They came, they saw, they conquered. Seven acts wowed on stage tonight in semi-final 3 of Melodifestivalen 2017, but only two could advance direkt till final. After the smoke machines cleared, Robin Bengtsson and Owe Thörnqvist emerged victorious with their songs “I Can’t Go On” and “Boogieman Blues” to book their spots in the final at Friends Arena in Stockholm. FO&O (“Gotta Thing About You”) and Anton Hagman (“Kiss You Goodbye”) came close, but must duel it out at Andra Chansen on 4 March in Linköping.
SEMI-FINAL 3 QUALIFIERS: DIREKT TIL FINAL
Robin Bengtsson – “I Can’t Go On“
He won the audience poll following the dress rehearsal and tonight he showed why. Singing off stage for the first 45 seconds, he oozed attitude and sex appeal as he made his way to the main stage. Once there he and his backing dancers performed slick choreography on a treadmill, all the while looking cool, calm and very collected. As you’d expect he maintained his vocals throughout, proving that last year wasn’t a fluke.
Owe Thörnqvist – “Boogieman Blues“
He’s a sentimental favourite owing to his long history in the Swedish music industry, a famous song about hot dogs and the fact he is 87 — making him the oldest contestant ever to compete, let alone make the final, at Melfest. And tonight he proved Sweden is still with him as he ate hot dogs on stage while a series of backing vocalists and dancers gave the song the physical movement he could not. A big personality with a tender spirit, he also entertained the audience in the green room, showing off some of his mouthy vocal tricks. Could that have won him over a few extra votes? Only Mr God knows.
SEMI-FINAL 3 QUALIFIERS: ANDRA CHANSEN
FO&O – “Gotta Thing About You“
It’s good to know that someone thinks boy bands are still a thing. With overt shades of the Backstreet Boys, N’SYNC and even Lighthouse X, this felt decidedly old school. Yes, the production was on point and the song has an anthemic quality and the boys can definitely dance. But this felt very familiar and seen-it-all-before. If you’re going to do boy band, try to do it better than what came before.
Anybody else feel like they’re watching a DVD of an N’SYNC concert? #melfest #melfest2017 pic.twitter.com/ClcCBiYwYl
— wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs) February 18, 2017
Anton Hagman – “Kiss You Goodbye“
He came to fame on YouTube owing to his stellar vocals and undeniable good looks, and both were on show with this simple singer-songwriter number, which felt more contemporary and polished than the standard YouTube fare. He had the title of his song written on his back just to hammer home his message. It looks like Sweden remembered it.
SEMI-FINAL 3: ELIMINATED ACTS
Bella & Filippa – “Crucified“
You could be forgiven for mistaking Bella & Filippa as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Strumming their guitars and channeling purity, they sang of being crucified, baptised and falling for religion. Ostensibly they were singing about a man — and we’re pretty sure it was Jesus! The song was happy and sweet and will certainly have gone down well with their YouTube subscribers.
Crucified, baptised, falling for religion — are these girls undercover Mormon missionaries? #melfest #melfest2017 pic.twitter.com/25uVGmWTRL
— wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs) February 18, 2017
6. Jasmine Kara – “Gravity“
My mouth is on the floor and I can’t pick it up. During the show I wrote the following, but clearly Sweden didn’t agree.
You may not have been familiar with Jasmine before tonight’s show, but you’re certainly not going to forget her after it. Looking absolutely stunning in a body-con red outfit and working a very blunt set of bangs, she stared straight into the camera as she elevated the studio version of “Gravity” to another level. This featured some of the most impressive staging we’ve seen thus far, with a 3-D effect making it seem like she was throwing shards or rose petals through the screen and at us. At one point the LED floor was filled with red smoke, and Jasmine resembled a sorceress conjuring a storm. This works visually, musically, sensually — a real standout on screen.
Now forgive me while I go cry in the shower.
