#Melodifestivalen 2003

[eurovision-revisited]

Eurovision 2003 - Number 6 - Markus Landgren - "Television"

Another year, another budding pop career. Prior to Melodifestivalen, Markus Landgren had a single single out. That was in 2002, and it was released in conjunction with his appearance on the first season of Fame Factory in Sweden. Even though he didn't win, he was popular enough to still have the recognition factor a year later and get an invite into the Melfest carnival.

The song is by husband and wife team Pernilla and Peter Sahlin (not the painter!), Television is a bit of an outdated harangue of television addiction. It has a holier than thou attitude that feels a little bit like an irreverent sermon delivered while Markus clings to that microphone as hard as he can flanked by two pillars of TVs. The reference to President Clinton comes two years after he left office. The backing singers on the TVs have make-up and hair and moves that places this song somewhere between 1978 and 1984 in attitude, visuals and inspiration. Bugglesesque.

Which is, of course, probably why I like it so much. It's triumphant chorus is admitting that despite the lyrics, Markus is totally into channel surfing and truly loves to trash his mind up with lowest common denominator reality shows and even quite likes the shopping channels. It's drama, it's knowing hypocrisy, it's clever writing - let's not underestimate the lyrical skill on show in the verses here. The drama-strings accompany some fun turns phrase and near the knuckle commentary. Having fun with words is not a Eurovision nor a Melfest speciality.

Not being typical of Melfest, this song did struggle. It finished 4th in its heat, which was enough to get it through to the Viewers' Choice final. It could only finish 7th in that, and so Markus's Melfest journey ended after one song.

If this feels a it like preaching then perhaps that's because after this, Markus ditched the music industry career and turned to the church. Specifically the Swedish Equmenia Church formed in 2011 and of which Markus is a pastor. One of the main features of the church is that it has a song catalogue, which grows every year, that is distributed around the member churches allowing them to learn new song.

[no-gays-in-russia]

Melodifestivalen final tops: 2003

10. TKO (Knock You Out)- Bubbles: who leaked the tape of my best friends and I putting on a show for our moms in the early 2010s?

9. Bye Bye- Barbados: if there is two things I like about Barbados, that’s that they sing in Swedish, and Magnus Carlsson. This song has neither.

8. Genom Eld Och Vatten- Sarek: I know this is a big fan favourite, but it just sounds really chaotic to me. I will be honest- I could find positive things about it, but it sounds so cacophonous that I cannot focus on anything else. 

7. Crazy In Love- Jill Johnson: honestly this song is not even that bad, it’s quite solid and was clearly written by someone who knows what they’re doing, and it’s enjoyable too... But you know when there are certain things that make you so angry for no reason at all? Like, they just make your blood fucking boil? This is it. 

6. Aqua Playa- Afro-Dite: this is really good- they’re always charismatic and so entertaining to watch, perfect vocals and amazing harmonies, catchy and fun song. The issue is that this came directly the year after they won with Never Let It Go- and damn, that song is AMAZING. It’s inevitable to compare the two and it’s inevitable that this one will lose. 

5. Maria- Östen Med Resten: when I tell you I am obsessed with this? They sing in Spanish and Swedish, are dressed like mariachi, and have this incredibly fun song that has absolutely no reason to exist but to be entertaining? Bye this is everything I love about Melodifestivalen. 

4. Hela Världen För Mig- Sanna Nielsen: I never cared for this until I actually sat down and took some time to listen to the whole song and actually focus on it. Nice, very optimistic sounding ballad, definitely sounds like something out of a Disney movie. I always found it a bit basic and repetitive, and thought that despite the nice melody and good structure it doesn’t really have anything setting it apart- but I’ve started thinking Sanna’s stunning vocals almost (almost) make up for it. Her crystalline voice and clean technique fit a song like this perfectly, and her runs and variations actually add something interesting and captivating to it. 

3. Let Your Spirit Fly- Pernilla Wahlgren & Jan Johansen: I find this song very similar to Hela Världen För Mig, in the sense that with the simple and positive lyrics, clean vocals and sweet melody it feels like something you could find in a Disney movie. I think what makes me like this one a bit better is mostly the fact that it is a duet- I think duets, especially male-female, are almost always a winning choice because having two people singing instead of one is the simplest way to introduce variation and prevent the song from being plain and boring. Here, in particular, the contrast between Pernilla’s light and soft voice, and Jan’s more low and raspy one, works really well in making the song dynamic. 

