Hej Sverige! The grand final of Melodifestivalen 2018 will take place tonight. It’s where Sweden will decide who will represent them in Lisbon and maybe even bring home that sought-after seventh Eurovision victory. Over the past few weeks, the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has been reviewing the 12 songs that will be performing in the final at Friends Arena. But which is our favourite?

The Wiwi Jury was wooed by Felix Sandman‘s tale of heartbreak, “Every Single Day”. We gave the former FO&O star 7.29/10 for his andra chansen qualifier, making him our 2018 jury favourite.

In second place was Felix’s bestie and another 2017 returning act, Benjamin Ingrosso. His slick and sexy number “Dance You Off” earned an average of 7.25/10, putting him in second place. And third was Melfest party boys, Samir & Viktor. Their infectious number “Shuffla” earned 7.11/10 from the jury.

At the other end was comedy dansband Rolandz with “Fuldans”. The jury wasn’t on board with Roland’s “ugly dance”, awarding the song an average of only 3.36/10.

1. Felix Sandman – “Every Single Day” (7.29)

The best: This song is dripping with melancholy — and it’s the best kind, mourning for a lost love. Felix might not have the strongest voice, but the song suits a bit of fragility so his vocals work well with the song. Most importantly, “Every Single Day” has a rock-solid melody. It can withstand being bashed about a bit — cleverly suggesting an inner strength that will withstand a broken heart. If Felix can up his game, this could be a contender for Lisbon. (Robyn, 9/10)

The worst: Minimalist teenage boy balladry was original two years ago but not anymore, as evidenced by Felix being passed over for one of the two direct qualifier spots last Saturday night. In fact, the lack of inspiration is the biggest problem here. “Every Single Day” is a fine song, and Felix has a fine voice, but the end result is just fine. No wow, no shivers, no cool. And sadly that all ads up to give it no chance of winning the competition. (Angus, 4/10)

2. Benjamin Ingrosso – “Dance You Off” (7.25)

The best: These are the Melodifestivalen performances I’m living for, or in one word – perfection. Benjamin is such a good performer – he’s loose on stage, dances and sings very well and the camera direction is genius (except for one long shot that takes us out of “Benjamin’s lights world”). The backing vocals are a bit too high. I would like to hear Benjamin a bit more, but yet we hear him and know he can sing very well. Unlike many other songs this year that have some very interesting staging – this one has both the song and the staging. I wouldn’t mind sending this one to Eurovision. (Ron, 9.5/10)

The worst: Listening to “Dance You Off” for the first time, I immediately felt it was more like part two of Benjamin’s 2017 entry “Good Lovin’”. It has the same kind of vibe, tempo and rhythm. And it wasn’t that exciting to listen to. The song is very slow, almost boring, and the chorus doesn’t stick out that much from the rest of the song. It all feels very monotonous and flat. But I do like the visual staging and choreography. It feels like Benjamin is in a music video rather than a live TV show, a little like Måns Zelmerlöw’s “Heroes” performance. The staging makes the song more interesting, with Benjamin dancing in a neon space world. (Tobias, 6/10)

3. Samir & Viktor – “Shuffla” (7.11)

The best: It’s anthemic, it’s current and it’s fresh. Samir & Viktor may not be the best vocalists, but you can see they clearly improved from their last two entries. “Shuffla” is — by far — their best Melfest entry and has “summer hit” written all over it. While you expect slick and polished performances from Melfest, the duo brings what Sweden needs at the moment: authenticity instead of 100% perfection. I wouldn’t mind seeing this one in Lisbon. (Bernardo, 8.5/10)

The worst: This is a typical Viktor and Samir song. It’s catchy and it’s fun! The song itself is nothing wow but these guys know how to entertain and give a good show on the stage. This is the first time the duo got directly to the final and I’m not surprised. They were the only act that gave a great show, had a lot of energy as always and it is a catchy song. It’s not winning material but these guys are not here to win, they are here to have a good time and give a good show. (Tobias, 4/10)

