Marcus and Martinus Air Melodifestivalen 2023

Hej, Sverige! Melodifestivalen 2023 continued on Saturday as heat 3 got underway Lidköping. Seven more artists threw their hats in the ring for a chance at singing for Sweden at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool.

The Melodifestivalen 2023 heat 3 lineup saw veteran Paul Rey open the show, while superstars Marcus & Martinus closed. The Norwegian twins and Paul went through direct to final. Nordman and Melanie Wehbe earned another chance in the semi-final, while Laurell Barker, Casanovas and Ida-Lova were eliminated.

Sweden’s Melodifestivalen 2023: Marcus & Martinus and Paul Rey win heat 3

Seven acts competed in Melodifestivalen heat 3. 

Competing acts 

  1. Paul Rey — “Royals”
  2. Casanovas — “Så kommer känslorna tillbaka”
  3. Melanie Wehbe — “For the Show”
  4. Nordman — “Släpp alla sorger”
  5. Laurell — “Sober”
  6. Ida-Lova — “Låt hela stan se på”
  7. Marcus & Martinus — “Air”

Results

The results were determined via two rounds of voting. After the first round, the act with the most public votes went through direct to the final. Then, the remaining six artists battled it out in a second round of voting. The act with the most votes in the second round also went through direct to final, with two second chance semi-final round slots up for grabs for the runners-up. 

Marcus & Martinus won the first round of voting.

Voting round one

  • Marcus & Martinus — “Air” (Winner, finalist)

Voting round two

  1. Paul Rey — “Royals” — 85 points (Runner-up, finalist)
  2. Nordman — “Släpp alla sorger” — 75 points (Semi-finalist)
  3. Melanie Wehbe — “For the Show” — 57 points (Semi-finalist)
  4. Ida-Lova — “Låt hela stan se på” — 36 points
  5. Laurell — “Sober” — 30 points
  6. Casanovas — “Så kommer känslorna tillbaka” — 29 points

How do I watch Melodifestivalen? 

You watch watch Melodifestivalen online via SVT Play. Next week’s show airs on Saturday 25 February at 20:00 CET (GMT + 1). 

Are you watching Melfest? Do you agree with tonight’s results? Let us know in the comments below. 

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Bella
Bella
1 year ago

A very interesting article just arrived. A Swedish journalist had the honor to listen to heat 4 of melodifestivalen and they’re saying that Loreen is the Winner of melodifestivalen. They wrote: “ And then it came. The winner. The intro is gorgeous and this IS a Euphoria for 2022. It is of course impossible to compare with the classic Azerbaijan traveler from 2012, but I still think this sounds Loreen to the max. It’s dancey, mysterious, exciting and has a lovely “tatto-oo-oo-oo” hook. Is it magic? Not yet. But it will be when Lorqueen takes the stage on Thursday. If… Read more »

Milla
Milla
1 year ago
Reply to  Bella

And it’s not only him (Ronny from Schlagerprofilerna) praising Tattoo. Have you read what Melodifestivalklubben thinks of the song? I’m so excited right now! Hope I will love it too!

Bella
Bella
1 year ago
Reply to  Milla

Not yet, but I’ll look it up now.
I also hope that I love the song.

Hoppas att de har sparat bäst till sist (Loreen).

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  Bella

I think she will win jury, especially with international jury. Not sure about audience..
I think a fight beween her and the twins for the win?

Milla
Milla
1 year ago
Reply to  Denis

Oh, yes. I actually love Air.

Bella
Bella
1 year ago
Reply to  Denis

I think so too but maybe Loreen has some advantage de to age voting, maybe the elders will vote for her?

What do you guys think?

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  Bella

Kanske på svenska, ingen annan bryr sig:) Mycket beror på folket. som sagt. Loreen är liksom inte precis landets mest kända person. Tror nog i så fall att dom som röstar blir mest äldre grupper, typ 30-44 gruppen och uppåt. Mest på grund av nostalgi faktikst.Och vet inte heller om folk är så sugna på att en gammal vinnare vinner igen.. Då tror jag hellre tvillingarna kan ha effekt på alla grupper. Både yngre och äldre gillar dom och röstar på dom. Min farmor som är 83 gillade dom väldigt mycket och det gjorde mina föräldrar också. Så jag tror… Read more »

Tomm
Tomm
1 year ago

Norwegian Twiins or Sami culture from JHF can only save us from “Ukrainian clouds” and the most overatted act ever …. starting to pray now

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

I’m doing my Sunday Melfest catchup, and this week’s heat was at least a small step up from the first two. I would’ve liked to see Ida-Lova go through, though I’m not sure at whose expense.

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago
Reply to  Zanoni

Melanie, I guess, though I didn’t mind her either.