2. Give Me Your Love- Fame: I don’t know what to tell you other than this is a bop. 

1. Not A Sinner Nor A Saint- Alcazar: I-C-O-N-I-C. No bye this is perfect and the fact that it didn’t win makes me absolutely LIVID. First of all, so iconic that Magnus Carlsson just ditched his former band and competed straight against them, coming in third while they got last? Shit that only happens in Sweden and that’s why I love this country. Brilliant structure with the piano intro and soft harmonised vocals, then more upbeat instrumental intro, I love the alternation in the verses with Andreas’s part/Magnus’s part/Tess and Annika’s part. If I have one complaint, it would be that I wish Tess and Annika harmonised their part, like they did in later concerts after Lina replaced Annika- with them both singing the melody it sounds a little flat. But this song is so well-written and exciting, with overall great vocals and harmony, amazing structure and it is just so iconic, 10/10 should have gone to Eurovision. 

[weirdthoughtsandideas]

Okej nu 21 år senare tycker jag att vi ska ha en omröstning

Personligen gillade jag de som faktiskt vann detta år ;) Önskar de fick högre poäng i junior eurovision bara (Sverige fick alltid sämst poäng i junior eurovision, kanske därför vi slutade medverka)

Också jag är lite orolig över vissa lyrics…

[silvaradragontear]

Aw my nostalgi is killing me with Sarek on stage. I loved this song & was crushed when they lost in their mello.

[because-its-eurovision]

UMK 2021 contestants revealed!

Songs will be revealed one per day, starting on Thursday the 14th of January. The final is on Saturday 20th of February at 8 pm CET.

Previous Eurovision connections: Laura (Põldvere) participated in Eurolaul 2005 both as a solo artist with the song Moonwalk and as a member of the girl group Suntribe. Suntribe represented Estonia in Kyiv with the song Let’s Get Loud. She also took part in Eurolaul 2007 with the song Sunflowers, Eesti Laul 2009 with the song Destiny and Eesti Laul 2016 with the song Supersonic. In 2017 Laura represented Estonia, again in Kyiv, in a duet with Koit Toome with the song Verona. She again took part in Eesti Laul in 2020 with the song Break Me.

Pandora has taken part in Melodifestivalen twice. In 2003 she competed with the song You and in 2004 with the song Runaway.

Aksel (Kankaanranta) won UMK 2020 with the song Looking Back.

Danny has competed in the Finnish Eurovision selection multiple times: in 1966 with the song Pieni sana, 1967 with Sua kutsun, Maarit and Keskiyöllä, 1973 with Galileo Galilei, 1974 with Jos maailmassa vain ois kahva, 1975 with Seikkailija, 1986 with Ninja and in 2004 with Seven Times Seven. (He has also dated Katri Helena (ESC 1979 & 1993) in 1967-1968 and Erika Vikman (UMK 2020) in 2016-2020.)

[angel-princess-anna]

Forever ‘til the end of time: An Anna x Bates + Eurovision Playlist

YouTube Playlist Here

Uniting my loves of Anna x Bates and the Eurovision Song Contest! I've got absolute bangers, cheesy bops, classic chansons, and heartfelt ballads. Every song is about your OTP if you try hard enough, but I tried to narrow it to the ones I feel fit the canon the most. They are in loose order of series; yes, there's a lot of weather related lyrics thanks to those S5-S6 press releases and interviews talking about storms, clouds, and finally the mist lifting. And of course, nods to the iconic dialogue.

The songs span the history of the contest. Also included are some songs from national finals and selections, as well as a few other songs by ESC artists (you might recognize some hitmakers!). I'm using YouTube over other services because it's the easiest way to make sure all songs will play for everyone and are available in general. (Some songs were included in older A/B mixes I had on 8tracks back in the day; this particular playlist has been one I've been building for years in various forms lol).

Below is a tracklist, plus links to translations for the songs not in English:

Birgitta – “Open Your Heart” (Eurovision 2003 - Iceland 🇮🇸 )

Tereza Kerndlová – “Have Some Fun” (Eurovision 2008 - Czech Republic 🇨🇿 )

ABBA – “Take A Chance On Me” (Eurovision Winning Artist [Sweden 1974 🇸🇪])

Darya Hmelnitskaya – “On Fire” (Natsionalniy Otbor 2020 - Belarus 🇧🇾 )

Emmelie de Forest – “What Are You Waiting For” (Eurovision Winning Artist [Denmark 2013 🇩🇰])

Kenny Duerlund – “Forget It All” (Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2020 - Denmark 🇩🇰 )

Kenneth McKellar – “A Man Without Love” (Eurovision 1966 - United Kingdom 🇬🇧 )

Lise Darly – “Tout de moi” (Eurovision 2005 - Monaco 🇲🇨 ) [Translation]

Elizabete Gaile – “For You” (Supernova 2020 - Latvia 🇱🇻 )

Didrik Solli-Tangen – “My Heart Is Yours” (Eurovision 2010 - Norway 🇳🇴 )

