The Melodifestivalen favourites at UNIBET have changed more than a few times over the past few months. Mariette emerged as the pre-contest favourite last November, only to be replaced by Liamoo as the weeks moved on. Ahead of last weekend’s contest in Malmö, Dotter lept to the top of the oddstable…only to crash out. And now that the dust has finally settled on semi-final three, Jessica Andersson has sashayed her way to the top spot.

The “Party Voice” singer, who has managed to take schlager back to the Melfest final, sat atop the UNIBET oddstable on Monday morning with odds of 3.75, putting her just ahead of Mariette — who will compete in SF4 — and Benjamin Ingrosso, who advanced direct to the final from SF1.

During the actual show last Saturday, many of us commented that we heard more backing vocals than her supposed party voice. But there’s definite charm to her performance, which has a vintage quality some will find dated, but others will find alluring and somewhat nostalgic. And it has to be said: Jessica can sing. So turn down that backing and let her shine!

Many of our readers have already responded on Twitter to say that the Swedish bookies are totally out-of-it.

Some want the song to win, but think it won’t…

While others are suggesting she’s a non-qualifier at Eurovision if she does win.

Where do you stand? Is “Party Voice” the best song in the final so far? Will the Swedish bookies continue to be incorrect with their guesses, as they were with Dotter? Or do you think there is something to this? Let us know in the comments box below.

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The Anders
The Anders
6 years ago

If it wins Melodifestivalen, I can’t really see it doing well in Eurovision. It is kind of enjoyable for what it is, but to win you have to do something really outstanding, be it musically, lyrically or visually. This is just a schlager pop song like many others.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

SHE COLLUDED WITH THE RUSSIANS! RELEASE HER EMAILS!!

Michael
Michael
6 years ago

No way that Jessica wins, not with the international juries. Though I will admit I like her song far more than pretty boy Benjamin’s. What I think is going to happen is that the televote will be split between him, Liamoo, and whatever Mariette is singing (though we all said that Dotter would do very well and look at her now). As a result, it will be down to the results of the juries, who will choose the flashing lights of Benjamin’s song. He’ll win, the majority of people will be indifferent like they were for Robin’s song but, unlike… Read more »

Boy
Boy
6 years ago

Benjamins Song is elivatermusic. IT don say me nothing. Mariette gonna Win.

Aaron
Aaron
6 years ago

Why has fun become such a dirty word in the eurovision bubble? I loved eurovision because of it’s fun party nature. It was a celebration, we all got drunk and had a good time.

Now some people take it oh so seriously and anything above 3 beats per minute is to be scorned. It’s all about being artsy and experimental no thanks.

You could say I want to Make Eurovision Great Again LMAO

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
6 years ago

A song about “dancing like a mother” omg no. I hope international juries help Mariette save Sweden..

Aaron
Aaron
6 years ago

And what exactly is wrong with a mother letting her hair down and having dance. Why be so uptight?

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

It’s clearly a party song and that’s not a negative. Remember Germany 2013 for example. However, I’m not impressed at all by Melodifestivalen this year. I hope Mariette saves the game on Saturday.

Eve
Eve
6 years ago

I was feeling Blanche vibes, but this could be improved version, with better voice and staging. Damn it, I can’t believe she’s out! Hope she will try next year <3

Craig
Craig
6 years ago

Sadly, I don’t see the international juries getting behind the Schlager Queen. Without having heard the SF4 songs, my money would be on Benjamin Ingrosso at the moment.

dsf
dsf
6 years ago

i think she is too old

esc1234
esc1234
6 years ago

omg Sweden is ready to live the Perreli days if she wins hahaaha

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

I very much doubt that a song that got the least amount of “heartbeats”of all qualifiers is a candidate for the win. The polls here are against her, right now she is like 5th-6th somewhere. She didn’t exactly get praise when she qualified, people said it was the best of a weak semifinal. How that makes her the top candidate is beyond me. It wasn’t even a good performance..
But OK, look like folk over at Unibet knows something the Swedes don’t know..

