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Germany: Grossstadtgeflüster never applied for Das deutsche Finale 2024!

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The speculated fan favorite Grossstadtgeflüster will not take part in the German preliminary round Das deutsche Finale 2024 for the selection of the German representative at Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. The reason for this is quite simple: the band hadn’t even applied to NDR for it. The group made this clear today in a statement on social media.

It all fit! The title of the song “Ich kündige” is concise, unique and catchy. It was released after 1 September 2023 and could have simply been limited to the usual three minutes which is a requirement for a Eurovision Song Contest entry. And the song had already triggered a hype in the Eurovision bubble and on TikTok in advance. Nevertheless, Grossstadtgeflüster will not take part in the German Eurovision preliminaries in 2024 and thus will not get a chance to represent Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Malmö, Sweden.

You can listen to their song “Ich kündige” at the video down below:

Specifically, the band responded to the rumours with a statement on an Instagram post, which can be seen below:

“Because of the many people asking us if we would participate in the ESC:

Certainly, it would have been an honor for us to secure the last place for Germany.

However, we didn’t apply because we’re pretty terrible at meeting deadlines, and on top of that, we tend to develop a mysterious skin irritation whenever we walk too close to a German flag.”

As early as October 12, there have been reports about a possible application of Grossstadtgeflüster with “Ich kündige” on ESCKompakt, noting that the band had not confirmed that they were involved in the application process.

Lots of hype had been developed around the song “Ich kündige” and its video. A Tiktok with the song had reached almost 3 million views within two days. A hint from the X fan account Songfestival Azerbaijan did the rest to spark the hopes in the Eurovision bubble.

So now, two days before the official announcement of the actual participants in the Eurovision preliminary decision Das deutsche Finale 2024, comes the clarifying cancellation. With this, the band is probably doing NDR a favor, because the possible disappointment of the fans about the non-participation of Grossstadtgeflüster should have evaporated by then.

Source: esc-kompakt.de

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Sweden: The left party demands the ban of Israel from Eurovision Song Contest! | The response of SVT!

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In May, Malmö will host the Eurovision Song Contest. On May 7, the festivities kick off and on May 11, it’s time for the final. But lately the contest is leaning towards politics. The leader of the Left Party, Nooshi Dadgostar, demands that the organizers ban Israel from participating in the competition. Nooshi Dadgostar explicitly says:

“Eurovision should not invite Israel.”

The reason for the Left Party‘s announcement is the ongoing war that in Gaza, where Israel has been dragged before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The legal process has been initiated after South Africa filed a complaint against Israel to the court.

“Aggressive war against children”

Nooshi Dadgostar adds on the matter:

“Tens of thousands of people have been killed. It is not the right signal to send that Sweden gives space on stage to such a state. Israel is waging an aggressive war against children and their parents and is now being prosecuted for genocide and there are many indications that they are committing war crimes right now.”

When asked if it is reasonable for her, as a politician, to interfere in a production in this way, she responded:

“I love Eurovision. It is a place of celebration and fellowship, but I think many people share the view that a state that has killed so many children cannot be given this place. Otherwise, it’s as if the outside world doesn’t care about the killing. This has to stop.”

Social Democratic party doesn’t want to interfere

Social Democratic MP Lawen Redar, who sits on the Riksdag‘s Culture Committee, strongly disagrees.

“I don’t interfere in how this type of programme should be implemented. It must be up to the public service broadcasters in Europe, and it is certainly unusual to boycott individual nations from participating.”

The response of SVT

SVT refers the question of Israel‘s participation in Eurovision to the European Broadcasting Union and Madeleine Sinding-Larsen write:

“SVT will not comment on this because it is the EBU that decides which members participate in the competition and SVT will follow the EBU’s decision.”

Aftonbladet has reached out to the EBU but there is no response yet.

Source: Aftonbladet / Fredrik Björkman
Photo: Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU

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Sweden: How will Malmö’s budget of 30 million Swedish crowns be used for Eurovision?

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A bit more than six months have passed since SVT revealed that Malmö will be the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, on July 7.

There will be televised semi-finals on 7 and 9 May. On Saturday 11 May, the final will be broadcast all over the world from Malmö Arena.

