Have to fight out in Second chance
Gone home
Dinah Nah – “One More Night”
Adrijana – “Amare”
Charlotte Perrelli – “Mitt liv”
Here is the favourites from Katja Marie Lund of Slovenia
2002: Kikki, Bettan & Lotta
2003: Fame
2004: Fame
2005: Nanne Grönvall
2006: Carola
2007: Måns Zelmerlöw
2008: BWO
2009: Lili & Susie
2010: Timoteij
2011: Linda Bengtzing
2012: Loreen
2013: Martin Rolinski
2014: Alcazar
2015: Magnus Carlsson
2016: Ace Wilder
Here is my favourites from 2002 until 2016
2002 – Jan Johansen,
2003 – Jan Johansen & Pernilla Wahlgren tied with Fame,
2004 – Shirley Clamp,
2005 – Shirley Clamp (again),
2006 – Evan,
2007 – Magnus Carlsson,
2008 – Charlotte Perrelli,
2009 – Malena Ernman,
2010 – Timoteij,
2011 – Jenny Silver,
2012 – nothing, I really did not like a single song
2013 – Martin Rolinski
2014 – Cajasastina Akerstrom
2015 – Måns Zelmerlöw
2016 – Samir & Viktor
Fans have been able to listen for approximately one minute each to the 7 songs in the first semi final.
I was not impressed with any of the 7 songs after hearing them for the first time – there is no instant hit for me.
Here is my rankings
7th – BORIS RENE
Not at all my kind of music
6th – ADRIJANA
Expected more of this song from seeing the title
5th – ROAD TRIP
Was hoping for a catchy boy band song and hearing about the car on stage, but the song is not really for me
4th – ACE WILDER
This is too wild but I guess it will win this semi final
3rd – NANO
Nice song but I expected a stronger voice
2nd – CHARLOTTE
Not a bad song, but quite slow, maybe it is because I expected a faster song from her like “Take me to your heaven” and “Hero”. Surprised it is last in the voting so far
1st – DINAH NAH
She looks nice and the song is typical pop
1st semifinal:
• Adrijana – Amare (Martin Tjärnberg, Adrijana Krasniqi)
• Boris René – Her Kiss (Tim Larsson, Tobias Lundgren)…
• Nano – Hold On (Nano Omar, Gino Yonan, Ayak, Carl Rydén, Christoffer Belaieff, Rikard de Bruin, David Francis Jackson)
• Charlotte Perrelli – Mitt liv (Charlotte Perrelli, Lars Hägglund)
• Dinah Nah – One More Night (Thomas G:son, Jimmy Jansson, Dinah Nah, dr alban)
• De Vet Du – Road Trip (Johan Gunterberg, Christopher Martland)
• Ace Wilder – Wild Child (Peter Boström, Thomas G:son, Ace Wilder)
2nd semifinal:
• Mariette – A Million Years (Thomas G:son, Johanna Jansson, Peter Boström, Mariette Hansson, Jenny Hansson)
• Benjamin Ingrosso – Good Loovin’ (Benjamin Ingrosso, Louis Schoorl, Matt Pardon)
• Dismissed – Hearts Align (Ola Salo, Peter Kvint)
• Roger Pontare – Himmel och hav (Thomas G:son, Alexzandra Wickman)
• Lisa Ajax – I Don’t Give A (Ola Svensson, Linnea Deb, Joy Deb, Anton Hård af Segerstad)
• Etzia – Up (Johnny Sanchez, Hanif Sabzevari, Simon Gribbe, Erica Haylett)
• Allyawan – Vart haru varit (Masse Salazar, Samuel Nazari)
3rd semifinal:
• Owe Thörnqvist – Boogieman Blues (Owe Thörnqvist)
• Bella & Filippa – Crucified (Peter Hägerås, Mats Frisell, Jakob Stadell, Filippa Frisell, Isabella Snihs)
• The Fooo Conspiracy – Gotta Thing (Robert ”Mutt” Lange, Tony Nilsson)
• Jasmine Kara – Gravity (Anderz Wrethov, Jasmine Kara)
• Robin Bengtsson – I Can’t Go On (David Kreuger, Hamed ”K-One” Pirouzpanah, Robin Stjernberg)
• Anton Hagman – Kiss You Goodbye (Christian Fast, Tim Schou, Henrik Nordenback)
• Krista Siegfrids – Snurra min jord (Krista Siegfrids, Gustaf Svenungsson, Magnus Wallin, Gabriel Alares)
4th semifinal:
• Wiktoria – As I Lay Me Down (Justin Forrest, Jonas Wallin, Lauren Dyson)
• Les Gordons – Bound To Fall (Jonatan Renström, Albert Björliden, Andreas Persson, Carl Ragnemyr, David Runebjörk, Jimmy Jansson)
• Sara Varga och Juha Mulari – Du får inte ändra på mig (Sara Varga, Lars Hägglund)
• Jon Henrik Fjällgren feat. Aninia – En värld full av strider (Jon Henrik Fjällgren, Sara Biglert, Christian Schneider, Andreas Hedlund)
• Axel Schylström – När ingen ser (Behshad Ashnai, Axel Schylström, David Strääf
• Alice – Running with Lions (Anderz Wrethov, Andreas ”Stone” Johansson, Denniz Jamm, Alice Svensson)