Inis Neziri – “Pendesë” (Festivali i Këngës 59 [2021] - Albania 🇦🇱 ) [Translation]

Uku Suviste – “What Love Is” (Eurovision 2020 - Estonia 🇪🇪 )

Il Volo – “Grande amore” (Eurovision 2015 - Italy 🇮🇹 ) [Translation]

Corry Brokken – “Heel de wereld” (Eurovision 1958 - Netherlands 🇳🇱 ) [Translation]

Ben & Tan – “YES” (Eurovision 2020 - Denmark 🇩🇰 )

Jean Paul Mauric – “Printemps, avril carillonne” (Eurovision 1961 - France 🇫🇷 ) [Translation]

Edsilia Rombley – “Hemel en aarde” (Eurovision 1998 - Netherlands 🇳🇱 ) [Translation]

Texas Lightning – “No No Never” (Eurovision 2006 - Germany 🇩🇪 )

Stina Talling – “Elevate” (Melodi Grand Prix 2021 - Norway 🇳🇴 )

Lucie Jones – “Never Give Up On You” (Eurovision 2017 - United Kingdom 🇬🇧 )

Agnete – “Icebreaker” (Eurovision 2016 - Norway 🇳🇴 )

Gary O'Shaughnessy – “Without Your Love” (Eurovision 2001 - Ireland 🇮🇪 )

Victor Crone – “Troubled Waters” (Melodifestivalen 2020 - Sweden 🇸🇪 )

Firelight – “Coming Home” (Eurovision 2014 - Malta 🇲🇹 )

Mohombi – “Winners” (Melodifestivalen 2020 - Sweden 🇸🇪 )

Nina – “Čaroban” (Eurovision 2011 - Serbia 🇷🇸 ) [Translation]

Cascada – “Glorious” (Eurovision Album Version) (Eurovision 2013 - Germany 🇩🇪 )

Lynn – “To Dream Again” (Eurovision 2003 - Malta 🇲🇹 )

Linda Martin – “Why Me?” (Eurovision 1992 Winning Song - Ireland 🇮🇪 )

Tom Leeb – “The Best in Me” (Original Mix)  (Eurovision 2020 - France 🇫🇷 ) [Translation]

Robin Stjernberg – “Pieces” (Eurovision Artist [Sweden 2013 🇸🇪])

Amaliya Margaryan – “Waiting For The Sun” (Depi Evratesil 2018 - Armenia 🇦🇲 )

Jan Johansen – “Se på mig” (Eurovision 1995 - Sweden 🇸🇪 ) [Translation]

Ellen Benediktson & Simon Peyron – “Surface” (Melodifestivalen 2020 - Sweden 🇸🇪 )

Gabrielius Vagelis – “Tave Čia Randu” (Pabandom iš naujo! 2020 - Lithuania 🇱🇹 ) [Translation]

Olsen Brothers – “Fly on the Wings of Love” (Eurovision 2000 Winning Song - Denmark 🇩🇰 )

Eugent Bushpepa – “Mall” (Eurovision 2018 - Albania 🇦🇱 ) [Translation]

Maria Olafs – “Unbroken” (Eurovision 2015 - Iceland 🇮🇸 )

Amber – “Warrior” (Eurovision 2015 - Malta 🇲🇹 )

Ruth Lorenzo – “Dancing In The Rain” (Eurovision 2014 - Spain 🇪🇸 ) [Translation]

Nina Kraljić – “Lighthouse” (Eurovision 2016 - Croatia 🇭🇷 )

Gabriela Gunčíková – “I Stand” (Eurovision 2016 - Czech Republic 🇨🇿 )

Kristian Kostov – “Beautiful Mess” (Eurovision 2017 - Bulgaria 🇧🇬 )

Hayko – “Anytime You Need” (Eurovision 2007 - Armenia 🇦🇲 ) [Translation]

Maraaya – “Here For You” (Eurovision 2015 - Slovenia 🇸🇮 )

Hovig – “Gravity” (Eurovision 2017 - Cyprus 🇨🇾 )

James Newman – “My Last Breath” (Eurovision 2020 - United Kingdom 🇬🇧 )

Eddie Butler – “Together We Are One” (Eurovision 2006 - Israel 🇮🇱 ) [Translation]

Camillo Felgen – “So laang we's du do bast” (Eurovision 1960 - Luxembourg 🇱🇺 ) [Translation]

Aminata – “Love Injected” (Long Mix) (Eurovision 2015 - Latvia 🇱🇻 )

Jurijus – “Run With The Lions” (Eurovision 2019 - Lithuania 🇱🇹 )

James Newman – “Embers” (Eurovision 2021 - United Kingdom 🇬🇧 )

