Hej from Malmö! Yesterday we listened to the seven studio versions of the seven competing songs in the second semifinal of Melodifestivalen 2016. Today we are back in Malmö Arena and are ready to see what the songs look and sound like on stage. We will review the performances as they happen, so remember to check back on all the juice on the acts — from David Lindgren to Wiktoria! You can also find more instant photos and images from the semi-final 2 rehearsals on our Instagram page.
Melodifestivalen 2016: Deltävling 2 Malmö
David Lindgren with “We Are Your Tomorrow”
Yesterday during the song preview I said that I wasn’t feeling this. Well after hearing David perform this live during his first rehearsal, I take it all back. His charisma, boyish good looks, choreography and futuristic staging elevate a so-so song, turning it into three minutes of sleek Swedish seduction! He starts the show standing on an elevated box with a series of green lasers around him. They aren’t just for colour. When he tilts his head they move, and at times he shoves them to the side. Later they go all Matrix on us and explode in all directions. (After the third run-through the director said that the lasers are not showing up as strong as they need to on the televisions, so the crew paused to sort it out). Another highlight is when the lasers are angled downward and smoke or water projections appear on them, leaving him in a pool of water or flying in the clouds. Whatever it’s supposed to represent it is beyond fierce. His dancing, which is supported by four guys and a pretty lady, is urban and street and just oh my god. You go David. You go!
Read the full “We Are Your Tomorrow” lyrics
Victor och Natten with “100%”
I was in love with the studio version yesterday and I still like the song. But it’s pretty obvious that SVT haven’t put as much money behind this one. Victor rocks an urban look replete with yellow sneakers and a fierce leather jacket, while five Swedish cheerleaders look super sexy in black-and-white outfits with knee-high stockings. The act starts with Victor and the ladies standing on a staircase and the camera cropped in close. It then moves centre stage, with Victor on a small platform and his backing dancers on a five-tier podium. The energy and sunshine are still present in the stage performance, but overall this just doesn’t fill the arena. It’s joyous and delightful and Victor a great performer, but this will likely struggle to get out of the heat.
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Molly Pettersson Hammar with “Hunger”
I already said that Molly is singing the same song as last year. And now she’s recycling the same ideas for her staging as well. Once again the “Hunger” singer stands alone on stage. She’s surrounded by red lights, which instantly made me think of her fiery red gown from last year. But ya know what? It works so I don’t mind the recycling. Today Molly wore a velour jumpsuit with a plunging neckline — for a second I was worried she might pull a Janet Jackson and drop a bit of nipple — but this is clearly not her stage costume. Or at least I hope not! She opens standing on a clear podium with eight spot lights pointed at the audience. Her hand choreography is on point — she extends those arms and snaps, thrusts them up, raises them to the sky and oozes sex and sass the whole time. When she steps off the podium she moves to a mic stand at centre stage and works her hips with the same conviction. A fellow blogger in the audience called this “boring” and I can see why. It’s like, “Get the girl a sandwich so she’ll stop saying she’s got a hunger.” But it is also atmospheric and fans of this type of music — soulful pop sung by a female diva — will eat it up. PS In a subsequent take she unleashed some major pyro. I’m talking full-on explosion. It really brings it home and helps give the act some much-needed dynamism.
Isa with “I Will Wait”
Hype is building around young Isa — she surpassed Ace Wilder as a favourite to win last night after journalists heard her three-minute studio version during an SVT preview. Today she kept the hype up with a stirring performance that uses shadows and curtains to great effect. At the start of the number Isa stands solo on stage with a bright spotlight helping to project her shadow on large grey curtains. Those curtains surround the stage on three sides, creating a black-box effect that is stark and intimate. At times the curtain billows outward like a beating heart, an idea that always comes across through the deep, “Undo”-like beats. This is simple and powerful and showcases an emotional, soaring Isa.
