Well its that time of the year, where the glitter is whipped out, where the wind machines are powered up and are on standby, and the world of music in Sweden is swept up by Melodifestivalen. This year we are off to find the choice for Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.
Last years winner Sanna Nielsen joins Robin Paulsson on stage as the presenters, with a very strong Skåne feeling in language and dialogue. Watching at approx. 2am in the morning in China makes for a much different atmosphere for watching, but alas Im dedicated and the show must go on!
Molly Pettersson Hammar – Ill Be Fine
❗ Personal Favourite
Bustin out in bright red, Molly comes with a strong dramatic beginning to this years competition. A warm deep and yet powerful high voice she takes the voluptuous curves of her body and highlights it in her voice. Girl got sass, yo. Its a good song and certainly didnt deserve to be thrown under the bus and not qualify – its much more quality than some other examples in my opinion. I do think that the low-cut dress brings too much attention to her chest. The only thing that might have fared better would be better camera work instead of all the far away views, and better management of shadows to make it more agreeable on screen.
Daniel Gildenlöw – Pappa
Returning artist Daniel from past computer Pain of Salvation, reintroduces the man bun to Swedish views. I would like to take this opportunity to remind readers that Ive been rocking the man bun for about 2 years now so Im ahead of the game in that fad. I found the song to be too similar to last years Bröder on that theme, and despite Daniels attempt to connect to the audience by not wearing any shoes and be laying on the stage, I found the lack of eye contact very disconcerting and therefore threw a wedge between him and the viewers. There wasnt much going on either, and with a mediocre song it just doesnt translate well for viewers. As a result this one ended up in last place.
Rickard Söderberg & Elize Ryd – One By One
❗ Personal Favourite
The first scandal of this years competition, is this gem not qualifying. With a voice like Elizes and the dramatic tenor sounds from Rickards voice this should have been a song to go to final for sure. Honing into the dark misty feeling of the classic Nordic entry this song is not only catchy, but is dramatic and really brings me back to the days of Evanescence. I found Rickards angle posture to be very effective on screen and the fact that hes a performer really shows. His general look is a bit disconcerting as its very flamboyant, but I shouldnt be one to talk. Each time the chorus Even though you think youve lost, inside there is a light to guide you was sung a chill was sent through my spine. The only bad part is the gentle ending, as I was expecting a big bang. Strong contender for me singing this to my school at the end of the year.
Dolly Style – Hello Hi
=> Andra Chansen
❗ Personal Favourite
Viewers unfamiliar with this song festival would be confused by this entry and be wondering what just happened? As a long standing fan of this competition, this doesnt phase me at all. Its channeling of Aqua in a lot of ways, but this uptempo dance melody has us meeting Dolly, Polly and Molly a trio that pumps out a radio-hit to be sure. Its catchy, its got a wicked ass key change thats like bringing a song to a new gear for the final thrust to the finale. The only thing that bothered me is pronunciation which may or may not have been intention led us to think that Dolly Style is an allusion to Doggy Style as the girls thrust their bottoms back and out. With memories of Je tadore and Shut that door and that big flop coming into view, Im surprised that this one made it to the second chance round. I just didnt think Swedes would buy into it. I liked it, however fake it was.
Behrang Miri feat. Victor Crone – Det rår vi inte för
=> Andra Chansen
Not really sure how much I like the video effects that make this entry a bit gimmicky, Swedish rap mixed with actual singing brings Behrang back for a second year in a row. I think this mix of rap-pop song left me a bit confused as to why its so popular because really its difficult to watch. Its okay to listen to and is an easy radio-hit for sure, but I just really had difficulty keeping my eyes (open) focused. I have nothing against rap, and of all the rap acts that could be, Behrang is one of the better in my opinion but I dont really think it deserved to make it to the second chance over a few other good songs. They did have the best selfie of the night, however. Regardless its sour grapes, I guess
Jessica Andersson – Cant Hurt Me Now
=> Finalen
No stranger to this competition, nor to the second chance round, Jessica brought her professionalism and took a nice ballad and just delivered it. I just dont understand why everybody voted for it. I know shes got a following, but something inside me just clashed with this song – its flat out boring and offers nothing in the way of entertainment. Its one of those 2+2=4 equation songs and it really showed. The whole night I was watching her reactions and in my opinion she looked rough in the green room and in the voting stages. Her makeup was running or not right with the lighting and her puss facial expressions showed that she didnt think shed make it, so when the headlines popped out the days after Jag var help knäckt didnt surprise me. She looked like she wasnt going to make it, and usually thats how things go, but to get a ticket right to the final – I think not? Good job Jessica, good luck trying not to be in last place next time around!
Eric Saade – Sting
=> Finalen
❗ Personal Favourite
Past Manboy turned Popular artist Eric Saade brings an upbeat song Sting to the mix which is significantly better in terms of songwriting and execution. Deserving of a spot in the final but please God dont make him win, otherwise I will cry. His look at me attention gimmicks make me continue to think that hes deserving of the age of 8, and his arrogance to media and his fans make him incredibly unattractive to me. Having said that, he channeled Johnny Logans outfit from past Irish years, and danced and sung his way into the final. Please knock yourself down a few pegs on the annoying scale and then tweets about you wont contain messages about you being a twat, a prick, or asshole. Just sayin
And that concludes this years review of the first semi-final with pictures to come (finally!). Whats weird this year about my review is that there are only 7 entries in each heat, and therefore my well oiled fingers feel like they should be writing more or at least another entry. Sanna and Robin were awesome and very funny, and make me have a little man-crush. Apart from that the interval acts were okay but this Flippa character has gotten old already. Alas onward we forge until next week!