Tag Archives: Sweden

Second chance 2016

VOTE IN SECOND CHANCE CONTEST 2016

1 Comment
 
The OGAE Second Chance Contest 2016 kicked off on 1st of June and members of OGAE Rest of the World can still vote! We are now at the halftime – the deadline for send your vote is 30/06/2016 midnight CET.
 
To vote, you have to rate all the entries, giving them a point between 0 and 5, except the song No. 9 which represents Rest of the World (and of course, Hungary), so if you rate it, it doesn’t count…
 
We ask you to send your votes to escvotes@gmail.com until the deadline. If you vote, you’ll earn 10 points for 2017 Ticket List.
 
Here’s the playlist of this year’s 23 competitors:
 
The details of the songs:
 
01 Belgium I’m not lost Tom Frantzis
02 Belarus My universe NAPOLI
03 Ukraine Helpless The Hardkiss
04 Albania Liroje Zemrën Besa Krasniqi
05 Malta Golden Brooke
06 UK Shine a little light Bianca
07 Lithuania Leading me home Erica Jennings
08 Italy Cieli immensi Patty Pravo
09 Rest Of the World (Hungary) Who we are Kállay Saunders Band
10 Sweden Save me Wiktoria
11 Denmark Never Alone Anja Nissen
12 Austria I’ll be around Elly V
13 Latvia We will be stars MyRadiantU
14 Switzerland Half a smile Vincent Gross
15 Norway Laika The Hungry Hearts
16 Slovenia Črno bel Raiven
17 Estonia Supersonic Laura
18 Finland On it goes Mikael Saari
19 Israel Somebody out there Ella Daniel
20 Romania Behind the shadows Florena
21 Poland Cool me down Margaret
22 Germany Mystery of a blood red rose Avantasia
23 Spain La vida sólo es una María Isabel
Results 2016

2016 EUROVISION – FINAL RESULT

1 Comment

26 – Germany = 11 points
25 – The Czech republic = 41 points
24 – United Kingdom = 62 points
23 – Croatia = 73 points
22 – Spain = 77 points
21 – Cyprus = 96 points
20 – Georgia = 104 points
19 – Hungary = 108 points
18 – Serbia = 115 points
17 – Azerbaijan = 117 points
16 – Italy = 124 points
15 – Latvia = 132 points
14 – Israel = 135 points
13 – Austria = 151 points
12 – Malta = 153 points
11 – The Netherlands = 153 points
10 – Belgium = 181 points
09 – Lithuania = 200 points
08 – Poland = 229 points
07 – Armenia = 249 points
06 – France = 257 points
05 – Sweden = 261 points
04 – Bulgaria = 307 points
03 – Russia = 491 points
02 – Australia = 511 points
01 – Ukraine = 543 points

Janne "Lucas" Persson/Cadillac Band

Former Melodifestivalen singer now performing with Cadillac Band in Sweden

Leave a comment
Cadillac Band {copyright: esccovers.com}
Cadillac Band {copyright: esccovers.com}
Janne "Lucas" Persson {copyright: esccovers.com}
Janne “Lucas” Persson {copyright: esccovers.com}

Janne “Lucas” Persson participated twice in the Melodifestivalen in Sweden. In 1980 he performed Växeln hallå and finished in second place. He returned in 1981 with Rocky Mountain and took the third place position that year. He has been performing for many years as a singer and pianist with various bands including Lucas, where he got the nickname of “Lucas”. They had several hits such as a cover version of Go Now made popular worldwide by the Moody Blues.

Now Janne Lucas plays and tours with the Cadillac Band in Sweden. They specialise in rock’n’roll and classic songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. They often feature guest musicians from the USA who played with Elvis Presley. The band line up is Börje Hall-berg, Ulf Nilsson, Bengt Augustsson, Mikael Berggrenare  and Janne Lucas Persson. The bands vocals are shared between Janne Lucas and Börje and also include some guest vocalists including Rebecka Karlsson and Little Gerhard.

You can see the Cadillic Band perform Go Now below.

Source: www.esccovers.com

Frans/If I Were Sorry

Frans will represent Sweden at 2016 Eurovision Song Contest with ‘If I Were Sorry’

1 Comment
Frans {from the official music video of 'If I Were Sorry'} SVT
Frans {from the official music video of ‘If I Were Sorry’} SVT

As predicted by many Frans has won the 2016 Melodifestivalen competition and will represent Sweden at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest with his song If I Were Sorry.

If I Were Sorry is composed by Oscar Fogelström, Michael Saxell, Fredrik Andersson, Frans Jeppsson Wall.

You can see the official video of the Swedish ESC song by Frans below.