Knut Anders Sørum – “High” (Eurovision 2004 - Norway 🇳🇴 )

Domenico Modugno – “Dio, come ti amo” (Eurovision 1966 - Italy 🇮🇹 ) [Translation]

Tie Break – “Du bist” (Eurovision 2004 - Austria 🇦🇹 ) [Translation]

3JS – “Never Alone” (Eurovision 2011- Netherlands 🇳🇱 )

Måns Zelmerlöw – “Fire In The Rain” (Eurovision Winning Artist [Sweden 2015 🇸🇪] & Eurovision 2016 Host / Interval Act)

The Mamas – “In The Middle” (Melodifestivalen 2021 - Sweden 🇸🇪 )

Inger Jacobsen – “Kom sol, kom regn“ (Eurovision 1962 - Norway 🇳🇴 ) [Translation]

Robin Stjernberg – “You” (Eurovision 2013 - Sweden 🇸🇪 )

Victor Crone – “Storm” (Eurovision 2019 - Estonia 🇪🇪 )

Loreen – “Euphoria” (Eurovision 2012 Winning Song - Sweden 🇸🇪 )

Téréza – “Bien plus fort” (Eurovision 1966 - Monaco 🇲🇨 ) [Translation]

Ira Losco – “Walk on Water” (Eurovision 2016 - Malta 🇲🇹 )

Destiny – “All of My Love” (Eurovision 2020 - Malta 🇲🇹 )

The Mamas – “Move” (Eurovision 2020 - Sweden 🇸🇪 )

SuRie – “Storm” (Eurovision 2018 - United Kingdom 🇬🇧 )

Conchita Bautista – “Estando contigo” (Eurovision 1961 - Spain 🇪🇸 ) [Translation]

Ira Losco – “Chameleon (Invincible)” (MESC 2016 - Malta 🇲🇹 )

Charlotte Perrelli – “Hero” (Eurovision 2008 - Sweden 🇸🇪 )

Nodi Tatishvili & Sophie Gelovani – “Waterfall” (Eurovision 2013 - Georgia 🇬🇪 )

Mocedades – “Eres Tú” (Eurovision 1973 - Spain 🇪🇸 ) [Translation]

Céline Dion – “A New Day Has Come (Radio Remix)” (Eurovision Winning Artist [Switzerland 1988 🇨🇭])

Bonus Track: Robin Stjernberg & Cascada – “You” (Eurovision 2013 Artists - Sweden 🇸🇪 & Germany 🇩🇪 )

[niceplacetovisit]

🟦  SONG OF THE DAY - MELODIFESTIVALEN SPECIAL 📆  13th February 2021 🎶  “GIVE ME YOUR LOVE“ 🇸🇪  FAME 💿  Give Me Your Love (2003)

Time for another Melodifestivalen Semi Final. Tonight’s song by Fame - Jessica Andersson and Magnus Bäcklund won Melodifestivalen 2003 and went on to finish 5th at Eurovision!

[eurofan78]

Nanne Grönvall is inducted in the Melodifestivalen Hall of Fame for her recurring contributions in varying genres, styles and constellations during a large span of time, making her one of the great entertainers in the history of the contest

In Melodifestivalen 2020, Nanne Grönvall competes as an artist with the song "Carpool Karaoke" and also as songwriter with "If you think I miss you", which is performed by Jakob Karlberg

Nanne Grönvall in Melodifestivalen:

2019: "I Do" - The Heirs (songwriter)

2007: "I have to kiss you" (artist)

2005: "Hold on to me" (artist)

2003: "Eternal love" (artist)

1998: "Envious" (artist)

1996 : "The Wild" (artist, with One More Time)

1995: "The most beautiful" - Cecilia Vennersten (songwriter)

1992: Whatever happens - Maria Rådsten (songwriter)

1992: Nothing goes as you like - Thérèse Löf (songwriter)

1987: Alexandra (artist, with Sound of Music)

1986: Eldorado (artist, with Sound of Music)

[rocksolidnarwhal]

“det här är helt sjukt” säger jessica andersson, som vann melodifestivalen 2003 och varit i final fyra gånger

[mfsescswedeninternational]

CONTRIBUTION BIBLE: BISHARA WITH "ON MY OWN" IN THE MELODIFY STAY 2019

Start number 5 in competition 4: Lidköping. Artist: Bishara. Contribution: "On My Own". Songwriter: Markus Sepehrmanesh, Benjamin Ingrosso, Robert Habolin.

daily fitness

Bishara got big applause from the production. He does his "On My Own" alone on stage, and he does not have the habit of performing live or with a microphone. Still, gaze and stage language are pretty good already on Wednesday's rehearsal.