This week, Malmö‘s top politicians hammered out how Malmö‘s taxpayers’ money should be used around the giant event. The Chair of the Municipal Executive Board Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh said on the matter:

“A completely unanimous municipal executive board supported the distribution. Much of the work will be done out in the committees and therefore we set aside money there.”

Already last autumn, in last year’s budget, agreements were signed for around SEK 10 million – including with Malmö Arena, Malmömässan and Malmö Live.

The rest of the money that is supposed to be used for the music festival was invested by the municipal board this week:

  • The Technical Committee will receive SEK 6.6 million for the work on Eurovision Park and Eurovillage at Folkets Park.
  • The Culture Committee will receive SEK 1.8 million for its work on programmes and communication.
  • The Recreation Committee will receive SEK 3.3 million for the work with 600 unpaid volunteers and for city decoration, such as flags and banners that will fill Malmö.
  • The Municipal Executive Board is also allocating SEK 6.3 million to a wide range of general extra costs linked to the giant event.

Despite galloping inflation, this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will not be more expensive for Malmö‘s taxpayers than the contests ten years ago says the city of Malmö‘s project manager Karin Karlsson:

“More people are contributing content than they did ten years ago. We are trying to work with the business community in a much more comprehensive way than we did then.”

Already in a couple of weeks, on January 30, Farah Abadi and Pernilla Månsson Colt will lead the draw for places in the two semi-finals. At the same time, the world is under pressure from major international conflicts, such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Shortly after the announcement that Malmö will be the host of the Eurovision Song Contest, the Swedish Security Service raised the terrorist threat level in Sweden. On 1 November, a total bag ban was introduced at major events. It is still unclear what additional and stricter security measures may be required ahead of the giant competition in Malmö. But politicians know that it could lead to new costs for the city. Karin comments:

“As far as security is concerned, we are waiting for information from the police. This will have consequences for the centre of Malmö as a whole. We are already working preventively by trying to choose places with perimeter protection and places we are used to working with.”

“In the first instance, public transport will be offered.” says the municipal board’s decision document. One can assume that this will be offered to the volunteers and press that are attending to work on the contest. But would that also mean that the artists will also travel by bus or train to the competition arena in Hyllie? Karin Karlsson responds:

“No, that’s where the line is drawn. We have a special responsibility to ensure that they arrive on time. The participants will travel in rented buses or electric cars. It’s Malmö’s advantage that we have such good public transport. It’s also a way to save money. We want the whole event to be used by public transport.”

Source: Sydsvenskan
Photo: Martin Meissner

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Denmark: Malmöhagen Party to be launched on May 4 in Copenhagen!

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Each year Eurovision Pre-Parties take place in 8 cities with capacities of between 1.000 to 7.000 guests as part of the promotion tour. Now it is time to put Copenhagen on the map given its proximity to Eurovision host city, Malmö who host the two Semi-Finals and Grand Final on May 7, 9 & 11. With 1.4M population, Copenhagen is a 12 minutes 1 train stop ride away from Malmö Arena and it’s 700000 population.

The hosts

Our Pre-Party Festival Show is co-hosted by James Barr from the UK who hosts the Hits Radio UK Radio Breakfast Show with Fleur East. This will be the 5th time that James has hosted our Pre-Party events from previous successful private ones in London cinemas and during the pandemic to a worldwide audience under the name “Coronavision“.

Annie Rection joins James as co-host from Denmark. She is a well-known drag queen comedian, ensuring an evening of entertainment and interaction that is second to none as the UK handovers to Scandinavia at the centre of our entertainment show. She produces and hosts “Just Another Drag Show” and “Absalon Drag Race” among other accolades, TV appearances and podcasts.

The experience

Taking place on the Saturday night before the Malmö Opening Ceremony on Sunday May 5 with a live Audience Vote and International Jury Panel to close out the Eurovision 2024 Concerts in Barcelona, Madrid, London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Oslo & Tel Aviv. We have the honor to close the tour and be the opening party for Eurovision Live Events Week.

Unique from the existing Euroclubs and Pre-Party Concerts, YOU will ALSO be the audience and voters in your own 2024 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final! This event is a 10 hour party with after party Euroclub included. We won’t ask you to leave after the concert, show and vote!

