their name and nearly 600,000 followers on social media, the band has completed several tours in both Europe and the US.

 

Loreen – Tattoo

Created by: Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Jimmy Jansson, Loreen, Moa “Cazzi Opeia” Carlebecker, Peter Boström, Thomas G:son

 

In 2022 it will be ten years since Loreen won the Eurovision Song Contest for Sweden with Euphoria. The song became a big hit across Europe and beyond, reaching number one in 21 countries and has since become one of the most recognized and well-known entries in the history of the contest. Post-Euphoria, Loreen released two albums and made her debut as an actress in the new film adaptation of Vinterviken, which was released in 2021. Loreen’s most recent musical release was the single Neon Lights, which was released during the summer.

 

Kiana – Where did you go

Created by: Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Joy Deb, Linnea Deb

 

Kiana Blanckert began singing and dancing at an early age, and one of her most vivid memories of her childhood is when she performed Britney Spears’ …Baby One More Time on a cruise ship as a four-year-old. Her mother is a professional dancer and Kiana has been taking dance classes since she was three years old. Now almost 16, she recently rose to fame on the show Talang (Sweden’s Got Talent), finishing second in the 2021 series.

The detailed programme of Melodifestivalen 2023

Heat 1: Gothenburg, 4 February 2023 (Scandinavium)

Heat 2: Linköping, 11 February 2023 (Saab Arena)

Heat 3: Lidköping, 18 February 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)

Heat 4: Malmö, 25 February 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)

Heat 5: Örnsköldsvik, 4 March 2023 (Hägglunds Arena)

Grand Final: Stockholm, 11 March 2023 (Friends Arena)

As a reminder, Melodifestivalen 2023 is scheduled to take place from 4 February to 11 March with hosts Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi.

 

Stay tuned to Eurovision Fun for all the news regarding Sweden’s participation in Eurovision 2023!

 

Source: Eurovision.tv

Sweden: Two returning acts and a surprising debutant added to the Melodifestivalen 2023 line up!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Moments ago, the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet revealed three more acts that will take part in Melodifestivalen 2023, the popular show where its winner represents Sweden at Eurovision.

Eva Rydberg & Ewa Roos

The duet of veterans Eva and Ewa participated in Melodifestivalen 2021 with the song “Rena Rama Ding Dong“ and even though they did not qualified to the final, their performance was well received by the Swedish audience. They are reportedly returning to the competition with a song similar to their previous entry, which you can watch below:

Axel Schylström 

Returning to the competition after his previous attempt in 2017 with the song “ När Ingen Ser“, which reached the second chance round, Axel was informed this week that he will be part of Melodifestivalen 2023. Last year he was one of the writers of the song “Som du Vill” which was sang by Theoz.

Laurell Barker

Having co-written 10 Melodifestivalen entries, songwriter Laurell Barker will reportedly make her debut in Melodifestivalen 2023 as a lead singer. In 2019, she managed to become the first songwriter to have three songs at the Eurovision Grand Final, for Germany, UK and Switzerland. Below you can listen one of her own songs:

These are the artists that are so far confirmed for Melodifestivalen 2023, according to Aftonbladet:

  1. Nordman
  2. Loulou Lamotte
  3. Wiktoria Johansson
  4. Marcus & Martinus
  5. Emil Henrohn
  6. Theoz
  7. Melanie Wehbe
  8. “Smash into pieces”
  9. Panetoz
  10. Tennessee Tears
  11. Elov & Beny
  12. Paul Rey
  13. Maris Sur
  14. Ida-Lova
  15. Victor Crone
  16. Loreen
  17. Eva Rydberg & Ewa Roos
  18. Axel Schylström
  19. Laurell Barker

The schedule of Melodifestivalen 2023

  • Heat 1: Gothenburg, February 4th 2023 (Scandinavium)
  • Heat 2: Linköping, Feburary 11th, 2023 (Saab Arena)
  • Heat 3: Lidköping, February 18th, 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)
  • Heat 4: Malmö, February 25th, 2023 (Malmö Arena)
  • Heat 5: Örnsköldsvik, March 4th, 2023 (Hägglunds Arena)
  • Grand Final: Stockholm, March 11th, 2023 (Friends Arena)

We remind you that Melodifestivalen 2023 is scheduled to happen from February 4th until March 11th, hosted by Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi, while SVT has received 2824 songs. The final list of participants will be revealed during November or December.

