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Sweden: These are the detailed results of all the shows of Melodifestivalen 2023!

The Final of Melodifestivalen 2023, was broadcast by SVT and SVT Play last Saturday and we now know that Loreen will represent Sweden at Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool, with the song “Tattoo“, placing first in both the International Jury and the public vote!

Today SVT released the detail results of all the Melodifestivalen 2023 shows and as it seems Loreen won by a landslide! There was also a significant difference in votes between Loreen and the runner-ups of the show in Malmö, Smash Into Pieces!

But let’s see how the results were in each of the shows:

  • Heat 1: Göteborg – Saturday 4 February 2023 (Scandinavium)

  • Heat 2: Linköping – Saturday 11 February 2023 (Saab Arena)

  • Heat 3: Lidköping – Saturday 18 February 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)

  • Heat 4: Malmö – Saturday 25 February 2023 (Malmö Arena)

  • Semi-Final: Örnsköldsvik – Saturday 4 March 2023 (Hägglunds Arena)

  • Final: Stockholm – Satuday 11 March 2023 (Friends Arena)

Don’t miss out on Loreen’s first words, at the press conference after her victory at the Melodifestivalen 2023, that took place at Friends Arena! Check out our YouTube channel for more interviews, reactions videos and Melodifestivalen material!

What do you think of this year’s Swedish entry at the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Liverpool? Leave a comment below!

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Sweden’s entry for Eurovision 2023!

Photo: Andreas Papayiannakis

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

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

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


Second Heat Results

  • Direct finalists

Maria Sur – Never Give Up
Panetoz – On My Way

  • Semi-final qualifiers

THEOZ – Mer av dig
Tennessee Tears – Now I Know


The heats are following the touring concept again, after SVT had pulled back last year due to health restrictions in Sweden, with the finals being held at Friends Arena!

With the next show of the contest on Saturday February the 18th, Melodifestivalen will take place in Lidköping, then Malmö and Örnsköldsvik follow and finally the final show in Stockholm on the 11th of March.


The detailed schedule of Melodifestivalen 2023 is described below:

  • Heat 1: Göteborg – Saturday 4 February 2023 (Scandinavium)
  • Heat 2: Linköping – Saturday 11 February 2023 (Saab Arena)
  • Heat 3: Lidköping – Saturday 18 February 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)
  • Heat 4: Malmö – Saturday 25 February 2023 (Malmö Arena)
  • Semi-Final: Örnsköldsvik – Saturday 4 March 2023 (Hägglunds Arena)
  • Final: Stockholm – Satuday 11 March 2023 (Friends Arena)

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Sweden’s entry for Eurovision 2023!

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson
Source: MMS

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

Ninety minutes ago, the show for the Second Heat of Melodifestivalen 2023, started off on SVT and SVT Play. And we are here to share the results of the night with you!

The two numbers that qualify directly to the finals are Maria Sur – “Never Give Up” and Panetoz – “On My Way”  which we will get to see perform their songs live, on the 11th of March, when the finals will take place at Friends Arena.

But how things developed during the night?

The show

Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi will present Melodifestivalen 2023. The heats are following the touring concept again, after SVT had pulled back last year due to health restrictions in Sweden, with the finals being held at Friends Arena!

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

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

The performances

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

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Eden –Comfortable

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Uje Brandelius –Grytan

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Panetoz –On My Way

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

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Tennessee Tears –Now I Know

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Maria Sur –Never Give Up

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

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • THEOZ –Mer av dig

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

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

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

The first voting round

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

The Intervals

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

Winners of viewer age-bands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Results

·       Direct qualifiers

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

·       Qualifiers at the semi-final

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

See you next Saturday, after the third heat, when you will have the chance to be informed in detail about the results, as soon as they are announced on TV!

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

Source: SVT
Photos: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

Sweden: The betting odds, just a few moments before the Second Melodifestivalen 2023 Heat results!

Melodifestivalen 2023 Second Heat show will begin in a few moments, with the new competition and voting format in place and will be aired on SVT and SVT Play. Seven contestants will have to compete against each other tonight, in order to secure one of the direct finalist places, or if not directly qualifying to the finals, claiming their ticket for the fifth semi-final, as their last chance in the hopes of competing at the finals.

Tonight’s contestants

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

The odds

The betting odds depend on many factors and as these factors are subject to changes anytime, the odds can still fluctuate, even last minute. Currently there seem to be two clear direct finalists and these are Maria Sur and Theoz.

