At this stage, I love Melodifestivalen but adding songs is not the answer. The last few years have felt like they lacked quality control and while the final ended up quite strong in both two years, there was very little good left behind. I’d say Finland, Spain and maybe even Norway showed better quality control.
5 semis of six or 4 semis of 7 really doesn’t change much at all to me, just feels tampering for the sake of saying “look at us freshening up the process”.
I guess they're trying to boost the ratings by scrapping second chance, which understandably has lower viewers than the other heats (I sometimes skip it myself, or skim through it, if I've been out).
More padding will be required, six songs in 90 minutes?? Many of the heats this year already felt a bit bloated, hopefully they'll bring back the reprise performances for the finalists. I also hope they'll release the songs immediately and not wait until the end of the fifth heat, Melodifestivalen must be the only national final left that doesn't release songs immediately as they're performed?
I agree, the quality over the last few years hasn’t been where it needs to be to warrant more songs.
Also. I am confusion: "Second-chance round scrapped in favour of a short vote for a Top 2 during the 5th heat, amongst all 3rd and 4th-placers”
What does that even mean lol. So they’ve scrapped AC for a 5th heat, but that 5th heat will also be a regular heat AND AC?!
God. Heat 5 would be a disaster. You have to do a regular heat, results and everything. After that, a Second-Chance Vote for the 3rd/4th from each heat.
No way they tack on 10 more performances in Heat 5. They’ll just throw a montage at us. Collect the votes and release the results.
I usually really enjoy AC as you've had some time with the songs and often really root for a couple of them but I don't think it's a major loss. Agree the finalist reprise performances need to come back though - the voting system the last two years has been pretty naff, would much rather see the winners again!
Imma try and get a ticket for Malmö. I’m going to be in the city for a Molly Sandén gig the night before anyway so may as well try
Got a ticket to heat 1 in Malmö!!!!
Heat 1: Malmö (3 February)
⭐️ Lisa Ajax – Awful liar
⭐️ Elisa Lindström – Forever yours
⭐️ Samir & Viktor – Hela världen väntar
⭐️ Smash Into Pieces – Heroes are calling
⭐️ Melina Borglowe – Min melodi
⭐️ Adam Woods – Supernatural
Heat 2: Gothenburg (10 February)
⭐️ C-Joe – Aoma
⭐️ Liamoo – Dragon
⭐️ Engmans Kapell – Norrland
⭐️ Fröken Snusk – Unga och fria
⭐️ Maria Sur – When I’m Gone
⭐️ Dear Sara (Sara Nutti) – The Silence After You
Heat 3: Växjö (17 February)
⭐️ Clara Klingenström – Aldrig mer
⭐️ Jacquline – Effortless
⭐️ Klaudy – För dig
⭐️ Cazzi Opeia – Give My Heart a Break
⭐️ Gunilla Persson – I Won’t Shake (la la Gunilla)
⭐️ Kim Cesarion – Take My Breath Away
Heat 4: Eskilstuna (24 February)
⭐️ Lia Larsson – 30 km/h
⭐️ SCARLET – Circus X
⭐️ Albin Tingwall – Done Getting Over You
⭐️ Lasse Stefanz – En sång om sommaren
⭐️ Danny Saucedo – Happy That You Found Me
⭐️ Dotter – It’s Not Easy to Write You a Love Song
Heat 5: Karlstad (2 March)
⭐️ Jay Smith – Back to My Roots
⭐️ Elecktra – Banne maj
⭐️ Chelsea Muco – Controlla
⭐️ Annika Wickihalder – Light
⭐️ Medina – Que sera
⭐️ Marcus & Martinus – Unforgettable
Elisa Lindström 
Elecktra from Drag Race Sweden!!
So hyped for Lisa and Dotter, this better be one of their wins finally.
Marcus & Martinus obviously have the pimp slot but that's obviously not a given! Part of me wonders if there'll be an undercurrent of a feeling with Swedes of "do we really want two Norwegians representing us in our home country?", it is a bit of an odd look. If the song is as strong as Air though, they probably won't care.
Rooting for Cazzi, Dotter or Danny's renaissance personally.
No doubt Danny will be back with a banger, he must be absolutely desperate to go to Eurovision by now after all the near misses, I can't believe he hasn't done it yet.
Intrigued by Clara, Dotter, Cazzi, Elisa and many more. Seems a solid crop for a post-win year, when Sweden generally don't do as well as usual at Eurovision, but interesting to see no former winners in here.
Ready for Gunilla Persson – I Won’t Shake (la la Gunilla) to be absolutely essential and iconic. She's a batshit crazy Housewives alumni. 
Also worth noting Froken Snusk is HUGE in Sweden, I think it would pretty much pretty much Tattoo then one of her songs in terms of popular songs in Sweden this year. Could be a contender, but ofc being a huge artist or a current popular star doesn’t always necessarily matter in MF.
I am super happy with the Heat 1 line up. I loooooooove Lisa Ajax and also Samir & Viktor so I’m so stoked to be seeing them live
I'm going to see heat 2 live, exited for LIAMOO and Fröken Snusk. Looks like the weaker heat as usually though lol
Gutted I won't see gunilla persson live, she is a icon
here for Smash Into Pieces
oh alright and any of the Swedish songs, perfect opportunity for Sweden to revisit their language without a semi-final to worry about *. I bet Samir & Victor will serve another very enjoyable piece of trash.
*though the last two times they had a host entry they went annoyingly safe
Yes, this really is the time to send a Swedish language entry. I can't remember one even being in proper contention though since Snälla Snälla in 2009.
Behöver inte dig idag would have been such a good one in 2021, Voices was such a pointless waste of an entry for me 
A few thoughts..
- Lisa Ajax, spotty history but I see there are some good writers here.
- I always adored Samir & Viktor and very much welcome them back.
- Can’t stand Liamoo or M&M
- I love that Cazzi Opeia sent something again, but she’s competing against herself (Jacqline) in this heat.
- Danny and Dotter probably both DTF already?
- ELECKTRA *.*
Smashing Into Pieces, Medina I’m excited for and I hope one of these two take out the win.
I listened some Lia Larsson songs on Youtube. Possibly young generations will like her Melodifestivalen entry.
