The third semi-final of Melodifestivalen 2015 showed hella improvements over the hot mess that was Deltävling 2. In the end  Jon Henrik Fjällgren and Isa proceeded direkt till final. Kristin Amparo and Andreas Weise had to settle for Andra Chansen where they will compete for four spots at the final of Melodifestivalen on March 14th. How did everyone else do? Look below:

#Melfest Semi-Final 3 Winners

Jon Henrik Fjällgren – Jag är fri (Manne Liem Frije)

jon henrik fjällgren

Jon Henrik was serving Frozen realness on stage and his draped phantoms were ruul, ruul beautiful. Unfortunately the backing vocals were deafening so it’s tricky to tell how good the vocal performance actually was. My opinion is irrelevant though because Östersund and more importantly the whole of Sweden clearly love the pants off him.

Isa – Don’t Stop

Isa

WEAPONISED MELODIFESTIVALEN PEOPLE. Isa was everything. Street dance swagger, vocal gymnastics, electrifying stage presence and the song of the Semi-Final. In the infamous words of Sanna Nielsen, I’m in love. SHE SLAYED. 

Andra Chansen Qualifiers

Andreas Weise – Bring Out The Fire

andreas weise

Andreas set the stage on fire with his song.

Kristin Amparo – I See You

Kristin Amparo

Adele was not in the building, but Melodifestivalen‘s answer to her was. Kristin Amparo put the voice front and centre. Simplistic lyrics, stirring orchestral backing and a sense of spectacle gave Kristin real power on stage.

Non-Qualifiers

5TH PLACE: Ellen Benediktson – Insomnia

ellen benediktson

Ellen turned it out. She was crazy fierce on stage and ‘Insomnia’ mesmerised on stage. The choreography, crazy leather outfit and staging were minimalist but monumental all at once.

 

 

6TH PLACE: Kalle Johansson – För din skull

kalle johansson

Kalle was cute but this entry was unfortunately light-weight. Innovative and interactive staging failed to gloss over the shortcomings of the song. His stage presence and charisma were real bonuses though, and he should definitely enter next year.

7TH PLACE: Andreas Johnson – Living to Die

andreas Johnson

It wasn’t to be for veteran performer Andreas Johnson on the night. Apparently simplistic was too simplistic. ‘Living to Die’ failed to connect with voters and unlike other returners this year, celebrity wasn’t enough to carry him forward. We dig the suit and stage swag though: Mick Jagger vibes going on.

Melfest – Semi Final Three Recap

FOR ALL OUR MELODIFESTIVALEN AND SWEDEN NEWS CLICK HERE

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CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
9 years ago

D’OH! My bad. Krista Siegfrids’ “Marry Me” finished 24th at ESC 2013, ahead of only Spain and Ireland.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
9 years ago

@jasmine: Hungary is quite good when it comes to theatrical presentation, and I ranked András 2nd in last year’s final. He finished a respectable 5th, to follow Alex’s “Kedvesem” that finished 10th the year before. I can imagine, after Loreen’s 2012 campaign to win ESC, that no one at MF 2013 was going to come even halfway close to what she brought to the stage. Should it be any surprise that the women got the short end of the stick that year? I didn’t know that Robin Stjernberg was the FIRST Andra Chansen contender to win MF. I listened to… Read more »

Charles
Charles
9 years ago

@jasmine: I don’t really understand what you have against Robin Stjernberg but trashing both the singer and his song down because he came from AC is offensive and showcases lack of knowledge about him as an artist. He’s a gifted singer, someone who takes his job seriously with the respect anyone who’s talented should do. He did that in both MF and Eurovision. Unlike him I don’t get the funfair around Eric Saade, whose vocal abilities are and will always be questionable … yet for some bizarre reason Eric seems to be in every swedish girl’s wet dreams (where he… Read more »

jasmine
jasmine
9 years ago

@CookyMonzta Oh God, yes, András performance was amazing. I don’t remember what place he ended up, but I remember thinking that he was a real threat. Haha, on the behalf of all swedes, don’t take our 2013 entry (Robin Stjernberg) seriously. I mean it was an okay song, but that was the first time an entry from Andra Chansen won melodifestivalen. (Amparo, on the other hand, just lost a spot to 2 other strong songs, it was the strongest semi and of course someone had to take the detour, so she is not to be confused with the entries we… Read more »

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
9 years ago

@Zach: And that is why the bookies have now turned in Jon Henrik’s favor.

Zach
Zach
9 years ago

Surprised by all the negative comments about Jon Henrik, He was amazing at first I expected a soft centered sami song, but this just blew my mind, because he is so down to earth and that the music just flows through him, i’ve always believed that language is important but also music makes language even more important because if you can convey a feeling without understanding the language that is truly aw inspiring. Also because he is not an ethnic swede or sami, he still has that deep connection that just makes it even more fantastic, he just embodies the… Read more »

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
9 years ago

It goes with the territory, Charles. Given a proven vocalist who has been tested, up-tempo, down-tempo, EDM and ballads–who just so happens to be plus-sized–versus a slightly wet-behind-the-ears newcomer, probably untested across the genres, who might be the next sex vixen-in-waiting, who do you think some people will choose? The people will have 2 weeks to look at Kristin’s performances again at YouTube (her official stage performance and her piano-only recording session), and I will bet that many will see her as having real potential to pile up points in Vienna, and will rally to her, as they did rallied… Read more »

