Melodifestivalen 2023 continues tonight and we are back with our weekly #LiveBlog – continuing with Heat 3 this evening. The third set of seven acts take to the stage in Lidköping, with two progressing to the Semi Final and two to the Grand Final after tonight.

So join me, Richard, from 19:00 GMT/20:00 CET, as we discover who will progress in Sweden. You know what to do by now, refresh regularly to see what we have to say in our #LiveBlog.

Refresh here from 19:00 GMT/20:00 CET

Nu kör vi!!! We are been introduced to tonight’s acts. Dolly Style open the show with “Habibi”. After performing with Dolly Style, Farah is joined by Jesper – our Hosts. They are now going through the voting details.

Paul Rey – “Royals”

Paul Rey is back for another attempt to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest. Paul is in a black and white jacket, which matches the back projection screens. The entry upbeat and this is highlighted further with the six accompanying backing dancers.This should be strong enough to progress further, however I’m not sure this is an overall winner.

Casanovas – “Så kommer känslorna tillbaka” (Then the feelings come back)

Casanovas are suited and booted for their performance. They’ve brought the glitzy schlager days back to the Melodifestivalen stage tonight. Casanovas remind me of Arvingarna. The crowd are loving this, as am I! I want to see Casanovas in Friends Arena, in a few weeks time!

Melanie Wehbe – “For The Show”

Melanie is stood in front of an orange lit geometric tube. While moving about on stage, Melanie does seem a bit lost without some backing dancers or backing singers. Sadly for me this performance is lacking something and sadly for Melanie, I can’t see her progressing.

Nordman – “Släpp alla sorger” (Let go off all sorrows)

Nordman have been on the Melodifestivalen stage before, but not for over a decade. The duo are dressed in black and are accompanied by some atmospheric lighting and some amazing flying bird graphics. While upbeat, you get a sense of tradition in the performance too – a possible surprise qualifier?

Laurell – “Sober”

Lyrics had to be rewrote for “Sober” due to a possible vodka brand link. The language used in places is very modern – matching the modern genre sound. The overall production is colourful and this might help appeal to all age ranges – especially when it comes to the app voting. Another contender for Stockholm me thinks.

Ida-Lova – “Låt hela stan se på” (Let the whole town watch)

Ida-Lova starts the performance sat on some draped material, on the steps at the front of the stage. While sounding choral in places, it also sounds properly sung in places too. Once Ida-Lova is up on the stage, she can be more animated, which helps to sell the performance. Lighting is predominantly orange. My, this is an open Heat!

Marcus and Martinus – “Air”

Marcus and Martinus have a huge following, based in their homeland of Norway. “Air” is certainly an upbeat and dance number – the most modern of all the performances tonight. Blue strobe lighting accompanies them throughout. Will this appeal to everyone voting? More likely the younger voters over the older voters – making progress in the Contest possible borderline.

The first round of voting has started with the performance recap. The first round of voting has now closed. We now have moved on to the second entry of this year’s Melodifestivalen Hall of Fame – Svenne & Lotta (”Bang en boomerang” 1975). Afro-Dite have returned to Melodifestivalen to perform ”Bang en boomerang”.

The first song direct to the final is: Marcus and Martinus – “Air”

The second round of voting is open with another recap of the songs. The dancing ‘app’ hearts are of course on-stage!

Time for some Green Room chat. The second round of voting has closed. Petra Mede is the third inductee into the Melodifestivalen Hall of Fame this year.

We are now having a tour of Lidköping.

The two songs in the semi finals are: Nordman – “Släpp alla sorger” (Let go off all sorrows) & Melanie Wehbe – “For The Show”

The second song direct to the final is: Paul Rey – “Royals”

Let us know what you think about Melodifestivalen 2023 – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK and TWITTER pages.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: SVT