Tag Archives: Sweden

Melodifestival, Melodifestivalen 2016, Stockholm 2016

Melodifestivalen 2016 – Semi Final 1 Tonight

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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.

2015 Eurovision Song Contest, Måns Zelmerlöw, Melodifestival, Vienna 2015

Måns brings the Heroes Tour to London

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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.

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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.

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He then sang the ever popular Cara Mia from Melodifestivalen 2007, which in my eyes still should of won of that year.

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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.

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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.

 

member letter

LETTER TO TURKEY – EMILY SMITH (Australia)

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An open letter to TRT

 

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to you about Turkey’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, imploring you to reconsider your decision to not attend in 2016.

As a great fan of Eurovision, and of Turkish entries in particular, it deeply saddens me that you have withdrawn from the contest indefinitely. It is particularly disappointing that you have cited moral objections, as Eurovision is inherently about inclusion and diversity. The contest is a celebration of differences, with no one being unwelcome: even Australia attended this year! What makes Eurovision so great is the manifestation of diverse cultures, attitudes and beliefs all coming together in one event. While your government may have objections to certain events that have occurred within the contest, it is a great shame for you to remove yourself entirely.

The theme of inclusivity is extremely relevant now, with Turkey playing such a pivotal role in the current Syrian refugee crisis. Participating in Eurovision again would be a wonderful gesture of Turkey’s willingness to be a part of the European community, with a view to improving diplomatic relations with the rest of Europe. The political implications of Eurovision participation cannot be lost on you, with you yourselves initially withdrawing for political reasons. While the contest was initially established as a tool to unify Europe after World War II, it continues to foster harmony amongst European nations. In the face of a global humanitarian crisis, continental unity is critical and Eurovision holds the key.

Politics aside, it is worth noting that Turkey has had great Eurovision success in recent years. Reaching the top ten seven times in ten years is a remarkable feat, and one of which you must be proud. Your bold stage presentations and Mediterranean/oriental flavoured pop music products are a winning combination; the voting population cannot get enough. And just think, Eurovision 2017 held in Istanbul could even further strengthen Turkey’s relationship with the rest of Europe. This could be a key opportunity for you to use the recent popularity of Turkish music and culture to your advantage.

Looking closer to home, Eurovision is very popular within Turkey itself. This year, hotel searches for Vienna increased by 91% in Turkey, higher than in any other country in the world. Clearly there is still huge support for Eurovision within Turkey. It is a great shame that Turkish fans can no longer enjoy the broadcast from within their own country, in addition to not being represented on the stage.

Let’s not forget that there are approximately 150,000 Turkish people living in Sweden. They must also be very disappointed that a representative from their homeland will not be joining them in Stockholm. There are millions of Turkish people living across Europe who are actively involved with Eurovision, as displayed in Eurovision voting. Turkey has historically received the most points from Germany, which has the largest Turkish population in the world outside of Turkey, estimated at four million people. The second and third most points received have come from France and the Netherlands, who have the second and third largest Turkish populations in Europe. Vast numbers of Turkish people at home and abroad support Eurovision and they are being let down by your non-participation.

There are a multitude of reasons why Turkey should reconsider their position, but in the end it boils down to this: a Eurovision without Turkey does not feel complete. Something is missing. Your absence is felt deeply by all the fans, Turkish and otherwise, and we urge you to rejoin us.

Kind regards,

Huge Eurovision fan

Member blog

VIENNA WAS MAGIC

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Written by David Thielen (USA)

 

The first Eurovision I attended in person was Malmö and it was beyond anything I could have imagined. All of it was incredible but of the acts, Zlata had me in tears her song and presentation was so beautiful. And then Cezar, where I left the semi-final thinking OMG what was that, and not liking it at all. And then over the next couple of days it grew on me to the point that it was my second favorite in the final.

And then came Copenhagen. There were a lot of songs I thought were brilliant. But none reached me like Zlata and Cezar. I figured part of that was the first time. And part was that while there were about 10 that I wanted to see win (including Moldova who came in last in their semi), none were as special. And so maybe it was the acts. I did have a wonderful time there and a lot of the music was everything I expected, but no beyond wonderful moments.

