The Wiwi Jury — our in-house team of music unprofessionals — is reviewing and rating the 39 competing songs in Eurovision 2021. Next we look at Sweden’s Melodifestivalen 2021 winner Tusse and his song “Voices”. Did we feel his performance? Read on to find out!

Tusse – “Voices”

“Voices” reviews

Ron: “Voices” and Tusse are a package deal which you can’t separate, that’s its strength. While the lyrics of this song are a bit cliché and a bit strange in some parts, Tusse is selling this song so well in his performance that at the end of the performance you don’t even remember the few things that bothered you in the song. Tusse is not simply singing this song, he is shouting it out and in a very touching and convincing way that makes you feel connected to Tusse and to the song. He really feels this song in every note and every word and you can tell Tusse has a really deep connection to it. The great vocals, the impressive staging, the anthemic and slick production and the powerful message of unity, hope, perseverance and freedom are making this entry, as an overall package, as one of the best of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Score: 8.5

Luis: The strength of “Voices” resides completely with Tusse. He is a brilliant performer who elevates a very plain entry to unseen heights. Was this song not on his hands, it wouldn’t have even made the cut for Melodifestivalen. It’s so sad that such an engaging singer with his voice and stage presence doesn’t have a song that matches all his abilities. Lyrically, musically, production-wise we’ve been here many times before. Tusse’s artistry is the only remarkable asset of Sweden’s entry.

Score: 6

Natalie: I love the neat incorporation of world music into this song, it really holds the whole thing together and makes it distinct from what would otherwise be a quite generic song. Tusse’s voice is bright, bubbly but also dramatic and powerful. The staging at Mello, with the many faces and the ferocity of it was also a big part of what led to Tusse’s landslide win and I really hope they come up with something as equally moving in Rotterdam. Its a timely song and I love to see it from Sweden. I really hope Tusse does well.

Score: 7.5

Tobias: He’s got the voice, stage presence, a powerful stage performance and… a mediocre mainstream pop song. But the overall product is so sleek and the melody and lyrics are so easy to remember “Can you hear a million voices?“. The strength of this song is that it is so easy to embrace for any listener. And in ESC you only get three minutes to make an impression. Having that said, I do find that Sweden’s Tusse with “Voices” is one of the more memorable songs this year. It doesn’t take more than one listening of “Voices” before you can hum the melody and sing the chorus. Sometimes that’s a very important ingredient and just what is needed to get the general Eurovision viewer’s vote.

Score: 9

William: The opening shot of Tusse walking on digital water is a come-to-Jesus moment: You can’t help but go silent and get ready for the Scandipop sermon! Tusse is a vision in velvet and diamonds and glamour, yet when he sings you hear the wisdom of a survivor who understands struggle and what it’s like to be dragged through the mud. It’s this grit — along with his total authenticity and freedom of movement — that elevates this above all the other generic songs about haters. He sings, yes, but you also get the sense he’s speaking directly to you and from his heart. We may have heard it all before, but we haven’t heard it this good.

Score: 6.5

Tusse – “Voices” rankings

In the Wiwi Jury we have 24 jurors but only have room for five reviews. The remaining scores are below:

Antranig: 5.5

Calvin: 7

Deban: 6

Diego: 6.5

Erdi: 9

Esma: 8

Jonathan: 6.5

Jordi: 9

Josh: 8

Julian: 8

Kristín: 7

Lauren: 5.5

Lucy: 5.5

Oliver: 6.5

Pablo: 5.5

Renske: 8.5

Robyn: 7.5

Sebastian: 6.5

Tom: 8

We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 5.5 and a high of 9.

Wiwi Jury verdict: 7.14/10

What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!

See all our Eurovision 2021 reviews and rankings

91 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Magpie
Magpie
2 years ago

I swear Australia produced similar songs to this in the 1980s, and I’m pretty sure those were all far superior.

Lou
Lou
2 years ago

SWEDEN- This is a strange entry for Sweden. I love the powerful entrance music at the beginning of the song, but after that “Voices” kinda goes nowhere… Tusse’s style however is amazing and I believe his vocals really show some emotion. Overall, this song is a bit too basic for me, but with good staging I think this will really remind us of “Scream” from 2019? 6.5/10

Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago

Sweden 5/10

Milla
Milla
2 years ago

No, not jealous. But there is absolutely no need to read anything from Mr. Bean here when there’s an article about Sweden. He’s pretty predictable I’d say..