MELODIFESTIVALEN 2018: REVIEWS AND RANKINGS

  1. Felix Sandman – “Every Single Day” (7.29)
  2. Benjamin Ingrosso – “Dance You Off” (7.25)
  3. Samir & Viktor – “Shuffla” (7.11)
  4. Mariette – “For You” (7.07)
  5. Margaret – “In My Cabana” (7.04) *
  6. Renaida – “All the Feels” (7.04) *
  7. Jessica Andersson – “Party Voice” (6.68)
  8. Liamoo – “Last Breath” (6.32)
  9. John Lundvik – “My Turn” (5.93)
  10. Martin Almgren – “A Bitter Lullaby” (5.64)
  11. Méndez – “Everyday” (4.82)
  12. Rolandz – “Fuldans” (3.36)

* Ties are broken by preferential vote.

What do you think? Who is your favourite in the Melfest final? Who would you like to see represent Sweden in Lisbon? Share your thoughts below!

READ MORE MELODIFESTIVALEN NEWS HERE

68 Comments
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Lou
Lou
6 years ago

This year I have started following national selections so I don’t know too much about how to watch this? can anyone help me out? I am guessing there will be a stream.. also I want Felix or Margaret to win but I wouldn’t mind Benjamin or Mariette 😀

Kyna
Kyna
6 years ago
Reply to  Lou
Marty Mc
Marty Mc
6 years ago

Shuffla remains a catchy radio friendly song and I can see this winning tonight. Not saved by the juries, but by the public vote. If this goes to Lisbon and remains either in Swedish or sung in English ,I fear Sweden will remain in the semi final. Sorry but this is not going to qualify for the final. I like it as a Melodifestivalen song which I can play in my car. The same applies to Liamoo, Rolandz and Mendez. The only songs that can save Sweden in May are Felix, Benjamin and Mariette. All are top 10 material. Tonight… Read more »

Kyna
Kyna
6 years ago
Reply to  Marty Mc

Even if S&V wins, I don’t think they’ll remain in the semi final. Since they are in Semi 2, then it’s quite easy for them to qualify because that semi is weak compared to the first one. And also seems like a lot of foreigners wants them (or either Felix) to be in Lisbon. A party song, a real banger (*cough cough Australia take notes*) is what is missing right now and we need it.

Kyna
Kyna
6 years ago
Reply to  Kyna

*whoopsie an email typo*
With Benjamin, again will qualify, but I seriously doubt that they’ll place that high since some people has already said that his sleazy moves are off putting and to be real though, the song itself is average, only the staging is what blinds the audience to like this entry.

Visionary
Visionary
6 years ago

I’d go for Felix over Benjamin anyday and I really hope for a surprise win, Benjamin’s entry is rather flat and rely solely on the show. People compare it to Robin’s last year, but atleast Robin’s entry was quite catchy, this one is not.
I also wouldn’t mind a modern Schlager Dance-Pop with Jessica Andersson, but I’m sure she won’t win, Sweden will once again send a young male solo artist but then Felix entry is miles above Benjamin’s.

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Felix would be one of the least tragic things they could send!

LEO ESC AUT
LEO ESC AUT
6 years ago

Hi there Eugene, what’s up ?
Please don’t forget to keep your eyes open for ISRAEL as well at the ESC. As Netta Barzilai brings something new too and very different to all others.

Why don’t have look right here ….https://youtu.be/IfdEMGU3zmc

Chris
Chris
6 years ago

It s a total disgrace how the music video for Taboo Malta has been completely left out from your articles. You ve been writing every day on how Alfred and Amaya are preparing for their music video and nothing about Chridtabelle almost 24 hours after being streamed. Well done Wiwibloggs

Ruby
Ruby
6 years ago
Reply to  Chris

You’re not alone. I’m a bit disappointed too.

ken
ken
6 years ago
Reply to  Ruby

Is a blog with attitude, they make it clear from the beginning they will write and speak about what they like. Is fine with me, I’m not Swedish, but I don’t mind to read about whatever is here.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Well, the “taboo” of your typical Eurovision fan boy not making Sweden a priority every single year will probably never be broken. 😛

Just enjoy the entries you love. They’re all out there, regardless of how many articles they get.