I've just seen that SCARLET are tailor-made for me
hype
Marcus & Martinus again 
I am so f***ing excited for next week!!!! A*Teens reunion live 🤯
I’m at the point now where I’ve asked for a few days off next week. I’ve never seen Melfest in person, but A*Teens took it over the line for me. It would be the craziest few days and expensive as hell.
All of it for the A*Teens likely to be on stage singing Waterloo for 40 seconds. I’m sure their performance ties more in with ABBA versus their previous work. But I would die if we got a montage of their hits.
Hahahaha flights to Copenhagen are easier to find than Malmö 
I’m staying in Copenhagen as well and just getting the train over the Oresund for Molly and then the day after for MelFest
That's actually very helpful, thank you.
Realistically from where I am, my options are to fly direct into London and take a flight to Stockholm and the train to Malmo.
There are no direct flights from where I am to Stockholm, so the connecting flight was Frankfurt and from here to Stockholm.
It would be so tight for me! I would literally be heading to the airport this time next week to make it work.
I wouldn't do this for anyone else but the A*Teens. I'm just so disappointed it's so last minute.. I'm hoping I can make it work.
If you fly into London, I'd recommend flying direct from London to Copenhagen to save time. The train to Malmö from Stockholm is very long (five hours each way maybe), but Malmo is only half an hour over the Oresund bridge, direct from Copenhagen airport.
Gah, would love to get the time off but I can't next week. Enjoy if you do get to go! Hopefully it won't just be a one-off and they'll do some gigs later in the year.
You both are amazing - thank you. Actually, looking at this again I think you are right.
I would either do Canada -> London -> Copenhagen or the flight from Canada to Frankfurt to Copenhagen (Frankfurt is the layover).
I'm thinking this is a one-off (hoping for a 2025 Melfest Entry) as Sara is pregnant!
I've hijacked this topic enough with my travel thoughts but thank you both. I'm still 50/50 but this ticks off two bucket list items for me.
You’re west right? Is Vancouver a realistic start point for you? If so Icelandair is also a viable option with a stop in Reykjavik and then on to Copenhagen. Or as Rich says London on to Copenhagen. Either BA the whole way on that, or see what AirFrance/KLM offers via CDG/AMS. All the big European airlines will connect you directly to Copenhagen and avoid the need to trek down from Stockholm (unless you wanna do Stockholm as part of your trip! In which case f*** the train, fly Ryanair. One way from Stockholm to Malmo on the 2nd of Feb is 170 SEK without baggage etc which is 17€ or 22 CAD according to google)
Yes (I'm in Alberta). Calgary would be my starting point, I don't mind connecting via Toronto but would like to avoid if I can.
I did find that I would have a layover in Toronto before Denmark (on the Iceland route), it was also more expensive - but actually Toronto to Copenhagen did have a decent direct flight! However, connecting on return.
Aaah I’m in totally the wrong province! KLM however are a viable bet on a one stop from YYC, you just connect at AMS and that’s a really nice airport to connect through. Frankfurt is a same terminal connection as well as they tend to keep the Lufthansa family all in one terminal. Heathrow will mean a terminal change tho if you come in on AirCanada or WestJet so you’ll need a really good layover for that to actually make it through - especially because it’s passport control and security. Whereas usually at AMS and Frankfurt you don’t do security on connections
I won’t lie. Planning flights is one of my favourite pastimes. It’s so relaxing 🤣
Thank you both so much again - today has been exciting. I think the reality of needing to be on a plane this time next week has sunk in. It would be very tight and a little disruptive. If A*Teens were an actual entry this year, I would drop everything. I'm so excited about their reunion but think I'll have to watch from home. I also would be working all day, so that flight from Calgary -> Frankfurt -> Copenhagen I think I would have been up for 36 hours and I cannot sleep while flying.
I committed to be more spontaneous this year, but, that's a bit spontaneous for me 
This would have ticked off two bucket list items for me, but the unknown of what they're doing is enough for me to give this a pass. I likely think it's just tied into Abba and as much as I need an Upside Down/Halfway Around The World/Closer To Perfection medley, I don't think that's what we are about to get.
But thank you both so much again. I had a heads up this may be coming and I'm so excited. Sorry for derailing the topic with Travel Plans - but you were both so helpful.
However, I can still take time off work. I'm thinking of taking that time in March for the Final. Ticketmaster has been difficult to see what tickets are left, but I do see some VIP Tickets are still available (I think I want 18+ tho or the actual VIP Package with the decent seats, food etc.) has anyone been to a Final recently that has any recommendations?
Scandipop confirmed A*Teens will sing a medley of their own songs AND Abba covers.
Edit: there are rehearsal videos of A*Teens floating around and it looks like they’re getting ready to perform Floorfiller
or the actual VIP Package with the decent seats, food etc.) has anyone been to a Final recently that has any recommendations?Heat 1 Clips are out!
Adam Woods: not for me but sure sounds like a belter.
Samir & Viktor sounds great - hoping for a big performance (and a bit of nakedness)
Melina Borglowe: no thank you.
Elisa Lindstrom what in the early 00s pop song. Love this so camp.
Lisa Ajax: I don’t like this at all. She needs to serve like she did on I Don’t Give…
Smash Into Pieces: very good.
Underwhelming heat actually? Lisa Ajax was a surprise disappointment. I think probably Smash Into Pieces/Adam Woods DTF and Lisa/Samir & Viktor AC but maybe Lisa won’t qualify at all.
GIVE US A*TEENS REHEARSAL FOOTAGE.
Lisa’s song sounds… nice enough. Like I’d listen to it and enjoy it but it’s probably coming 5th here I was rooting for her breakthrough win moment but eh
I was rooting for her breakthrough win moment but eh
Elisa sounds great, although there's no way she's making it past Smash Into Pieces/Samir & Viktor/maybe Adam.
Has the ESC Host been named yet because I’m hearing it’s Mariette (she finally made it to Eurovision!!)
How does voting work this year with only 6 songs?
I’m assuming 2 will still go through each heat (making 10), then presumably only 2 will make it through the revamped “Andra Chansen” thing, rather than the previous 4.