O?uzhan Çölkesen
O?uzhan Çölkesen
6 years ago

Please no! Although I’m rooting for Mariette, I hope Sweden chooses either Benjamin or Liamoo from the first 21 songs. Together with Dotter, those were the only songs that had a special Swedish touch in staging. I just can’t stand the idea of Sweden sending an ordinary song with a simple dance and lyrics that says Jessica is “dancing like a mother”. Her song is above average but not a Melfest winner. I also understand why some people don’t like Benjamin or Liamoo’s song, but honestly, those 2 are the only songs that I want to see on Eurovision’s spectacular… Read more »

friedenau
friedenau
6 years ago

I hope they are right and Jessica wins Melfest! The song is dated but in a schlager classic way. It’s the kind of music that many people still love and listen to in north and central European countries (Helene Fischer salutes you). Go to way Jessica!

Milla
Milla
6 years ago

Omg! I hope she won’t win! I don’t want my country to send a song from 2008. Come on Mariette!

Milla
Milla
6 years ago
Reply to  Milla

My mother is 62 and she likes Liamoo. Even she understands Jessica song is dated. So do I. I want him to win if no one has something better. Then perhaps Benjamin.

Marc
Marc
6 years ago
Reply to  Milla

I think Felix might be your saver 🙂
Not Mariette XD

Milla
Milla
6 years ago
Reply to  Marc

I hope so. NOT!

Alex
Alex
6 years ago

I think this is best explained by somebody getting really drunk and placing way too high of a bet on her. Remember that a record bet being placed on Amaury Vassili is what sent him to the top of the odds in ESC 2011.

Harry Ingrosso
Harry Ingrosso
6 years ago

C’mon Liamoo!! This is the only song, albeit a pop song, which could truly Sweden

Thiefoworld
6 years ago

I get the hype about Jessica, his song is the very typical shlager song very liked in Sweden, obviously the swedes love it, however is a case similar to Spain’s, people outside of the country won’t like it as much.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  Thiefoworld

You’d be wrong if you think Swedes like it..

ALON ISRAEL
ALON ISRAEL
6 years ago

Jessica was definately the best so far! very nice to listen to , very nice to look at…
she saved this years’ MF…
but, is it working in the eurovisions of last years??
(“hero”-sweden 2008 didn’t do well and it’s the same format)

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago

Sad, that the only good song in the final isn’t going to win, because the juries will destroy them. I’m still rooting for Samir & Viktor, bu they don’t stand any Chance at all.

D
D
6 years ago

I’d be embarrassed for us if she wins. At this point unless something in SF4 stands out, the winner has to be LIAMOO or Benjamin, and I’m not even that crazy about LIAMOO

Eve
Eve
6 years ago

Lol, is Sweden trolling us? Samir&Viktor- the only good performance with energy among those mediocrities, the only song which I’ve listened on repeat. But, since they kicked out Dotter, I expect everything now 😛

Insane
Insane
6 years ago
Reply to  Eve

Wait for Mariette!!!

BenasK
BenasK
6 years ago

Everyone’s crying about the song being too generic. As if Benjamin or Liamoo weren’t as generic as you can get. Why can’t Sweden just not care too much for once and send a fun nostalgic ABBA-esque song that actually showcases the side of Swedish pop that so many people used to love a couple of decades ago. Jessica would bring much more fun to the contest than those cute mediocre boys and she would definitely stand out among all the genuine ballads and Ed Sheeran wannebes because this is the type of music that ONLY Sweden can send. Even if… Read more »

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  BenasK

We don’t cry cause it’s generic since ESC itself is generic song contest, we cry cause it’s a outdated oldfashioned song. We don’t want to do bad and with her we would do bad. People never voted for us because we gave them different versions of same schlager song

PP
PP
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

In 1999 Sweden won with oldfashioned song sound like Abba songs from 70 ties. Maybe in 2018 Jessica win , with oldfashioned song sound like swedish song from Eurovision in early 00 ites.