• Loreen – Statements (Anton Hård af Segerstad, Joy Deb, Linnea Deb, Loreen)
Well we made it to the final at last. Here we are at Friends Arena in Stockholm to decide which of these 12 acts will represent Sweden in the 61st year of the Eurovision Song Contest which will also be hosted here in Stockholm but in the cozier Globen Arena. Tonight 28,000 people will attend Sweden’s most watched event, Melodifestivalen.
There is lots of speculation around who will win tonight but I still think it is anyone’s game. The bookies favourite originally was Molly Sandén but after the fourth semi-final all of the attention shifted to Frans and has remained there. The rankings amongst the pack below him has drastically changed almost daily. So it is anyone’s guess who will actually win. So here is my prediction for this evening’s result.
This year has been very difficult to predict as there are so many songs that could ultimately win. So what do you think?
Welcome to the last week of semi finals before visiting next week’s Andra Chansen (Second Chance). This week we visit the Gavlerinken in Gävle to decide which two songs will qualify for the final on the 12 March and which two songs will go to the Andra Chansen on the 5 March. Gina Dirawi will be joined by Sarah Dawn Finer this week for hosting duties.
The fourth semi-final is packed full of returning participants but there are a few debut artists as well which make cause some upsets tonight.
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1 Eclipse “Runaways” – Predict Andra Chansen
This hard rock group has been going since 1999 and have released 6 albums so far. Their lead singer, Erik Mårtensson, has written their debut Melodifestivalen entry “Runaways.” The song is a typical rock number by very much a catchy one that you could sing along to after one listen. I think it is good enough tocarry on in the competition as their performance is solid but is it really Eurovision?
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2 Dolly Style “Rollercoaster” – Predict Andra Chansen
Who could forget “Hello Hi”, Dolly Style’s debut last year which just missed out on a place in the final. With only one of the three original members, Dolly Style is back this year with “Rollercoaster.” The is song is everything that Bubblegum Pop should be, instantly catchy, sickeningly sweet and repetitive but I feel the song and performance is missing something. Although with their popularity they should easily progress to Andra Chansen again this year.
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3 Martin Stenmarck “Du Tar Mig Tillbaks” (You Take Me Back) – Predict 7th Place
Former Melodifestivalen winner, Stenmarck is back for his third attempt with a Swedish language ballad. The only issue here the song feels dated and feels like an old Irish entry that has been translated. Compare that with a lacklustre performance and you go home unfortunately. This is Stenmarck’s weakest entry to date and will be very surprised if places higher than last.
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4 Linda Bengtzing “Killer Girl” – Predict 6th Place
I’m not sure if the semi final is about weak entries for returning artist or what but here we are again with Linda Bengtzing, sixth time entrant with possibly her weakest entry to date as well. “Killer Girl” has the potential to have been a Schlager classic but it just feels a bit recycled with an attempt to update the Schlager sound. I think she will struggle to qualify even with her fan base.
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5 Frans “If I Were Sorry” – Predict Finalist
Known for his football anthems, Frans has had little experience in the mainstream arena. His debut Melodifestivalen entry, “If I Were Sorry” has a real message behind the song and Frans delivers it with passion. One of the surprise favourites tonight due to his near spotless rehearsal could very well qualify for the final amongst so many big names. Although not my favourite style of music, I must give him credit as he has a song that could very well change his career.