In Eurovision 2022, Sweden was represented by Melodifestivalen 2022 winner, Cornelia Jacobs, with the song “Hold Me Closer” and finished fourth with 438 points.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i777psA2gP4

Source: Aftonbladet

Sweden: Theoz is back and TikTok star Emil Henrohn debuts at Melodifestivalen 2023!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Aftonbladet, a while ago dropped the names of two TikTok Swedish stars, that will be joining the line-up of Melodifestivalen 2023.

As it seems those two artists are Theoz, who does his highly anticipated comeback, after his success this year at the contest and Emil Henrohn, who does his debut at the contest.

Emil Henrohn

Emil did his break earlier this year, when one of his TikTok videos featuring a song he had written called “Jag är mamma“, became viral and gathered over four million views. Currently he is considered to be the most influencing Swedish person on TikTok for the year of 2022.

According to sources, Emil is confirmed to be competing in the contest next year and he feels thrilled that he finally gets the chance to be joining Mello, it is his dream come true.

Theoz

Theoz (Haraldsson) is a familiar face for those who follow Melodifestivalen, as he debuted at the contest this year with his song “Som du vill“. The song was written, among others, by Axel Schylström and Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt.

Theoz has almost two million followers on TikTok, which helped him place seventh, after making it through the finals from the fifth semi-final, what was formerly known as Second Chance.

Placing seventh is of course considered to be a success for such a young and debuting Melodifestivalen artist and it was expected for him to join the contest again, soon enough, as Aftonbladet sources say.

Artists that seem to be confirmed for Melodifestivalen 2023

  • Nordman
  • Loulou Lamotte
  • Wiktoria Johansson
  • Marcus & Martinus
  • Emil Henrohn
  • Theoz

The dates of Melodifestivalen 2023

  • Heat 1: Gothenburg – 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 scheduled to take place between February 4th to March 11th, while SVT has received 2824 songs. The list of participants will be published in November or December and will be hosted by Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi.

Melodifestivalen 2022 was won by Cornelia Jacobs with the song “Hold Me Closer”, representing Sweden in Eurovision 2022 and coming 4th with 438 points.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i777psA2gP4

Source: Aftonbladet
Photo: SVT/Annika Berglund

Who do you wanna see taking part in Melodifestivalen 2023? Tell us in the comments!

Sweden: Cornelia Jakobs and Robin Bengtsson are the two direct finalists of the first semi-final of Melodifestivalen 2022!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

A while ago, Melodifestivalen 2022, probably your favourite national selection process of the entire list of participating countries in the Eurovision Song Contest, started off with its first semi-final show.

The show

Oscar Zia was the host of the night and as we already know, all the shows for the national selection procedure of the Swedish representative for this year’s contest in Turin will take place exclusively in Stockholm. The first semi-final took place at The Avicii Arena, one of Stockholm’s most iconic buildings which is also the largest spherical building in the world.

The first semi-final performers

  • Malou Prytz – “Bananas”

  • Theoz – “Som du vill”

  • Shirley Clamp – “Let There Be Angels”

  • Omar Rudberg – “Moving Like That”

  • Danne Stråhed – “Hallabaloo”

  • Cornelia Jakobs – “Hold Me Closer”

Cornelia Jakobs

  • Robin Bengtsson – “Innocent Love”

The new voting system

There will be two voting rounds. In each round, each viewer gets to vote five times at the most (five hearts). From this year an on, after all seven performances in each semi-final, SVT will announce the artist that received the most overall votes, both through the app and by phone, irrespective of the viewer age-bands.

The remaining six contestants, move on to the second voting round. The voters can then give each of the remaining songs five hearts at the most, same way like the first voting round. At the second voting round, the votes received during the first voting round also count against the total of votes received.

The results of the second voting round are determined by the system of the eight age-bands: 3–9 years old, 10–15years old, 16–29 years old, 30–44 years old, 45–59 years old, 60–74 years old, over 75, as well as the televotes.

All in all, we will have two direct qualifiers, one determined from the first voting round and one from the second voting round and also two qualifiers for the fifth semi-final, also from the second voting round.

The results

First voting round

  • First voting round winner: Cornelia Jakobs with the song “Hold Me Closer“

Second voting round

Due to some technical issues, Oscar informed us that the viewers will not be able to vote from the Melodifestivalen dedicated smartphone app and the winners of both voting rounds will be determined by the televotes, solely.