A photo posted by wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs) on
Read the full “I Will Wait” lyrics
Krista Siegfrids with “Faller”
Krista Siegfrids was absolutely ravishing in red during her first rehearsal. She wears spray-on silky pants and a red sequined jumper. She starts off solo in the dark before two blonde dancers in body-con catsuits join her. The screens go black and white, creating a very “RuPaul’s Drag Race” start-your-engines moment. Later two male dancers in matching race suits come out — later unfurling full-on drag race flags! Schlager can sometimes feel repetitive, but the simple and effective staging helps give the song real dynamism. Best of all, Krista seriously slays live. Nodding to her idol Carola, there is a wind machine moment at the end — watch her blonde locks flow!
Patrik Isaksson, Tommy Nilsson & Uno Svenningsson with “Håll mitt hjärta hårt”
They have the most understated song in the heat, so it’s only natural that their staging is pure and simple as well. It begins with Tommy standing in on a platform in the audience singing solo, with Patrik standing at the top of a staircase on the far left of the stage and Uno walking in from the right. They only stand close to one another at the very end. The stage lights are gold and black and brass — it’s very Elhaida Dani Eurovision 2015. The men say “I will do anything for you and I will stand by you…hold my heart hard.” It’s touching and sweet — and we’re curious who among them holds it the hardest.
A photo posted by wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs) on
Read the full “Håll mit hjärta hårt” lyrics
Wiktoria with “Save Me”
The LED projection dress is so 2012. So Sweden’s Wiktoria has upped the game and is dropping an LED body suit. She stands alone on stage — the visuals and her amazing voice are more than enough to fill the screen and the space. The song opens with a spotlight opening on her oversized belt, which has a W for Wiktoria. LED water explodes on her bosom before enveloping her whole body in ripples — it’s like Danny Saucedo’s “Amazing” jump suit but so much better. At times the ever-changing lights make it seem like she is wearing a gown, a pantsuit and even the universe. The LED backdrop is equally bright and dizzying. The camera pans around her and at times she looks bionic, the star of Artificial Intelligence, a Robot Top Model. The LED shows exploding stars and swirling lights. At the end the projection sets her on fire but by then her voice already has her smokin’. When the camera zooms in on her head she looks like some other-worldly angel. God, I love her curls.
Read the full “Save Me” lyrics
@EugeneESCUK: There has always been a profound sense of cultural pride in Italy for the ability to write meaningful passionate music specially when someone with a big voice gives it the soul it needs to reach an audience that watches it at home or live at the hall paying attention to what they LISTEN to with a tremendous amount of respect. Even if Eurovision plays along with its visual aspect, which I understand, looses its essence by downgrading the music in it … and expecting a true visual show to disguise the average leve of music in it, is something… Read more »
My prediction would be
Final- Molly and Isa
Second chance- wiktoria and victor
Out- the old men, David and krista
Reasoning:
Molly and Isa have mediocre song but will get through by name, wiktoria has a good enough song for the final but she isn’t well known, victor has a fun song, swedes I don’t think will like krista and the rest aren’t good.
Has anyone heard the full songs? Am I missing something here? Because people act like they have seen and heard every single song! In Sweden many of us love Melodifestivalen with all that comes along with it. And finally we often find someone who usually do well in ESC. I don’t think this year is any different. In each semi there are one or two favourites. But in the end there are usually only one who stands out more than the others. It’s the journey towards that final choice that is fun. This year “the art” is in focus. Blame… Read more »
It’s amazing how much people think they know from watching 1/10 of one rehearsal of a performance.
1. MPH
2. Krista
3. Isa
4. Wiktoria
Just based on the clips. A little disappointed overall but I do like MPH’s song more than last year’s (I think!).
Eurovision Song Contest in first decade of 21st century was about tight entries. Now jury is trying to change it at any price. They vote for a strong countries (especially Western) or for some weak entries which did not have a chance in televoting. This is the whole truth about these parasites.
Overall judgment based solely on the songs (I couldn’t care less if they spin around or fly across the arena) … David Lindgren .. same old same old … crap! Does he even know that there are other music genres he could try? Or does he even care? Victor och Natten … cheap, boring, lame, juvenile … he’s 27 … come on show some growth!! Molly P. … disappointingly worse and less interesting than last year .. it sounds like she just sold her soul to the devil and the devil gave a cheap tune … Krista … what a… Read more »
Well, I don’t like any songs in this semi, maybe Wiktoria could be interesting. From the semi one I only like “Rik” and “Constellation prize”, but I don’t see any of them winning in Stockholm. For now, this year’s Melodifesivalen seems weaker than others year, but we still have two semis so maybe it’ll change.
