Tonight semi-final three of Melodifestivalen 2014 kicks off inside the Scandinavium Arena. Things are getting more interesting as we approach the end of this spectacular series of shows. Below you can read my reviews of the artists’ dress rehearsals. The highlight of the show? When Johan Glans and Anders Jansson pay tribute to the XII Winter Olympics! To watch one-minute snippets from their rehearsals, you can click here. To listen to 2:30 studio versions of their songs, click here.
Outtrigger – “Echo”
With the main singer of the band, Simon Peyron, wearing a real straitjacket, Outrigger sing a heavy metal rock entry. They attract more attention than any other participant in the show. Timmy Andersson (guitar), Adam Axelsson (guitar) and Joakim Agnemyr (bass) also appear in metal cages and are illuminated with strong white lights and fireworks.
EKO – “Red”
Anna Lidman, EKO’s front woman, wears a short black dress with a skirt and a golden necklace. The two backing singers wear black shirts and jackets. It’s an electro-song, which is rather weak, and features red lights. Anna has good timing with the cameras.
Oscar Zia – “Yes We Can”
Reminding us of Barack Obama’s personal motto, Oscar Zia appears for the first time at Melodifestivalen. His rehearsal was a little shaky. He started off with the microphone missing, and one of the dancers that accompany him could not stop coughing. He wears a dark-green jacket, while the dancers wear black ones. Backround LED screens feature…..him, just like Blue’s entry back in ESC 2011.
Shirley Clamp – “Burning Alive”
Shirley sings a ballad and wears a Lars Wallin dress, which includes a long skirt with lots of slits. Fans screamed throughout her performance, which itself includes screaming for a while. This is an elegant diva who will attract a lot of votes.
State Of Drama – “All We Are”
Singing as if they were in front of a revolutionary crowd, this band sings a rather pop, bland, and not-at-all interesting song. Black and purple are the main colours on stage, with the band’s members wearing mostly black clothes.
CajsaStina Åkerström – “En enkel sång”
She wears a 3/4 sleeved black shiny dress, and sings a slow ballad. TV screens depict some elegant images next to her, which makes it stand out from the other performances. Sometimes subtlety works.
Ace Wilder – “Busy Doin’ Nothin”
Wearing saggy red trouserts, a golden belt and a simple white T-Shirt with the number 7, she seems a little stressed in front of such a huge crowd. She needn’t worry about being embarassed. Everyone will forget her entry after the show…
Dr.Alban & Jessica Folcker – “Around The World”
With white clothes and funky shoes, these artists bring a summer feeling to Sweden The dancers behind them are wearing colourful clothes, and their jackets depict the flags of the UK, Sweden and Brasil. Dr. Alban seems more confident with the cameras, while Jessica Folcker seems slightly awkward. Chin up, gurrrrrl.
So, everyhting is ready for the 3rd heat of #melfest 2014 begin. Which artists, do you think, will procceed straight to the final at Friend’s Arena, Stockholm?
Billy Xifaras contributed this report from Greece. Follow him on Twitter at @bill_xifaras. You can also keep up-to-date on the latest Eurovision news and liking our Facebook page.
Photos: SVT
The only song I like is “Busy Doin’ Nothin”. It really stands out to me, and it’s actually the only one I won’t forget after the show, contrary to what you believe. Since two qualify for the final, I guess I’d also pick “All We Are”. It’s ok, nothing special.