  • The two qualifiers to the fifth semi-final are: Danne Stråhed with the song “Hallabaloo“ and THEOZ with the song “Som Du Vill“

The verdict

The two direct qualifiers are Cornelia Jakobs with the song “Hold Me Closer” and Robin Bengtsson with the song “Innocent Love” and we will get to see them perform their songs live, on the 12th of March, when the finals will take place at Friends Arena. Starting from 2022, there will not be a winning performance of the two finalists anymore, as the TV time now fills up with the announcement of the results.

Those that qualified to the fifth semi-final, that replaced the second chance show in the new format of Melodifestivalen, were Danne Stråhed with the song “Hallabaloo”  and THEOZ with the song “Som Du Vill“.

Sadly Malou Prytz, Omar Rudberg and Shirley Clamp didn’t manage to qualify to either the fifth semi-final or the finals of Melodifestivalen.

See you next Saturday, after the second-semi final, 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 Sweden’s entry for Eurovision 2022!

Sweden: Watch clips from the first rehearsals of the first Melodifestivalen 2022 semi-final!

/0 Comments/in , /by

As usual, a couple of days before each Melodifestivalen semi-final, SVT publishes rehearsal clips of all seven competing artists of the first semi-final of February the 5th.

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

The songs

1. Malou Prytz – “Bananas” 

2. Theoz – “Som du vill” 

3. Shirley Clamp – “Let There Be Angels” 

4. Omar Rudberg – “Moving Like That”

5. Danne Stråhed – “Hallabaloo” 

6. Cornelia Jakobs – “Hold Me Closer” 

7. Robin Bengtsson – “Innocent Love” 

The lyrics of the songs were published on Wednesday February 2nd, which you can read in more detail, in our corresponding article.

The process

Currently, the Swedish government guidelines and restrictions due to the pandemic, limit the crowd in indoor events to 500 people while also allowing one seat empty in each direction around one occupied seat.

Two songs will directly qualify to the grand final of Melodifestivalen 2022, which will take place on the 12th of March. The songs that will place third and fourth will have to compete again, at the fifth semi-final, held on the 5th of March. There will be four semi-finals in total.

Oscar Zia will present the Melodifestivalen 2022, while due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the shows for the national selection process that will represent Sweden in Turin this year, will be held exclusively in Stockholm!

Melodifestivalen 2022 finals will he held on the 12th of March, when we will get to know who will be selected as a representative for Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin!

The detailed schedule of Melodifestivalen 2022 is described below:

  • First Semi-Final on the 5th of February
  • Second Semi-Final on the 12th of February
  • Third Semi-Final on the 19th of Februrary
  • Fourth Semi-Final on the 26th of February
  • Fifth Semi-Final on the 5th of March
  • The Final on the 12th of March

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Sweden’s entry for Eurovision 2022!

Sweden: The general rehearsal of the first Melodifestivalen 2022 semi-final! (Live)

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The general rehearsal of the first Melodifestivalen 2022 semi-final has just started. We are happy to be watching it live, at the SVT online press centre and we will be covering this rehearsal, describing in detail what is happening during the show, for you to read.

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 5, at 20:00 CET, when you watch the actual semi-final show on SVT and SVT Play.

The show

Oscar Zia is the host of the night and as previously reported, all the shows for the national selection procedure of the Swedish representative for this year’s contest in Turin will take place exclusively in Stockholm and as already announced, semi-finals one to three will take place at the Avicii Arena, while semi-finals four and five as well as the grand final will be held at Friends Arena.

Oscar is at the arena and everything is ready to begin! It’s time to face the music! Opening the show, we’ve got Tusse, performing his last year’s entry “Voices“! Well, Oscar Zia joins him at the end of the song!

The performances

  • Malou Prytz – “Bananas”

The introduction video of Malou is on, we’ve got some shots from her rehearsals on her choreography.

Malou is first up on stage, performing her song Bananas. A funky pop song that gives slumber party vibes and she seems to be really comfortable. She’s on a green suit and she is accompanied by a drummer and five dancers. She’s got nice vocals I have to admit. Her song will either make you go “Bananas” with it, or you won’t like it at all. Nothing in the middle.

  • Theoz – “Som du vill”

Now there’s Theoz introduction video, before he goes on stage and performs his song. Lot’s of flashbacks on his career and Måns Zelmerlow is also mentioned. We see Theoz rehearsing his moves on the dance studio.

Now he goes on stage, on an purple outfit, sleek hair performing his uptempo and high energy song, entirely in Swedish, as youthful as Theoz is. Dour dancers in yellow outfits around him, he plays with lighting and shading panels. Jumps on the secondary stage and there’s some ledwork on the floor. His vocals are nice. Let’s see if that young and ultra popular influencing artist will make it to the finals.