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
2 years ago

this song is still beyond me… it’s SO basic and vanilla in every sense. the predictable melody, the key change, the insipid instrumental, the bland lyrics, even the boring performance… there’s a lot to criticize about this track so it baffles me how the lowest score is 5.5, the reviews could’ve been more insightful. he’s an endearing guy tho and i wish him the best

tomtomtom
tomtomtom
2 years ago

No reviewer will dare give low points to anything from Sweden. They won’t take that risk. If the same song was from next door Finland though, they wouldn’t hesitate to criticize it.

Steven
Steven
2 years ago

I like everything in this song except for the chorus. The chorus sounds too cheesy, basic, and polished.. We’ve already had a song with the “Million Voices” part. However, it’ll probably end up in the Grand Final, because it’s Sweden.

ESC 21
2 years ago
Reply to  Steven

And Germany 2010 have the same as Swedrn 1979. Satalit was the tiel for both song but not the same song.

Daly
Daly
2 years ago

I give it a 8!
This is exactly what we would expect Sweden to send. It’s a good quality pop, well produced, great message. Maybe these things alone wouldn’t be enough to me to like the song, when it’s a little generic, especially the lyrics, but Tusse’s charismatic performance & the staging elevates it to me. And it’s so catchy! It’s in my top 10 and I think it’s definitely qualifying, but in a 5° or lower place.

Héctor
Héctor
2 years ago

As long as it is too similar to some trending songs, especially similar to The Weeknd, and the lyrics and the melody aren’t otherwordly, I’d say “Million Voices” is enjoyable and uplifting. This will appeal the general public for sure, Tusse has the voice, a unique and powerful image and the BLM is still a hot topic.

I give it a 7.25/10

Sweden is placed 8th in my top.

8. SWEDEN (7.25)
26. Latvia (6)
34. Serbia (5)

Richard
Richard
2 years ago

Hard to see how this can be judged a better song than the Belgian entry, it’s so generic and lame. Russia did the million voices theme much better a few years ago, in terms of the live performance at least. But Tusse has a strong appeal, so perhaps it will grow on me.

tomtomtom
tomtomtom
2 years ago
Reply to  Richard

Belgium is not catchy enough for the casual Eurovision watcher or jury. But I agree there are better songs than Sweden.

ESC 21
2 years ago
Reply to  Richard

Its not the same song. If you fobt no that

Bart
Bart
2 years ago

Another year, another weak Swedish entry. Only Loreen (classic winner) and Ingrosso (good Timberlake-copy) where worthy entries since 2010. It will make the final, but not top 10 this year.

Ted
Ted
2 years ago

Not a fan of this song, sorry. I enjoyed the mama’s last year and John the year before. The staging is too similar to John L too. I predict that this will be a shock no qualifier in 2021.

Henry
Henry
2 years ago
Reply to  Ted

Not gonna happen.. will 100% qualify.. I don’t like the song either.. but it’s Sweden, again will be the Juries darling…

ESC 21
2 years ago

Yes ?

Grantyk
Grantyk
2 years ago

Any other country sent this it would have scored a 4/10, if the UK sent this it would be ripped apart. Sweden hype train again sure the juries will cream over this as well and over inflate the score, can’t wait for it to bomb the televote just like Benjamin Ingrosso in 2018!

tomtomtom
tomtomtom
2 years ago
Reply to  Grantyk

Agree. Swedish privilege.

Josh
Josh
2 years ago

The narrative that Sweden has been flopping in the televote the last couple of years is honestly getting annoying. The only times they’ve finished outside of the top 10 in the televote in the last ten years are in 2013 and 2018.

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago

Bronze star.

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Fallen…?

Kas
Kas
2 years ago

Extremelly overrated. I like the scores of some jury members…from 3 to the previous song to 9….for this one
Lol…

blahh
blahh
2 years ago

Stop hating on Sweden for being overrated. it’s not their fault. blame the juries.

ESC 21
2 years ago
Reply to  blahh

YES

blahh
blahh
2 years ago

Great message, great performer and great staging. But the problem with it imo is that it’s too generic and not memorable enough. Some parts were catchy and got me vibing but others were plain. I still like the song and I think it’s emits positive energy and pretty empowering. It is quality but it feels too safe doesn’t stand out.
But I like it, so 7.4/10.

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  blahh

Great crying performer…

Darren
Darren
2 years ago

I don’t recall any silence, when Sweden places in the top 10, especially when they only get there because of the juries.
You must be watching a separate ESC. Maybe your watching a repeat Melfest or something because you clearly ain’t watching ESC.