In general, I am devastated that such a power as Sweden is worse this year than Malta and Belgium. If Sweden will be higher than those two countries in final of ESC 14 May 2016, this will be powerful fraud from jury (except when Samir & Viktor will represent Sweden, but I know sadistic jury would do everything that did it not happen). I hate jury so much. They ruin my life.
This poor semi could mean that there is a good chance for Albin & Mattias to go to the final, where they belong.
My opinion:
David Lindgren “We Are Your Tommorow” – Out
Victor och Natten “100%” – Out
Molly Pettersson Hammar “Hunger” – Final
Isa “I Will Wait” – Final
Krista Siegfrids “Faller” – Andra Chansen
Patrik Isaksson, Tommy Nilsson & Uno Svenningsson “Håll Mitt Hjärta Hårt” – Out
Wiktoria “Save Me” – Andra Chansen
OK, time for my prediction (only prediction without my personal ranking because I hate all these entries):
David Lindgren “We Are Your Tommorow” – Out
Victor och Natten “100%” – Out
Molly Pettersson Hammar “Hunger” – Out
Isa “I Will Wait” – Andra Chansen
Krista Siegfrids “Faller” – Andra Chansen
Patrik Isaksson, Tommy Nilsson & Uno Svenningsson “Håll Mitt Hjärta Hårt” – Final
Wiktoria “Save Me” – Final
I had high hopes for this semi, with so many familiar faces and promises of strong newcomers, but so far I’m unimpressed by ALL of them. I guess that’s the curse of high expectations. I was not expecting to like Isa but… I do! I think her staging will be the best. Rather disappointed with Wiktoria, after your last review I was expecting something a lot more impressive, but not even the LED bodysuit lived up to the expectations. I’m still hoping to change my mind once I hear the full song, but so far it sounds rather boring. I… Read more »
1) You do not have any arguments.
2) You probably do not even know for what you live, so shut up.
Shockingly weak entries again. ISA is clearly the standout from the bunch and I feel Molly should take the second spot because although her song is a step down from I’ll be fine its still above the rest. Krista has great vocals and should get to Andra Chansen but David will probably take one of the spots even though that song is absolutely awful. The rap song is a non entity and the 3 older dudes….well we need a toilet break somewhere. After all the hype I thought Wiktoria was going to have a stomper but its so bland! Her… Read more »
Wow, these are great. The only two that reall stood out was Isa, that was just phenomenal, and Molly, not as good as last year but still brilliant.
And while I’m here, MGR? SHUT UP ALL READY!!
Is it me or Isa’s song is kind of a already-heard tune? Learning that it came from the same team as last year’s “Heroes” (the copy song) makes sense now…
Cmon Sweden, give me something better. Isa is the best in the heat but I’m eagerly anticipating the next two already, I know there’ll be asong in the mox somewhere that connects – just haven’t found it yet.
1-Molly”Hunger” 7.5/10
2-Krista “Faller” 7/10
————————————–
3-Isa “I will Wait” 5.5/10
4-Victor Och Natten “100%” 4/10
—————————————-
5-D.Lindgren”We Are Your Tomorrow” 3/10
6-Wiktoria “Save Me” 3/10
7-Patrik Isaksson, Tommy Nilsson & Uno Svenningsson”Håll mitt hjärta hårt” 2/10
Weak semi final
Does anyone know when the full songs from this semi final will be released?
I actually quite like the sound of ‘Hunger’. It’s very smooth, catchy and not over-staged. Overall, I hope for Molly and ISA to go directly to the Final, and David along Wiktoria/Krista to Andra Chansen.
This semi-final is really so strong.
Isa, Molly, Victor och Natten – all are so good, but I really didn’t like Wiktoria’s entry at all.
And Krista reminded me somehow Veronica Maggio.