  • Shirley Clamp – “Let There Be Angels”

The introduction video is from her dance rehearsals also showing previous participations at Mello. Linda Bengtzing also storms in the dance hall where the big Swedish artist rehearses her performance and they make fun of each other.

Her song is an emotional ballad, vocals on point. She wears a petrol suit with a cape, and gloves. The song peaks with wind blowing on her hair. She’s playing with the lights, her performance is bold, the enormous stone on her left hand ring can’t take your attention away from her vocals and her eyes, we’ve got lots of close ups emphasising on her eyes. The performance ends up with a ghosting video effect.

  • Omar Rudberg – “Moving Like That”

No introduction needed after his massive worldwide success with the Netflix series “Young Royals”, but we’ve got an introduction video for Omar Rudberg too. There’s also Carola in his video, some reference to her 2006 melodifestivalen performance with the Swedish version of her then entry Invincible, probably she is one of his icons in the contest.

Omar starts off backstage and enters the stage, as his song has already started. Long glances on camera, wearing a glowy outfit. The song is uptempo and uplifting, the choreography is intense and nice, it’s him and two dancers. His song gives the essential latin vibes apart from the melody by including a bridge in Spanish. He is probably one of the qualifiers tomorrow, let’s see.

  • Danne Stråhed – “Hallabaloo”

Here is Danne with his song Hallaballoo. This is a kind of Melodifestivalen entry that we’ve seen numerous times, however it is difficult for a song like that to stand out. He is throughout the song at the secondary stage and all the lighting is comprised of golden leds. A fun song fully in Swedish by Danne and his six-member band, but we reckon that it might hardly make it to the finals.

  • Cornelia Jakobs – “Hold Me Closer”

Well here’s Cornelia’s introduction video, who is at home, really at ease making coffee, describing her entry. The former Love Generation member shows the interviewer around her home, probably some home studio and the living room. Describes her song as a break up song, which is quite emotional.

Well here is Cornelia on stage, radiant, there’s a circular panel behind her. She wears a top with glowing stones. Lot’s of close ups and lightwork. The song is such an explosion of emotions, describes a breakup stage everyone has been through. Her vocals are impeccable and it is unlike what we’ve seen from her from her Love Generation entries. Are an amazing song and great vocals enough to secure her a place at the finals? Let’s see if she will be a shocking qualifier!

Cornelia Jakobs

  • Robin Bengtsson – “Innocent Love”

Robin’s introduction video is from his new home at his home studio, he is describing his entry this year. Oh there’s also Victor Crone in the green room!

Here is Robin on stage. There are some technical difficulties in the beginning. His outfit is simple, minimal moves and a fun 90s vibes song. Robin is gonna have a second take, on an attempt to fix the technical issues that occurred during his performance.

This time he is competing with an easy listening pop song, which is uptempo at the same time, maybe a bit close to the songs we usually get to listen by Ed Sheeran or Coldplay! He will most probably qualify but it is unknown if we’re gonna see him in Turin this year!

As usual, we’ve got a recap of all seven contestants, showing the phone numbers that the public will get the chance to vote.

Following the recap, we get to listen to Oscar Zia performing a song mentioning previous Melodifestivalen artists in the lyrics, the instrumental is power-ballad style. Oscar storms on the second stage and goes on performing the song. Now there are four dancers waving the Swedish-speaking Finns flag (red flag, yellow cross). After the songs ends, Måns Zelmerlow appears on screen and Oscar goes nuts!

The first voting round

We remind you that all the results that will be announced in this general rehearsal are virtual, so as to emulate the whole televised show.

Now it’s the time that the winner of the first voting round will be announced! Oscar keeps us thrilled, typical voting music theme plays at the background!

The first virtual direct qualifier, determined by the first voting round is Danne Stråhed with his song “Hallabaloo”!

The rest of the six artists move on to the second voting round. Following the announcement, we’ve got a second recap of all the six remaining songs. The viewers will get five votes in total, once more in order to vote for their favourite artists. At the second voting round, the votes received during the first voting round also count against the total of votes received.

Oscar appears in the green room, showing pics of previous Melodifestivalen artists. Starts off with Måns Zelmerlow and ends with Anton Ewald.

Eric Saade on stage!

