Live from Sweden, It’s Melodifestivalen!
Melodifestivalen, the six-week musical spectacular that selects Sweden’s Eurovision entry, began this weekend in Göthenburg. As countries all over Europe are in the process of finding their next Eurovision entry, Sweden’s MelFest sets the bar for putting on an amazing show and giving the stage to some of the country’s most talented artists.
For 2019, the emceeing duties are being shared by four hosts: Sarah Dawn Finer, an actress and singer who’s no stranger to the Melodifestivalen stage; comedians, Marika Carlsson and Kodjo Akolor; and Eric Saade, who won MelFest in 2011 and represented Sweden at Eurovision. The highlight of the evening was a fabulous mash-up of the winning songs from Israel (who, I remind you, will be hosting Eurovision in May).
Onto the entries of the week, seven songs competed for four slots to move forward in the competition.
Who Made it to the Final: Wiktoria and Mohombi
This is Wiktoria’s third Melodifestivalen, and the third time she was sent directly to the final. It’s no secret, Sweden loves this girl. The ballad, “Not With Me,” showcases her strong vocals, and the raining effect made a lovely stage picture.
Mohombi, the Congolese-Swedish singer who had several big hits in the early 2010s, gave us an up-beat track called “Hello.” What really stood out though, was the staging of this song. Singing in front of a mirrored screen, Mohombi interacted with projected drawings. Hmmm, haven’t we seen this before?
Who Was Sent to Andra Chansen: Anna Bergendahl and Nano
Anna and Nano didn’t make it direct to the final, but they scored enough points to compete in the second chance round, Andra Chansen. This is Nano Omar’s second MelFest; his 2017 song “Hold On” almost won the contest. But “Chasing Rivers” isn’t quite as strong as his first entry. It kind of feels like the same song, doesn’t it? Same tempo, same rise and fall of the music. Even the staging is similar– although this one features his son, William, dressed as a young version of the singer. Nano has a great voice, but I think we all expected something a bit more spectacular the second time around.
When we last saw Anna Bergendahl, it was 2010, we were in Oslo, and she had just become the first (and only) Swedish artist to not qualify for the final at Eurovision. Poor Anna, it was a dark, hopeless time in Swedish history, one that we will never mention again. But with a fitting song, “Ashes to Ashes,” and a wig from The Charlotte Perrelli Collection for Swedish QVC*, Anna returned to the MelFest stage, ready to redeem herself. The staging– quite elaborate. The song– catchy! Even though it was one of the the strongest entries of the night, the Swedish public isn’t quite sure they can trust Anna yet, so they sent her to Andra Chansen. Not a bad outcome for her big return though.
Who Was ROBBED: Zeana feat. Anis don Demina
Zeana, a former Swedish Idol contestant, and Anis don Demina, who was featured in Samir & Viktor’s latest summer hit, teamed up to bring us “Mina bränder.” It was a breath of fresh air, situated between two ballads in the line-up. Full of energy, hair extensions, and shouting, this track has already clocked in at #12 on the Swedish charts– the highest of any of the songs that premiered on Saturday. So why didn’t it make it through? This is perfect Andra Chansen fodder right here. My guess? Too many big names in this heat. “Mina bränder” (translation: “My Fire”) came fifth in the show on Saturday.
Melodifestivalen will continue next Saturday in the city of Malmö!
*just kidding, I don’t think it’s a wig