I’m really disappointed listening to the entries of Wiktoria, Victor och Natten and David Lindgren, especially after your “amazing” reviews and praises from yesterday. Did you guys listen to the same music at all? To be completely honest, I believe the 1st semifinal had a better variety of musical acts, from LED-queen Ace Wilder to the mellow song of Pernilla Andersson. The qualifiers are more predictable after hearing all the songs, here’s my prediction and favourites for Saturday Night. My personal top 7 of the second semi-final: 1. Isa – “I will wait” (DF) – This will do well in… Read more »
Isa is the clear winner in this semi, just as Ace was in semi 1. Molly will probably get to the final as well. David, Krista, and Wiktoria will most likely be the ones competing for the two second chance spots.
Disappointed with Wiktoria, I expected MUCH more according to your reviews.
Anyway, Isa is the clear winner here, Molly right behind her(although I’ll be fine is MILES ahead of Hunger)
My prediction
1. Isa
2. Wiktoria direct to final
Fight for second chance between ,Victor och Natten ,Molly Pettersson Hammar and Patrik Isaksson, Tommy Nilsson & Uno Svenningsson (they can be suprise like older man from MF 2015) I think result wili be
3. Victor och Natten
4. Patrik Isaksson, Tommy Nilsson & Uno Svenningsson
5. Molly Pettersson Hammar
6. David Lindgren
7. Krista Siegfrids
Please do not joke. I like tight entries. All the best entries in ESC are tight, but now people do not have ideas for tight performances. And even if someone has, it loses (Alexey Gross in Belarus, Besa Krasniqi in Albania and Samir & Viktor in Sweden).
Apart from isa anything else is mediocre. Also, david lindgren its 2016, stop singing the same song like we live in 2012. Booooring
woah so many haters in the comments.
mad because Melfest is still better than 99% of all other selections? lol
Most of the entries here are mediocre, but Isa is clearly the best so far.
@MGR
Are you ESC hater? Do you like anything connected to ESC? Because in almost every article I can see your comments and they are all negative. You don’t like Melodifestivalen, Sweden etc. – nobody’s pushing you to watch it.
ISA SLAYED THE PACK YAAAAS
Not feeling Wiktoria at all. Isa and Molly to the final I think, then Krista and someone else to Andra Chansen. ‘Faller’ Looks good enough to progress out of AC too I think.
Isa and Molly to the final, David and Krista 3rd and 4th. Wiktoria could take Krista’s spot though. Molly’s isn’t as good as last year but she’ll make it anyways – she’ll get votes because of what happened last year.
Isa’s songwriters (the same guys and gal who wrote Heroes and Don’t Worry) already said that they expected the most from Isa, they thought she would be the one everyone would be talking about. They appear to be right.
I can’t match these songs with yesterday’s reviews at all, I’m sorry. Wiktoria’s song sounds horrible!
This is definitely the end of Eurovision Song Contest.
She should officially protest that they punish her to perform this crap in Melodifestivalen. Although they could pay her a lot of money to be quiet.
Isa should win this semi, the others don’t sound/look very promising to me.
I’m especially disappointed with Wiktoria’s preview after reading your positive reactions…
Isa has great body, but her entry is worst crap ever.
Everyone here deserves for last place. Who would have thought that we can see such low standards in Melodifestivalen?
Isa, what was that?! You go girl!! I will wait, I cannot wait to see you perform on Saturday, go directly to the final and win the whole show! Good luck
@dutchie I was talking more about the mood.
If I’ll Be Fine wasnt enough for Molly, this shouldnt be enough either.
@milla
Måns performance was way more ‘busy’ than Loreen’s… which was needed, because the song didn’t speak for itself. Euphoria didn’t need much else than just the song, and they very smartly used that to her advantage.
OMG ISA’S REHEARSAL IS GORGEOUS!!!! Looking forward to the live!!!
Isaaa wow! :))
Nice to see that on stage Krista has choose Ferrari colors from Formula1. Perhaps she has little inspired by Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen 😉
Isa sounds and looks very good
Loreen and also Måns had very intimate performances. Especially with the cameras, in the dark. Different but still very similar. There was a thought behind it. As a viewer you were transported into their
worlds. Well.. if you can say that? Can’t explain it any better.
I m affraid this is will be worst MF from 2000 till now.