Shockingly enough, Eric Saade is on stage ready to perform “Manboy” on the piano, wearing a black suit! An amazing piano version, as a countdown for the end of the voting process. He moves on performing a slightly different version of “Popular” with lots of wind instruments. Next up is his song “Sting“! It would be a surprise if he didn’t perform his last year’s Melodifestivalen entry, “Every Minute”. He never fails to amaze us with his stage presence and his moves. Oscar interviews Eric for a while, then Eric takes place as an interviewer in the green room, interviewing the virtual direct qualifier Danne Stråhed!

The second voting round

Before the end of the second voting round and the announcement of the virtual second direct qualifier and the two qualifiers of the fifth semi-final, we’ve got a break that shows older contestants of Sweden in Eurovision, such as ABBA and also other contestants of Melodifestivalen. The two spokespersons are two, Muppet Show style cartoon figures.

Now it is the time Oscar announces the time that the revelation of the second voting results will be announced per viewer age-band. Within this voting round, SVT displays the distribution of the votes within the different viewer age-bands in real-time, which practically keeps the viewers engaged throughout the show and up until the final results are announced.

  • Virtual winner of the age-band 3-9 years old is: Cornelia Jakobs!
  • Virtual winner of the age-band 10-15 years old is: Shirley Clamp!
  • Virtual winner of the age-band 16-29 years old is: Shirley Clamp!
  • Virtual winner of the age-band 30-44 years old is: Shirley Clamp!
  • Virtual winner of the age-band 45-59 years old is: Shirley Clamp!
  • Virtual winner of the age-band 60-74 years old is: Shirley Clamp!
  • Virtual winner of the age-band 75+ years old is: Shirley Clamp!
  • Virtual winner of the televoting is: Malou Prytz!

Virtual direct qualifiers

  • First voting round winner (absolute votes): Danne Stråhed
  • Second voting round winner (age-band votes): Shirley Clamp

Virtual qualifiers at the fifth semi-final (age-band votes)

  • First qualifier: Cornelia Jakobs
  • Second qualifier: Theoz

My prediction is that we will get to see Robin Bengtsson in the finals. Second direct qualifier could be either of Malou Prytz, Omar Rudberg, or maybe Cornelia Jakobs which would be a nice surprise to see her qualify!

Let’s see what is going to happen, tomorrow 20:00 CET we will get to watch the actual semi final live, on SVT or SVT Play and of course EurovisionFun, where you will have 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 qualifiers to the finals, on the 12th of March?

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2022 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2022!

Source: SVT
Photo: Annika Berglund/SVT

Sweden: Listen to the song snippets of the first semi-final of Melodifestivalen 2022!

/0 Comments/in , /by

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

The Swedish national selection process starts off the forthcoming Saturday, February the 5th! The first semi final of the national selection process of Sweden, will take place at The Avicii Arena in Stockholm, which is the largest hemispherical building in the world.

The competing songs:

1. Malou Prytz – “Bananas” LISTEN HERE

Malou Prytz appears first on stage, performing the up-tempo song “Bananas”! Her performance looks nothing like her older participations at the contest. The song is of high energy with lots of pop-rock elements. She looks quite comfortable on stage, but it seems like it won’t be an easy task for her to place high in the finals.

2. Theoz – “Som du vill” LISTEN HERE

THEOZ, one of the biggest Swedish young influencers, competes at Melodifestivalen for the first time, with a Swedish pop song! His performance is great, he’s got stage presence, lots of changes in the camera shots, but the song will probably not be one of those that will stand out, this Saturday!

3. Shirley Clamp – “Let There Be Angels” LISTEN HERE

Big return for Shirley Clamp! She is on stage all alone, performing “Let there be Angels” with a minimal staging that relies on the lighting and her amazing vocals!

4. Omar Rudberg – “Moving Like That” LISTEN HERE

After his massive hit Netflix series “Young Royals”, Omar Rudberg returns for another time at Melodifestivalen with the song “Moving Like That”! A latin pop song with an intense choreography, makes it an easy job for Omar to stand out in this semi-final!

5. Danne Stråhed – “Hallabaloo” LISTEN HERE

Next up on stage, Danne Stråhed, with his six-member-band performing “Hallabaloo”! A song that will certainly appeal to the older age-bands of viewers, but will most likely struggle to secure a place for the finals!

6. Cornelia Jakobs – “Hold Me Closer” LISTEN HERE

“Hold Me Closer” is performed by Cornelia Jakobs! The song starts off sounding like a ballad but gradually fills up with electronic and rock sounds and ends up epic sounding! The staging is also minimal and focuses entirely on Cornelia and we have to admit that her vocals are impeccable!