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6 Panetoz “Håll Om Mig Hårt” (Hold Me Tight) – Predict 5th Place
Panetoz are back after a year break with their new entry “Håll Om Mig Hårt” which is stylistically like their music and first entry “Efter Solsken”, which finished in 9th place, but it doesn’t really bring anything new to the table. Their boy band African style dance fusion has done well in Sweden and even gave them a number one but they haven’t since matched that success. Tonight I feel that they won’t be making any further accomplishments to their career.
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7 Molly Sandén “Youniverse” – Predict Finalist
So onto the favourite, not only of the semi final but of the whole contest. Molly Sandén has participated twice before and has gone direct to the final both times. Why should the former Miss Eric Saade, now Miss Danny Saucedo, not qualify tonight as well. The song leaked due to a site giving a presale clip of the single but SVT allowed all the songs to be available for 24 hours to make it fair. Her rehearsal has been criticised but it was always going to be as she is the one everyone is watching. The song was co-written by her and Saucedo and I think the performance is good enough to get her direct to the final without worry.
What do you think?
This week we visit Malmö Arena to decide which two songs will qualify for the final on the 12 March and which two songs will go to the Andra Chansen on the 5 March. As Charlotte Perrelli has been demoted from host to guest performer, I imagine we will be seeing a lot more of Gina Dirawi. How will the jokes work with just one presenter, we will have to wait and see.
The second semi-final is packed full of past participants but there are a few debuts as well which make cause some upsets tonight.
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1 David Lindgren “We Are Your Tomorrow” – Predict Finalist
This is Lindgren’s third attempt at the crown with both of his previous entries qualifying directly to the final it is likely that his third will as well. Currently in the Swedish production of Jersey Boys, Lindgren has a green light laser show mid tempo number that is a great middle of the road entry that with his popularity will progress to Friends Arena.
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2 Victor och Natten “100%” – Predict 7th Place
This is Victor’s debut in Melodifestivalen and I’m not sure his presence will be long lived. He looks like a guy who has wondered in the studio by mistake and jumped on stage with a bunch of cheerleaders hoping for 15 minutes of fame, if he last the 3 minutes of the song I’d be surprised. The music style, performance and presentation of the song is all wrong and not even sure why SVT thought this was good enough to be in the contest.
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3 Molly Pettersson Hammar – “Hunger” – Predict Andra Chansen
Last year Hammar failed to qualify with “I’ll be Fine” which shocked and angered many fans but if you watch it back Hammar’s tuning and shouting was enough to count her out. Although I think “I’ll be Fine” is a better song than “Hunger”, her new found following should be enough to at least get her into Andra Chansen. Her tuning hasn’t been great during rehearsals either so it will all depend on her performance on the night.
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4 Isa “I Will Wait” – Predict Andra Chansen
Isa’s career has taken off since last year’s “Don’t Stop” finishing 7th in last year’s final. “I Will Wait” is a change in style and direction for Isa though. It is a powerful song and possibly a little too big for the 17 year old to pull off. Saying that it is great to have such a great young talent back in the contest but she may need to settle for Andra Chansen this time around.
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5 Krista Siegfrids “Faller” (Falling) – Predict 5th Place
Siegfrids Finnish entry in 2013 “Marry Me” was one of my favourties and so glad to see her back but why Sweden? Siegfrids mother tongue is Swedish and was born in the small part of Finland where Swedish is commonly spoken but will the Swedish public care? The Swedish public are fickle to say the least. I really like “Faller” but it isn’t good enough without a following to qualify, I’m afraid.
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6 Patrik Isaksson, Tommy Nilsson & Uno Svenningsson “Håll Mitt Hjärta Hårt” (Hold My Heart Hard) – Predict 6th Place
This trio of legends have all participated in Melodifestivalen in the past and collaborations of this kind have done well in the past but I don’t their song is good enough to advance. Hasse Andersson’s entry last year had that charm that captivated the audience even though it was terribly old fashion. This song lacks that charm and will struggle to qualify.
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7 Wiktoria “Save Me” – Predict Finalist
This is Wiktoria’s debut in Melodifestivalen but has been in the junior version, Lille Melodifestivalen, back in 2011. The song and the performance are surprisingly good, a mix of country and pop with a little bit of soul. With the use of special effects, Wiktoria’s outfit, which is a beige catsuit, miraculously becomes part of the visual presentation of the song. Not many debut artists qualify direct to the final these days but I believe Wiktoria has a very good chance this evening.