BenasK
BenasK
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

I’d personaly prefer another version of a schlager song (after 10 YEARS) rather than another version of a cute boy with a radiofriendly trash that would do well just because of the staging.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago

Last time Sweden didn’t qualify, A Melfest reject had won DMGP. This year a Mello reject has won DMGP. Can it be an omen?

eurovision6
eurovision6
6 years ago

Hope she wins, I dont care if we crash in the semis.. I just dont want us to send Mariette, Ingrosso or John..

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

Unless Mariette brings a kickass song, it’s very open game, bookies aside. Personally still prefer S&K to Jessica, Liamoo or Benjamin! Even then, I’ve no clear fave like last year! Maybe NO top 5 for Sverige this year!

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

WTF? I suppose the Swedes want to stay in the SF after so many year of qualifications… I can’t take this dated song seriously, sorry. Also, I don’t really like schlager.

Even if this isn’t a good year for Sweden as it seems, I think there are better options. Don’t really know why Jessica is up there.

Pasadena
Pasadena
6 years ago

I love party voice, but it is a little dated and I don’t want it to win. Liamoo currenly miles ahead of competition.

Lolek
Lolek
6 years ago

In a weird way, I could see Jessica going to Eurovision, especially if the ‘young’ voters divide their votes between LIAMOO, Benjamin and Samir och Viktor. They aren’t bad songs (of that group I have a guilty pleasure for S&V), but I just get the sense that they would appeal to the same audience. Whereas Jessica stands out a fair bit from the other songs in the final, despite sounding a bit dated, she would attract a very specific demographic that I don’t think would be as likely to vote for the aforementioned 3 acts. Granted, I do have trouble… Read more »

ImpressiveInstants
ImpressiveInstants
6 years ago

I really don’t care about MF this year. It’s almost as bad as the Lithuanian NF.

Vladimir P.
Vladimir P.
6 years ago

It’s not an amazing song, but it’s okay and I wouldn’t mind seeing my in Eurovision, mainly because I like Jessica Andersson. I haven’t heard a better one in Melodifestivalen this year yet.

Indonesian ESC Fan
Indonesian ESC Fan
6 years ago

BENJAMIN or LIAMOO PLEASE WIN THIS THING!!
As an Asian I’d like to say please dont send Jessica to Lisbon.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

With the lack of a great song in Sweden, I wouldn’t mind seeing Jessica win. She is gorgeous and the song is fun. Sure, it’s cliche, but she can make a good party. It’s not like every year Sweden needs to be in top 10. With a good staging, Jessica can easily sneak into the finals and make it somewhere between 15th and 20th spot.

Eve
Eve
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

She will stay in semi

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

Lol random choice. There is no way she will win or even be top 5. Schlager is dead.
The winner is between Mariette, Ingrosso or Liamoo.
But if we are that stupid to send Jessica we get the result we deserve: crash in the semifinal.

Marc
Marc
6 years ago

International juries will decide the winner again based on the voting system which means Benjamin or Liamoo will win.
I think Felix might the surprise in the last heat and he might fight for winning melfest as well.
Martin is the underdog that could surprise.
Mariette is not going anywhere unless juries push her really hard (her composer is Ireland’s Dying to try xD)

Ari
Ari
6 years ago

Kinda says everything about the quality of this year’s entries, doesn’t it? Comparisons with the 2008 Perelli horror show come to mind.

Ugnius
Ugnius
6 years ago

Party Voice will be downvoted by juries, just like ESC juries downvoted ‘Verona’ – they seem not to like that vintage sound

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Ugnius

Duh! Which song won last year?

Ugnius
Ugnius
6 years ago
Reply to  Kris

Party Voice is much more simmillar to Verona than to Amar Pelos Dois

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  Ugnius

There is a difference between vintage and oldfashioned. Estonia and Jessica are just that. Which is why no one likes them.
Salvador was vintage which is why he did well.