7. Robin Bengtsson – “Innocent Love” LISTEN HERE

Last rehearsal for today, the one of Robin Bengtsson with “Innocent Love”! This year’s attempt reminds nothing of his previous two. This time he is competing with an easy listening pop song, which is uptempo at the same time, maybe a bit close to the songs we usually get to listen by Ed Sheeran or Coldplay! He will most probably qualify but it is unknown if we’re gonna see him in Turin this year!

The lyrics of the songs were published on Wednesday February 2nd, which you can read in more detail, in our corresponding article.

The process

Two songs will directly qualify to the grand final of Melodifestivalen 2022, which will take place on the 12th of March. The songs that will place third and fourth will have to compete again, at the fifth semi-final, held on the 5th of March. There will be four semi-finals in total.

Oscar Zia will present the Melodifestivalen 2022, while due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the shows for the national selection process that will represent Sweden in Turin this year, will be held exclusively in Stockholm!

Melodifestivalen 2022 finals will he held on the 12th of March, when we will get to know who will be selected as a representative for Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin!

The detailed schedule of Melodifestivalen 2022 is described below:

  • First Semi-Final on the 5th of February
  • Second Semi-Final on the 12th of February
  • Third Semi-Final on the 19th of Februrary
  • Fourth Semi-Final on the 26th of February
  • Fifth Semi-Final on the 5th of March
  • The Final on the 12th of March

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 2022 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2022!

Source: SVT
Photo: Annika Berglund/SVT

Sweden: The lyrics of the songs competing at the first semi-final of Melodifestivalen 2022!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Melodifestivalen 2022 starts the forthcoming Saturday, February the 5th! The first semi final of the national selection process of Sweden, will take place at The Avicii Arena in Stockholm, which is the largest hemispherical building in the world.

A while ago, SVT, the Swedish national broadcaster released the lyrics of all seven competing songs, of the first semi-final, but also the first photos from the rehearsals.

You can read the lyrics of the first semi-final songs below:

1. Malou Prytz – “Bananas” (Writers: Alice Gernandt, Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Joy Deb, Linnea Deb)

I should be growing up
But I’m lazy
(Too lazy)
I should be falling in love and calling you baby
(That’s crazy)

There’s so many things that I should do
No matter how I try to be like you

Oh lord
Be good tonight
Cuz today I’m doing nothing right

I go bananas
Bananas
I don’t do stress
But nevertheless
I go bananas

B A N A nas
Bananas!

I should be working out
But it’s heavy
(And sweaty)
I should be following rules
But I break ‘em
(Who needs ‘em)

There’s so many things that I should do
But tonight I’m doing me not you

Oh lord
Be good tonight
Cuz today I’m doing nothing right

I go bananas
Bananas
I don’t do stress
But nevertheless
I go bananas

B A N A nas
Bananas!

Oh lord
Be good tonight
Cuz today I’m doing nothing right

Oh lord
Be good tonight
Cuz today I’m doing nothing right

What?

I go bananas
Bananas

So many things I should do
But tonight I’m doing me not you
Oh lord be good tonight
I’m bananas I’m bananas

I go bananas
Bananas

I don’t do stress
But nevertheless
I go bananas

B A N A nas
Bananas!

B A N A nas
Bananas!

2. Theoz – “Som du vill” (Writers: Tobias Lundgren, Axel Schylström, Tim Larsson, Elize Ryd, Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt)

Jag är inte farlig
Även om det bränns
Vill du följa med mig
Du vet ju hur det känns

Får du kalla fötter
Gör det ingenting
Allting kommer vända
När du gör som du vill

Kom förbi i förbifarten
Gör nånting som gör mig vaken
Ta hissen upp till taket över stan

Om du fryser ta min jacka jag är ändå varm
Ta med den hem så jag kan följa efter den
För jag kan inte lämna dig ifred

Som du vill
Sättet som du för dig
Blir galen när du rör dig
Jag vill ha dig tätt intill
Som du vill
Baby du är festen
Jag kan inte få nog av dig när du gör som du vill

När du gör som du vill
Som du vill
Som du vill
När du gör som du vill

När du gör som du vill
Som du vill
Som du vill
När du gör som du vill

Du skulle bara våga
Lämna mig såhär
Resten utav livet
Är allting jag begär

Kom förbi i förbifarten
Gör nånting som gör mig vaken
Ta hissen upp till taket över stan

Om du fryser ta min jacka jag är ändå varm
Ta med den hеm så jag kan följa efter den
För jag kan intе lämna dig ifred