As for the two semi-final qualifiers, we might have quite a close combat between some of the artists. Currently, in the third and fourth place of the betting odds we have Panetoz and Wiktoria respectively.

Let’s see what is going to happen, we will get the chance to watch the actual heat live, on SVT and SVT Play and of course at EurovisionFun you will get the chance to be informed about the results as soon as they are announced on TV!

Which two of today’s competing artists do you think will be the direct finalists, that will be competing on the 11th of March, hoping to represent Sweden in Liverpool, this year?

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

Source: Eurovision World

Sweden: The general rehearsal of the Second Melodifestivalen 2023 Heat! (Live)

The general rehearsal of the Second Melodifestivalen 2023 Heat has just started. We are happy to be watching it live, at Saab Arena in Linköping, Sweden. We will be covering this rehearsal, describing in detail what is happening during the show, for you to follow the entire process.

This article is being updated in real-time, all you need to do is hit the refresh button on your browser and all the rest is on us!

We will keep you up to date with all the latest information and images off this semi-final rehearsal, allowing you to get a glimpse of what you will get to see tomorrow February 11, at 20:00 CET, when you watch the actual show of the heat, on SVT and SVT Play.

The show

Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi will present Melodifestivalen 2023. The heats are following the touring concept again, after SVT had pulled back last year due to health restrictions in Sweden, with the finals being held at Friends Arena! With the next show of the contest on Saturday February the 11th, Melodifestivalen will take place in Linköping, then Lidköping, Malmö, Örnsköldsvik follow and finally the final show in Stockholm on the 11th of March.

Jesper and Farah are at the arena and everything is ready to begin! It’s time to face the music!

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

The performances

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

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Eden –Comfortable

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

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Uje Brandelius –Grytan

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

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Panetoz –On My Way

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

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Tennessee Tears –Now I Know

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • Maria Sur –Never Give Up

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

  • THEOZ –Mer av dig

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

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

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

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

Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

After all the performances are complete, the presenters interview the contestants and after that there’s a recap of all the numbers of the show, as usual.

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

The first voting round

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

The Intervals

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

Second voting round

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A prediction

I believe that Theoz (he’s got a super-dedicated fanbase in Sweden) and Maria Sur will directly qualify to the finals. For the semi-final qualifiers, it will probably be Wiktoria (who I foresee that might lose her DTF position over Maria Sur) and Panetoz (this week it’s a hard one, I want Tennessee Tears to qualify to the semifinalen too). It all depends on how Maria Sur will do. There’s only one day left, we’re less than 24 hours away from the actual show!

Which two of today’s competing artists do you think will be the direct qualifiers to the finals, on the 11th of March?

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

Source: SVT
Photos: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

Sweden: Watch clips from the rehearsals of the second Melodifestivalen 2023 heat!

As usual, a few hours before each Melodifestivalen heat, SVT published the rehearsal clips of all seven competing artists of the second heat of February the 11th, taking place in Linköping.

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

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

The lyrics of the songs are already published and you can have a look in more detail, in our corresponding article.

The process

Two songs will directly qualify to the grand final of Melodifestivalen 2023, which will take place on the 11th of March. The songs that will place third and fourth will have to compete again, at the fifth semi-final, held on the 4th of March. There will be four heats in total.

As we have already informed you, the voting system of Melodifestivalen has changed following the announced changes by EBU regarding the voting format in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool!

The broadcaster now scraps the group division at the fifth show, known as the semi-final and all eight contestants will now have to face each other. Points will be awarded from the viewing groups and the four entries with the highest points will advance to the final!

The dates of Melodifestivalen 2023

  • Heat 1: Göteborg – Saturday 4 February 2023 (Scandinavium)
  • Heat 2: Linköping – Saturday 11 February 2023 (Saab Arena)
  • Heat 3: Lidköping – Saturday 18 February 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)
  • Heat 4: Malmö – Saturday 25 February 2023 (Malmö Arena)
  • Semi-Final: Örnsköldsvik – Saturday 4 March 2023 (Hägglunds Arena)
  • Final: Stockholm – Satuday 11 March 2023 (Friends Arena)

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

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

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

Source/Photo: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

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

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

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

The competing songs of the second heat:

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

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

The process

Two songs will directly qualify to the grand final of Melodifestivalen 2023, which will take place on the 11th of March. The songs that will place third and fourth will have to compete again, at the fifth semi-final, held on the 4th of March. There will be four heats in total.