Anoni
Anoni
1 year ago

Both finalists are very much deserved. I totally wouldn’t mind and at this point, am even hoping, that Marcus and Martinus win Melodifestivalen!

mello23
mello23
1 year ago
Reply to  Anoni

Agree 🙂

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  Anoni

I think they will win!

Bandido
Bandido
1 year ago

They did it again! After poor 1. and 2. heat came Air, an atmospheric futuristic pop-tune with Euphoria and Bulletproof style delivered by a boy duo!

Violet
Violet
1 year ago

The Norwegians who are saying that they “betrayed” Norway are so incredibly childish. I have been following them for a while now and it truly seemed like Norway wasn’t interested in them anymore. Going to Sweden was a smart move. I think Norwegians are just pity that they let that kind of talent go. The song was produced and written by a Swedish person, so it makes perfect sense. The song is good, the staging is cool and they sound amazing! Only wishing them the best!

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  Violet

Are they really Norwegians saying that?

Violet
Violet
1 year ago
Reply to  Denis

Yes! I’ve seen so many people calling them “backstabbers” and how they feel “betrayed” which is so stupid

Jamie
Jamie
1 year ago

Marcus & Martinus are so good

Geoffroy
Geoffroy
1 year ago

Hej! I’m from Belgium and following Melodifestivalen since 10 years now. This is the first year I feel bored at every show. What’s going on with the selection of the songs? Maria Sur is so overrate (but are we allowed to say that since she’s ukranian…). I liked the performance of M&M but until now I don’t see a swedish winner at the ESC. I cross my fingers for next week.

Jake
Jake
1 year ago

Well we’ve seen other fresh faced males from Sweden sing a modern pop song with a great light show get heaps of points from juries and little from televoters. But with Norway and Finland in their semi—I see little evidence Air wouldn’t sail to the final and do well. I can’t tell where their real voices start and the backing vocals end.

blueeyed
blueeyed
1 year ago

I just watched the MF recap and the only two acts that I watched from star to finish were Melanie Wehe and Marcus & Martinus. Melanie’s song is generally nice and pleasant to listen, would sound well on the radio. M&M lyrics are very basic but I enjoyed the melody and especially the electronic parts. I think I’ll add these two to my playlist. MF has been so far nothing but a disappointment.

Bella
Bella
1 year ago

Finally, I Can Breath Without Air!!

M&M saved the Melfest and would be my backup plan to Eurovision if Loreen (maybe Kiana) doesn’t deliver.

Let’s se what heat 4 can bring to the table.

Bandido
Bandido
1 year ago
Reply to  Bella

I think they are the first plan even Loreen can’t exceed.

Nikita Zhukov
Nikita Zhukov
1 year ago

I need everyone who thinks the twins are singing “I can’t breathe without air” to either listen more carefully or get your ears checked They are obviously saying “I CAN breathe without air”, it makes perfect sense if you actually pay attention to the lyrics prior to this line The lyrics themselves were posted earlier this week so you can go check that as well It seems like there’s a lot of unreasonable sass towards the song because some people can’t listen properly At no point in the song did it seem like they said “can’t” instead of “can” Like… Read more »

mello23
mello23
1 year ago

I am excited about Marcus & Martinus. Now I can’t wait to see what Loreen has to give 🙂

Yeshoney
Yeshoney
1 year ago

I came to see what the fuss was about but I’m not impressed. A basic pop song with a standard staging.

Well known Japanese
Well known Japanese
1 year ago

Another prerecorded chorus.Booing.

mello23
mello23
1 year ago

They can clearly sing. relax…

Zac
Zac
1 year ago

I was really worried about Sweden this year because firt two heats were weakest in recent years, but than happened heat 3. I can say I would gladly let in the final everyone from tonight…
Air is my absolutely favourite now, I wouldnt complain for them to win eurovision! It has everything one eurovision winner needs.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago

Air is my current fave of the Melfest songs, but I wouldn’t be mad at seeing Maria Sur or Fjällgren, North & Woods take it. Loreen however, I feel is just going to flop, I know what you are all going to say “How can she flop when we haven’t heard the song yet” or “How can Loreen flop she’s the queen” and I agree but, we went through this with Statements back in 2017, she didn’t make it through. She was the bookies fave then and she failed.Loreen is just the bookies fave because of 2 things, she’s a… Read more »

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

She is not even a household name, she is just known. But she is not relevant or constantly talked about. Yes she won ESC 10 years ago but that’s it. We see it as an old merit! This is more of an attempt to re-start her musical career which is something she intentionally branched out from .. International fans seem to think we vill vote for her no matter what, that she is this big star. That we somehow ove her or so! But to vote for her just for name is not what we do. If she does not… Read more »

Man
Man
1 year ago
Reply to  Denis

But people wote for Ukrain , becuse its Ukrain

Kalla
Kalla
1 year ago

Air was a very well put together performace, the first moment in mello this year where I got excited. All I could think though that this song was made for Eric Sadde.