Maureen
Maureen
2 years ago

I know a lot of esc fans that don’t particularly like this song but on the other hand I do know a lot of non esc fans that like this song. I personally think the fandom might not love it but the non esc fans will and that’s why I think it will still do well and not because it’s Sweden :/

Last edited 2 years ago by Maureen
Ian
Ian
2 years ago

Would be surprised if there isn’t significant discrepancy between jury and televote this year when it comes to Sweden. Not a song I’d listen to very often. Yes its has that sleek swedish production but it still comes off as bland, especially with those lyrics. The live does elevate it tons though, mainly because of Tusse…

Aaron
Aaron
2 years ago
Reply to  Ian

I have to agree, and a podcast I was listening to which reviewed the entry was that it was too slick and polished for a song that is supposed to draw out that emotion. In the encore after he was declared a winner was the best performance.

He needs to be able to make the audience feel the emotions he is trying to convey and I am not sure if he can.

ESC 21
2 years ago
Reply to  Ian

Its alots of songs i not should not listen tio this year. RUSSIA, ukraine Italy and Azerbaijdjan and many more

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
2 years ago

I too love Clara’s song, and yet it is only a few more chords of development beyond what “Voices” is, musically. Honestly though, Clara has a very special deep vocal range, and I love how she sings in Swedish as well.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
2 years ago

There’s not much I can add to this one. It’s already been said: Great artist, basic four-chord song, key change, touching message, and we’re done. IKEA-like efficiency. 🙂

Jessie
Jessie
2 years ago

He is fine but the song is soo generic.

Anhel
Anhel
2 years ago

There are some moments I don’t like (such as the choir, and the line about “the haters” sounds silly to me) but overall I enjoy listening to it more than most other songs this year. It’s my n. 14.

pooky1001
pooky1001
2 years ago

I dont dislike this song but i dont really like it either, its just…..there. However i do think Tusse is a great performer with a great energy on stage so i feel that will elevate it higher. Its a safe qualifier and i would think will probably finish somewhere in the top 12 area. I would give it 5/10

Alo
Alo
2 years ago

This has everything I hate in a possible entry..
Generic lyrics, boring structure, nothing innovative, unclear message and honestly I don’t really like the way Tusse sang it during melodifestivalen.
Anyway, I do think there is an audience for basic songs both with juries and public.
I think Sweden should not qualify this year.. Maybe this will get their national selection to be better and have more interesting songs.

Alo
Alo
2 years ago
Reply to  Alo

I do think they will be top 10.. But they should not..

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Alo

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high…there’s a land (scandinavian) that a heard of once in a esclaby
Sweden for top 25

Yudhistira Mahasena
2 years ago

Sweden is easily the most broken country in Eurovision. They always do their best to tie Ireland for the most victories in the contest after securing 3 victories since the end of the language rule in 1999. No wonder the juries tend to love them and I think Tusse has a big chance of bringing Eurovision 2022 to Stockholm.

Yudhistira Mahasena
2 years ago

Also Sweden is part of the Nordics. Nordic people tend to speak good English, to the point where they are trained to be musicians who contribute in writing songs for American and Asian pop artists.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
2 years ago

It’s really hard to write about a song you don’t care about. Ultimately, I guess the reason for my indifference towards it has to be the clash between what this song attempted to be and what it actually is. It was evidently intended to be a rousing, dynamic and compelling anthem touching upon important social issues, but ended up being yet another “every formula in the book” entry containing one of the most comically ineffective key changes of the season that says absolutely nothing about absolutely nothing. Maybe it was supposed to be about the inequality, but there’s just way… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Skiwalko
notyourtoy
notyourtoy
2 years ago

I will say it anytime, but @Oliver has one of the most unbiased ratings on Wiwijury, joined by William and Deban. Sweden is actually in my top 10 (9th), but the Wiwi Jury verdict is somewhat close to what this deserves.

So glad we have the Wiwi Jury with us

Last edited 2 years ago by notyourtoy
Rob
Rob
2 years ago

Really nice entry! It can be at the top 10! But i would love to see Dotter instead…

Emily
Emily
2 years ago

21) Sweden –
Whilst the song itself isn’t amazing, I think Tusse’s personality makes it shine. However, for me it is rather forgettable amongst all the other entries in Eurovision this year, but it will probably be fine qualifying. I don’t think it’ll be on the left side of the scoreboard this year. 6/10

Emily
Emily
2 years ago
Reply to  Emily

It’s just my prediction (which half of the time turns out wrong anyway), there’s no need to make such comments about it. It’s not like I said it’s terrible, because it’s not!

