Melodifestivalen 2020 is almost upon us! In just two days, the seven acts and their teams will descend upon the city of Linköping to begin rehearsals for the first semi-final of Sweden’s Eurovision selection.
And while it’s often the artists that get much of the attention, the other on-stage contributors play an essential role in bringing a creative vision to life.
On Monday, SVT published a full list of contributors for semi one of Melfest 2020. And in it are many familiar names.
All eyes are immediately drawn to Malou Prytz’s team. For the second year running, she has engaged the services of both ISA (2015 and 2016) and Ace Wilder (2014, 2016 and 2017). The former will provide backing vocals while the latter will be responsible for staging and styling.
Another standout name is Erik Segerstedt. He’s lending his voice to Robin Bengtsson. He previously competed with Danny Saucedo’s boyband EMD in 2009 and Norwegian singer Tone Damli in 2013.
Those who pay attention to songwriting credits may also recognise Melanie Wehbe on vocals for The Mamas. She was one of the writers on Leonora’s “Love Is Forever” — Denmark’s Eurovision 2019 entry. She’s also a songwriter on “Move”.
As in 2019, Sacha Jean Baptiste and her team play a role in staging all of the acts.
The list is also interesting as it gives us some clues about staging. For instance, The Mamas, Robin Bengtsson and Sonja Aldén won’t have any dancers in their performances.
Melodifestivalen 2020: Semi-Final One Contributors
1. “Move” – The Mamas
Contributors
Artist: The Mamas (LouLou Lamotte, Dinah Yonas Manna and Ashley Haynes).
Backing Vocals: Melanie Wehbe, Patrik Jean and Stran Cetin.
Choreography and Staging: Zain Odelstål, Dennis Bröchner, Sacha Jean Baptiste and Lotta Furebäck.
2. “Moves” – Suzi P
Contributors
Artist: Suzi P.
Dancers: Husdansarna Keisha Von Arnold, Lisa Arnold, Edin Jusuframic and Lamin Holmén.
Backing Singers: Chanel Tukia, Aniela Eklund and Susanne Bertlin.
Choreography and Staging: Sacha Jean-Baptiste and Lotta Furebäck.
3. “Take A Chance” – Robin Bengtsson
Contributors
Artist: Robin Bengtsson.
Backing Singer: Erik Segerstedt.
Choreography and Staging: Zain Odelstål, Dennis Bröchner, Sacha Jean Baptiste and Lotta Furebäck.
4. “Ballerina” – Malou Prytz
Contributors
Artist: Malou Prytz.
Dancer: Maria Avatare.
Backing Singers: Isa Tengblad (ISA) and Emelie Fjällström.
Choreography and Staging: Jonna Hökengren, Alice Gernandt (Ace Wilder), Sacha Jean- Baptiste and Lotta Furebäck.
5. “Inga problem” – OVÖ
Contributors
Artist: OVÖ (Jaouli Akofely and Nickie Osenius).
Dancers: Keisha von Arnold, Lisa Arnold, Edin Jusuframic, Lamin Holmén and Adja Benita.
Backing Singer: Greg Curtis.
Choreography and Staging: Sacha Jean-Baptiste, Lotta Furebäck and Adja Benita.
6. “Sluta aldrig gå” – Sonja Aldén
Contributors
Artist: Sonja Aldén.
Backing Singers: Dea Norberg and Emelie Fjällström.
Choreography and Staging: Lotta Furebäck and Sacha Jean-Baptiste.
7. “Boys With Emotions” – Felix Sandman
Contributors
Artist: FELIX SANDMAN
Dancers: Lamin Holmén, William Boo, Tony Birkic and Niklas Arleryd.
Backing Singers: Tony Ferrari and Daniel Jansson Stigberger.
Choreography and Staging: Lotta Furebäck, Sacha Jean-Baptiste
What do you think of this semi’s line-up? Who are you most excited to see live? Let us know in the comments.
Nice to see dancers and background people getting credit. The whole entertainment industry needs to seriously acknowledge those who work behind the stage..
like restroom cleaners
I am surprised that Felix will have dancers. Is it a BOP?
If the boys have hot emotions, why not?
Issa bop indeed. I hope he also dances, since he has a big dance background
need Ace Wilder back with an entry
her and Isa both. I loved all their songs in the contest.
Sacha Jean-Baptiste – is she THE creative this year or what? LOL
I’d like Ace to be the ace here.
Just want to stress this line, particularly the bit in bold, because a lot of commenters seem to be missing it.
“For the second year running, she has engaged the services of both ISA (2015 and 2016) and Ace Wilder (2014, 2016 and 2017)
Although the song was ok rather than good last year, Malou definitely looked the part on stage. Glad that she’s keeping the parts that worked.
I actually liked malou’s entry last year and was really positiveluy surprised went directly to final
So I have high hopes and the added names give me added hopes
malou’s record label is promoting her like no tomorrow, isa and ace wilder had so nice attempts in melodifestivalen only to end up supporting malou….
the industry push that malou girl is getting is unexplainable lmfao at least her entry will have some personality now that ace wilder is involved
Ace Wilder was also involved in her performance last year
have you ever thought about that maybe Malou reads this? You have no shame in your body at all. You always write stuff that pop out from your mouth. Think sometimes. Its not a good thing to always trash other people you dont even know.
lol I’m sure Malou is totally agonizing over comments like these.
if you’re tryin to make me feel bad bout it, nice try but i don’t lmfao. malou literally said her musical inspirations are anne-marie, dua lipa and ed sheeran, she’s asking to not be taken seriously. sounds like a rich girl with the tantrum of having a music career.
Im 100% against trashing artists personalites. I only judge the songs. I dont know them in private
Ace wilder has 0 personality too so idk what you’re thinking
Even if its not as a performer, I’m hyped to see Ace’s involvement! I always enjoy her style/the aesthetic she brings to the contest!
Downgraded personas