Source: www.eurovision.tv; www.esccovers.com

2016 Eurovision Song Contest, Melodifestival, Melodifestivalen 2016, Stockholm 2016, Sweden, Sweden Songs publisher 2016, Swedish composers, Uncategorized

Melodifestivalen 2016 – Final Tonight – Sweden Decides

1 Comment

melodifestivalen-2016-logo

bigOriginal

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.

  1. Panetoz – “Håll Om Mig Hart” (Hold My Heart Hard) – Predict 10th place
  2. Lisa Ajax – “My Heart Wants Me Dead” – Predict 9th Place
  3. David Lindgren – “We Are Your Tomorrow” – Predict 12th Place
  4. SaRaha – “Kizunguzungu” (Dizziness) – Predict 6th Place
  5. Oscar Zia – “Humans” – Predict 7th Place
  6. Ace Wilder – “Don’t Worry” – Predict 8th Place
  7. Robin Bengtsson – “Constellation Prize” – Predict 5th Place
  8. Molly Sandén – “Youniverse” – Predict 4th Place
  9. Boris René – “Put Your Love On Me” – Predict 11 Place
  10. Frans  – “If I Were Sorry” – Predict 2nd Place
  11. Wiktoria – “Save Me” – Predict Winner
  12. Samir & Viktor – “Bada Nakna” (Bathe Naked) – Predict 3rd Place

This year has been very difficult to predict as there are so many songs that could ultimately win.  So what do you think?

2016 Eurovision Song Contest

Sweden: The four acts through to the 2016 Melodifestivalen final from Andra Chansen

1 Comment
Flag of Sweden
Flag of Sweden

The four acts that won the relative duels in the Andra Chansen and therefore will go through to the 2016 Melodifestivalen final in Stockholm in Sweden are –

  1. Panetoz – Håll om mig hårt
  2. Boris René – Put Your Love On Me
  3.  SaRaha – Kizunguzungu
  4.  Samir & Viktor – Bada Nakna

Source: www.esccovers.com

Sweden, Swedish composers, Uncategorized

Melodifestivalen 2016 – Andra Chasen (Second Chance) Tonight

2 Comments

melodifestivalen-2016-logobilcollage-andra-chansen-jpg

 

Welcome to the penultimate show of the Swedish selection, Andra Chansen (Second Chance).  This week we visit the Halmstad Arena in Halmstad to decide which four songs will join the eight direct qualifiers for the final on the 12 March.  Gina Dirawi will be joined by Peter Jöback and Ola Salo this week for hosting duties.  As the Second Chance is all about duels the opening theme is Bond styled including a performance of Skyfall of the hosts.

–
Duel 1 – Panetoz “Håll Om Mig hart” (Hold Me Tight) Versus Molly Pettersson Hammar “Hunger” – Predict “Hunger”

The urban dance group versus the larger than life diva.  The upbeat dance number is growing on me and full use of the stage and audience area is impressive but I don’t think they will be no match for the overly dramatic ballad and pyrotechnics of Hunger.  With Molly’s snub last year and the showy performance this year, Molly should progress easily to the final.

–
Duel 2 – Albin & Mattias “Rik” (Rich) Versus Boris René “Put Your Love on Me” – Predict “Put Your Love on Me”

This combo puts the seasoned performing brother against the footballer.  I’m still surprised that Rik made it this far.  The song lacks the singability factor whereas Boris’ song is instantly catchy.  The only issue with both of these acts is that their vocal performances have been patchy.  The happy bright performance of Boris does give him the advantage.

–
Duel 3 – ISA “I Will Wait” Versus SaRaha “Kizunguzungu” (Dizziness) – Predict “I Will Wait”

Will the pocket sized pop princess beat the feel good Swahili number?  This battle is the most difficult to predict as both songs are good enough to be in the final.  ISA’s song is great but is it too big for her?  Will the Swedish public vote for a song in Swahili?  I think ISA’s popularity will win out over the fun dance number.

–
Duel 4 – Dolly Style “Rollercoaster” Versus Samir & Viktor “Bada Nakna” (Bathe Naked) – Predict “Bada Nakna”

The Barbies against the Kens.  I love the energy and performance of Dolly Style and the song is pure fun.  Samir & Viktor’s performance is really focused on the water features and the shirtless finish but their song is still fun.  I think Samir & Viktor’s popularity will win out over Dolly Style’s unfortunately.

2016 Eurovision Song Contest

Sweden: 2016 Melodifestivalen – Third semi-final – Results

Leave a comment
Flag of Sweden
Flag of Sweden

Two more acts qualified for the final of the 2016 Melodifestivalen after the third semi-final show held in Norrkoping.