I guess we may only get 1 song advancing to Andra Chansen from each heat instead of 2, but not sure about that?
Im avoiding all clips/rehearsal footage so I can experience them fresh tomorrow night
have funnnn 
Hope everyone going tonight has a great time! Excited for this to begin again, will be watching on catch-up tonight 
Adam Woods was pretty good, not a bad way to start us off.
Then Samir & Viktor. They were good fun as always! It’s another great party track from them complete with a drop from 2017. Too many clothes but then Samir launched a smooch on Viktor at the end and all was forgiven 👀
Melina Borglowe - Swedish poundland Amy MacDonald with a 30 year old song
Elisa Lindstrom - yes! Big pick up in tempo after Melina sent the entire arena to sleep (legit so quiet). This will make my playlist
Lisa Ajax - was not expecting a ballad from her at all but I am very here for it. Really enjoyed it and she has a really good vocal, she performed it well. Bit of a muted response tho so might be DoA. Think 4th at best for Lisa
Smash into Pieces - very very good!!! Great staging and by far the biggest arena response. For sure DTF
Switched from MGP to this because I am NOT missing the A*Teens. But, Smash Into Pieces. That was a bit meh. Much prefer their track from last year.
Gut feeling
DTF : Smash & S&V
AC: Elisa & Adam
5th Lisa
6th Melina
They brought back the DTF performance so I switched over from MGP to watch smash into pieces perform TWICE and I’m still waiting for the A*Teens (this performance is just awkward too)
No surprises there. They were the clear favourite in the arena and actually look like the nicest folks as well. They were greeting fans and things on the dashes between the green room and stage, more so than others. Tho S&V were also super with the crowd
I misjudged Awful Liar but based on what I’m hearing probably still AC?
That was the PERFECT 90s throwback. Right down to the lipsync
A*TEENS DTF!!!!!
Maybe not. Winning the phone vote!!!
Oh wow so Samir and Viktor was who I overestimated
Good on ya Lisa!!!!!
And yassss for Elise snatching 3rd! My AC picks were bang on the money
Elisa’s song is so good <3
So it gets another chance in the nu AC format? I really hope it can make the final.
Smash Into Pieces and Lisa Ajax are solid qualifiers! I liked Samir and Viktor too, surprised that did so badly 
Didn’t care for the other two songs.
Always here for Lisa slaying, didn’t expect that!!
Loved Elisa’s song and thought Samir and Viktor would have done better
Awful Liar does stick with you a bit, even if I forget what the rest of the song even sounds like.
Hela världen väntar was not one of Samir & Viktor's best if I'm being honest.
Forever Yours YES. Very Steps meets Charlotte Perelli.
This heat ended up being better than I expected, hence the close result. I always thought Smash Into Pieces was going DTF but I hated that performance.
Less lasers, more naked please.
Also Samir & Vikor *FINALLY* have a Compilation album.
As much as Shuffla and Bada Nakna are essentials, I also give Ododlig, Put Your Hands Up and Kung bop status.
Smash Into Pieces aren't my thing at all so I probably shouldn't be shocked I didn't really enjoy their track, but it felt like a second-rate Nickelback track with some very forced growly vocals. Not shocked it did so well though.
Pleasantly surprised by how well Lisa did, I wasn't expecting that but the chorus in particular is really strong! Adam Woods had my favourite of the night, glad that got through to AC (or whatever we're calling it now), same for Elisa and her bop. Samir & Viktor's song was fun, but the vocals were a bit ropey. Definitely shocked they weren't really in contention for a final place in the end though. Melina's song was cute x
Sad to see Samir & Viktor straight out, it wasn't as good as their past couple of entries but still decent.
Very happy with how well Lisa and Elisa both did. Smash Into Pieces were good, but felt very much like a carbon copy of last year so disappointing to see them win the heat really.
Even the ballad from the newbie was quite sweet I thought.
Agree about Smash Into Pieces, but it happens every year in Melodifestivalen. A breakthrough act returns with more of the same the following year and go DTF but often with a slightly inferior result in the end. I think it was the song I liked least in the whole heat, even though it's ok.
Been listening a LOT to Elisa today, hope it can find a way into the final! And Samir & Viktor I prefer to Adam Woods, so it's a shame it's straight out.
Avoiding listening to any qualifiers so I can react blindly to the finalists at the end of the heats but - you know full well how much I stan Samir & Viktor. Whose idea was it to make them sing near enough acoustic for so long at the start? I still quite like the song but it was their weakest MF song to date, so quite the fall from grace for them and I think it definitely had a bigger air of desperation (on Samir's part anyway) than genuine joy when they used to compete.
Heat 2 Clips are out. I was always going to be underwhelmed with this heat.
On a quick glance.. LIAMOO is so predictable and likely DTF with Maria Sur.
The only things that peaked my interest was Fröken Snusk.
Why does Ahumma have 6 writers?!
Heat 2 Performance Clips are out.
Maria Sur is in danger. Those vocals are shockingly bad, but excellent staging.
LIAMOO’s song is boring but alright staging.
Fröken Snusk…?! This has the potential to win Melfest!!
I’m so down for Fröken Snusk tbh, it would be so fun for Sweden to send something like that!
Fröken Snusk looks and sounds brilliant. I never understand why a lot of host countries with a free pass to the final don’t take the opportunity to send something (like this) that showcases their contemporary music scene, culture and language, as there is no danger of not qualifying. You and If I Were Sorry were the safest follow ups to winners anybody could have found, and You didn’t even do the business, as Sweden are usually safe top ten, so what was even the point of it?
I hope they drop the mask one year and step away from the slick English pop to show people what else Sweden is about. Then again, the international juries in Melodifestivalen often have an aversion to anything not in English, which doesn’t help.
Maria Sur’s song sounds almost like a track from The Saturdays.
I loved the performance. I’m not sold on the song and I thought her vocals were pretty poor, especially at the beginning.
Easily DTF tho - despite me not liking the song, great performance!!
Also, the portion between the performances. I never understand what’s going on, but usually something fun and exciting happens as they talk to the artists. This year.. I still don’t know what’s going on, but doesn’t seem very interesting.