As we have already informed you, the voting system of Melodifestivalen has changed following the announced changes by EBU regarding the voting format in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool!

The broadcaster now scraps the group division at the fifth show, known as the semi-final and all eight contestants will now have to face each other. Points will be awarded from the viewing groups and the four entries with the highest points will advance to the final!

The dates of Melodifestivalen 2023

  • Heat 1: Göteborg – Saturday 4 February 2023 (Scandinavium)
  • Heat 2: Linköping – Saturday 11 February 2023 (Saab Arena)
  • Heat 3: Lidköping – Saturday 18 February 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)
  • Heat 4: Malmö – Saturday 25 February 2023 (Malmö Arena)
  • Semi-Final: Örnsköldsvik – Saturday 4 March 2023 (Hägglunds Arena)
  • Final: Stockholm – Satuday 11 March 2023 (Friends Arena)

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

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

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

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

Melodifestivalen 2023 starts the forthcoming Saturday, February the 11th! The second heat of the national selection process of Sweden, will take place at The Saab Arena in Linköping.

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

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

  1. Wiktoria – All My Life (Where Have You Been) (Writers: erman Gardarfve, Melanie Wehbe, Patrik Jean, Wiktoria Johansson)
    So many times

    Looking for love

    Oh so naive I didn’t think I was enough

    Want you to know

    I’ve made mistakes

    I sure regret them but they led me on my way

    Now I’ve found you and it feels like I’m dreaming

    It almost feels too good to be true

    You’re everything I never knew that I needed

    And It was always meant to be you

    Where have you been all my

    Been all my life

    Where have you been all my

    Been all my life

    Where have you been all my

    Been all my life

    I’ve been waiting on you

    I’ve been waiting on you

    The way we talk

    The way we laugh

    I’m so in love with you and I can’t hold it back

    And if you fall baby I fall

    I’ll be right there

    I’ll be there by your side

    Cause you got me and I got you

    And I would do anything that you’d like

    Now I’ve found you and it feels like I’m dreaming

    It almost feels too good to be true

    You’re everything I never knew that I needed

    And It was always meant to be you

    Where have you been all my

    Been all my life

    Where have you been all my

    Been all my life

    Where have you been all my

    Been all my life

    I’ve been waiting on you

    Oh I’ve been waiting on you

    Where have you, where have you been

    (Ooh oh)

    Where have you, where have you been

    (Where have you been)

    Where have you, where have you been

    (Ooh oh)

    I’ve been waiting on you

    Oh I’ve been waiting on you

    Now I’ve found you and it feels like I’m dreaming

    It almost feels to good to be true

    You’re everything I never knew that I needed

    It was always meant to be you

    Oh where have you been all my

    Been all my life

    Where have you been all my

    Been all my life

    Oh where have you been all my

    Been all my life

    Cause I’ve been waiting on you

    Oh I’ve been waiting on you

    (I’ve been waiting on you)

    Where have you, where have you been

    (Oh where have you been)

    Where have you, where have you been

    (All my life)

    Where have you, where have you been

    (All my life)

    I’ve been waiting on you

    Oh I’ve been waiting on you

    Where have you, where have you been


  2. Eden – Comfortable (Writers: Benjamin Rosenbohm, Eden Alm, Emil Adler Lei, Julie Aagaard)
    There is something in the room

    You can cut it with a knife

    It’s impossible to hide

    Couldn’t speak if I wanted to

    If I do I’m gonna cry

    And I know you won’t ask me why

    Then you drop down on the sofa in my shirt

    And no one talks about how much it hurts

    You say

    Hey baby are you okay

    And I lie a little

    Mmmmmm

    And then I’ll smile

    Why wouldn’t I be fine

    But I need a minute

    Mmmm

    We’re still here when we should’ve been letting go

    But we’re too comfortable

    There is something in the room

    If only these walls could speak maybe they’d stand up for me

    And I kinda wanna call my mom

    But if I do she’s gonna see and I’m not strong enough to leave

    Being with you is the loneliest thing

    Everything about me is wearing thin

    You say

    Hey baby are you okay

    And I lie a little

    Mmmmmm

    And then I’ll smile

    Why wouldn’t I be fine

    But I need a minute

    Mmmm

    We’re still here when we should’ve been letting go

    But we’re too comfortable

    Too comfortable


  3. Uje Brandelius – Grytan (Writers: Uje Brandelius)
    Vi har bjudit våra vänner hem till oss ikväll

    Jag har gjort en gryta med älg och kantarell

    Du kramar mig och säger: ”Gu va gott det här ska bli”