Lollipopp
Lollipopp
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

@Ari you are souch a Sweden hater in all your comments through wiwi. Please dont make more comments.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Lollipopp

I love Sweden the country, but I definitely can’t stand people like you who don’t get what nuance is. Glad I was able to clear that up for you. You’re welcome. 😉

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Chris

I posted a link on the Swedish chart section below.

Lollipopp
Lollipopp
6 years ago
Reply to  Chris

@Chris OMG we hope you will come over this let down? so sad that you feeling this.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
6 years ago

I hope (and think) that Benjamin will win . I don’t like Felix’ song, while Dance You Off, is perfect, and would be an easy top 5 finish. It’s Swedens only choice (together with Margaret but the Swedish don’t like it for some reason.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

Remember the old days when Danny and Eric Saade would kiss and everything? Can Felix and Benjamin…

ken
ken
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Why would they kiss if they are not a couple?

D
D
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

They have a clip in Instagram where they embrace each other!

Ana
Ana
6 years ago

If Liamoo won, he would immediately go into my top 5…
But I don’t see big chances for it…

eurovision6
eurovision6
6 years ago
Reply to  Ana

Id say he has really big chances, much bigger than Benjamin for example but ok

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

1. SHUFFLA SHUFFLA!!!
2. Every Single Day
3. In My Cabana
4. Party Voice
5. My Turn
6. Last Breath
7. Dance You Off
8. All the Feels
9. A Bitter Lullaby
10. For You
11. Fuldans
12. Everyday

Lolita
Lolita
6 years ago

ANOTHER BALLAD? ARE YALL KIDDING ME. DONT DO THIS, SWEDEN. BENJAMIN OR MARGARET

Ffs
Ffs
6 years ago

Not another depressing , whingey whinny ¨as if ¨little ballad about “lost love “ and all that crap …

lluussoo
lluussoo
6 years ago
Reply to  Ffs

Not another flashy neon-light induced piece of fashion design accompanied with “music”, that has been polished and trimmed in Swedish Photoshop, about dancing and being sexy and all that crap.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
6 years ago
Reply to  lluussoo

Thank you! Finally someone!

romanian
romanian
6 years ago

— LITTLE OFF TOPIC– – Wiwibloggs made a reaction video about Feli from Romania before NF because wiwi was sure Feli will win. But The Humans won, and probably the reaction video about them will be last. I’m not complaining, is good to be last (ask Bulgaria and Russia), is just funny, wiwi didn’t recover after Feli lost.
—I hope Felix will win in Sweden, if he does, he will be my first
2. Belgium
3. Estonia

HELEN
HELEN
6 years ago

Liamo 8th.
Oh obviously, she’s bit a euro-diva

HELEN
HELEN
6 years ago
Reply to  HELEN

*he’s nota a euro-diva
corrector sorry

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago

It would be such a dream to see this song win… I can’t take Benjamin and everything around him and his song anymore. It annoys me the same way that Robin Bengtsson annoyed me last year, but at least Robin didn’t have that terrible voice… Why is Felix even the 2nd favourite to win Melfest? I love ”Every single day”, but he’s an andra chansen qualifier…. It seems quite unlikely to me. But hope never dies.

(Also: SHUFFLA SHUFFLA)

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

oh faaail. how could I forget the most important thing?

Shuffla Shuffla!