Som du vill
Sättet som du för dig
Blir galen när du rör dig
Jag vill ha dig tätt intill

Som du vill
Baby du är festen
Jag kan inte få nog av dig när du gör som du vill
När du gör som du vill Som du vill
Som du vill
När du gör som du vill
När du gör som du vill Som du vill
Som du vill
När du gör som du vill

Åh
Åhhh …
Jag älskar dig när du gör som du vill

Som du vill
Sättet som du för dig
Blir galen när du rör dig
Jag vill ha dig tätt intill

Som du vill
Baby du är festen
Jag kan inte få nog av dig när du gör som du vill

När du gör som du vill
Som du vill
Som du vill
När du gör som du vill

När du gör som du vill
Som du vill
Som du vill
När du gör som du vill

3. Shirley Clamp – “Let There Be Angels” (Writers: Mats Tärnfors, Pelle Nylén, Shirley Clamp, Jakob Skarin )

Here we are
In a world forever changing
Torn and scarred
We are We are

Never ever let another pessimist drag you down
Don’t you see there are miracles all around

Let there be angels
Let there be stars across the sky
Let there be angels
Never give up, never give in
Turning the pages
We got a chance to make things right

Cause all that glitters is gold

Day by day
When you think there’s only darkness
So betrayed
We are We are

Don’t tell me that our chances are next to none
I still believe the impossible can be done

Let there be angels
Let there be stars across the sky
Let there be angels
Never give up, never give in
Turning the pages

We got a chance to make things right

Cause all that glitters is gold

Try to see some good in everything
So we really can start anew
Cause I still believe the fairytales
Can all come true

Let there be angels
Let there be stars across the sky
Let there be angels
Never give up, never give in
Turning the pages
We got a chance to make things right

Cause all that glitters
All that glitters is gold

4. Omar Rudberg – “Moving Like That” (Writers: Omar Rudberg, Gustav Blomberg, Amanda Kongshaug, Kristin Marie)

Got your number ready on my phone
Counted way too many reasons not to call
But it’s late and I’ve been out for a while
I don’t wanna be alone for the night
When I saw you you were dancing on your own

Oh I know you’re really not a good idea
Oh, but I can’t
No I can’t

I can’t help myself
When you do it like that
Oh when do it like that
Can’t help myself
When you moving like that
Oh When you moving like that
Can’t help myself
When you looking like that

Making me go crazy for your love
When you moving like that
Oh when you moving like that

Yellow painted gold down on the floor
Can’t deny that you looked better than before

Oh I know you’re really not a good idea Oh But I can’t
No I can’t

I can’t help myself
When you do it like that
Oh when do it like that
Can’t help myself
When you moving like that
Oh when you moving like that
Can’t help myself
When you looking like that

Making me go crazy for your love
When you moving like that
Oh when you moving like that

Oh
Se que tu no eres una buena idea
(Oh) Yeah

I can’t help myself
When you do it like that
Oh when you do it like that
Can’t help myself
When you moving like that
Oh when you moving like that
Can’t help myself
When you looking like that
Making me go crazy for your love
When you moving like that
Oh when you moving like that

(When you move, when you move, when you move
When you move like that)

When you looking like that
Making me go crazy for your love
When you moving like that
Oh when you moving like that

5. Danne Stråhed – “Hallabaloo” (Writers: Danne Stråhed, Fredrik Andersson, Erik Stenhammar)

Ja när jag fyllde 17
Då sa bror min till mig
Följ med mig ut på villande vägarna
Följ med mig ut och visa din grej

Åh jag fick spela för syster och bror
Och jag fick sjunga mina do-di-li-do
När folk dom dansa i gyllene skor
Det är mitt liv, det är Hallabaloo

Oh oh Ha ha Hallabaloo
Oh la la la la lallaballoo
Kom o kom o sjung med mig
Ha ha Hallabaloo

Ja många vill studera
Och göra karriär
Och andra dom tränar hästar
Dom mockar skit och blir miljonär

Men jag vill spela för syster och bror
Och jag fick sjunga mina do-di-li-do
När folk dom dansa i gyllene skor
Det är mitt liv, det är Hallabaloo

Oh oh Ha ha Hallabaloo
Oh la la la la lallaballoo
Kom o kom o sjung med mig
Ha ha Hallabaloo

Allting kan du göra
Allting här i vår värld
Ja du kan till och med flyga
Prova själv om vingarna bär