The lineup

We will host an immersive Grand Final with celebrity judges, show stopping “Drag-A-Vision Contest” and our 15+ live performers from Sweden, Iceland, UK, Denmark, Turkey and of course Copenhagen:

  1. Emmelie De Forest – Musician & Eurovision Winner 2013- House of Denmark
  2. Hera Björk – Musician & Eurovision 2010, 2009 Backing Vocalist & Runner-Up Danish MGP 2009- House of Iceland
  3. Paul Rey – 2020s Melodifestivalen National Final Artist- House of Sweden
  4. Sander Sanchez – 2020 Dansk Melodi Grand Prix Final Runner-Up Artist-House of Denmark
  5. James Barr – Co-Host MalmöHagen 2024- UK Hits Radio Breakfast Show Host with Fleur East. Award winning UK breakfast show. Winner, Best LGBTQ UK Podcast: Gay &A Non Gay & Comedian- House of UK
  6. Annie Rection – Co-Host MalmöHagen 2024- Denmark Absalon Drag Race Host, Not Just Another Drag Race Producer, Host, Drag Queen, Comedian & Dragtastic member- House of Denmark
  7. Oz – Eurovision YouTube Creator, Song Producer & Performing Artist- House of Turkey & UK
  8. DJ Ohrmeister – Eurovision Euroclub DJ- House of Germany
  9. Philipina – 2023 Danish Rainbow Award Nominee &; Denmark Absalon Drag Race Winner, Series 3 &; Dragtastic member – House of Denmark &; Philippines
  10. Sascha Holiday – 2024 Denmark Absalon Drag Race Contestant, Series 4, 2023 Denmark Queen of The Night Winner, 2019 Danish Showgirl of the Year, Eurovision Superfan & Dragtastic member- House of Denmark
  11. Diana Diamond – 2023 Danish Rainbow Awards Best Drag Performer &; Denmark Absalon Drag Race Winner, Series 1- House of Denmark
  12. Chloe Angel – 2023 Denmark Reality TV Series Contestant & Scandinavian Songbook DJ-House of Denmark
  13. Jonathan Jaynes – Singer, Songwriter & Producer- House of Malmö, Sweden
  14. Danica Dimefox – 2024 Absalon Drag Race Contestant, Live Singer and Ballroom Icon-House of Copenhagen

More acts to be confirmed soon. Tickets available on billetto.Dk in advance. Limited same day entry to keep queues short.

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Sweden: Hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in a geopolitically-unstable time!

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Sweden is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in a geopolitically-unstable time.

In Finland, more than 1300 people from the music industry have signed a petition calling for Finland to boycott the contest in Malmö if Israel participates. Similar demands have been made in Iceland in the past.

And recently, demonstrators gathered outside the NRK headquarters in Oslo, demanding the exclusion of Israel from Eurovision because of the war in Gaza.

Ben Robertson, who covers Eurovision for ESCInsight, comments on the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Malmö this May that it could be the most politically sensitive in Eurovision‘s history:

“It will be very tough to organise the Eurovision Song Contest this year. It demands a lot from Malmö and SVT. It’s not just about Israel. It’s about Sweden too, about the high terrorist threat.”

Ben also notes that this will be another season of Eurovision in the shadow of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. Ukraine is participating in this year’s competition. So does Armenia, which came into focus last autumn due to the conflict with Azerbaijan and also says he will neither be surprised if artists and songwriters choose to address political issues this year nor will he be surprised if fans demand that artists who travel to Malmö take a stand in the Israel – Hamas conflict.

The Eurovision Song Contest is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The EBU‘s members are public service broadcasters in various countries, especially in Europe. But countries such as Israel, Morocco and Lebanon are also members of the EBU.

In recent years, two countries have been excluded from the EBU and banned from the Eurovision Song Contest. Belarus was expelled because the country violated the rules of the competition and refused to change a song lyric with too political a message. Russia was expelled after the attack on Ukraine, reflecting a concern that, in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry would bring the competition into disrepute.

Now voices are being raised that Israel should also be expelled. But Paul Jordan, who comments on Eurovision for British media, believes Israel will participate this year. He says the situation is different than when Russia was excluded.