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

I always consider Felix my favourite, but Samir & Viktor stole my heart from the beginning. They’re my true hopeless favourite 😀

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

At this point, I no longer care. I’d be delighted if “Shuffla Shuffla” wins, okay with “Every Single Day”, indifferent with everyone else but you-know-who. Should you-know-who win, I’ll try my best to ignore the act because, well, why bother? 😛

Nina
Nina
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

Felix winning would be much better than Benjamin winning. He seems a lot more genuine. Benjamin just feels like a show-off and it irritates me a lot.

Marc
Marc
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

For some weird reason Swedes really love Every Single Day but they don’t like or connect with Felix’ performance Idk. We are missing something xd

Ari
Ari
6 years ago

It’ll be so wonderful when this is finally over. As always, the only part of the Swedish NF that I’ll be watching is the voting sequence. They do know how to nail that one. I do like some excitement and since none of the acts can provide that…

Lolllipop
Lolllipop
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

@Ari so intresting for us that you telling us this. We will fille it for next generation.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

Also not forget that audience poll voted Felix as sixth in his semifinal and third in AC. He def did better than that with voters. Perhaps he is better on TV than on stage?

Malin
Malin
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

I am so suprised that many non swedish persons have Samir och Viktor top 5. i don’t think we expect that here in sweden.
Eller vad säger ni andra svenskar. Lite överraskande. Tror många skippar rösta på Samir och Viktor bara för de inte tror internationella juryn kommer rösta på dem. Men om, jag då kanske telefonerna börjar gå varma.

Leah
Leah
6 years ago
Reply to  Malin

They are the most interesting and outstanding, compared to both the other contestants of Mello and the already chosen acts of the other countries for Eurovision. Personally (and also speaking for the majority of people I discussed this with) I would love see them in Lisbon and definitely vote for them in the Semi (Germany votes in Semi 2) as well as in the final.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  Leah

They might get high in tele voting and get a top 5 remark but don’t think they will win. Even doubt they will win televoting. It is their best effort but at the end I really doubt Swedes want them to represent us. That would sort off diminish MF and make it lose credibility.

Mi mo mi
Mi mo mi
6 years ago

Melodifestivalen is soooo weak and underwhelming this year. For me, only descent song is My Turn – John Lundvik, although I’m not sure about its chances on Eurovision… but the other songs are so boring, cliché or – let’s say – “fast food”. Sometimes I love some “fast food” songs, but these are just awful…

D
D
6 years ago
Reply to  Mi mo mi

Then dont bloody watch

KESC
KESC
6 years ago

Any news on the Georgian song?! It’s the only country that hasn’t revealed any date.
Julia Samoylova’s entry will be released tomorrow evening.

Kyna
Kyna
6 years ago
Reply to  KESC

They have filmed their music video and the song should be in georgian. I don’t know about when it’ll be revealed tho…

Kyna
Kyna
6 years ago

btw off topic: tomorrow evening Russian entry will be finally revealed. Seems like it’s gonna be in english.

ESCKazakhstan
ESCKazakhstan
6 years ago

1. Felix
2. Margaret
3. Samir & Viktor
However I think Benjamin has already won.

Kaz
Kaz
6 years ago

I want Felix however I think Benjamin has it. I have a feeling he will be very high in the jury vote. He may not win the televote but it should be enough. My top 3:
1. Felix
2. Mariette
3. Benjamin
HM: Liamoo, Jessica, Renaida and Martin

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago

OMG!!! Felix must win! I confess this one had escaped me. But when I heard it I got completely hooked. Paraphrasing William, ‘Bring some off this Nordic melancholia to Lisbon, ho-ney’! Benjamin is also a great tune and act but more of the same what Sweden brings on. For the rest, well, I am going to do exactly what I told those that thought that Festival da Canção boring: I am not going to watch it. Yes for me all other songs vary between boring and excruciating, with one or two bearable exceptions. So good Sweden, bring Felix if you… Read more »

Que
Que
6 years ago

Am i the only one who doesn’t understand why everyone compares Felix to Frans?
I think their songs are very different, and they are very different

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Que

Similar laid-back staging…..
Similar audiences they are appealing to
Charting on no. 1 before melodifestivalen final

Jayy R
Jayy R
6 years ago

My 2 favourites got exactly the same score from the wiwi jury! 😀

I’d love to see either Margaret or Renaida represent Sweden this year, but judging from the jury show, I don’t think that’s gonna happen… oh well. Good luck to everyone!