So for Vienna I expected once again for it to be like Copenhagen, wonderful but nothing that was beyond anything before. And then…

Monika’s entry from Poland – my god. One of the most uplifting beautiful songs/story I have ever seen. The song by itself is beautiful. The way it was staged was brilliant. One of the most emotional songs ever.

Il Volo’s entry from Italy – possibly the most amazing act at Eurovision ever. And what made it better is I went in thinking their entry was good, but not the best there. Then they came out as the last act, and pulled me in, more and more and more. And by the end they blew me away, far beyond any of my favorites up to that point.

And the list goes on. Russia, France, Sweden all had songs that most years would (or at least should – what were the voters thinking with France) have easily won. Serbia when they broke it open half way through had me jumping and shouting and basically going nuts. I’d say over 30 of the entries were world class.

So there will never be another entry like Zlata or Cezar. But there will also never be another entry like Monika or Il Volo. And that means next year in Sweden I can again expect what I found in both 2013 & 2015 – something absolutely magical.

 

Rebecka Karlsson/Surrender

Rebecka Karlsson sings Surrender (Malmö Pride 2015 – Official Song)

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Rebecka Karlsson {copyright: lydeen.se}
Rebecka Karlsson {copyright: lydeen.se}

Rebecka Karlsson is a young and rising star in Sweden. She has just released the official song for the Malmö Pride 2015 entitled Surrender. Rebecka also recorded Ghost Flower for the Stockholm Pride 2014.

Surrender is composed by Ylva Persson and Linda Persson who are prolific songwriters and performers from Sweden. Ylva and Linda have written several songs for Eurovision national selections such as Belarus, Malta and Moldova in recent years. The music, lyrics, arrangement and production are by Ylva and Linda Persson, who also provide the backing vocals. It is produced and mixed by Will Taylor with Rebecka’s lyrics recorded by Jens Lundgren at Studio Titan Dalby.

Rebecka has been singing since a young child. She has successfully competed in the 2008 and 2014 Talang competitions in Sweden and also performs in a duo called ReWind and is currently touring with the Cadillac Band. Rebecka is passionate about the Eurovision Song Contest and has big ambitions to perform on the Eurovision stage in the near future.

You can see the video for Surrender below. You can stream the song at  Spotify https://play.spotify.com/track/1Ibri9g73xHwAHCpmcgmvg?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open and purchase at iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/se/album/surrender-malmo-pride-2015/id1016381461

Source: facebook.com/rebecka.karlsson; facebook.com/facebook.com/ylvalindapersson; www.esccovers.com

 

Uncategorized

OGAE CLUB FAVOURITES

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Hopefully all 42 clubs will vote in the OGAE CLUB voting, but we will list each club’s winner. And it will be updates as more clubs reveal their voting

 

OGAE ALBANIA – ITALY

OGAE ARMENIA – ESTONIA

OGAE LUXEMBOURG -SWEDEN

OGAE SWITZERLAND – ITALY

OGAE ESTONIA – SWEDEN

OGAE RUSSIA – ITALY

OGAE DENMARK – SWEDEN

OGAE R O W – SWEDEN

OGAE POLAND – AZERBAIJAN

OGAE NORWAY – ITALY

OGAE LITHUANIA – NORWAY

OGAE SERBIA – SLOVENIA

OGAE MACEDONIA – ITALY

OGAE FRANCE – SWEDEN

OGAE ITALY – NORWAY

OGAE UNITED KINGDOM – SWEDEN

OGAE ROMANIA – ITALY

OGAE MONTENEGRO – SERBIA

OGAE MALTA – ITALY

OGAE ANDORRA – SWEDEN

OGAE SPAIN – ITALY

OGAE SWEDEN – ESTONIA

OGAE FINLAND – ITALY

OGAE GERMANY – ESTONIA

OGAE LATVIA – SWEDEN

OGAE SLOVAKIA – SWEDEN

OGAE BELGIUM – NORWAY

OGAE PORTUGAL – ITALY