Dear Sara not my cup of tea either, some of that performance was fun and vibrant.. but the rest of the time she just stood there with nothing going on. Not the best.
C-Joe shaky vocals all over the place, but I liked this a lot more than Dear Sara.
LIAMOO not the biggest LIAMOO stan and I don’t think that was his best entry but VERY good! DTF for sure.
Fröken Snusk: my stream died with 30 seconds left of the performance. I think LIAMOO and Maria Sur are DTF for sure. I’m hoping this is AC and just picks up momentum from here. Second AC winner perhaps?!
I can’t believe Fröken Snusk almost didn’t make AC. Looks like we need to take the app away from anyone over the age of 45!
Really glad Fröken at least made AC, it deserved that at least, heaps of fun and memorable from the visuals alone. I really like Maria's track too, I wasn't expecting such a bop from her after last year's track but I'm glad to be more on board with her this time around! Dear Sara's song was more like what I was expecting from Maria, a cute song if nothing super exciting.
LIAMOO's wasn't particularly interesting, I don't think I've really cared for anything he's sent to Melfest. Nothing bad, just average. C-Joe had a diet bop but it didn't strike me as any sort of contender, surprised it ran Fröken so close! And Engmans Kapell was alright I guess x
The hosting is a bit dull this year, from my ok understanding of the Swedish language, the main host seems quite serious and downbeat.
I've got tickets to the final, which I'm sure will be great, but I can't say I'm properly in love with any of the four finalists so far. Maria's sounds good though, great production and she gave a stellar performance.
Surprised that Dear Sara finished above Fröken Snusk as the latter was brilliant but looks like she stands very little chance of going to the final now, with only two songs out of what will be 10 getting a second chance at making it in. They constantly send the safest stuff through every week, I don't think any of the four finalists so far are the winner.
Yeah, Danny, Dotter, Marcus & Martinus and Cazzi Opeia really need to bring it. Three of the four finalists so far are fine, but not worthy of winning.
This was my least favourite Liamoo entry so far I'd say, really boring to see him win the heat. Enjoyed Norrland more than I expected, that was catchy. And Fröken Snusk was great visually, would love if it could somehow find a way to the final so I can turn up at Friends arena in a pink balaclava.
Jacqline sounds promising, also looking forward to Klara, Kim, Danny, and obviously Dotter, Elecktra I’m hoping brings camp as f*** schlager too.
Fröken Snusk has been No.1 on Spotify for a few days, which is great at least.
I’m not sure the groups voting works for me, I almost always prefer the televote results to almost any of the age group app votes. You end up with results like Dear Sara finishing higher than Fröken Snusk, yet she has the most popular song in the country right now and has 10 times as many YouTube views as Dear Sara, and I’d wager Liamoo and Maria would be below her on the chart if released already too. So are the two most popular songs each week always progressing under this system? I’d wager not.
Is the groups system in place for the second chance vote at the end too?
I hate the voting system for the reason you gave above too. If it was around in 2014, it would’ve no doubt sunk Ace Wilder to like 4th in her semi instead of becoming some kind of breakout televote smash.
Also it doesn’t really give the remaining schlager divas a chance to go direct to the final, as the younger three or four age groups won’t touch them. And ridiculous spectacles like Mirakel going DTF just wouldn’t happen with this system.
Just listened to this week’s clips and they sound much better - I adore Clara and hers sounds good but Jacqline and Cazzi’s sound strongest from the clips. Channelling Agnes’ Here Comes the Night and Pachelbel’s Canon respectively
So Cazzi had her hands in Effortless and Give My Heart A Break and she gave herself the latter?!
I’m having some problems with the SVT Website/App so I’ve only heard these two songs and Clara. Clara is great as well!
Effortless sounds like a Dua track.
Performance Clips are out. I wasn’t looking forward to this heat at all - but I was wrong!
Jacqline: what a surprise! I need this to go DTF!
Clara: ADORE. Great song - she sounds amazing!
Gunilla: TALKING SHIT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. She is COMING for Beyoncé’s Country era.
Cazzi: Great, a bit too sugary sweet for me. I prefer the other 3 songs.
I would be happy if these four were DTF/AC. But I’m excited for tomorrow (mostly for Jacqline)
Edit: apparently for AC they are scrapping the age voting, so perhaps some hope for Froken Snusk?
I still cannot get over how horrible the hosting is this year. Tragically boring my word. Working out and board games?!
Awful awful awful.
Jacqline: Good, that performance however doesn’t align to the song at all and the dancers outfits were awful. I like the track but this needs some work.
Clara Klingenström: Shivers! Beautiful, great emotion. Amazing song, great performance! Loved it!
Kim: Jacqline should take notes on what her staging should look like. But this was awful and hopefully has no legs.
It’s at this point someone on Twitter pointed out Jacqline fell to #3 in the odds and Gunilla is now 2nd in the odds *.*
Gunilla Persson: quite shaky in places but SO camp. Beyonce should just cancel her Country era. I think this has legs. AC maybe? It could beat out Jacqline too….
Moa Anna Maria Carlebecker woooooowwwww. That was. Very good. I wasn’t expecting to like that as much as I did. Great job!!
I want Cazzi and Clara DTF with Jacqline and Gunilla AC. But, I wouldn’t be upset if Clara and Gunilla swap spots there.
I cannot believe Clara did not even make top 4. Bloody youngsters again.
Very shocked Clara didn't even make it to AC, I thought she'd be fighting Cazzi for the second direkt spot! Shame as her song was really lovely. The right two went DTF this week though for sure, two really strong pop tracks! Think Jacqline has the edge for me but I really enjoy both, two of my fave songs so far in this year's contest.
Klaudy's song didn't do much for me, and Kim's was decent but forgettable among better bops.
Gunilla's was tacky as hell and I'm not sure she knew where she was for the duration of that performance... I think I have to stan x
Love the two finalists this week, both great pop songs and instantly my two favourites in the final! Nice week for Cazzi, performing and writing the finalists.
Less sure about the other two that progressed although Gunilla is hilarious for how ridiculous it is. Gutted for Clara though, it's not as great as her previous entry but still a very solid song that deserved another shot.