Last edited 2 years ago by Emily
Kristian
Kristian
2 years ago

The vocal is competent , the message is relevant. The song doesn’t stand out at all and it’s winning has probably a lot to do with thr performer. The song is decent but nothing that would make me want to hit replay.

The jury will put it high , the televote probably not. It’s a pretty safe qualifier though. 6/10

impressiveinstants
impressiveinstants
2 years ago

There is nothing wrong with this, but it is another quintessentially safe choice from Sweden, held together by an effective stage act. We can’t deny the quality, but it does nothing on me. Or viceversa, however you want to say it.

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago

I respect Tusse even more after listening to the studio version. He was able to inject energy and charisma in a song that would normally be a filler in Melfest. But there’s only so much the right performer can do with the wrong song. The beginning is nice with the bagpipes fading into a dark contemporary sound. Then there’s a sticky anthemic chorus. But that’s all we get until an unsatisfying key change. It doesn’t help that the lyrics are completely vague. 5.5/10

Darren
Darren
2 years ago

While it’s not at all a bad song, it’s just a bit meh. Another soulless factory made song that could be sung by anyone. It’s not a bad song, don’t get me wrong, it just feels so constructed and impersonal. Especially when we know Sweden can do so much better.
On the positive side, Tusse has a good stage presence, a good voice and comes across as charismatic. Sweden will qualify, just because, however I think it’s televote will be quite low.
5/10 – not bad, not great. Listenable, enjoyable but then forgettable when the next song comes on.

Giolo
Giolo
2 years ago

Oh, Sweden. Here I see hate coming for my unpopular opinion. For me it’s easily the best of the three reviewed songs so far. Like everybody else said, it’s a safe play from Sweden again and many people are tired about it, but I can see authenticity in Tusse performing it. Although the lyrics are kinda generic, Tusse clearly feel what he means, I interpret it as an anti-racial message. Now, the song itself has amazing production and in the first seconda totally grabs the listener’s attention, however after about 2 minutes from the start, I feel like it’s becoming… Read more »

Grft
Grft
2 years ago

Well I agree with Deban and William. 6-6.5. Okay but clearly not something special.

Erasmus
Erasmus
2 years ago

So this is clearly the best out of the 3 we got so far. The production is great – in a way modern but in a way, it nods to 2014. Tusse is very charismatic, still, I think that if he didn’t have the sad story behind him this would come nowhere near winning melfest – the same goes for Tix in Norway. Staging is sleek but what else can we expect from Sweden. I actually prefer this to the Mamas even though they were very pleasing to the ears. Hope Sweden sends something better next year, this is still… Read more »

Whoareyou?
Whoareyou?
2 years ago

Is this seriously getting a 7? I mean then Greece should get at least 8,5 and France 9+…

Volcano
2 years ago

If this song came from the UK, this would get a lower six??
It is about the song, and it is mediocre, why giving it like 2 extrapoints for that?

Aeria
Aeria
2 years ago

Melfest in general was weak this year, but I think Sweden managed to hit that stride again where their entry will probably get loads of jury points but flop in the televote.

Trina
Trina
2 years ago

This song is the Glee episode where they perform an old Phil Colins hit we’d forgotten about (this causes a small but noticeable rise in Spotify plays in the following two weeks). I recognize that this is well crafted (etc., etc.), and it will deservedly finish in the top half of the table, but – BUT – it is also undeniably formulaic, and non-specific to the point that I would bet money they wrote the lyrics first and found the ‘message’ afterward. (Colin’s comments on this below are excellent). Though props to the performer for elevating it as much as… Read more »

rainer1
rainer1
2 years ago

For the first time in a long time, i’m disappointed with the swedish contribution this year. unfortunately i don’t like the song or tusses voice.
after all, tusse gets an award from me …… the rykka memorial award …. for his strange movements on stage

Leo
Leo
2 years ago

Is it just me or anyone else thinks there is absolutely no hype around Sweden’s entry this year?
I even sometimes forget Sweden’s competing!

Erasmus
Erasmus
2 years ago
Reply to  Leo

gurl.. not liking a song doesn’t equal being a racist u know.

Sara-Stina
Sara-Stina
2 years ago
Reply to  Leo

Last year Sweden’s odds were 12th place before the contest was canceled. I think it might just be the fans hating on Sweden which is why people don’t talk about it.

