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? …