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Jayy R

You saw the jury show?

Leah
Leah
6 years ago

Am I the only one that doesn’t want Felix to win? For me his song sounds boring and I don’t really like his voice. Also the studio version is alright, but am I wrong saying that he sounds quite weak live? I also don’t want Benjamin to win. Would support S & V, Mariette or Liamoo, but unfortunately I guess they don’t have a chance.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Leah

I secretly pray that the jury sided with Liamoo and give him enough points to Finish in the Top 3
But yeah it seems like whoever jury gives more points out of Benjamin and Felix will win it

Leah
Leah
6 years ago
Reply to  Kris

Yes, it’s pretty obvious and it sucks. Every yeah we get the same bland thing from Sweden thanks to the juries.

Anna
Anna
6 years ago

Well I personally have no doubt that Felix is gonna win it. He’s got lots of fans who will vote, and the song is great so people will vote for that, and I’m sure he’ll do Sweden’s past scores at ESC justice. Also would love to see shuffla at Eurovision, we haven’t had something in swedish in a while and this is a good party track. I don’t really like Benjamin’s song, but I guess if he wins he’ll do good too:)

Ug
Ug
6 years ago

For me any song is canceled if compared with ugly Amar Pelos Dois. I like Every Single Day, because is pop ballad, but if its fans will try to make something pretentious out of it, it will be as disgusting as Salvador Sobral’s song and speech.

Kaz
Kaz
6 years ago
Reply to  Ug

Lol Felix is a very pop artist did u hear him last year? He won’t make a speech about fast food music like Salvador

eurovision6
eurovision6
6 years ago
Reply to  Ug

Comparing Felix song to the **** that won last year should be a crime..

EscAU
EscAU
6 years ago

ew

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
6 years ago

I want to see Sweden out of the final as long as they pick Benjamin, who just wants to look good on stage with another cheap fast food song (I love fast food music but this specific song has no soul) Felix made me cry and not many songs can do that Goodbye to Yesterday did, Color of Your Life did and they both got a good result in Eurovision Amar Pelos Dois eventually made me cry as well and it won So please, Sweden, for once, send true emotions to Eurovision Don’t stick to cheap pop songs and amazing… Read more »

Quittelgel
Quittelgel
6 years ago
Reply to  Roy Moreno

Agree!
Honestly when I see Benjamin’s performance, I just think of a self obsessed brat! I have no idea why because he seem so nice and genuine in interviews and stuff but when i performs this song his inner brat shines brighter than the stage lights behind him haha. Then i prefer Felix, even though I am not a fan of teenage boys singing heartbreak songs, his actually works for some reason…

Kyna
Kyna
6 years ago
Reply to  Roy Moreno

Amen, the truth has been spoken.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Roy Moreno

If Felix made you cry…. Then you cry too easily

I Like the song because it has a good melody but if the purpose was to create a moment then it has missed the mark

Especially with his i’d rather imitate Salvador ‘s jerks and huge microphone…… No it definitely misses the emotional mark

But the song is good!

Karl
Karl
6 years ago

I’m not sure how well Felix would do in Lisbon, his Salvador-esque seizure movements and the head banging are a bit fake and too much. I think Benjamin would probably do better at Eurovision, but I’m just hoping the juries and public aren’t stupid enough to send John Lundvik. He probably wouldn’t even qualify.

Milla
Milla
6 years ago
Reply to  Karl

My exact thoughts!