Nikita Zhukov
Nikita Zhukov
1 year ago
Reply to  Kalla

It was actually written by the exact same songwriting team that wrote Every Minute for Eric in 2021 (minus Eric himself and plus the twins)
It also has the same structure as Every Minute – verse, chorus, drop, verse, chorus, drop, and the ending that feels more like a bridge
I can see where the comparisons come from, I could definitely see Eric singing this

Amesc
Amesc
1 year ago

So far, the only song that gave me winner vibes is “Air”. I truly hope that Loreen will have something great (and will be supported this time) because if she doesn’t, the final will be very predictable like 2018 and 2019.
About today’s semi, it was actually way better than the previous (whereas the third heat is usually the weakest), but i think i would prefer Nordman as DFs and also Ida Lova for the fifth heat, i feel she was kinda robbed. Anyway, can’t wait for the next semi!!

EProduc
EProduc
1 year ago

Melodifestivalen has been embarrassing and painful to watch this year. Sweden is so captivated in their meaningless repeatable pop music bubble that it’s becoming a joke. What a difference compared to the breath of fresh air that was Cornelia last year. Raw and authentic. Loreen will easily win this, no doubt.

Jack
Jack
1 year ago
Reply to  EProduc

I don’t get where all this hate on Sweden in Eurovision has come from, they put on a great show tonight and I really enjoyed watching it. Also I wouldn’t be so sure about Loreen, she didn’t even make Andra Chansen in 2017. Euphoria was iconic but that was over 10 years ago now and Loreen isn’t as popular in Sweden as many people think. I hope she does well this year but I have a feeling that Marcus and Martinus will win.

Jack
Jack
1 year ago
Reply to  Jack

*didn’t even qualify for the final from Andra Chansen I mean

Man
Man
1 year ago
Reply to  EProduc

If you dont like it, turn it off then

Filler
Filler
1 year ago

Marcus and Martinus does not look like enjoying the performance. It’s a mix between staging of euphoria and Every Minute

Vladimir P
Vladimir P
1 year ago

So far, Martus & Martinus have had the best performance in all three heats.

Airhead
Airhead
1 year ago

Wow, Marcus & Martinus are not only a threat to Loreen but also for the Eurovision also.

Grft
Grft
1 year ago

I can be without hair (bruce Willis)

Kosey
Kosey
1 year ago

Marcus and Martinus have a very exciting performance, I think they are going to be very hard to beat. I also really enjoyed Nordman’s performance, they really elevated from the snippet. I also liked Melanie Wehbe’s entry but it is really offputting that she is smiling throughout. The lyrics are sad and reflective, yet she smiles and winks in to the camera. The song seems to be about rejecting the “performance” we sometimes put on as humans, and how we should try to focus on the core person underneath, and yet it feels like she is doing exactly what the… Read more »

Europotato
Europotato
1 year ago

This is not a great NF. Not one song here I can say has even a qualifying chance.

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Europotato

I think Marcus and Martinus can but i do think this selection is weaker than others.

Brötchen
Brötchen
1 year ago
Reply to  Europotato

“Air” would qualify with absolute ease and could even win the whole contest in May.

Grft
Grft
1 year ago
Reply to  Brötchen

« Air » winning Eurovison? The delusion of it all

Jack
Jack
1 year ago
Reply to  Grft

They could win Eurovision based on the entires from a lot of other countries that we’ve heard so far this year. Most of them have been pretty average. I’m hoping some of the songs that will come out in the next few weeks will be more competitive.

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Jack

We have some decent entries this year for example Spain
,Norway, Czechia, Ukraine, Slovenia etc.

Looking forward to France’s tomorrow,hopefully that’ll be good.

Man
Man
1 year ago
Reply to  Escfan

A screeming lady from Spsin can not winn ESC

Filip
Filip
1 year ago

I can’t believe i’m saying this, but Loreen actually have a contender now, Marcus and Martinus.

mello23
mello23
1 year ago
Reply to  Filip

I feel the same 🙂

Marc
Marc
1 year ago

Marcus and Martinus could very possible win.
They have the fresh face factor for the Swedish televote.
and with this kind of song and performance, they will possibly have juries support. I could be wrong.

Catriona
Catriona
1 year ago
Reply to  Marc

If Sweden send them to Eurovision, that standard just isn’t good enough.

aksel kankaanranta's boyfriend
aksel kankaanranta's boyfriend
1 year ago

wouldn’t mind Marcus & Martinus winning over overrated Maria Sur

Mark
Mark
1 year ago

Loreen is obviously winning it in a landslide.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago

Or OVEN MORE OVERRATED Loreen!

Roro31
Roro31
1 year ago

I love Marcus & Martinus !

It’s the best SONG so far for Sweden with Fjallgren/Woods/North

I’m so exciting by Loreen, Mariette & Smash Into Pieces !!!

