This is the second semi final of Melodifestivalen and the second set of seven songs vying for Sweden’s spot at the Eurovision Song Contest this year in Tel-Aviv – you know the drill, join me, Richard from 20:00CET by regularly refreshing the page!

Refresh from 20:00 CET

Good evening Europe and good evening Malmo! We start with a recap of last week’s results, before a sketch of the hosts breaking down on the way to Malmo.

Andreas Johnson – “Army of Us”

Andreas is joined on stage by a band. He is top-to-toe in leather, while delivering a familiar sound to some of his previous rockier Melodifestivalen entries. This entry is strong and many would also say anthemic too. A performance that has raised the bar already tonight.

Malou Prytz – “I Do Me”

Malou starts the performance in front of some lockers, before a gym-like set-up. This is very high school esq – are the youth been targeted here? Dressed in tartan, Malou is oozing 90’s style here. It’s more a radio song, than a visual song. I’m not sure it’d fill a dance floor though.

Oscar Enestad – “I Love It”

Oscar was part of FO&O in 2017. This entry starts in a neon tube lit cuboid. At points, “I Love It” is very repetitive, especially during the choruses. Another youth-aimed entry, yet it really doesn’t get going. I doubt Oscar will have the same effect as Felix (ex FO&O) had last year.

Jan Malmsjö – “Leva livet”

Jan is one of the maturer artists of recent years. Accompanied by a backing dancer and a park bench as a prop, it really sounds theatrical instead of musical. Sadly Jan’s age does shine through, yet he should. be applauded for taking up the Melodifestivalen challenge. It’s also the first of two Swedish language entries tonight.

Vlad Reiser – “Nakna i regnet”

Vlad brings a street/R’n’B/rap genre entry in Swedish to the stage. Surrounded by four backing dancers, this is looking very youthful. Is youth a theme tonight? Another neon-tube lit performance, yet not given off the vibe of a particular era. It’s not me, yet others will love it.

Hanna Ferm & LIAMOO – “Hold You”

Tonight we see LIAMOO in a different light after his MF debut last year. His entry with Hanna works really well and anyone would think they’ve worked together for a number of years. Accompanied by wind-swept sheets, the whole performance has a contemporary, yet cold feel. This should do well.

Margaret – “Tempo”

Margaret is back for a second consecutive shot at Melodifestivalen, after first trying for her native Poland, back in 2017. Margaret is wearing a blue short dress with bobbles. “Tempo” is definitely not as good as “In My Cabana”. With a music video presentation, it’s bound to attract the MTV generation.

The five through to the second vote are Andreas Johnsson, Malou Prytz, Hanna Ferm & LIAMOO, Margaret and Vlad Reiser. Oscar was 7th and Jan 8th. The voting has reopened.

Direct to final is Hanna & LIAMOO. Finishing in 5th is Margaret.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovision Ireland