7. Krista Siegfrids – “Snurra min jord“
She’s a Finnish Swede competing in Sweden’s biggest music competition, so the odds were stacked against Krista from the get go. But the Eurovision fan favourite did her thing, working some very clever camera tricks including a kaleidoscope effect that we screengrabbed repeatedly. Turning the stage into a runway all her own, she worked her blonde locks and nailed her vocals. Unfortunately the song felt a bit flat live and the electro-lounge feel felt somehow slouchy and tired. But I’m definitely downloading the studio version and remain a diehard Krista fan. Love. her.
Did your favourite get through? Let us know what you think about the semi-final in our comments section below!
@Spirk – Really shocked that FO&O didn’t make it directly. I don’t think they deserved it, but I thought they’d make it. Looks like Sweden is a bit tired of typical boybands, or didn’t find the song that special.
Yes, 100%. I didn’t like the song so much either, but was sure they would qualify anyway. I must admit I liked this “more” than Owe, but still very happy that Owe actually made the final 🙂
To be honest, Krista Siegfrieds can do whatever she wants. She’s gorgeous on camera, she has amazing personality – she’s great as a presenter and as a singer. I’d have her present practically everything next year cos I think she’s terrific. 🙂
@#Faller: You may be right. Why didn’t Krista send an English version of “Snurra Min Jord” (“Spin My World”) to UMK? Did she know that Ace, Mariette, Jon Henrik and LOREEN were entering MF BEFORE she submitted her song? If she did, she had to know that she was playing with a big nuke and it was about to blow up in her face. She should have withdrawn from MF and sent her song to YLE fast!
@Marc: Despite my scores, I saw the possibility of Owe stealing a spot, but I thought he was going to A.C.
What a disaster. Who would have thought there would be one week in which ALL the ladies were ushered out? Bella and Filippa were a foregone conclusion (so much, that I scored them last), but Krista and Jasmine? Late to the party, I am; but here were my scores. I had the first 4 performers moving on to the final or A.C. 9.375 Robin Bengtsson: “I Can’t Go On” (finalist) Part of this song reminds me of something I heard from DNCE. The treadmill action is reminiscent of OK GO, but well-executed all-around. 9.325 Krista Siegfrids: “Snurra Min Jord” (7th)… Read more »
Nano is still number one because we haven’t heard all songs. And Nano is the only one who is similar to last year’s winner. That’s why they stick with him. Last year Molly Sanden was the number one favourite to win and the odds were so low that it was pretty much clear she would win. Until Frans came along.. What made Frans win was apart from having a hit factor it was something new for Sweden. Basically a young guy standing and singing. It made him stand out in a field with increasingly technical numbers. He was the complete… Read more »
People in Sweden also vote with their hearts at times. Frans was “Zlatan-Frans” to people as a kid. Nano is a former prisoner that wants to turn his life around for the sake of his daughter. Those hearts also brought Owe to the final yesterday..
Frans didn’t have a very convincing win after all compared to for example Loreen or Måns. I wanted Oscar Zia. This year Nano might be the “new” Frans but I hope he will have much more competition in the final than Frans last year. I also think it will be song v.s performance/staging when people cast their votes. Including among international juries.
Nano is leading the odds because he has the best song so far. Easy.
Robin has the best performance/stage.
It’ll be Song vs Performance in the final.
Loreen might still win.
It’s quite open because Sweden doesn’t have a huge potential Hit like “If I were sorry”.
Final will be interesting 🙂
@Milla Completely agree. Plus Nano’s voice during Hold On sounds very screechy. In fact I don’t see Hold On doing very well with the jury. Loreen who’s second will still need a great song despite her status. Previous winners rarely do as well as their first time. If Loreen disappoints I see a possible win for Robin or Mariette (my favourites!) unless Wiktoria can surprise.
@Denis I like Robin too. A very catchy song and rememberable staging and dancing. I don’t know how many times I’ve watched it since yesterday 🙂 But.. people still mention Nano a lot. And he is number 1 in the odds. Don’t like it because Nano is not ready. The performance feels incomplete. And only the verses and the bridges are good with Hold on. The refrain is veeery repetative. But I guess it’s the whole thing with him being a former prisoner that appeals to people, and that brings votes!