Good to see Christine Meltzer again, and the reminder of Inget konstigt alls
The two finalists from tonight in my opinion are head and shoulders above all the other finalists so far
Gunilla for Eurovision. 
Shocked that Sweden voted for a Melfest newcomer, and a woman, to win the heat. I guess the song just has that power, being by far the best in the contest so far
Clara and Klaudy should've been the other way round and then the results would've been acceptable. Gunilla I can take or leave, I liked it more than the clip and 4th feels right amongst these songs.
Gunilla in at No.2 on Spotify
Clara doing the worst out of all of Saturday's songs sadly, just scraping into the top 50.
So it's Fröken Snusk and Gunilla to go to the final as it stands, along with who knows what will pop up in the next two weeks, so maybe neither. I'm expecting to be heartbroken though (especially as I hoped Elisa would have an outside shot too), and it's annoying that there are some fillers in the final already.
Gunilla won in 10-15 and 16-29 age groups, but was last in 30-44 and 45-59. 
The bailiff in Sweden went through gunillas hotel room on Sunday morning, she owes 600k SEK to the tax authority. They siezed shoes, purses, rings and necklaces for 100k SEK. They will be auctioned off soon, so if anyone is interested they should keep an eye out lol
Dotter: definitely more Bulletproof over Little Tot. I adore the sound of this, but doesn’t sound like a Melfest winner.
Danny: I’m a bit surprised. This is dated, ripped right out of the 00s and I thought he would send something more mature (like his previous entry) but this aligns very well to In The Club/Amazing.
No doubt with the right staging both Danny and Dotter should be DTF. Not sure either tracks have any legs to win… have we heard the winner yet?!
Unga & Fira is still what actually sounds like a winner or something that they should send that stands out at Eurovision, but of course that won’t happen with the age group voting letting her down. Honestly I feel like it would really stand out and be something different at Eurovision for Sweden rather than just another polished pop song that people often criticise Sweden, especially coming after Tattoo which of course was just amazing.
Otherwise it’s Effortless for me so far, have to say I’m disappointed with Dotter’s clip but everything I’ve seen says it builds so perhaps it’s one where the full performance brings it together. It’s just with all the hype I think for it to be what might be a dull part of the song does feel like a let down. Danny is just a total damp squib going by the preview, I was expecting an uplifting 90s throwback but I agree it definitely just sounds dated more than anything.
I fear Marcus & Martinus win now, but honestly… I wouldn’t count out Medina with a decent song as nearly all the competition have come through with not much. I do think Dotter still could do it with good staging and the full song, we’ll see, I certainly won’t count Dotter out just yet but I don’t see it for Danny.
Agree on Unga & Fria and Effortless, either would be great host entries. It saddens me that both look highly unlikely to win.
Why is the former only 17th in the odds of the 24 songs still in? Why did it barely scrape through the semi? Yet it’s almost certainly going to No.1 in Sweden officially tomorrow - why the big disconnect? Maybe it’s just more of a radio hit but for me it’s the full package and deserves better.
Rehearsal clips are out, although I’m really only paying attention to Danny and Dotter.
Dotter yeah this sounds like a follow up to Bulletproof, I’m going to adore this (but I don’t see her winning)
Danny that rehearsal was MESSY. If only this was in one of the other heats so far, this sounds AC. But I don’t think he has any competition outside Dotter so likely DTF.
Danny’s entry is quite disappointing I don’t know what he’s thinking.
30 KMH was great - I hope this goes DTF over what I’ve seen of Danny so far.
Dotter came to WIN! That was INCREDIBLE!
Circus X - this heat is kinda serving. I’m expecting Danny/Dotter DTF but I’d love to see this and 30 KMH in AC.
Danny - I liked this marginally better than I thought I would, but I’m still so surprised this is the direction he wanted to go down.
Honestly. It should be Circus X and Dotter that are going to the final.
Dotter was great, my favorite from this heat. I hope Lia can make it through. Danny was a bit bland, but expect it to go DTF.
It's getting absolutely slated online but I really love the Danny song, it feels so nostalgic in sound for that 2012-2014 period, but with slightly more contemporary production (the piano was a bit reminiscent of David Guetta and Bebe Rexha's I'm Good).
But I also loved Don't You Worry Child and John Martin's Anywhere For You, so it doesn't surprise me that he co-wrote the song.
Dotter was also good, but not sure I personally love it as much as Bulletproof or Little Tot.
Absolutely obsessed with 30KMH, the most instant song I've heard in the competition so far! Even if it doesn't get through, it's surely going to be a huge hit in Sweden.
Circus X sounded decent too, didn't care for the other two at all.
Danny DTF. No surprise, but I was oddly hoping for a different result.
I’m sure Dotter is DTF as well, I really liked Scarlet - hope they are AC.
Probably in the minority but song 5 was my favourite this heat. But I also loved Hasse Anderson a good few years ago
Liked Danny more than I thought I would
THIS VOTING
Bizarrely close but gutted to lose 30KM/H!
The curse of performing second in Melodifestivalen.
But Danny and Dotter always seemed the obvious pair to go through on paper, and Sweden are usually nothing if not predictable
That was bizzare voting with everyone topping a group at least once
This is probably the first time I've quite enjoyed this voting reveal, because it was actually really close for a change...!
The obvious top 2 on paper still making it, wasn't sure how much Danny's song would catch on due to it being a little dated but I enjoyed it a lot! Dotter's song is great too, if not as immediately strong as Bulletproof or Little Tot on first couple of listens. Think it'll grow!
Albin making AC *.* SCARLET absolutely deserved to progress too, one of the most unique songs of the contest and a far better example of rock in this year's contest than Smash Into Pieces. Lia's was fun but I think Froken Snusk does that kinda vibe better so not super gutted to lose it.
Lia is so DTF in a year or two breakout smash coded
Ok watching back, Scarlet 100% deserved to go through. Heck it’s my winner of the whole thing
Just been reading about EPA tractors, to better understand the lyrics of 30km/h, and the culture that popularised Fröken Snusk and Lia Larsson, and it's been pretty enlightening.
A teenage subculture of modded cars that can only be driven at up to 30km/h (18mph), due to a particular Swedish law about young people being able to drive slow vehicles.
