Stiko Per Larsson P4 Nsta 2017 Melodifestivalen 2018

And we’re off! The long hot summer is drawing to a close and Eurovision season is back round once again, with Stiko Per Larsson becoming the first confirmed act for Sweden’s Melodifestivalen 2018.

The acoustic musician nabbed the much sought after gig upon winning Saturday’s P4 Nästa 2017 — the contest formerly known as Svensktoppen nästa.

Run by Swedish Radio P4, the event aims to find the best of Sweden’s new artists and music. Since 2012, one finalist has also been given a slot in the Melodifestivalen heats. Usually, the winner gets the wildcard, but not always — 2015 and 2016 saw Smilo and Les Gordons head to Mello despite losing out at Nästa.

Stiko won the eight song competition with ease, scooping 55% of the vote. Speaking afterwards, he expressed his gratitude:

I’m very happy and grateful for this award and for all those who voted for me. I feel all respect for the other finalists and I hope they think I deserve this when they look back at it in a year.

On its decision to send him to Melfest, the professional jury had this to say:

With a large dose of charm, stable presence on both the stage and in its artistic expression, the jury has decided to offer Stiko Per Larsson a place in the 2018 Melodifestivalen.

Stiko claimed victory with “Kumpaner (Vi är som)”, but will need to come up with something completely new for the Swedish selection. Eurovision rules ban songs published or performed prior to 1 September of the year before the contest is held.

The eight finalists were:

  • “Kumpaner (Vi är som)” – Stiko Per Larsson (P4 Dalarna)
  • “That’s when we all come falling down” – MIAH (P4 Jönköping)
  • “Drive” – Chris L Svensson (P4 Kristianstad)
  • “If this is love” – Sisanda (P4 Jämtland)
  • “On and on” – Frontback (P4 Kronoberg)
  • “Skyskrapor” – Maija HomHom (P4 Stockholm)
  • “Friday night club escape” – Michi (P4 Malmöhus)
  • “Since” – Jo’ & Eliah (P4 Uppland)

Nästa favourites haven’t always been a good match for the bright television aesthetic of Mello.

The Nästa acts with the best results at Melfest were Terese Fredenwall with “Breaking the Silence” in 2012 and Smilo with “Weight of the World” in 2016. Both acts each placed fifth in their respective semi-finals, narrowly missing out on making the Melfest andra chansen round.

Could Stiko Per Larsson be the first Nästa act to make it out of a Melfest semi? Has he got what it takes to win Melodifestivalen out right? Let us know in the comments below.

Follow all our Melodifestivalen 2018 news.

Photo: Sveriges Radio

9 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Charles
Charles
6 years ago

This P4 Nästa contest is nothing but a “lie to my face” Christer Björkmann thing to try to persuade us that MF has musical diversity and that such diversity actually matters when it comes to the Final outcome. MF has had too much a reputation to hold on and two wins in 2012 and 2015 have cemented such reputation by making sure that Swedish made manufactured recycled pop comes to stay and will represent Sweden in Eurovision. I am expecting who will come up with a Katy Perry recycled tune or The Weekend or anybody these days working with Max… Read more »

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  Charles

It took you that long to say you don’t like it?

L'oiseau
6 years ago

Vocals are not great, but at least something not made by a machine! Good luck to Stiko

dino
dino
6 years ago

Salvador effect, he can be Salvador of Sweden.

dino
dino
6 years ago
Reply to  dino

Guess Sweden is trying to stay away from fast-food. So nice when he sings to his child https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFOz6zcrs4U

thespb01
thespb01
6 years ago
Reply to  dino

You’re going a bit far, there’s little chance of him getting through to Andra Chansen, let alone Eurovision. I’d rather something completely different to Salvador wins next year – no one likes a copycat.

Desfolhada
Desfolhada
6 years ago
Reply to  thespb01

He isn’t a copycat lol, his songs are more similar with Douwe Bob, Jeff Buckley or Glen Hansard. I would like see Sweden send something different.
Good luck Stiko!

Aufrechtgehn
6 years ago

Whilst I’m not the biggest fan of the genre itself or the song in particular, I’m still glad that he’ll add a bit of variety to the (much loved!) Melfest Schlager parade. And I agree with the jury on the “charm” part. I don’t think he’ll trouble the final, but hey, let’s wait for his song.

Gobio
Gobio
6 years ago

I’d be ashamed to just perform with that song in Melfeat…