Melodifestivalen 2025 concludes this week and we have rehearsal #LiveBlogs ahead of the big show tomorrow evening – all coming to you live from the newly renamed Strawberry Arena, in Stockholm. This evening the twelve finalists will be taking to the stage for the first time in performance order and in front of an audience.

So join me, Richard, from 18:00 GMT/19:00 CET, as we discover who will shine in Sweden. You know what to do by now, refresh regularly to see what we have to say in our #LiveBlog.

Refresh here from 18:00 GMT/19:00 CET

Nu kör vi!!!

With all good Dress Rehearsals, everything is running behind slightly.

We are off!

We start with a recap of Nemo from Malmo.

Now a recap of this year’s season of Melodifestivalen 2025. Roll titles!

Edvin & Keyyo walk out in some sparkly outfits. They burst into a rendition of “I Love Europe”. The finalists walk out during the rendition.

Edvin & Keyyo explain the voting – with international juries in the mix this week.

They thank the house dancers.

John Lundvik – “Voice of the Silent”

The postcards see Edvin & Keyyo interview each act. What a strong opener. John smiles throughout and is performing it at his best so far this week. The crowd love this. If each act up there game like this, we’re in for a strong evening.

Dolly Style – “YIHAA”

Dolly Style are natural born entertainers. You can here the crowd going mad throughout the performance. There are plenty of cowboy/cowgirl armography going on in the crowd.

Greczula – “Believe Me”

The piano started high above certainly amazes the crowd. Getting Queen vibes from this performance. Greczula is a showman who deserves to do so well in his debutant year.

Klara Hammarström – “On and On and On”

I know I have worried about Klara’s vocal performance this week, in such a high paced stage show. So far, so good. Hopefully Klara doesn’t over do it before the final tomorrow evening.

We now have a sketch with Edvin and his papa. It’s about a road trip to Basel.

Scarlet – “Sweet n’ Pyscho”

There are young girls in the crowd with face make up like Scarlet. You can hear the crowd chant Sweet ‘n’ Pyscho along with Scarlet. The crowd seem to mesmerised by this performance.

Erik Segerstedt – “Show Me What Love Is”

Erik has a strong performance and was right to be selected for the final. However, been placed between Scarlet and Maja Ivarsson in the running order has ruled him out of any chance of winning.

Maja Ivarsson – “Kamikaze Life”

The crowd love Kamikaze Life from the start. I’m getting Madonna vibes from Maja this evening. Another strong performance from a debutant.

Meira Omar – “Hush Hush”

The crowd really like the chorus and the belly dancing-type routine. I wouldn’t say the strongest performance out of our debutants tonight – but she could be saving her voice.

Måns Zelmerlöw – “Revolution”

The reaction from the crowd builds the first verse and then erupts into the first chorus. This rehearsal is just a mere formality for Måns. I don’t think I’ve seen so much confetti fired at someone before.

Saga Ludvigsson – “Hate You So Much”

We have another cowgirl in town, but doesn’t rival Dolly Style in any way. While they were bubble pop, Saga brings country with a twist of pop on the side. Another strong debutant.

Annika Wickihalder – “Life Again”

Annika is hitting those notes! What a great return to someone who debuted last year and made the final. If “Life Again” doesn’t make a film soundtrack or jukebox musical, there is something wrong.

Edvin & Keyyo get into their towels to introduce Kaj, with the one and only Arja!

Kaj – “Bara bada bastu” (Just take a sauna)

The crowd are reacting well, but I wouldn’t saying any stronger than other songs. Ok, they’re dancing in the aisles on the floor of the Strawberry Arena – but they did that for Hasse Andersson a few years back and he didn’t win.

It’s time for a voting recap. I’m glad I can’t vote because I can’t call it. It’ll be between Kaj and Måns, the the rest of the rankings?

Petra Mede comes on stage, stalked by two fans (part of the script). Petra gives us one of her special performances, in the form of “Spirits Are Calling My Name”. Edvin joins in.

International votes will come from Serbia, Lithuania, France, Greece, Norway, Switzerland, Italy and Ireland.

Another voting recap. After a visit to the green room, voting closes.

The iconic “Genom eld och vatten (Through Fire & Water)” is inducted into the Hall of Fame and Medina perform their own take on it.

And finally the public votes are revealed.

The fake voting results in Erik Segerstedt – “Show Me What Love Is” winning. REMEMBER this was a fake vote.

Medina perform one of their MF classics in place of a winners reprise.

Thank you for joining me over the six weeks for Melodifestivalen 2025. Tomorrow night’s #LiveBlog will be brought to you by Sarah, as I will be in the arena enjoying the live final.

Let us know what you think about Sweden and the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK, BLUESKY, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK pages.

The Eurovision Community, which Eurovision Ireland are a part of, celebrates diversity through music. Please keep your comments respectful. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming or any other derogatory or hostile language.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: SVT