Ritoli
Ritoli
1 year ago

OK I just need to make sure Loreen’s song is bad and it is DONE!

Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
1 year ago

We can be royals, we can be legends, if I was a king for day I would treat you royally….
We can be royals, we can be rebels, we can go anywhere in the world, you and me, you and me…I like you Paul Rey but no, this chorus it’s a big no, it’s so heavy, it’s so cheesy, I’m sorry.
The brothers are very good performers, the staging elevates the song which still doesn’t do nothing or me, but it was a nice 3 mn show.
Ida eliminated is a crime.

Erik
Erik
1 year ago

I expected that Ida-Lova would qualify because the audience screamed very loudly when she was seen and mentioned. And they had a lot of signs with her name on them.

Stephanie
Stephanie
1 year ago

Jag tycker fortfarande att det hela är väldigt svagt., Det är inte heller vinnarmaterial. Sorry

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  Stephanie

Tvillingarna är det. Fast tror inte folket vill att norrmän ska representera oss

Stephanie
Stephanie
1 year ago
Reply to  Denis

Du vet aldrig…Vad tycker du om låtarna som valts hittills?

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  Stephanie

Dom här från deltävling 3 var mycket bättre än dom två första.. Starkare låtar, bra shower. Typ hälften av låtarna kunde tagit sig till final.Underhållande! Tror en eventuell vinnare kommer härifrån. Eller Maria:)
Ser fram emot deltävling 4

blueeyed
blueeyed
1 year ago
Reply to  Stephanie

Jag håller med dig. M&M är nog något bättre än de alla andra men jag har inte sett en klar vinnare än så länge.

Nicomro
Nicomro
1 year ago

Lyrics of “air” are so so soooo cringe and Bad ..

I loved Melanie’s song (: and i liked nordman’s and paul’s !

Nicomro
Nicomro
1 year ago
Reply to  Nicomro

But lyrically, royals is cringe AF too haha

Sam
Sam
1 year ago

Unfortunately, Melfest 2023 has been quite disappointed so far, with only one heat left…
I still have Hold me closer in my daily playlist though, that song was amazing and set a high standard at least in my case to assess this year’s entries.

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago

I’m glad we chose right this week. I loved Melanie’s song so I’m very happy she’s in the semi. Good acts got through! Next up, Loreen!

Denis
Denis
1 year ago

The voting was exciting. I liked both Paul Rey and Nordman so it was a tough call!
But surprised 75+ gave Paul Rey 12 so thanks grandma:)
Overall strong heat, much better than previous heats. Good songs, nice performances. I enjoyed it and was entertained!

Matty
Matty
1 year ago

The song of the twins is very disappointing and I wonder why it went directly to the final.

Grft
Grft
1 year ago

Paul Rey was not so bad and would qualify tbh. Marcus and Martinus as well. The 2 best entries so far but they are really average. PLEASE LOREEN SAVE US

Peupeu
Peupeu
1 year ago

Rigged? How did not Nordman go to final? Weird votes for sure…

Helloman
Helloman
1 year ago

Wait what, was it rigged? How can Paul Rey win in 75+ group…?
NORDMAN was the best!

Vassilis G.
Vassilis G.
1 year ago

Thank you Sweden for donating tonight’s all revenues to the victims of Turkey&Syria earthquake!
And good luck to all Melodifestivalen participants!

XOOOD
XOOOD
1 year ago

I literally can binge watch melfest all day long, I speak/understand zero Swedish tho.
MarcusMartinus are my winners so far, Ida-Lova deserved better!

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago

Oddly, Melanie got through to the semi finals. Good voice, but I prefered Ida’s song in terms of vocals. But Laurell’s song was very fun with the teddy bears so i’m sad we won’t get this iconic mess in the finals, yet alone semi finals!

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

I like how they’ve gone back to just the finalists getting flowers, last year it was all four acts that got through. Tradition matters!

aiaia
aiaia
1 year ago

I was really happy to see my 2 faves go through to the final
melanie was a pleasant surprise, another suprise? IDA OUT? cmon

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago

Yaaas Paul! It was close, but congratulations!
Nordman and Melanie Wehbe go to the Semi.
Laurell was 6th, she should be proud of her performance. Casanovas ended up last; sad that someone had to finish last.

Lolek
Lolek
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

All in all a tough semi, but all acts were fantastic this heat I thought!! Was holding out hope that my girl Laurell would get through. Ah well!

Andi
Andi
1 year ago

Perfect, Paul DTF and a second chance for Melanie. Can live with that.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago

Congrats to Marcus and Martinus, and Paul Rey! 🙂

Nordman and Melanie too. Wondering how the groups will be formed in the semi…

Nikita Zhukov
Nikita Zhukov
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

No groups or duels this year
The semi will be like a fifth heat