“When Russia was excluded, it had been banned from other international events. The EBU watched the World Cup and others who didn’t want Russia there, and then it would have looked very strange if Russia had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest.”

The idea behind Eurovision is that countries should be able to put aside conflicts and bad relations for one night. In the UK, Olly Alexander, who will represent the country in Malmö, has made headlines with his criticism of Israel.

Paul says that there is a risk that Israel, even if it is not excluded, feels that it is not welcome to participate in Malmö.

“If the war is still going on, and we see these horrific images from Gaza, it can also be perceived as distasteful to participate in Eurovision while people are dying.”

At the same time, Eurovision is an important platform for Israel, which has participated in the contest for 45 years.

Karin Karlsson is the project manager for the Eurovision Song Contest, employed by the City of Malmö. She had the same role in 2013.

She notes that many things are different today. The target group of the competition has become younger. Social media plays a very different role than in 2013. The Eurovision Song Contest doesn’t just mean televised stage performances at Malmö Arena. There will also be a week’s festival in different places in the city. At the same time, Sweden has a high terrorist threat. Karin comments on that:

“And it’s much more complicated in terms of security, this year. We work with safety all the time, every day.”

Source: Svenska Dagbladet

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Sweden: The aim is a back-to-back victory, according to project manager Anders Wistbacka!

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Today morning, SVT unveiled Carina Berg as the host of this year’s shows of Melodifestivalen, on a press conference at the headquarters of SVT in Stockholm, Sweden!

Melodifestivalen’s project manager Anders Wistbacka made the announcement of the presenter, but before doing so he made quite an interesting statement:

“For the first time for Sweden, we want to win this contest twice in a row!”

This of course creates high expectations in the fanbase about the selection of the thirty songs that will compete in this year’s heats in the hopes of representing Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden.

He then commented on the selection of Carina as this year’s host of Melodifestivalen:

“For this year’s Melodifestivalen, we wanted a presenter with a capital P. We wanted a professional, experienced and loved by the viewers. Someone who can lead the show with warm, glamorous and humorous tone. We put the question to Carina Berg and she said yes! I am very happy and proud and know that we have found the right one.”

Do you believe that Sweden can manage to win back-to-back and surpass Ireland in number of victories? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Sweden: Carina Berg will officially host Melodifestivalen 2024!

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A few moments ago, SVT revealed the host of the shows of Melodifestivalen 2024, on their press release! It is now known that Björn Gustafsson will not be one of the leaders of the shows of the tour. Carina Berg is now officially announced as the host the shows of the tour this year!

Who is Carina Berg?

Carina Berg, has since 2012 been associated with Discovery and Kanal 5 and has made a variety of series, by herself or with partner Christine Meltzer, such as “Berg & Meltzer in America“, “A Job for Berg“, “Berg & Meltzer at the Oscars“, “The World’s Toughest Job with Carina Berg” and “Berg’s Dream House“.

In August, however, it became known that Berg had left his exclusive contract with Kanal 5 to freelance and host the Childhood Cancer Gala on Viaplay and TV3.

However, will Björn Gustafsson be involved at all in the shows of this year’s Swedish national selection process? As you may have already read here, Björn will take part in this year’s SVT production as a sidekick of Carina Berg, according to Aftonbladet. However this information is not yet confirmed by SVT.

Who is Björn Gustafsson

In 2008, Carina Berg was married to Kristian Luuk, who was the leader of the Eurovision Song Contest at the time. Björn Gustafsson was his sidekick and in an acclaimed intermission he performed his “Kärlekssång till Carina Berg” (“Lovesong to Carina Berg“) where he tried to convince her to dump her husband for him. He also presented the Swedish vote the very same year, at the Eurovision Song Contest.

The song became the comedian’s and actor’s big breakthrough and since then he has been named Sweden‘s funniest man, and made both Swedish and international careers with films such as “Spy” and roles in the TV series “People of earth“, “Clark” and the TV4 series about Ture Sventon.

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

Source: SVT Pressrummet
Photo: Morgon Norman/SVT

Do you like the host of Melodifestivalen 2024? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Sweden: Björn Gustafsson will not lead Melodifestivalen!