Afterwards he settled down with a smile and was relaxed. The challenge in this situation is to put together all the different parts with the cameras, the microphone, the stage language and the song, to a whole.

- There is so much to take in, but it feels good. I have really eaten and practiced. Being here is an experience, it is quite sick, as I have gone from nothing to this suddenly, he says.

Photo: Helena Nilsson / SVT

Bishara

• Born: 2003.

• Living: Linköping.

• Growing up: Linköping.

• Melody festival routine: No.

• Other: Bishara is one of Melodifestivalens youngest participants this year. He started publishing covers on Instagram this spring after previously missing all the form of artist habit, was discovered by Laila Bagge and got record contract with Ten Music Group. His song "On My Own" was written by, among others, last year's winner Benjamin Ingrosso.

• Favorite contribution from Melodifestivalen: Benjamin Ingrosso - "Dance You Off" (2018).

• Competitor 2019 who feels hard to beat: "Anton Hagman, he knocked out Loreen in the Second Chance, and now he is in my competition."

Contribution: "On My Own"

On stage

• Run off stage: Cedrik Hammar and Matilda Gratte.

Behind the contribution

• Number creator: Jennie Widegren.

Effects and props

• White light and green laser.

• LED: Black zero.

Value Word: A modern version of the song with the younger Michael Jackson.

Color: White, green, peacock.

Number of camera clips: 39.

Bishara about the grant:

• Rate 38% | Show 50% | Humor 0% | Odd 0% | Dance 17%

- It's about unhappy love, if broken heart. I've been through it. It is good that you can relate because then you get the feeling when singing. It means a lot to me because it is my debut song in the Melodifestivalen.

"On My Own": The song's text

Can you hold me in your arms?

you can stay a little longer

Just a day a week a month

Just some time and I´ll be stronger

Gone is my pride

All through the night

Go on and lie straight to my face

Tell me you love me

even though you don't

"To I can get by on my own

Until I can do it without you

Don't let go

Til I can wake up all alone in my bed

Look to my left

Oh, not going crazy without you

Just hold me close

To I can get by on my own

I know your heart's with someone else

You dream of unfamiliar places

Now all I ask is a little help

some

help to ease me through these phases

Go on and fool me

Like in the movies

pretend everything gon 'be ok

Tell me you still for me

even though you don't

"To I can get by on my own

until I can do it without you

Don't let go

Til I can wake up all alone in my bed

look to my left

oooh not going crazy without you

Just hold me close

to I can get by on my own

I dunno how to live without you baby

so just hold me tight

"To I can get by on my own

until I can do it without you

Don't let go

Til I can wake up all alone in my bed

look to my left

oooh not going crazy without you

Just hold me close

to I can get by on my own

 Skicka feedback

Historik

Sparad

Grupp

[eurovision-revisited]

Eurovision 2003 - Number 5 - Nanne Grönvall - "Evig kärlek"

It's been five years, but Nanne is back and oh my, is she hamming it up again. With the brief dalliance with the UK national final in 2000, she's had a long break from Melfest, but she couldn't let it go. She had to come back. And with a song about ghost sex. Totally Nanne.

Fresh from singing Vi är dom tuffaste, dom starkaste, dom grymmaste, dom vackraste (We are the toughest, strongest, cruelest and most beautiful) the theme song for the Swedish ice hockey team at the 2002 World Cup, she's back and so over the top absolutely nothing can compare. Going right back to the Great Northern War and the decadence before the decline of the Swedish empire, she's dressed to the nines and lusting after hot young men in her self-haunted former residence.

Evig kärlek (Everlasting/Eternal Love) sees ghost-Nanne having a bad case of the hots in quite the most visceral fashion. She's quite literally being brought back to life by spying on the sleeping form of the target of her desires. It's all so much that she faints (or possibly dies again) from the power of her own lust at the end. It's filled with operatic touches despite being at its core, a pure pop song. The song is more than just a vehicle for another Nanne performance, it's a driving, urgent pulse of track, garnished with choral backing and flourished with vocal stunts. This is a full-on Eurovision classic that never made it to the main competition.

It finished 7th in the heat she was in and got eliminated at the first stage.

Sweden - I know you were all into Alcazar and other more conventional attractions this year, but oh my. You've got thirsty Nanne acting and singing her heart out for you, and you can't bring yourselves to vote for her? And she's one of the artists at Melodifestivalen who's dedicated to singing in Swedish! Is she just too much for you all?

Never mind, she's still got another three Melfest appearances to go as well as a couple as a composer - she and her husband Peter Grönvall (son of Benny Andersson) wrote this. They must have had fun writing it...