    Det här är första skälet till att det ska vara vi

    Paa pa paa pa pa pa

    Paa pa paa pa pa pa

    Paa pa paa pa pa pa-da

    Jag glömmer spisen på och grytan bränns och blir förstörd

    Jag säger: ”Den här jävla grytan är helt jävla körd”

    Du säger: ”Ta det lugnt, vi köper pizza, det blir bra”

    Det här är andra skälet till att det är du och jag

    Paa pa paa pa pa pa

    Paa pa paa pa pa pa

    Paa pa paa pa pa pa-da

    Vi bjuder på Calzone och vi pratar ditt och datt

    Du skämtar om vår gryta och får alla gästers skratt

    Vi spelar Friday I’m In Love tills grannen plingar på

    Det här är tredje skälet till att det ska va vi två

    Paa pa paa pa pa pa

    Paa pa paa pa pa pa

    Paa pa paa pa pa pa-da

    När alla har gått hem

    Står vi en stund och diskar ur

    ”Du, det där med grytan

    Förlåt att jag blev sur”

    Du säger att du fattar

    Och att det är helt okej

    Det här är fjärde skälet

    till att jag vill va med dig

    Vi har gått och lagt oss och du pussar mig på kinden

    Du säger: ”Grytan kanske smakar bättre om vi fryser in den”

    Sen säger du gonatt och somnar med din hand i min

    Det här är alla skälen till att

    jag vill vara din

    Det här är alla skälen till att

    jag vill vara din

    Det här är alla skälen till att

    jag vill vara din


  4. Panetoz – On My Way (Writers: Anders Wigelius, Daniel Nzinga, Jimmy Jansson, Nebeyu Baheru, Njol Badjie, Pa Modou Badjie, Robert Norberg)
    Jag vet inte vad du har gjort med mig ikväll