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In one of our previous articles two months ago, we wrote about Carina Berg and Björn Gustafsson who would reportedly lead the shows of Melodifestivalen this year, according to Aftonbladet.

A while ago, Aftonbladet’s Torbjörn Ek revealed that tomorrow, on the SVT press conference where the Melodifestivalen 2024 leads will be presented, only Carina Berg will be presented as the host of Melodifestivalen 2024. She won’t have Björn Gustafsson with her.

Host announcement delayed

It’s been 19 years since SVT took this long to confirm the hosts of the competition. With the exception of the pandemic year 2021 when it happened on January 5, the presenters have in the vast majority of cases been presented in November. Five years even as early as September. Today Aftonbladet reveals that the popular comedian will participate in Melodifestivalen throughout the tour, but as a sidekick, not as a host.

A sidekick has less responsibility

Being a sidekick to the host of the Melodifestivalen means a little less responsibility. And possibly also a little less fuss. Björn Gustafsson also does not have to participate in the otherwise obligatory press conferences or tour activities such as parties for six weeks. Also as a sidekick, the rules are also somewhat more relaxed when it comes to advertising collaborations. Something that can be quite crucial for a person who in recent years has lent his face and his sense of humor in countless commercials, which are still frequently circulating on advertising-funded TV channels. According to what Aftonbladet has learned, SVT and Björn Gustafsson have had a number of discussions during the autumn.

The fact that this year’s Melodifestivalen was initially intended to be led by two hosts, Carina and Björn, is confirmed by several people with good insight. But Björn’s role has been toned down. He doesn’t want to be a host. He doesn’t want to take up so much space. So it has been agreed to reduce his role compared to what was said at the beginning. So, those who have been looking forward to the super duo Carina and Björn in Melodifestivalen should not worry cause according to an Aftonbladet‘s usually very reliable informant Björn and Carina really want to work together. Björn will be there and he will be kind, cozy and very funny, he just won’t be the host.

Who is Carina Berg?

Carina Berg, has since 2012 been associated with Discovery and Kanal 5 and has made a variety of series, by herself or with partner Christine Meltzer, such as “Berg & Meltzer in America“, “A Job for Berg“, “Berg & Meltzer at the Oscars“, “The World’s Toughest Job with Carina Berg” and “Berg’s Dream House“.

In August, however, it became known that Berg had left his exclusive contract with Kanal 5 to freelance and host the Childhood Cancer Gala on Viaplay and TV3. And now she will go to SVT to lead Melodifestivalen 2024 and will collaborate with Björn Gustafsson on stage throughout the tour.

Melodifestivalen 2024 is scheduled to take place between February 3rd to March 9th.

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

Τhe winner of Melodifestivalen 2023 and hence the Swedish representative at Eurovision 2023 was Loreen with her song “Tattoo“. Loreen went to become the first female artist in history to win the Eurovision Song Contest twice.

Source: Aftonbladet

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Sweden: This is the Melodifestivalen 2024 running order of all heats!

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A few moments ago, SVT published the running order of all five heats in this years Melodifestivalen tour!

Karin Gunnarsson, producer of the competition, comments:

“Finally, it’s time for all-Sweden’s festival to go out to entertain, engage and find our representative for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö in May. There will be glitter, glamour, strong choruses and artistry beyond the ordinary for six wonderful weeks when 30 competing artists compete for Songbird. On the trip, the audience gets to meet both established faces such as Danny, Cazzi Opeia and Marcus & Martinus as well as exciting newcomers to the Mello scene such as Fröken Snusk, Annika Wickihalder and Klaudy.”

 

“The line-up is star-studded, full of character and hungry for revenge. Opening in Malmö is Adam Woods, who had his public breakthrough last year when he performed together with Jon Henrik Fjällgren and Arc North. Now he stands solo on stage and opens this year’s edition of Mello. Medina makes a comeback and with start number 30 they finish the last of the year’s five races.”

Below you can see the running order.