[no-gays-in-russia]

Melodifestivalen final tops: 2002

10. No Hay Nada Mas- Javiera: apart from a couple exceptions, I don’t tend to be a huge fan of these Latin infused songs; just never have been my style. She has good vocals but her voice, along with the structure, the lyrics, the music and pretty much everything else, is just really mellow to me. A song either has to make me want to dance so hard or cry until I die, no in between. This is in between.

9. The One That You Need- Friends: again, very mellow song, without a solid structure, just weak and boring. Their 2001 entry was somewhat similar, but it at least had a catchy, well-rememberable hook. This one’s just annoying. 

8. Sista Andetaget- Jan Johnson: decent ballad, I like his voice and the fact that it’s in Swedish, but there isn’t really anything setting it apart from all the other ballads we hear every single year. I want to listen to a song and realize there’s a reason for it to have been written, but this sounds like one of those songs that were written just because they “had to”. Just took a mold and filled it and submitted it to SVT.

7. Big Time Party- Hanna & Lina: honestly, this is really growing on me. I do not want to like it, because the vocals are... interesting at times, the lyrics are cringy, and the whole song is just a little weird, but I do have to admit it’s incredibly catchy and honestly a lot of fun. Yeah, it’s random, but it is cute! Also I love Lina Hedlund- anything that involves her I’m going to love. And she and Hanna definitely have a lot of charisma and energy that add to the song itself. 

6. Vem E De Du Vill Ha- Kikki, Bettan & Lotta: who can deny this is iconic? Like Sista Andetaget it does somewhat give me that mold effect- but it is a mold that I like, so I can take it. You have three of the most iconic Swedish (Norwegian) Eurovision representatives, including a Eurovision WINNER, with a song written by Thomas G:Son- what more could you ask for?

5. Hon Kommer Med Solsken- Östen Med Resten: honestly, such a cute song. It’s so nice, catchy and sweet, gets me smiling like an idiot any time I listen to it. It’s something of a mild song, not being necessarily something you dance to, but I like it because instead of being boring it’s like something you can put in the background and enjoy discreetly while you go about your day. 

4. Kom Och Ta Mig- Brandsta City Släckers: the definition of iconic! Why are they dressed as firemen? I have no idea, but I love it! This honestly defines something of what I love to see in Melodifestivalen- catchy, fun, in Swedish, silly while also high quality. 

3. Adrenaline- Mèndez: yeah, this is the exception I was talking about earlier. I really like the rap verses, and the fact that it doesn’t necessarily sound like your typical Spanish summer hit, and it’s rather catchy, a bit dark, very upbeat and sustained. Again, mixing it with rap also contributed to making this different from what you’d expect- and I love it.

2. Never Let It Go- Afro-Dote: what a deserved winner, oh my God! Afro-Dite are such a power trio- they have immaculate vocals, energy and charisma through the roof, and I absolutely adore how you can feel their different personalities coming through their performance and working together to create something immensely enjoyable. The song itself is also really good, catchy and exciting, really full and masterful, with a wonderful structure. I love the spoken part too!

1. Världen Utanför- Barbados: I’m not exactly the biggest fan of Barbados, maybe because dansband is not really my genre. I of course, like any sane person, enjoy Kom Hem, but in general I tend to find their songs- like dansband songs in general- very mellow and boring. This one, though, is fast, catchy, slightly dark and exciting. Magnus has a beautiful, dark and rich voice and it fits a song like this so incredibly well. Nah I am just obsessed with this song, I love the structure with the instrumental intro, the chill verses and upbeat chorus, the bridge with the high note and key change. It is a really typical structure- but it works wonderfully! Honestly can’t comprehend how this only came fourth- I do think Afro-Dite’s win was 100% deserved, but Barbados should have at least come second. 

If any Swedish person is reading this (doubt it but who knows): hej och tack för att du läsar :)

[weirdthoughtsandideas]

Hi! Do you know why the nordic countries don't compete in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, or don't anymore?

It's an interesting story actually, cause the Scandinavians were originally the ones who created junior eurovision.

In 2002, Denmark, Sweden and Norway decided to host a singing competition for kids. So every country had their own little contest and then picked out 2-3 kids to perform in "MGP nordic", where one winner was announced. This got super popular, so the next year they were like "Hey, what if we take in other countries?" and they created Junior Eurovision, with 15 countries competing in 2003.

Also, for V-lovers reading this, DIEGO DOMINGUEZ actually was competing to represent Spain in jesc that year. He didn't win, but here is his number.

Anyway, the scandinavian countries always got really low scores in jesc. They were always down at the bottom half. So feeling like it wasn't any idea to try, they pulled themselves out from jesc and went back to doing MGP nordic (I also think they let Finland compete during these years, so there were 4 countries with 2-3 songs each)

Though I don't get why they didn't like them, just look at Sweden's entry from 2003

This is peak performance wtf was Europe on /hj

Anyway, we had MGP nordic until like 2009/2010 I think, then they stopped with that too.