    baby girl aldrig känt såhär förut

    jag har alltid kunnat tänka klart förut

    nu måste alla mina känslor komma ut

    Tänker ta mig genom eld och vind och vatten

    för att dansa under himlen hela natten

    jag ska hålla dig dig nära tills vi blir kära

    låt det ske

    Känns som livet är för kort – för kort

    För att bara chilla kanten – kanten

    Och när du får chansen – chansen

    Kan du ta den och shake body

    och baby shake body och baby shake body sådär

    Alla bara shake body

    och baby shake body och baby shake body sådär, sådär, sådär

    I’m on my way

    I’m on my way

    Hon har ett sätt som får mig att vilja dansa

    I’m on my way

    I’m on my way

    Ja hon är den som får mig vilja dansa

    hela natten lång

    Jag spottar ut en vers vad tänker jag på då

    Har en gäri om my mind som älskar min grind

    Wiki wiki wild har en freaky mind

    Alltid är det vibe alltid by my side

    Det är dags kom tillbaka

    Stunderna isär känns så långa

    Svävar iväg men du fångar upp mig

    Baby magiskt

    Du kan din grej

    I’m on my way

    I’m on my way

    Hon har ett sätt som får mig att vilja dansa

    I’m on my way

    I’m on my way

    Ja hon är den som får mig vilja dansa

    hela natten lång

    Känns som livet är för kort – för kort

    För att bara chilla kanten – kanten

    Och när du får chansen – chansen

    Kan du ta den och shake body

    och baby shake body och baby shake body sådär

    Alla bara shake body

    och baby shake body och baby shake body sådär, sådär, sådär

    Du och jag

    Vi glider fram

    langar dansen som det vore ingenting

    Kuduro kizomba det är våran thing

    Sättet hur du rör dig som

    Vrid tillbaka tiden lite till och gör det om

    Så med stil och klass

    elegans

    Blicken du ger mig

    De stegen jag ger dig

    Från botten till toppen

    I takten med beaten

    I’m on my way

    I’m on my way

    Hon har ett sätt som får mig att vilja dansa

    I’m on my way

    I’m on my way

    Ja hon är den som får mig vilja dansa

    hela natten lång

    I’m on my way

    I’m on my way

    Hon har ett sätt som får mig att vilja dansa

    I’m on my way

    I’m on my way

    Ja hon är den som får mig vilja dansa

    hela natten lång

    Känns som livet är för kort – för kort

    För att bara chilla kanten – kanten

    Och när du får chansen – chansen

    Kan du ta den och shake body

    och baby shake body och baby shake body sådär

    Alla bara shake body

    och baby shake body och baby shake body sådär, sådär, sådär

  5. Tennessee Tears – Now I Know (Writers: Anderz Wrethov, Jonas Hermansson, Thomas Stengaard, Tilda Feuk)
    I was 9 years old

    When I pulled your hair and broke your china doll

    I had no clue

    What those stomach butterflies would have me do

    Years gone by

    Always wondering what I’m really looking for

    Now here I am

    Back knocking at your door

    Now I know

    We were kids and you were living down the road

    Playing hide and seek and fought with sticks and stones

    Feels like yesterday but was so long ago

    Now I know

    I didn’t see it then but now your colors show

    Was too young and dumb but guess we all can grow

    and this time around I’ll never let you go

    Now I know

    12 years old

    When I tried to kiss you heading home from school

    Oh I cried that day

    When you told me that you had to move away

    Years went by

    Hoping that someday I’d see your face

    And here I am

    Back at your place

    Now I know

    We were kids and you were living down the road

    Playing hide and seek and fought with sticks and stones

    Feels like yesterday but was so long ago

    Now I know

    I didn’t see it then but now your colors show

    Was too young and dumb but guess we all can grow

    and this time around I’ll never let you go

    Now I see in your eyes

    what’s missing in me

    The piece of the puzzle was always there in front of me

    Now I know

    (Now I know)

    Now I know

    (Now I know)

    Now you hold my heart

    And that feels like home

    My peace and my shelter it’s where I have always belonged

    Now I know

    (Now I know)

    Now I know

    (Now I know)