Very interesting explainer here:
I really can't imagine this ever being a thing here, drivers are far too impatient and would be infuriated getting stuck behind slow cars on single track lanes, for example.
Final Heat Clips are out, Marcus and Martinus have this on lock. Didn’t like them last year, I doubt I will favour this. But it does sound very good, I have no doubt they will win Melfest this year.
Rehearsal clips are out, it’s over. M&M have this in the bag 10000000%. Looks epic!!!
Marcus & Martinus although sounds just as dated as Danny’s song… this is the clear winner of the contest. That was unforgettable. Miles above everyone else and I was not a fan last year. Great job boys!
I’m reluctantly watching the rest of the heat, but I have to say overall, the quality this year was VERY high! A lot of gems, a few fumbles but overall quite a high quality. However, quite predictable who was going to the Final in each heat so it makes it a chore to watch, in my opinion.
Que Sera: WHAT A BOP. I loved “In i dimman” and I thought this was just a bit too sweet for me, but fantastic performance.
Yes, a very clear top two here of Marcus and Martinus and Medina. The latter is irresistibly catchy, and a great fun performance.
The former sounds big in Melodifestivalen terms - the obvious winner, and the production and staging is great. The melody is maybe not quite as big as I thought it would be and I'm not convinced it's going to do as well at Eurovision as they think it will. It feels very reminiscent of Benjamin Ingrosso's 'too slick for it's own good' low televote/high jury score style.
I like Annika's song too, she has an amazing voice. Feels like a late 00s entry though.
I vote Sweden just send the A*Teens Medley or this Kempe Medley.
Gosh at how close Annika just ran Medina there...
She could take one of the final two spots in the final then over Gunilla/Fröken Snusk/Scarlet (presumably).
Where did they get the first set of points from?
I was thinking it might be something g to do with the amount of votes they got in the semi??
Shocked this beat Gunilla and Scarlet
She has arrived.
WTF Sweden.
Froken Snusk should have won the full thing
They didn't both tie on 235???
Wtf!
I am the only one thinking Jay Smith and Annika had a huge advantage performing earlier tonight?
Completely ludicrous. The best song in here, and the No.1 in Sweden, not making the final because of the recency bias of voters going for songs they've literally just heard an hour ago, and in about four recaps since.
They cannot keep the second chance tacked onto the final round next year, it's completely unfair on the songs from earlier weeks.
This format dosn't work, bring back 4 heats with 7/8 artists and andra chansen!
Yip that simply didn’t work with the two heat 5 songs going through
Also, Annika winning the second chance round? If she'd been in the first week there's absolutely no way she'd have been close to getting through.
Oh well, at least Fröken got a No.1 single out of it by being up in an earlier week and not making the final.
Annika and Jay...over Fröken, Scarlet, Gunilla...
Jacqline needs to win this now.
Reading swedish newspapers right now, the reason jay smith won the tiebreaker with fröken snusk is because he got the most votes tonight....
That makes sense but did we ever establish where those first votes came from?
It's even crueller that she got the same points as Jay.
They should give her a wildcard and a 13th spot in the final. It's just ridiculous to not have the country's No.1 single in the final, when it did well enough to be remembered from a month ago to tie with songs performed this evening.
But the winning song only had 245 points
What the hell, Froken missing the final?! Absolutely ludicrous
Marcus & Martinus smashed it, the song isn't QUITE as good as Air but it's still brilliant, and the staging has been massively stepped up, so glad they won the heat and hopefully they'll repeat that pattern next week 
Medina's song was really fun, shocked Annika ran them so close for the second finalist spot. Didn't think much of Annika's song really, it was very by numbers, if pleasant. Jay Smith much the same, neither deserved to win the AC vote and this new system is obviously dead on arrival, so I hope they change it next year.
I hope Rema hasn't heard Chelsea's song, it bears more than just a passing resemblance to Calm Down in parts! (bop tho)
I think it's safe to say the Melodifestivalen winner won't be topping my end of year chart for the third year in a row.
The studio version of Unforgettable is pretty pedestrian for me. I'll admit the staging is fantastic and they sell the track out of the park, it's clearly going to smash the final. Not convinced it's a big Eurovision smash, but I don't think it would do as badly as Dance You Off on the televote, maybe something like 55-60 points, plus a solid jury vote of course and a safe top ten overall.
In the absence of Fröken Snusk, I'll be FULLY throwing my full weight behind Jacqline, with her fantastic Agnes/Dua hybrid. I wish there was some way that could win, I see it's moved to second in the odds, but I see M&M topping the jury vote marginally and the public vote comfortably.
My final rank:
1. Jacqline (effortless indeed - and would be a great host entry that would I think do the best in Eurovision for Sweden, but it's not winning sadly)
2. Danny Saucedo (against my better nature, but this is such a nostalgic song for me for a reason I can't explain, it's so dated and would tank in Eurovision but I will always love the early 10s Swedish House Mafia/John Martin sound so much)
3. Cazzi Opeia (doomed in the final but I love her, it's colourful pure pop and anything that channels Canon gets a pass from me)
4. Medina (so catchy, surprised it wasn't more emphatically DTF)
5. Maria Sur (this is a really big sounding track, shame she's been saddled with first in the draw)
6. Dotter (growing quickly, really like the studio version)
7. Marcus & Martinus (big track, great production, great staging, really good verses but not quite all there for me yet as a full song)
8. Annika Wickihalder (nice to see an unexpected finalist I guess - she smashed the vocal out of the arena, but it's a dated track and I don't see it doing much in the final but maybe she's an underdog)
9. Lisa Ajax (nice enough ballad, she's been screwed by the draw as usual so probably coming last)
10. Liamoo (don't really get this but it's well produced)
11. Smash Into Pieces (this song is a significant step down from last year)
12. Jay Smith (nabbed Fröken's slot and then gets lumbered with 2nd in the draw so doomed anyway)
A solid enough final I guess, looking forward to seeing the top eight live.