Sweden did continue to compete in jesc as well, but it was another channel taking over the try-out competition for it, so we competed in both. Though, we had our final entry in 2014 and then we just stopped. What is sad about it, is that the fun part of it was "lilla melodifestivalen" which was the competition where the winner would compete in junior eurovision or MPG nordic (depending on the year). They just stopped with that.

The only country still having the singing competition for kids without them competing in jesc is Norway. They even had a 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY MEDLEY

There's some real bangers, and I recognized some that was in mgp nordic. Fun fact, the 2007 winner sang the norwegian intro for Violetta. It's not relevant, but everything I say has to relate to Violetta somehow

I wish lilla mello continued, then maybe we could've had a medley too

[mfsescsweden]

BIDRAGSBIBELN: BISHARA MED ”ON MY OWN” I MELODIFESTIVALEN 2019

Startnummer 5 i deltävling 4: Lidköping. Artist: Bishara. Bidrag: ”On My Own”. Låtskrivare: Markus Sepehrmanesh, Benjamin Ingrosso, Robert Habolin.

Dagsform

Bishara fick stora applåder från produktionen. Han gör sin ”On My Own” ensam på scenen, och han har inte vana av varken att uppträda live eller med mikrofon. Ändå sitter blick och scenspråk ganska bra redan nu på onsdagens repetition.

Efteråt slog han sig ner med ett leende och var avslappnad. Utmaningen i det här läget är att sätta ihop alla de olika delarna med kamerorna, mkrofonen, scenspråket och sången, till en helhet.

– Det är så mycket att ta in, men det känns bra. Jag har verkligen köttat på och övat. Att vara här är en upplevelse, det är helt sjukt, jag har liksom gått från ingenting till det här plötsligt, säger han.

Foto: Helena Nilsson/SVT

Bishara

• Född: 2003.

• Bosatt: Linköping.

• Uppväxt: Linköping.

• Melodifestivalrutin: Nej.

• Övrigt: Bishara är en av Melodifestivalens yngsta deltagare i år. Han började lägga ut covers på Instagram i våras efter att tidigare sakna all form av artistvana, upptäcktes av Laila Bagge och fick skivkontrakt med Ten Music Group. Hans låt ”On My Own” är skriven av bland annat förra årets vinnare Benjamin Ingrosso.

• Favoritbidrag från Melodifestivalen: Benjamin Ingrosso – ”Dance You Off” (2018).

• Konkurrent 2019 som känns svårslagen:”Anton Hagman, han slog ut Loreen i Andra chansen, och nu är han med i min deltävling.”

Bidrag: ”On My Own”

På scen

• Kör utanför scen: Cedrik Hammar och Matilda Gratte.  

Bakom bidraget

• Nummerkreatör: Jennie Widegren.

Effekter och rekvisita

• Vitt ljus och grön laser.

• LED: Svart nolla.

Värdeord: En modern version av nummer med den yngre Michael Jackson.

Färg: Vitt, grönt, peacock. 

Antal kameraklipp: 39.

Bishara om bidraget:

• Tempo 38 %| Show 50 % | Humor 0 % | Udda 0 % | Dans 17 %

– Den handlar om olycklig kärlek, om brustet hjärta. Jag har varit med om det. Det är bra att man kan relatera för då får man in känslan när man sjunger. Den betyder jättemycket för mig eftersom det är min debutlåt i Melodifestivalen.  

”On My Own”: Låtens text

Can you hold me in your arms

can you stay a little longer 

Just a day a week a month

Just some time and I’ll be stronger 

Gone is my pride

All through the night 

Go on and lie straight to my face 

Tell me you that love me 

even though you don’t 

’Til I can get by on my own 

Until I can make it without you

don’t let go  

Til I can wake up all alone in my bed

Look to my left 

Oh not going crazy without you

Just hold me close

Til I can get by on my own 

I know your heart’s with someone else

You dream of unfamiliar places 

Now all I ask is a little help

some 

help to ease me through these phases 

Go on and fool me

Like in the movies

pretend everything gon’ be ok 

Tell me you still want me 

even though you don’t 

’Til I can get by on my own 

until I can make it without you

don’t let go  

Til I can wake up all alone in my bed

look to my left

oooh not going crazy without you 

Just hold me close

till I can get by on my own  

I dunno how to live without you baby

so just hold me tight

’Til I can get by on my own 

until I can make it without you

don’t let go  

Til I can wake up all alone in my bed

look to my left

oooh not going crazy without you 

Just hold me close

till I can get by on my own

[xinsey]

mutear tv:n under mellansnacket och lyssnar på lilla melodifestivalen 2003

[utvarpcity]

it’s that time of the year again so here are some onions on melodifestivalen (in swedish), feel free to scroll past if the read more doesn’t show up on you dash (i’m sorry)

kollade faktiskt på andra chansen i år för jag var intresserad av en del av bidragen, så jag var lite förberedd i alla fall. var förvånad över FYRA programledare eftersom det bara var en förra året. känns tryggt med sarah dawn finer, men hoppades att jag aldrig skulle behöva se eric saade igen. vet inte vilka de andra är men de gjorde ett bra jobb iaf.