Men jag vill spela för syster och bror
Och jag vill sjunga mina do-di-li-do-di-li-do
När folk dom dansar i gyllene skor
Det är mitt liv, det är Hallabaloo

Jag vill bara spela för syster och bror
Och jag fick sjunga mina do-di-li-do
När folk dom dansar i gyllene skor
Det är mitt liv, det är Hallabaloo

Det är mitt liv, det är Hallabaloo
Oh oh Ha ha Hallabaloo
Oh la la la la lallaballoo
Kom o kom o sjung med mig
Ha ha Hallabaloo

6. Cornelia Jakobs – “Hold Me Closer” (Writers: Isa Molin, David Zandén, Cornelia Jakobsdotter)

No need to apologize
Cuz there’s nothing to regret
Well this is not what I wanted
Guess all the good things come to an end

So baby bye bye
Wish you the best
But most of alI I wish that I could love you less

Well maybe you’re right
I’ll find someone else
You say it isn’t me but when did that ever help

Hold me closer
Although you’ll leave before the sunrise
Might be bleeding, but don’t you mind, I’ll be fine
Oh it kills me
I found the right one at the wrong time
But until the sunrise
Hold tight
Hold tight

Maybe it happened too fast
I guess that I understand
You say that you’ve never felt this way for anyone
And that’s why it scares you to death

So baby bye bye
Know it’s for the best
Still I can’t see how that would ease the pain in my chest

Hold me closer
Although you’ll leave before the sunrise
I’ll be bleeding but don’t you mind I’ll be fine
Oh it kills me
I found the right one at the wrong time But until the sunrise

Could you just hold me tight
I know I have to let go but just give me the night

Cuz tomorrow will hurt
Hurt really bad
Cuz I’m about to lose the best I ever had

Hold me closer
Although you’ll leave before the sunrise
I’ll be bleeding but don’t you mind I’ll be fine
Oh it kills me
I found the right one at the wrong time
But until the sunrise

Could you just hold me tight
I know I have to let go but just give me the night

Can’t you see that you found the right one at the wrong time
It was just the wrong time
Hold tight
Hold tight

7. Robin Bengtsson – “Innocent Love” (Writers: David Lindgren Zacharias, Victor Sjöström, Victor Crone, Viktor Broberg, Sebastian Atas)

(Want that innocent love
Want that innocent love)

Woke up
I got a feelin
Won’t stop
I still believe in
Innocent love
Want that
Innocent love

Get lost
You and me dreamin
Tonight
We hit the ceiling
Innocent love
Want that innocent love

So hold up
Hold up
See the stars and the moonlight
Don’t let it pass us by
We got the world in our hands
Baby shaking it off
Like

Ohoh
I just wanna stay in this moment
Take a little sip of the ocean
With you
We don’t have to complicate it
I just wanna stay in this moment
Take a little sip of the ocean With you
I want that Innocent lovе
Want that Innocent love
We got thе world in our hands
Baby shaking it off
Like

You are
My kind and of
Season
I am
Hooked on a feeling
Innocent love
I want that Innocent love

So hold up
Hold up
See the stars and the moonlight
Don’t let it pass us by
We got the world in our hands
Baby shaking it off
Like

Ohoh
I just wanna stay in this moment
Take a little sip of the ocean
With you
We don’t have to complicate it
I just wanna stay in this moment
Take a little sip of the ocean
With you

We got the world in our hands now
Nothing here can bring us down
Wanna learn how to live

Ohoh
I just wanna stay in this moment
Take a little sip of the ocean
With you
We don’t have to complicate it
I just wanna stay in this moment
Take a little sip of the ocean
With you

Ohoh
That innocent love
I want that innocent love
We got the world in our hands
Baby shaking it off
Like

Ohoh
I just wanna stay in this moment
Take a little sip of the ocean
With you

The detailed schedule of Melodifestivalen 2022 is described below:

  • First Semi-Final on the 5th of February
  • Second Semi-Final on the 12th of February
  • Third Semi-Final on the 19th of Februrary
  • Fourth Semi-Final on the 26th of February
  • Fifth Semi-Final on the 5th of March
  • The Final on the 12th of March

Oscar Zia will present the Melodifestivalen 2022, while due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the shows for the national selection process that will represent Sweden in Turin this year, will be held exclusively in Stockholm!

Melodifestivalen 2022 finals will he held on the 12th of March, when we will get to know who will be selected as a representative for Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin!

See you on Thursday, when we will get the chance to listen to the one-minute snippets, of the seven songs of the first semi final, for the first time.

Source/Photo: SVT