My ranking:
1 Marcus & Martinus - a song that's not quite as good as Air is still a big slay, enhanced further by a top notch performance
2 Jacqline - so catchy and infectious, effortless indeed. If this caused an upset I couldn't even be mad
3 Maria Sur - such a big improvement on last year!
4 Lisa Ajax - a gorgeous ballad, didn't expect to enjoy this so much for some reason
5 Dotter - growing as I thought it would, should never have doubted her x
6 Cazzi Opeia - fun, joyous, just what we need in the final
7 Danny Saucedo - very dated but still a good song
8 Medina - lots of fun, not quite as good as In i dimman for me but strong nevertheless
(gap x)
9 Jay Smith - kinda cool to hear a country song on Melfest, don't mind it, shouldn't have made the final though
10 Annika Wickihalder - pleasant but uninspiring, shouldn't have made the final [2]
11 LIAMOO - extremely bland, and salt is rubbed into the wound when you consider this beat Fröken Snusk in the heat
12 Smash Into Pieces - the song itself isn't even bad but I cannot *stand* the vocals
A good final line-up always comes together, though I'm going to remain disappointed that the AC vote stopped this being even better x
My rankings
1 Jacqline
2 Cazzi
3 Danny Saucedo
4 Medina
5 Maria Sur
6 Dotter
7 Marcus and Martinus
8 smash into Pieces
9 jay Smith
10 Annika
11 Lisa Ajax
12 LIAMOO
It was funny how once the score for Froken Snusk came in and she was somehow out after the tie-break, everyone just knew in that instant that this format would never be seen again. I'd have been happy with Froken and "Light", because my favourites were Elisa and Albin and well, they were nowhere near 
Rooting for Marcus & Martinus to win as I've been a fan for around a decade so it would be amazing to see them at Eurovision, but it would be a shame that Europe wouldn't be seeing "Air" which I think is the stronger song. "Effortless" is my favourite track and I think would do the best for Sweden, it would be amazing to see them go for it and not be so predictable. Medina would be a really fun home entry too and for me it's on a very similar level to their previous entry.
I am not quite sure why Melfest is so hellbent on these format changes every year. They used to set such a high standard for National Finals. Outside the music this year - I would say this year was a complete flop. Terrible hosting, but they did have one amazing Interval act. However, everything apart from the music this year was PAINFUL.
Instead of 5 Semi-Finals, let's go back to 4 Semi-Finals and add that 8th song back into the mix. 5 Semi-Finals was way too much.
They toy around with Andra Chansen so much, that I'm not even sure what the right format is anymore. Nobody seems to be happy with anything that happens in Andra Chansen/Second Chance anyways so just SCRAP IT. Make three finalists from each Heat. 4 Semi-Finals. 12 songs in the Final. Done.
Final Ranking:
01:Jacqline: a personal favourite of mine this year. Very Dua meets Agnes. I adore this despite not loving the performance. I don't see this winning Melfest or Eurovision but I will take this away as my favourite track this year!
02: Dotter: apart from Cry perhaps this is my least favourite entry of hers, I don't really see this as a Melfest track or winner at all, but as a song I adore this.
03 Maria Sur: this is probably the first track I have listed that I see has potential to win at least Melfest. This was a HUGE step up from last year. I really dig this track, especially the intro. I don't actually see this winning, but a very solid entry.
04: Marcus and Martinus: this should win. I like the performance and I really dig the track. I didn't like Air at all, but this has a ton of potential.
05: Lisa Ajax: I completely slept on Semi-Final 1, but this is great. I feel like Lisa phoned it in with a few of her entries but this was an unexpected treat (it's still doing nothing at the final however).
06: Medina: I much prefer In i dimman. It's a mediocre track that could have been sung by Mendez or Alvaro Estrella. Disappointed really. Also, this is the only non-English song in the final this year?!
07: Cazzi: It's cute, I probably could have put this a bit higher. It's what I expected, but not much more here really.
08: Danny Saucedo: I'm really really surprised that this is the direction he wanted to go down. Dandi Dansa was such a huge step up musically for me. It appears optically Danny is working hard at improving his image and maturity... so to send this... just baffles me.
09: Smash Into Pieces: if this would have landed in a later heat (perhaps AFTER Scarlet even) this wouldn't have gone DTF. Swap this song with Scarlet and the Swedish public wouldn't have looked at this twice.
10: LIAMOO: I actually probably should have swapped this and Danny Saucedo, this wasn't a step down for LIAMOO at least. It's on par with his previous entries.. if not a bit better?
11: Annika: It was cute but I'll never get over this taking a spot from a more deserving entry.
12: Jay Smith: no thanks.
FINALLY listened to these yesterday and reacted to the final for my YouTube channel:
Main opinions are that Marcus & Martinus are the only ones with a winning package. I prefer Effortless in studio form but I think some of its oomph gets lightly lost live. That groovy bass really pops in your earphones but maybe feels more timid in an arena-type setting. One of my biggest takeaways was how poor the staging was for almost every act, bar M&M. They really need to look at Melodi Grand Prix this year, who gave all of their finalists creative staging, because so many of these songs were just light shows and 4 dancers, it got really tired and repetitive.
I also listened to the AC entries and my GOD were some of these needed in such a safe final. Swapping out last week's "AC" qualifiers for Froken Snusk (robbed) and Gunilla (not robbed, would've made a highly entertaining 12th place) would've made such a difference to keeping me alive during reacting and editing. Having all 12 songs together really highlighted how little chances Sweden are prepared to take in even just having entertaining songs in their final, let alone getting selected for Eurovision.
Result predictions for tonight:
JURY:
01 Marcus & Martinus
02 Dotter
03 Maria Sur
04 LIAMOO
05 Medina
06 Annika Wickihalder
07 Jacqline
08 Danny Saucedo
09 Smash Into Pieces
10 Lisa Ajax
11 Jay Smith
12 Cazzi Opeia
TELEVOTING
01 Marcus & Martinus
02 Danny Saucedo
03 Jacqline
04 Medina
05 LIAMOO
06 Smash Into Pieces
07 Maria Sur
08 Annika Wickihalder
09 Dotter
10 Cazzi Opeia
11 Lisa Ajax
12 Jay Smith
OVERALL:
01 Marcus & Martinus
02 Medina
03 Danny Saucedo
04 Maria Sur
05 LIAMOO
06 Jacqline
07 Dotter
08 Annika Wickihalder
07 Smash Into Pieces
10 Lisa Ajax
11 Cazzi Opeia
12 Jay Smith
It definitely feels like a one horse race so I haven’t bothered putting any bets on this year as the odds for Marcus & Martinus are as low as 1.15, the next highest contender is Jacqline at 9.0 and only because it’s assumed she could have a good chance with the juries. The televote is going one way only.