jon henrik - har gillat hans bidrag innan. egentligen kanske inte vad jag skulle lyssna på i min vardag, men gillar hantverket och skulle tycka det var nice att skicka något annorlunda (+ samiskt kulturarv) till eurovision efter alla schlagertjejer och popkillar. tycker dock inte den här låten var lika bra som hans tidigare. för lite jojk och för mycket tråkiga försök att göra modern house-ig pop.

lisa ajax - tycker redan om hennes otroliga röst, men med det får man ju ofta generiska schlagerlåtar. blev därför positivt överraskad när låten är så modern, avskalad och unik. är överhuvudtaget svag för ballader, och jag tycker den här känns väldigt äkta och blir aldrig lökig. känns nästan för bra för melodifestivalen. needless to say, min favorit i startfältet.

mohombi - var inget fan innan och inte nu heller. framträdandet känns cheesy och att skicka en till kille med en display med en tecknad figur till eurovision blir väl lite repetitivt? låten hade platsat bättre i typ melodifestivalen 2011.

lina hedlund - jaja. schlagerpop. platser perfekt i melodifestivalen och är glad för hennes skull att hon kom till final, det är ju här om någonstans som hon hör hemma. känns tråkigt att skicka till eurovision eftersom det inte är 2003 längre, trots att hon jobbade skithårt med att sälja in låten i sin vcr.

bishara - junior eurovision song contest! hans ålder märks verkligen, vilket jag tror är både till hans fördel och nackdel. många röstar nog pga av söt liten pojke/snygg kille i sin egen ålder. väldigt tråkig 90-tals boy band-ballad, och även fast han har en bra grundröst märks det att han är rätt oslipad. kul för honom att han kom med, men jag hoppas att han inte vinner för det kommer nog bli lite överväldigande (typ anna bergendahl 2010 gånger hundra - hon hade ju åtminstonde varit med i tv-sammanhang innan).

anna bergendahl (på tal om...) - hon var grön, men hon är faktiskt ett av mina favoritbidrag vi skickat någonsin. gillade den avskalade popballaden med hennes vackra, sårbara röst. hon har ju kvar sin röst, men en mer kraftfull låt. rösten är verkligen det som höjer låten som annars känns som ganska generisk folkpop. dock en av de bättre i startfältet.

nano - jag var inget jättefan i 2017 heller (tyckte dock han var bättre än han som vann), och den här låten känns ännu tråkigare. det känns som de har försökt att få den att låta storslagen med blir lite lamt. sjunger ju rätt ok.

liamoo & hanna - vad har hänt med liamoo :( det här var ju en besvikelse. otroligt lökigt. hanna sjunger bra och det gör liamoo också (älskar hans röst), men refängen är platt och hela konceptet gör att man nästan tar fram skämskudden.

malou - robyn-electrobeat gör låten fräsch, annars känns det lite som tonårig nickelodeon-pop. kanske lite på grund av att hon är just så gammal. men är rätt imponerad över hennes energi på scen och artistiska identitet trots hennes unga ålder. men inte min grej.

john lundvik - är han favoriten? glömde hans låt direkt efter jag hörde den. han har ju en bra röst, och hans låt är bättre och modernare än förra året. har seriöst glömt bort hur hans låt går (inget jag säger för att verka edgy) så jag har faktiskt inget mer att säga.

wiktoria - en som varit med i melodifestivalen så många gånger, men som jag aldrig kan minnas låtarna från. tycker låten är helt okej. bra ballad, men bleknar i jämförelse med lisa ajax. medan lisas var modern och unik så är den här mer generisk. hon sjunger ju väldigt bra dock.

arvingarna - föddes efter deras storhetsperiod (?) i en familj som allmänt sett brukar undvika den här typen av musik, så har verkligen inget nostalgiskt band till dem. kollade på andra chansen och tycker det var tråkigt att de slog ut rebecka. funker om man gillar klatschig dansbandspop (och som sagt har nostalgiska band till dem), men annars är det svårt att stå ut med det. tror (och hoppas) att de inte vinner.