Heat 1, Saturday 3 February 2024, Malmö Arena, Malmö

  1. “Supernatural” – Adam Woods
  2. “Hela världen väntar” – Samir & Viktor
  3. “Min melodi” – Melina Borglowe
  4. “Forever Yours” – Elisa Lindström
  5. “Awful Liar” – Lisa Ajax
  6. “Heroes Are Calling” – Smash Into Pieces

Heat 2, Saturday 10 February 2024, Scandinavium, Göteborg

  1. “When I’m Gone” – Maria Sur
  2. “Norrland” – Engmans Kapell
  3. “The Silence After You” – Dear Sara
  4. “Auma” – C-joe
  5. “Dragon” – Liamoo
  6. “Unga och fria” – Fröken Snusk

Heat 3, Saturday 17 February 2024, Vida Arena, Växjö

  1. “Effortless” – Jacqline
  2. “Aldrig mer” – Clara Klingenström
  3. “Take My Breath Away” – Kim Cesarion
  4. “För dig” – Klaudy
  5. “I Won’t Shake (La La Gunilla)” – Gunilla Persson
  6. “Give My Heart A Break” – Cazzi Opeia

Heat 4, Saturday 24 February 2024, Stiga Sports Arena, Eskiltuna

  1. “Done Getting Over You” – Albin Tingwall
  2. “30 km/h” – Lia Larsson
  3. “It’s Not Easy To Write A Love Song” – Dotter
  4. “Circus X” – SCARLET
  5. “En sång om sommaren” – Lasse Stefanz
  6. “Happy That You Found Me” – Danny Saucedo

Heat 5, Saturday 2 March 2024, Löfbergs Arena, Karlstad

  1. “Unforgettable” – Marcus & Martinus
  2. “Controlla” – Chelsea Muco
  3. “Back To My Roots” – Jay Smith
  4. “Banne maj” – Elecktra
  5. “Light” – Annika Wickihalder
  6. “Que sera” – Medina

Melodifestivalen 2024 is scheduled to take place between February 3rd to March 9th.

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

What is your favourite participant of Melodifestivalen 2024? Let us know in the comments section below!

The winner of Melodifestivalen 2023 and hence the Swedish representative at Eurovision 2023 was Loreen with her song “Tattoo“. Loreen went to become the first female artist in history to win the Eurovision Song Contest twice.

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EBU: The union’s take on Auto-Tune! | There is an exception to the rule!

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While the EBU requires Eurovision participants to sing live with their raw vocals at the song contest, NRK has allowed so-called Auto-Tune in the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix. The Eurovision organizer had always been cautious about commenting on the topic, but now clearly outlines the rules for Auto-Tune to TV 2. EBU‘s communications department outlines:

“Live vocals are very important in our format and in the tradition of the competition. The quality of the main vocals is a large part of the overall assessment of the performance, both for the jury and the audience at home. That performance should happen live, and without manipulation.”

Auto-Tune is a digital music tool that corrects the pitch of the voice, even in real-time, so singers always hit the tone precisely. The technology became particularly famous in 1998 through the song “Believe” by Cher.

This is the exception

Despite the seemingly categorical ban, the EBU acknowledges that there does not exist a total Auto-Tune ban on the Eurovision stage.

“Auto-Tune can be used as a sound effect on parts of a song, but we don’t allow it to correct the tone of the lead singer or backing vocals throughout the song.”

This means that the controversial technology can be used in a registered song, but no more extensive form than as an effect grip. President Morten Thomassen of the Norwegian Eurovision club says about the new information:

“I think it is the first time they clarify these rules so much. It’s good that they’re still against Auto-Tune on paper, but the way I interpret the rules, it can be applied to the vocally difficult parts of the song and that’s probably where it’s needed most I would think.”

“Unfortunately, Auto-Tune is here to stay”

Thomassen is not satisfied with the fact that Auto-Tune is freely allowed in the NRK competition of MGP, which is the stage where Norway‘s Eurovision entry is to be selected from, expressing his clear dissatisfaction when he spoke to TV 2 on Tuesday.

He thought Auto-Tune in a contest like Eurovision is like “putting too much makeup on the bride”, and already last year asked NRK to reverse the choice of the sometimes reviled technology.

Do you agree with the use of Auto-Tune at the Eurovision Song Contest? Let us know in the comments section below!

Stay tuned at EurovisionFun for all the latest news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest!

Source: TV 2

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