I’m just in the shopping centre next door to Friends and there’s an art section for kids to make their banners. And it’s all Danny, Medina, Cazzi and Marcus & Martinus, but then those are the most kid friendly acts so probably not a surprise.
Nice to be here though, even though it’s a weak final the buzz is still unmatched, I’ve never seen such a huge crowd of people dressing up, even more than I saw at Eurovision last year.
Agreeing with the consensus that this is Marcus & Martinus's to lose but I'm hoping for good showings from Dotter & Jacqline.
Watching live tonight! Got everything crossed for M&M, the odds seem very conclusive but not getting my hopes up too much just yet. If anyone causes an upset, Jacqline would be my preference.
The qualify of this year's final is in my opinion the best one ever, but entertainment wise, perhaps the most boring!
Marcus and Martinius are my favorite, and I think they will be the best choice for Sweden. They will also be the first foreigners ever to represent Sweden!
I also have a weak heart for Dotter, there's something about her performance that catches me.
M&M have this on lock I’m sure and it’s deserved! Excellent performance once again.
Brilliant final overall this year.
Dotter’s semifinal performance was better
The more I listen to the final crop the more I think that this is a solid set of songs even if it lacks a standout god tier track like “Where We Are” or “Run For The Hills”. Hoping either Jacqline or M&M get the dub (maybe Danny as well)
Effortless should win, improved performance. Snatched vocals. Spot on. Excellent.
Please Sweden. Do not make Loreen hand the trophy over to Danny Saucedo.
That was a rare genius interval act this year, loved it. Funny and actually a good song, nice Backstreet Boys pastiche.
Björnzone for Malmö
This Jacqline snub wow.
Jacqline deserved better with the juries. At least she picked up, glad to see Cazzi got second, loved that a lot live.
Wow at that lead for Unforgettable. But it’s going to be complete jury bait at Eurovision too, as always.
I'm glad Jacqline got a little more momentum towards the end of the results as it was looking criminal halfway through!!
YAY for the Marcus & Martinus dominance *.*
So happy for Cazzi thought she was going to bomb.
Wow, fab finish for Cazzi! Didn’t expect her to be the woman in the top five.
Effortless robbed and oops at Dotter…
92 out of 96 possible points is insane really, fully deserved for Marcus and Martinus.
A landslide. Wow at Cazzi getting 3rd with the jury and 4th with the public. Would have loved to have seen it at Eurovision.
Shocked at how poorly Dotter and Jacqline did with the public
Cazzi must have really gained some momentum since her semi, which she didn’t even win. That’s a very good score for a song that was on quite early in the show, considering all of the other major underperformances.
The top two both coming from the same heat!
Honestly had a feeling Dotter wouldn’t do well but last?!
Yasssss Marcus & Martinus!!!! *.* A deserving winner but the landslide was the cherry on the cake, impressive scores from both jury and televote.
Cazzi did really well in the end, I thought her and Jacqline would be in opposite positions actually...! Dotter felt screwed by the running order, a song like that coming after Unforgettable was going to be a hard sell, but it didn't deserve last.
Jacqline 9th??? oh Sweden you have no taste
Great staging. Very poor song.
I wonder how Jacqline won her heat yet Cazzi smashed her in the final?
Also please can Bjornzone play in the Eurovision final. It was brilliant
If this doesn’t win I dunno my god
Maria robbed
Cazzi's remarkable ascent to a top five position is an absolute triumph, an outcome that defied expectations and left me utterly astonished, as I hadn't envisioned her emerging as the highest-ranking female artist.
Great staging, just watching the staging alone just reminds me of what a poor effort our staging is here in Ireland for selecting a song.
I love the beat/backing track to the song but vocally I don't enjoy it as much.
I’m still mulling over that final leaderboard. I’m assuming the Swedish public vote was quite close for a few and that didn’t translate well on the final leaderboard.
I was hoping Jacqline would be a smidge higher. Dotter definitely did not deserve last, but I stand by my previous statement that this song just wasn’t right for Melfest/Eurovision.
Brilliant songs this year, so many I will take away. I think the right song won as well. I don’t see a need for a huge format overhaul, I think the key to success for Melodifestivalen is the song selection. We need more diversification and stop saying yes to all the big names with songs that just aren’t Melfest material.
Final voting and televote totals all out now. Cazzi was so close to Jacqline in the heat.
Cazzi did much better with the older groups. I thought she would do better with the younger age categories
Finally got round to listening to all the songs!
My rating:
1. Forever Yours (9/10) (I'm so sorry lovelies but I'm unironically stanning this schlager)
2. Effortless (9/10)
3. When I'm Gone (8+/10)
4. Min melodi (7.5/10)
5. It's Not Easy to Write a Love Song (7.5/10)
6. Controlla (7.5/10)
7. Supernatural (7.5/10)
8. Awful Liar (7/10)
9. UNGA & FRIA (7/10)
10. En sång om sommaren (7/10)
11. I Won't Shake (La La Gunilla) (7/10)
12. Que Sera (6/10)
13. Unforgettable (6/10)
14. Give My Heart A Break (6/10)
15. Aldrig mer (6/10)
16. Circus X (6/10)
17. Ahumma (6/10)
18. Banne Maj (6/10)
19. Light (6/10)
20. Dragon (6/10)
21. Norrland (5/10)
22. The Silence After You (5/10)
23. Done Getting Over You (5/10)
24. Heroes Are Calling (5/10) (this feels soulless ngl x)
25. 30 KM/H (5/10)
26. For Dig (4/10)
27. Hela varlden vantar (4/10)
28. Happy That You Found Me (4/10)
29. Take My Breath Away (4/10)
30. Back To My Roots (3/10)
Overall: 5.95+/10
Top 5: 7.5+/10
Will do some ratings to San Marino and Poland in the coming weeks x
the drama, Melfest 2025 winner right here
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