Andra Chansen artists rehearse on Melodifestivalen stage

Sweden is still coming to terms with the allegations of robots buying votes at Melodifestivalen, but that didn’t stop Sweden’s Andra Chansen singers from rehearsing this afternoon. With few changes to their lighting and costumes, the 8 contestants seemed more comfortable on stage. This weekend Emmelie De Forest, who apparently had a face transplant recently, will appear as the interval act, presenting her new Eurovision song “Rainmaker”.

Linus Svenning sings first on stage, and his strong voice receives attention the attention it deserves. You could have heard a pin drop in the arena today! “Broder” has changed a little especially for its encore at MF. Linus appears better prepared and more confident about his performance. The black-white photos on screens are also preserved. They were our favourite part of his staging!

Helena Paparizou and her super-high high heels are next. She’s added rose colours to her “Survivor” performance, and Helena will keep all of her moves, including those lovely hand gestures. She knows advancing depends on the people, so she appeared in a Gothenburg mall, singing her entry and giving away autographs.

Outrigger appear in their cages, which feature red colours for the first time. They were super confident. With the most “metal” sound of the night, they might just attract a lot of votes…

State Of Drama‘s lead singer wears a different leather jacket this week, along with a white, rather than black, t-shirt. He hasn’t yet decided wheather he’ll actually wear these on Saturday. Their song “All We Are” features lots of colours, with green, white and blue changing every minute inside the Lidkoping Arena.

JEM are next. Elli’s voice was a little harsh, just as it was during her Malmo performance. Some of the “Love Trigger” lyrics will be featured on the screens this time around.

Martin Stenmarck carries a piece of red fabric with him this week, which he will throw at the end of his performance. (Can we say “low budget”?) Some red flags also hang from the arena’s ceiling. Don’t worry. He’s kept his hat for “När änglarna går hem”.

Ammotrack sing next, with some of the lights changing potitions, as if they are the ceiling above the band’s members. Bikes and garage doors remain, and their rock entry “Raise Your Hands” excites everyone (me too)!

Ellionore Holmer keeps everything the same as last week. It’s safe. Perhaps too safe….

Useful links

• LOOK: Photos from the Andra Chansen rehearsals (SVT)
• WATCH: “I think everyone in the Second Chance wants to make a Robin Stjernberg” (SVT)

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