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

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!

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 – “BananasLISTEN 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 villLISTEN 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 AngelsLISTEN 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 ThatLISTEN 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 – “HallabalooLISTEN 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 CloserLISTEN 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 LoveLISTEN 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!

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