What do you think? …
Tonight the Eurovision Glitter ball descends on the Goteborg Scandinavium to decide which two songs will qualify for the final on the 12 March and which two songs will go to the Andra Chansen on the 5 March. Amongst a great deal of controversy already without the first show even airing yet, we’ve had a song disqualified and a host demoted to performer only. The one thing that is certain all eyes are on Sweden to see just what is going to happen now; more scandal or just great music?
I’ve been attending the Swedish selection for nine years now and you don’t come across many semi finals that you don’t know exactly what is going to happen. Of course there are always a surprise now and then but the air of uncertainty is definitely afoot.
1 Samir & Viktor “Bada Nakna” (Bathe Naked) – Predict Andra Chansen
Samir & Viktor’s second attempt Bada Nakna is fairly similar to their first attempt with Groupie. It’s a novelty song that will catch the public’s eye due to topless young performers dancing around in water which is perfect for the song title. Apart from the performance it is all about popularity with these guys. Every song these two have done have become social media viral hits but saying that I do think there are stronger performers and songs in this semi final.
2 Pernilla Andersson “Mitt Guld” (My Gold) – Predict Andra Chansen
Pernilla’s song Mitt Guld is also her second attempt in Melodifestivalen and like Samir & Viktor it isn’t that much different to her previous entry Desperados. This folk inspired song just feels out of place but the Swedish public love her and will be an older audience favourite. As with her 2011 song, which went to Andra Chansen, Andersson have a niche audience but not enough followers to take her to the top.
3 Mimi Werner “Ain’t No Good” – Predict 5th Place
Ain’t No Good is Mimi Werner’s debut to the Melodifestivalen stage. Although her style is more contemporary country her song is a hybrid pop country rock number that isn’t dissimilar to artists like Taylor Swift. The problem is Werner is fairly unknown she competed on a talent competition in Sweden which she reached the final but hasn’t done much since. I do love this song but it kills me to say that I don’t think Werner has the popularity to take it any further. I do hope I’m wrong.
4 Albin & Mattias “Rik” (Rich) – Predict 6th Place
Mattias is no stranger to the Melodifestivalen stage and his brother Albin is a popular artist in his own right. The problem with this duo is that their song is boring and their voices don’t complement each other. Like so many urban style collaborations, this just feels forced and not thought out very well. Their performance on the night could save it but I think it is unlikely.
5 Anna Book “Himmel för Två” (Heaven for Two) Disqualified
What an absolutely travesty. The only true Schlager song of the evening can’t even participate. I really loved the song and Anna Book is a true performer. It is a real shame that she wanted to celebrate her 30th anniversary of being in Melodifestivalen with her participation this year. At least she can perform the song if she is up to it. I hope she is as I don’t want to miss it.
6 Robin Bengtsson “Constellation Prize” – Predict Finalist
Another debut here with Robin Bengtsson which I believe is a very strong entry and performance. Bengtsson finished third place in Idol in 2008, and hasn’t really stopped recording and performing but he has never really hit the big time. This could very well be his chance. The only word I could use to describe his song and performance is quality. If he keeps doing want he does he should easily qualify for the final.
7 Ace Wilder “Don’t Worry” – Predict Finalist
Now I thought Ace Wilder would of come back last year but she is back after a year break. She nearly stole the crown from Sanna Nielsen in 2014 with Busy Doin’ Nothin’. This time around she hasn’t lost the attitude but has added a bit more style to her entry. Far and away the favourite this evening and is also one of the favourties to win the contest altogether. With the staging, the dancing and the repetitive song she should walk it.
As the winners tour concluded last night in Copenhagen. Let’s have a look at some of the great moments that Måns gave us. Back on the London leg of the tour, just outside London’s West End at the gay venue, Heaven, Måns delivered a very intimate concert to a massive crowd. Performing most of his new album, Perfectly Damaged, but also some amazing favourites of the past.
He pleased the crowd by performing the Melodifestivalen 2009 finalist classic, Hope & Glory but it was the Mirrors Tung Version, which was a funk rock version of the song that still had an infectious beat.
He then sang the ever popular Cara Mia from Melodifestivalen 2007, which in my eyes still should of won of that year.
And of course no evening would be complete without the 2015 Eurovision winner, Heroes. Annouced by Conchita and replaying that winning moment back in Vienna.
Overall, it was a night to remember and can’t wait for the next time that Måns stops off in London. He is welcome back anytime.