The two acts to make directly to the final are –

  • Oscar Zia – Human
  • Lisa Ajax – My Heart Wants Me Dead

Two more acts will have another chance via the Andra Chansen phase –

  • SaRaha – Kizunguzungu
  • Boris René – Put Your Love On Me

Source: www.esccovers.com

2016 Eurovision Song Contest, Melodifestivalen 2016, Stockholm 2016, Sweden

Melodifestivalen 2016 – Semi-Final 3 Tonight

2 Comments

melodifestivalen-2016-logodeltavling-jpg

 

Another week and another scandal.  This past week a clip of Molly Sandén’s song “Youniverse” leaked on a website where you could pre-order the download of the song which resulted in SVT allowing all the fourth Semi Final songs (just 30 second clips) to be available for 24 hours.  I wonder if all these “issues” have been created for our enjoyment.  This week we visit the Himmelstalundshallen in Norrköping 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 Henrik Schyffert this week for hosting duties.

The third semi-final is packed full of debut participants but there are a few returning artists as well which make cause some upsets tonight.

–
1 SaRaha “Kizunguzungu” (Dizziness) – Predict Finalist

Sara Larsson better known as SaRaha was actually born in Sweden but moved to Tanzania when she was young.  She has performed on major television programmes in Africa but in 2014 actually had a song in the Swedish Charts “Mbele Kiza.” Now she is bringing her Swahili song “Kizunguzungu” which translates to Dizziness to the Swedish Selection.  The very “Haba Haba” sounding song (Norweigian Eurovision 2011) is instantly catchy and should be in contention to qualify.  In the past the Swedes have shunned songs in languages that aren’t Swedish or English but hopefully the beat will get them voting.

–
2 Swingfly feat. Helena Gutarra “You Carved Your Name” – Predict Andra Chansen

This is Swingfly’s second attempt in Melodifestivalen with his first entry in 2011 “Me and My Drum” qualifying directly to the final and he finished 5th overall.  His new song “You Carved Your Name” sounds very much like “Me and My Drum” without the catchy Boom, Boom, Boom.  He is backed up by Helena Gutarra who was in The Voice Sweden in 2012 but has done little since then.  With Swingfly’s popularity means he should do well but I’m not sure the song will be good enough this time to qualify directly to the final.

–
3 SMILO “Weight of the World” – Predict 7th Place

This boy band have had several names in the short time they have been together; Smile, Smiling Swedes and SMILO.  Typically known for their beach style music, their debut entry for Melodifestivalen is more commercial club style in my eyes.  The band are standing around like they don’t know what they are doing.  The song isn’t bad but the soulless performance will leave them out of the running tonight.

–
4 After Dark “Kom ut som en Stjärna” (Come Out Like a Star) – Predict 6th Place

Thank you After Dark for giving us some typical Schlager! This is After Dark’s third attempt to represent Sweden and I love it but this style of music is now considered “out of fashion.”  Even with a drag queen is a pink tasselled outfit, I don’t think the song is strong enough commercially to get the Swedes to vote for it.  I hope I’m wrong but I think After Dark won’t be moving on any further in the competition.

–
5 Lisa Ajax “My Heart Wants Me Dead” – Predict Andra Chansen

Being the winner of Idol 2014, you think that Lisa Ajax would be big artist but her winner’s single only charted at 48 in the Swedish Charts.  Her song is pretty solid and has an early Loreen feeling to it.  Her topless dancers won’t go amiss either.  Her vocals during the rehearsal weren’t great so it will all depend on tonight’s performance.  She should qualify to continue in the competition but not directly to the final unless she smashes it tonight.

–
6 Boris René “Put Your Love on Me” – Predict 5th Place

This Swedish football player who happens to dabble in singing as well debuts tonight in Melodifestivalen with “Put Your Love on Me.” The song is pretty catchy actually but not sure the footballer’s live vocals are good enough to qualify.  The song is very repetitive so it easy to sing along to after one verse but will his vocals put off voters? Again all depends on tonight’s performance.

–
7 Oscar Zia “Human” – Predict Finalist

This is Oscar Zia’s third performance in Melodifestivalen and his second solo attempt.  He lost out with Behrang Miri in the Andra Chansen stage in 2013 but qualified directly to the final with “Yes We Can” in 2014, finishing in eighth place overall.  Zia is a very hot topic at the moment as he has recently come out as gay.  With a combination of his popularity, the amount of media attention and the fact he’s written the song himself Zia should easily qualify for the final.  The song is a mid tempo ballad with haunting tone similar to Mariette’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”

 

What do you think?

2016 Eurovision Song Contest, Melodifestival, Melodifestivalen 2016, Stockholm 2016

Melodifestivalen 2016 – Semi-Final 2 Tonight

1 Comment

melodifestivalen-2016-logodeltavlingett1920-jpg

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.

–
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.

–
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.

–
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.

–
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.

–
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.

–
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.

–
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? …