    We were kids and you were living down the road

    didn’t see it then but now your colors show

    and this time around I’ll never let you go


  6. Maria Sur – Never Give Up (Writers: Anderz Wrethov, Laurell Barker)
    I hear the voice I have inside

    Even though I’m caught inside a storm

    I know I deserve a better life

    Even though I really miss my home

    Baby I’m not gonna break

    I won’t fall under the weight

    Always gonna hold my ground

    When I’m standing in the rain

    No one’s gonna save me from the pain

    I will never, never give up

    When I’m crying out in chains

    I don’t have surrender in my veins

    I will never, never give up

    What you got is a fighter

    And I’ll walk through the fire

    I will never, never, never

    Give up

    I don’t wanna tame the beast inside

    Telling me take what’s truly mine

    Baby I’m not gonna break

    I won’t fall under the weight

    Always gonna hold my ground

    When I’m standing in the rain

    No one’s gonna save me from the pain

    I will never, never give up

    When I’m crying out in chains

    I don’t have surrender in my veins

    I will never, never give up

    What you got is a fighter

    And I’ll walk through the fire

    I will never, never, never

    Give up

    When I’m crying in the rain

    No one’s gonna heal me from the pain

    I will never, never give up

    When I’m standing in the rain

    No one’s gonna save me from the pain

    I will never, never give up

    Oh oh

    Oh

    I will never, never, never

    Give up


  7. THEOZ – Mer av dig (Writers: Axel Schylström, Jakob Redtzer, Peter Boström, Thomas G:son)
    Jag såg dig utanför

    Och kände får jag chansen ska jag ta den

    Det är nått i det du gör

    Din vibe och dina moves dom gör mig galen

    Baby låt oss gå

    Dit ingen annan går

    Jag kan va den som håller dig hela natten

    Jag vill ha mer av dig

    Tills natten har tagit slut

    Tills inget är som förut

    Åh wo wo wo

    Mer av dig

    De bara vi här och nu

    För ingen rör mig som du

    Åh wo wo wo

    Mer av dig

    Tills natten har tagit slut

    Tills inget är som förut

    Åh wo wo wo

    Mer av dig

    De bara vi här och nu

    För ingen rör mig som du

    Åh wo wo wo

    Vet inte var jag är

    Hela världen stannar när vi dansar

    Finns ingen annan här

    För vi har bara ögon för varandra

    Baby låt oss gå

    Dit ingen annan går

    Jag kan va den som håller dig hela natten

    För jag vill ha mer av dig

    Tills natten har tagit slut

    Tills inget är som förut

    Åh wo wo wo

    Mer av dig

    De bara vi här och nu

    För ingen rör mig som du

    Åh wo wo wo

    Mer av dig

    Wo wo wo

    Mer av dig

    De bara vi här och nu

    För ingen rör mig som du

    Åh wo wo wo

    Baby låt oss gå

    Dit ingen annan går

    Jag kan va den som håller dig hela natten

    För jag vill ha mer av dig

    Tills natten har tagit slut

    Tills inget är som förut

    Åh wo wo wo

    Mer av dig

    De bara vi här och nu

    För ingen rör mig som du

    Åh wo wo wo

    Mer av dig

    Tills natten har tagit slut

    Tills inget är som förut

    Åh wo wo wo

    Mer av dig

    De bara vi här och nu

    För ingen rör mig som du

    Åh wo wo wo

    Mer av dig


Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi will present Melodifestivalen 2023. The heats are following the touring concept again, after SVT had pulled back last year due to health restrictions in Sweden, with the finals being held at Friends Arena!

With the next show of the contest on Saturday February the 11th, Melodifestivalen will take place in Linköping, then Lidköping, Malmö, Örnsköldsvik follow and finally the final show in Stockholm on the 11th of March.

The detailed schedule of Melodifestivalen 2023 is described below:

  • Heat 1: Göteborg – Saturday 4 February 2023 (Scandinavium)
  • Heat 2: Linköping – Saturday 11 February 2023 (Saab Arena)
  • Heat 3: Lidköping – Saturday 18 February 2023 (Sparbanken Arena)
  • Heat 4: Malmö – Saturday 25 February 2023 (Malmö Arena)
  • Semi-Final: Örnsköldsvik – Saturday 4 March 2023 (Hägglunds Arena)
  • Final: Stockholm – Satuday 11 March 2023 (Friends Arena)

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Sweden’s entry for Eurovision 2023!

Source: SVT

Sweden: The running order for Melodifestivalen 2023 is announced!

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. WiktoriaAll My Life (Where Have You Been)
  2. EdenComfortable
  3. Uje BrandeliusGrytan
  4. PanetozOn My Way
  5. Tennessee TearsNow I Know
  6. Maria SurNever Give Up
  7. THEOZMer av dig

Third Heat: Lidköping, 18th February 2023

  1. Paul ReyRoyals
  2. CasanovasSå kommer känslorna tillbaka
  3. Melanie WehbeFor The Show
  4. NordmanSläpp alla sorger
  5. LaurellSober
  6. Ida-Lova Låt hela stan se på
  7. Marcus & MartinusAir

Fourth Heat: Malmö, 25th February 2023

  1. KianaWhere Did You Go
  2. Signe & HjördisEdelweiss
  3. Smash Into PiecesSix Feet Under
  4. MarietteOne Day
  5. Emil HenrohnMera mera mera
  6. Axel SchylströmGorgeous
  7. LoreenTattoo

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: These are the 14 first contestants of Melodifestivalen 2023!

As promised by the national Swedish broadcaster SVT, the time has come for the 14 first contestants of the Swedish national selection of 2023 to be revealed!

The first 14 contestants competing at Melodifestivalen 2023 are the following:

Heat 1: Gothenburg, Saturday 4 February

Victor Crone – Diamonds

 

From Österåker, just outside of Stockholm, Victor Crone is a name that will be familiar to many Eurovision Song Contest fans. The singer competed for Estonia at the 2019 Contest in Tel Aviv, with the song Storm. As a songwriter, Victor found himself competing in two Eurovision Song Contest pre-selections in 2022: the Melodifestivalen final (as co-writer of Robin Bengtsson’sInnocent Love) and the Eesti Laul final in Estonia (as one of the writers behind Stig Rästa’s Interstellar). This will be Victor’s third time competing in Melodifestivalen as an artist.

Rejhan – Haunted

Written by: Albin Johnsén, Mattias Andréasson, Pontus Söderman, Tilde RONIA Wrigsell

16 year old Rejhan Bellani made a name for himself in the 2021 series of Talang (Sweden’s Got Talent). Since then, he’s been honing his craft in the studio throughout 2022 and makes his debut as an artist in 2023. The young music talent has been singing, playing piano and playing guitar since he was just four years old. With roots in Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, he can sing in Albanian, Bosnian, English and Swedish. When Rejhan is not creating music or playing football, he is studying economics at high school.