Trina
Trina
2 years ago
Reply to  Sara-Stina

I don’t know if it’s ‘hating’ so much as ‘not finding relevant anymore’. Personally, I think it is more that Sweden has stuck in the same, same groove, while the rest of the world (in music, in world events, etc.) has moved on. Completely understandable that Europe in 2021 does not relate to the same things they related to in e.g., 2015 (or is annoyed when a country keeps insisting it is still 2015)..

Volcano
2 years ago
Reply to  Leo

Lol, this song is just mediocre, it would be rather racist if he got more points because of his skin colour. Some people do that, giving singers at esc more points because of the skin colour(I have the feeling). Lol, I like Tusse but the song is just okay. And we have to be fair, if this song was sung by a White Swede or a Britain etc. this would be ranked much lower.
This is only an assumption but I do have the feelings that some people rank it higher because of his origin, but nobody knows.

Volcano
2 years ago
Reply to  Volcano

If the song is good than fine. But this song is just safe and nothing more.
I think Tusse deserved a better song.

Nobody
Nobody
2 years ago

Tusse is such a great artist, he deserved a better song. The song is not bad, but it’s not one of my favorites.

Colin
Colin
2 years ago

SWEDEN – Most Swedish entries tend to be slick pop songs that don’t take much risks. Since this formula works like clockwork when it comes to the juries, keeping it feels logical. Voices is a solid song, well produced, and well executed. The melody in the chorus is pretty catchy and vibrant. The lyrics are somewhat vague, but still okay. The issue here is that this big empowerment anthem feels deliberately non-specific in its message. Who are these voices? Why are they in the rain? Who are the haters, and why? Who are the primary demographics of this empowerment anthem?… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Colin
Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

You were a little kinder about them than me, but we came up with the same word for the lyrics: vague. If only they put the same effort on the rest of them as they did with the “painting all the scars in the colors of change”, which is actually a good line.

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I was a little kinder regarding Sweden, but I was much closer to giving it a 5.5 than a 6.5. Yeah, it’s a little vague, thus coming as impersonal. It wants to speak to everyone, yet it feels too non-specific to do so. You were the kinder one when it comes to Serbia and Latvia, even if none of these songs seem to be high on either of our lists thus far. Maybe the 14:00 review today brings a favorite of mine (or yours)? 🙂 EDIT: For me, it’s also about the impression that this song was meant to feel… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Colin
Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Maybe what happened is that the songwriters thought that Tusse performing it would automatically connect all the dots, because people would have his personal background in mind. When you think about his story, it gets easier to connect with the resilience message. But the lyrics could address it properly, like those in the Dutch song (my favorite lyrics of the year, by the way). Even if I wasn’t as generous as you with the Belgium entry, yeah, it’s one of those I genuinely like. Maybe with a few more weeks I would give it an 8 (I don’t know if… Read more »

Sara-Stina
Sara-Stina
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I don’t see how it’s vague at all. Maybe if you only listen to the lyrics but the whole performance is an obvious message about racial equality, something that fans doesn’t seem to recognize at all for some reason.

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Sara-Stina

Though I disagree, I think you have a valid point. When we pair Tusse with the song, we can see what are their intentions behind the entry. I believe the staging could do more for that though. The thing is that the lyrics could do a better job helping Tusse selling his case. If they sounded personal, the message would come much stronger.

Oriol99
Oriol99
2 years ago

OFF TOPIC: Australia will NOT be in Rotterdam but will still participate

Last edited 2 years ago by Oriol99
Thanos
Thanos
2 years ago

23. Sweden: It’s a polished and safe but at the same time extremely bland song. He is a good performer but that’s not enough to save it. Since it’s Sweden we are talking about, it will receive high jury scores, but I wouldn’t bet on the televoting loving this entry.

Hello hi
Hello hi
2 years ago

Australia won’t be in Rotterdam?

Hello hi
Hello hi
2 years ago
Reply to  Hello hi

I also think this will lead to nq

Robert
Robert
2 years ago
Reply to  Hello hi

Think so too.. I feel bad for her even though I do not like Technicolour.. Once you’re attached to Eurovision you wanna perform there.. Hope this is the only 1

Hello hi
Hello hi
2 years ago
Reply to  Robert

It’s a shame as she loves Eurovision and has a fantastic attitude

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Hello hi

I actually thought a lot about that.

Previously, I thought “yeah, juries will boost her up so much that she’ll qualify, no matter the televote score” but after the announcement that she won’t compete live, I have my doubts! I think Australia will stay borderline though. It’s just that her chances are decreased even more now…