PP
PP
6 years ago
Reply to  Ugnius

I think with international juries at MF 2018, Jessica wili finish like Sanna Nielssen with song I m in love MF 2011.
I predict TOP 3 place with juries at MF 2018 ( i think Mariete, Benjamin wili be with her in TOP 3 with juries) and if she be in TOP 3 with televote Jessica can win MF 2018.
My prediction TOP 5 with juries
1.Marriete
2.Jessica
3.Benjamin
4.Martin
5.Liamoo

TOP 5 with televote
1.Liamoo
2.Benjamin
3.Jessica
4.Martin
5.Marriete

esc freak
esc freak
6 years ago

Jessica has the best song after John but I don’t think she will win. I’d do with anything except Benjamin’s trash.

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
6 years ago

I like the song and I thought the message is cute.

mila
mila
6 years ago

I love how y’all are hating this song as if there is another one in the contest that is so much better. Benjamin Ingrosso might have the strongest entry and age for esc but Party Voice is one of the best songs this far imo. Also I wouldn’t have my hopes up for Mariette although she usually has great songs, her live vocals are pretty terrible… at least Jessica can sing. And LIAMOO, sure he sings well but since when does rapping do well in esc? You guys Sweden won’t win or be in the top 5/10 this year no… Read more »

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  mila

Before we talk about live vocals we should remember that Sweden is the country that sent the likes of Anna Bergendahl, Eric Saade and Frans. They don’t care about vocals, they’re more about the show.

Marc
Marc
6 years ago
Reply to  mila

Romania and Hungary beat Sweden in televote last year.. with Rap 😀
Televote and people love Rap 🙂

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  mila

Rap has done pretty well in the contest. Hungary sent rap last year and did well.

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago
Reply to  mila

Rap is a mixed bag. If rap uplifts your song like with Romania or Hungary 2017, rap can do well, it can also get you in the final, like with RiskyKidd for Greece 2014.

Now if the rap doesn’t suit the song like in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2016 then you can flop.

MD
MD
6 years ago

Yes, it’s the most typical schlager song Sweden could give us. Last time they sent a song like this was ten years ago, only to surprisingly finish 18th, while going for the victory. However, I can’t see something better from Sweden this year. Almost everybody tried to be original and experimental, but they all did it the wrong way and the artistic result was just atrocious. So I wouldn’t really mind seeing Jessica in Lisbon.

Vanessa
Vanessa
6 years ago

As a Swede this is just some delusional bs like no. This is horrible and so unrealistic

Oisín T
6 years ago

I’m laying that bet for sure

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
6 years ago

Tbh, party voice is my favorite song on the final untill now. Might be a bit stereotypical schlager but it’s still my guilty pleasure xD

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
6 years ago

Tbh, party voice is my favorite song on the final untill now. Might be a bit stereotypical schlager but it’s still my guilty pleasure xD

Marios
Marios
6 years ago

We have said the same thing some times in the past, but this is the worst and most unispired MF, indeed.

Alvaricomg
Alvaricomg
6 years ago

HAHAHAHAHAH OMG! is this serious? the song is so bad, generic pop music, nothing more, if this wins, I am afraid Sweden won’t reach the final…at least they will not deserve it

Janro
Janro
6 years ago

I really doubt Jessica will win. I think one Benjamin Ingrosso, LIAMOO, John Lundvik, Mariette or Felix Sandman will win. I can’t see anyone else representing Sweden. Personally I’m rooting for LIAMOO. Last breath is outstanding!

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Janro

I feel like the Swedish public will vote for Martin Almgren the most, you never know who the juries pick though. Maybe they’ll go with someone from the second chance round.

Marc
Marc
6 years ago

International juries will vote for Benjamin and Liamoo.. we know they vote for staging and expensive acts rathen than songs/artists.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

To think that Dotter was the #1 favorite before last week’s semi happened lmao. Either way once again the international juries will decide the winner. I can’t see them going for Jessica.

Wendy
Wendy
6 years ago

What happened in Sweden recently? Were they kidnapped by aliens and sent back with a new brain? Everything is out of control.