Loulou LaMotte – Inga Sorger

Written by: Jonas Thander, Loulou LaMotte

A member of The Mamas, Loulou has also found time in 2022 to restart her career as a solo artist, having released three singles over the past few months. Now, her solo career begins a new chapter: Melodifestivalen 2023! As a member of The Mamas, Loulou has already won Melodifestivalen, in 2020 with the song Move. One year earlier in 2019, the singer and songwriter got to perform on the Eurovision Song Contest stage when The Mamas sang backing vocals for John Lundvik, representing Sweden with Too Late For Love and finishing in the top five.

Eva Rydberg & Ewa Roos – Länge Leve Livet

Written by: Emil Vaker, Henric Pierroff, Kalle Rydberg

Eva Rydberg and Ewa Roos are two of Sweden’s most beloved actors and artists, with over 60 years in theatre, revue, film and music to their names. They have shared the stage many times before, most notably in recent years when they participated in Melodifestivalen 2021 with the song Rena Rama Ding Dong. With their comic talent, timing and great chemistry, the song became a big favourite amongst fans. And no doubt to the delight of many, the duo are back in 2023 to do it all over again.

Elov & Beny – Raggen Går

Written by: Johan Werner, Kristian Wejshag, Mattias Elovsson, Oscar Kilenius, Tim Larsson

With hits such as Bubbel På Balkongen and Kommer Över Dig, Elov & Beny have been a staple at house parties all over Sweden in recent years. The duo was founded in 2008 and is made up of Mattias ‘Elov’ Elovsson and Oscar ‘Beny’ Kilenius. In 2022, Elov & Beny have become one of the most streamed acts in Sweden. With the summer hit Bubbel På Balkongen, they reached number two in the charts in both Sweden and in neighbouring Norway. A party, a high tempo and a smile are all promised when Elov & Beny make their debut at Melodifestivalen.

Tone Sekelius – Rhythm Of My Show

Written by: Anderz Wrethov, Dino Medanhodzic, Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Tone Sekelius

Tone Sekelius achieved huge success at Melodifestivalen 2022, when she finished in 5th place with the song My Way. The first trans person to compete at Melodifestivalen in the contest’s history, Tone has since gone on to become one of Sweden’s biggest influencers on TikTok and YouTube. Her star has also risen on TV too, where she’s performed on many of Sweden’s biggest shows, and become the new host of the popular reality TV dating format Paradise.

Jon Henrik Fjällgren, Arc North feat. Adam Woods – Where You Are (Sávečan)

Written by: Arc North, Calle Hellberg, Jon Henrik Fjällgren, Joy Deb, Oliver Belvelin, Richard Lästh, Tobias Lundgren, William Segerdahl

The connection between Jon Henrik Fjällgren, Arc North and Adam Woods might seem unexpected to some at first, but if you dive deeper into their musical journey, it quickly becomes clear why their collaboration has worked so well. With a great longing for the mysterious and epic, these three artists create a unique sense of sonic grandeur. A tribute to indescribably beautiful mountain peaks and deep forests permeates their works and cross-border collaborations. Jon Henrik Fjällgren will be familiar to Melodifestivalen viewers, with him having participated three times before, most recently in 2019.

HEAT 2: Linköping, Saturday 11 February

Wiktoria – All My Life (Where Have You Been)

Written by: Herman Gardarfve, Melanie Wehbe, Patrik Jean, Wiktoria Johansson

It’s been 16 years since the then 10 year old from Borås participated in Lilla Melodifestivalen (Melodifestivalen Junior) with the self-written contribution Jag Behöver Dig. Today, Wiktoria is a well-known face to Melodifestivalen fans. Through her previous three times participating at the contest, she has reached the final every time, and had two of those songs reach number one on the Spotify charts: As I Lay Me Down and Save Me. Wiktoria’s music has now been streamed over 100 million times. In 2016, the artist provided the Swedish voice for Disney’s Vaiana – the Swedish-language release of Moana.