Donald Trump talked about a terrorist attack “last night in Sweden” that actually never happened. Maybe he was referring to Krista Siegfried’s song? 😀
OMG, the BBC News Channel just mentioned Melfest! That’s gotta be a first, surely! And all because Donald Trump talked about a seemingly non-existent terrorist attack in Sweden! 😀
I think if Robin wins Sweden will have another top 5 candidate. It’s that good.
And it looks likely he might win. But wait for Loreen or Wiktoria!
Hilarious BBC article about Donald Trump that also mentions Melfest!!:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-39020962
Owe’s Hotdog will get boring soon – he need’s a new meat based snack for the final.
Robyn needs to quit doing the Donald Trump hand signal
For now, Ace, Mariette & Robin are my favourites. Nano is decent but it seems like he needs some polishing (imo).
Considering how many ballads & sad/serious songs there are in eurovision thus far (with a few exceptions granted – Italy & Spain) I think I would really like to see Ace go to eurovision finally! Her song stands out from the rest!
For me its Mariette or Robin or LoreenIif she kills it!Serriously a million years can win eurovision.Robin too.He gave me the feeling and the confidence of a winner.
1. Mariette 5/5
2. Nano 5/5
3. Ace 4.7/5
4. Robin 4.2/5
5. Benjamin 4/5
For now i can only see Nano or Mariette winning melfest, Robin might come 5th again or a spot higher atleast.
Robin absolutely killed it with his catchy song and slick choregraphy! I love how he made the beautiful line about him and his dancers hehe. I wouldn’t be surprised if it won based on both televoting and jury in the final. I’m also glad FO&O only made it to Andra Chansen. I was worried given their slot and fan base that they’d go DTF. I think they were surprised too! Another surprise was Owe Thornqvist although the way they were bigging him up on the show and the fact that he rapped, it’s not that surprising. It’s a shame about… Read more »
What happened in Sweden last Night? Donald Trump. Melfest!
Its no giod song, so far. We are not giing ti the final in ESC whit non of this song. I hope we send Owe Thörnqvist, its bedt so far. I hope Loreen is geeat.
I agree with Goran. Robin was above everything else. I say he may shock Loreen fans in couple of weeks, last night I saw a Melfest, possibly a Eurovision winner.
@Rigged: Haha, I’m sooo busted. 😀
On the musical side for him: I’m glad he made it to Andra Chansen. Even though his singing has improved a lot over the past year, I do think he needs some more time to develop his singing voice for larger stage events.
Only Mr. God knows. I’m still laughing.
@Purple
Keep your tongue away from Anton.he is mine.wasn’t he a kid for you?
If he makes it out of Andra Chansen we’re gonna be celebrating the ‘Rollercoaster’ girls style!! Wait their names wasn’t moggy poggy and hoggy.whatevs!!
Unfortunately Robyn is correct, and I did pick up on that but didn’t want to say anything to offend the songwriters.
That pesky “Titanium” song is causing us songwriters a lot of headaches recently!! It’s just so engrained in listeners, any hint of a chord from that song and it’s instantly recognised. What a nightmare!
Here are my brain-crushing thoughts on the 3rd semi-final (all the way from Singapore…) Robin Bengtsson: Unsurprising result. Trust me, this is the first time a returning artist’s song is better than the previous year’s. While “Constellation Prize” is a surprisingly good song, “I Can’t Go On” takes the simplicity of his 2016 entry and gave it a modern twist, which will almost always guaranteed a good song. However, the staging killed the competition that night. Not only did he looked good on the suit, he looked even better when walking on treadmill (even though The Moniker did it first… Read more »
And here comes Semi Final 3 to prove that you can’t predict Melodifestivalen always! Really shocked by the results, mostly not in a good way. – Robin Bengtsson’s qualification was the only thing that was for sure. – I didn’t see Owe Thornqvist making it directly. Shocking result, from making it to the top 5 to taking a direct final spot. – Really shocked that FO&O didn’t make it directly. I don’t think they deserved it, but I thought they’d make it. Looks like Sweden is a bit tired of typical boybands, or didn’t find the song that special. –… Read more »
Robin stole the whole show tonight. Just WOW.
