They’re the hard rock band who will be competing in next week’s andra chansen round of Melodifestivalen 2021. But things have become a little uncertain for the band Lillasyster with news that bass player and backing vocalist Andreas Bladini has tested positive for Covid-19.
Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reports that Bladini tested positive last week. He explained:
“I found out in the middle of last week that I was part of infection tracking via children in the family. Both me and my wife Moa tested positive and we have not met anyone else since we found out that we were part of the infection tracking. The family has also tried to keep their distance from each other as much as possible.”
Bladini also confirmed that he has only experienced mild symptoms. He noted that he has not had physical contact with any of the other members of Lillasyster since their Melodifestivalen performance earlier in the month.
Lillasyster will use a substitute for upcoming TV4 performance
Lillasyster will use a substitute bassist for an upcoming television performance — but it’s not their andra chansen duel. On Sunday, the band is due to perform on the TV4 show Nyhetsmorgon but Bladini won’t be part of that performance.
According to guidelines from the Public Health Agency of Sweden, Bladini should no longer be contagious, but in order to keep things stress-free for others, he is choosing to sit out the upcoming performance.
But Bladini expects to be able to perform with Lillasyster as part of their andra chansen performance of “Pretender” next Saturday.
Speaking to Aftonbladet, Melodifestivalen producer Karin Gunnarsson confirms SVT has been keeping in touch with Lillasyster. She said, “He fell ill more than a week after his participation and is now asymptomatic, the rest of the band has been tested negative. They are welcome back to Andra Chansen, by then it will be over a week since he recovered.”
A member of the Melodifestivalen production crew has also tested positive for Covid-19. Melfest project manager Anette Brattström said the team member’s infection took place outside Melodifestivalen and praised the staffer for sticking to their bubble and using good hygiene practices.
Melodifestivalen’s Covid backup plans
While Andreas Bladini is not the lead singer of Lillasyster and a potential absence would not greatly affect the sound of the performance, Melodifestivalen already has backup systems in place if a Covid diagnosis disrupts an act’s ability to perform.
If an artist has to withdraw due to illness or even just exhibiting symptoms, there will be ways to ensure their song is still part of the competition. Rehearsals on the Thursday and Friday prior to each show are taped, with the potential to play that performance during the live show. There’s also the possibility of using a stand-in performer.
The team at Wiwibloggs wishes Andreas Bladini and his family a speedy recovery!
This is the most swedish thing to happen, Sweden + Covid-19 go hand in hand
Shouldn’t everyone who came into contact with him at semi 1/2 (idk which) be isolating then? And also any production staff?
Ask the Swedish government, they put up the rules not us
It was semi 1, but it sounds like he contracted the virus some time after his semi, so perhaps that is why.
Musical instruments and backing vocalist are on tape, so no harm done. Get well soon xoxoxo