Eden – Comfortable

Written by: Benjamin Rosenbohm, Eden Alm, Emil Adler Lei, Julie Aagaard

22 year old artist Eden (Eden Alm) from Hässleholm has been forging a huge success of her music over on TikTok, and is now making her Melodifestivalen debut in 2023. On TikTok, Eden shares her own personal songs about events that have shaped her life in recent years. Eden alternates the songs with clips from her relationship with fellow social-media star Sara Songbird, and their life in Stockholm. Eden has gone from relative anonymity to a respected songwriter and artist in a short time, and looks forward to opening the next chapter of her music career in Linköping!

Uje Brandelius – Grytan

Written by: Uje Brandelius

On Uje Brandelius’ CV, he can proudly list singer, pianist, songwriter, theatre actor, radio reporter, author, film star and even TV quiz winner! Well, now he can also add Melodifestivalen artist to all of the above. Uje started his music career as a songwriter and singer in the ‘90s band Doktor Kosmos, who have made a triumphant comeback across Swedish stages in the past year. In 2015, Uje released his solo album Spring, Uje, Spring, which then became the basis for a stage performance of the same name at the Royal Dramatic Theatre, followed by an acclaimed radio-theatre drama and finally a feature film directed by Henrik Schyffert. Uje Brandelius competes with his self-penned song Grytan. He describes the song as “a story about cooking, mood swings and conflict management. But mostly it’s ‘a song about love’.

THEOZ – Mer Av Dig

Written by: Axel Schylström, Jakob Redtzer, Peter Boström, Thomas G:son

17 year old THEOZ will be performing on home territory in the second heat, as he hails from Linköping. The artist made a big splash at Melodifestivalen 2022, when he went to the final and had a hit with the song Som Du Vill. The track remained in the top ten on Spotify for quite some time and its success was followed by his own summer tour, his participation in the hugely popular annual Diggiloo tour, and the release of a brand new EP. THEOZ is one of Sweden’s biggest influencers, with over two million followers across his channels. He debuted with the single Het at just 12 years old, and its music video became the most viewed Swedish music video on YouTube that year.

Maria Sur – Never Give Up

Written by: Anderz Wrethov, Laurell Barker

Soon-to-be 18 year old Maria was born and raised in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. When the war against her country broke out in February 2022, she was one of the contestants competing in Ukraine’s edition of The Voice. Maria and her mother fled the country for safety in Sweden, while her father was forced to stay behind. Once in Sweden, and determined not to let the war take away her dreams, she sought out a number of people involved in music. Former Melodifestivalen host Sarah Dawn Finer answered, and recommended Maria to the gala Hela Sverige Skramlar; a televised fundraiser that would go on to raise about 80 million SEK for aid work in Ukraine. Following her performance at the gala, Maria was signed to a Swedish record label and released her debut single That’s The Way. Maria currently attends the music school Lilla Akademien in Stockholm, and studies at a school in Ukraine by distance learning.

Tennessee Tears – Now I Know

Written by: Anderz Wrethov, Jonas Hermansson, Thomas Stengaard, Tilda Feuk

Tennessee Tears, made up of Tilda Feuk and Jonas Hermansson, is a country music duo from Sweden that has been making music together for eight years now. It all started with a songwriting collaboration with Billy Burnette (Fleetwood Mac) in Nashville, and they have since travelled back there several times to both write and record music of their own. Tennessee Tears has a number of well-received singles in their repertoire by now, and has collaborated with musicians such as Dave Roe (Johnny Cash), Michael Rhodes (Emmylou Harris, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum) and Ben Sesar (Brad Paisley).

Panetoz – On My Way

Written by: Anders Wigelius, Daniel Nzinga, Jimmy Jansson, Nebeyu Baheru, Njol Badjie, Pa Modou Badjie, Robert Norberg

The Stockholm band Panetoz, who had their big breakthrough with the summer hit Dansa Pausa in 2012, makes what is sure to be a very welcome return to Melodifestivalen. Their debut in the competition came in 2014 with the song Efter Solsken, which went directly to the final, and they then participated again in 2016 with the song Håll Om Mig Hård, which also took them to the final. Much like Melodifestivalen royalty ABBA before them, the name Panetoz comes from the first letters of the names of the three founders: Pa Modou, Nebeyu and Tobias (who is no longer a member). The band’s current line-up is Pa Modou Badjie, Nebeyu Baheru, Johan Hirvi, Njol Ismail Badjie and Daniel Nzinga.

 

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 and will be hosted by Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi.

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