I’m so jealous Sweden has so many good composers and that each Melodifestivalen has so many good songs – I have a feeling I will asleep during this Eurovisions. Already so many similar songs.
In case Robin wins Sweden will be in top 10 for sure. He is goodlooking guy, sings well and moves like Jagger 😀
not a fan of robins song but DAAAMN what a show!
If Krista would’ve entered to Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu in Finland. With Snurra Min Jord’s english version, She would’ve won the whole thing.
Sweden is a wrong country for you girl.
OMG Robin’s show is sooooooo brilliant! He is now in my top position alongside Nano.
@Karl: I was deliberately trying not to be too X-rated. 😀
Purple Mask
Drool over Anton’s tattoos? :X how does one do that? Plus, they’re so tacky and awful on him
Mentioning religion has no place on a TV show or in a music competition so I’m so happy they’re out.
A night full of surprises:
Anton went to AC!
Owe straight to the final!
Robin was amazing tonight! Surprised me in a good way! The staging, the vocals, the whole performance was amazing! Deserved the final!
Though I didn’t expect Owe to go directly to the final, I really enjoyed his performance!
Hope for the best next week! I have high expectations!
@Polegend Godgarina – spewing BS as usual I see. If anything Christer Björkman probably LOVES this result. Unexpected results always make much better television than boring predictable ones.
Ahhh come on guys, this was a weak semi anyways, atleast we got an unexpected and pretty funny result. The grand final really doesn’t need more boring stale pop songs that’ll end up in the bottom half anyways. Might as well go with something fun!
Remember next week we have both Loreen and Wiktoria!
William, may I correct you in two places: the proper spelling is “Direkt till final” (double L), and Krista is actually an aboriginal Swede living in Finland.
Gravity had the whole package… I’m so mad right now, it’s Loreen 2011 with My Heart is refusing me all over again. Hopefully she returns and slays the pack and win everything.
Grattis Ove!
I was thinking that the 14 year old Girls-stjärnan are to cool for melfest and the younger will be in love in Ove! My 8 year old gill was daning and screeming! He must win! This will be a big hit in the swedish presckools! I promice.
Grattis Ove, du ägde, både dansgalna flickors hjärtan deras danssugna mödrar fick svårt att sitta stilla!
Teeny boopers and grannies are it again with the voting results…
A night full of surprises! Owe directly to the final! Anton Hagman to AC!
Robin had the best performance. Great staging, great vocals. I was surprised! Deserve the final!
I really liked Owe’s performance. Sad “Crucified” didn’t make it. I really liked that song.
I have high expectations next week!
I have to say I loved Robin’s performance. Good song, great aesthetics along with some attitude. And the fact that Robin had male backup dancers (as opposed to last year) made him look even more gorgeous.
Robin had an amazing performance, he’s my favourite so far! And Owe, what a joy, I had a feeling he would not get eliminated but I didn’t think he would get sent straight to the final – wow!
Meanwhile in Malta, Rhiannon is the big surprise so far – astonishing live vocals!! 🙂
That was surprising! But fun.I had a feeling Owe might surprise but I never imagined it actually would happen. There was something about his performance that was charming and sweet and that manage to convince Do I believe he will win? Not a chance. Especially with an international jury. But he will find his audience no doubt about that. As for the rest Robin was the best and a potential winner. Fresh, current hit song that works very well. Anton was also good but the song got boring after a while. And the boy band wasn’t the best live act… Read more »
I can already see Owe doing well in the televote in the Final, as Hasse did in 2015, maybe even better, who knows. He sang very well and had a good performance, staging and charisma. Very interested what Loreen has to offer next week, but also Wiktoria and Jon Henrik, maybe there is a winner among them.
Robin is in the final, and this is all I care about ;)). Sad about Krista, though, she didn’t deserve to be last… Oh well…