Charles
Charles
9 years ago

While nobody seemed bothered by the fact that Isa’s entry is shamelessly ripping off “Shake it off” and everybody is praising the staging, the choreography and all the circus on stage (her vocal performance in the low register passed you all by) … it seems easy to trash down Kristin’s song with offensive comparisons to Adele’s physique and music style. So in a somewhat cliched gay way .. ballads suck because everybody is too hyperactive to stand still … uptempo is the best because everybody’s is too damn busy dancing and grooving as if we’re in Las Vegas seeing Britney… Read more »

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
9 years ago

By the way, has anyone noticed that the last performer in EVERY round has safely qualified for the finals? And the last 2 performers in every round has qualified for either the final or Andra Chansen? Måns is most likely going to make the final (I have not heard his song yet, or even a part of it); but does Annika Herlitz have a song good enough for the final or A.C.?

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
9 years ago

@jasmine: By your opinion, you think maybe, at this point, it is between Isa and Jon Henrik, perhaps? If Isa wins, though, I’m worried that the musical similarities to Taylor Swift’s song might cost her enough points to finish in the lower-third of the finals at Vienna… …But Jon Henrik is a far different story, because even though he is the focal point, the only name on the artist list, the entire stage performance (the dancers, the drummer, the background vocalists in the air behind him, the Sami culture) is part of the story in that song, short though it… Read more »

Ohi
Ohi
9 years ago

I loved Jon but I don’t understand why everyone is going on about Ellen going out. The verses of her song were so boring it was like 30 seconds of white noise chorus repeat

Noah
Noah
9 years ago

Isa’s song is the only one that stuck on my mind. And she KNOWS how to work that stage and establish her presence on it. And she is only 16 years old! Even though, nothing is original about her song – “Shake it off” by Taylor Swift is the first thing that comes on my mind. And those dance moves (some of them) are very much rip off from Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” (all together with some of the rhythm). The other Final song, is a typical track that goes into “lounge” or “ambient/chill” album offerings. And the backing vocals are… Read more »

jasmine
jasmine
9 years ago

I personally think that maybe if Ace Wilder would’ve won instead of Sanna Nielsen last year, then Kristin Amparo would’ve been sent to the final instead of ISA. It’s some sort of unfinished business. A popgirl lost to a ballad last year so now the popgirl is claiming her revenge. I don’t think Sweden is so keen on sending yet ANOTHER ballad to Eurovision, it has nothing to do with Kristin Amparo’s song per se, just that swedes aren’t as pumped about ballads as many other European countries. We’re a country of pop. But rest assured that Amparo is guaranteed… Read more »

davved
davved
9 years ago

I think Jon Henrik Fjällgren will win MF

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
9 years ago

Just a thought: How many New Age songs have finished in the top 3 of Eurovision? Given the new-age tunes I have listened to, over the last 40 years, I’m pretty sure Jon Henrik’s song could fit that classification. None have won so far this century.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
9 years ago

I just watched the recorded 3rd round (as usual, without knowing the results beforehand), and this is how I saw it: Ellen Benediktson: “Insomnia”, 9.26 (4)+ Final result: 5th. She had a song worthy of Andra Chansen. Unfortunately, she was up against the last 3 performers, who simply tore the place up; and I imagine she was quickly forgotten by some voters, and it allowed a real clunker to steal her spot. Kalle Johansson: “För Din Skull”, 9.24 (5) Final result: 6th. After hearing and seeing the whole performance, I thought he might have had a chance to steal Ellen’s… Read more »

Daniel
Daniel
9 years ago

WTF SWEDEN!?

Otna
Otna
9 years ago

Insomnia oh my god, robbed as hard as Molly -_-

ESC HN
ESC HN
9 years ago

Wow! I’ve finally found someone to root for in MelFest this year! Jon Henrik Fjällgren was amazing and I really, really hope Sweden sends him to Vienna.

Loved Isa too. Can’t understand how Sweden sent Andreas to Andra Chansen instead of Ellen though…

Mar
Mar
9 years ago

Could Sanna’s outfits get any more tragic?? I mean, who is dressing that woman?? She looked like a nurse tonight, though I guess the previous semi was even worse, so it’s an improvement.
I thought Kristin was gonna make it to the final, but Isa really deserved it, her vocals and coreography were on point, even if her song is dumb and generic as hell.
How slimy Andreas went through to andra chansen is beyond me

olga
olga
9 years ago

I hope that Mans can fix this total mess… if not, sweden will stay in semis this year.This is the weakest Melodifest ever..even the maltese national selection was better than this

blondboybc
blondboybc
9 years ago

@ Jasmine
Totally agree with you about Jon Henrik…even if some commenters here don’t “get it”, the man is amazing and sings from his heart and soul. Loved his song from the start! Congrats to him and Isa, both of whom were best on the night. I hope Jon gives Eric a run for his money in the final!

Marco
Marco
9 years ago

In this Semi we had the eventual winner of Melfest…. I am sure that Jon will win Melfest, i think that the Top 4 will be Eric, Mariette, Mans and of course Jon

Ian
Ian
9 years ago

I like Jon, but he looks like he’s really uncomfortable on stage.

Gavin
9 years ago

I loved Insomnia. Really surprised it did not qualify as I would have had it down to win. Loved it more than many of the winners so far. I have a confession that I absolutely love “Don’t stop”. The hey-ya song is a little dated and comical but Im guessing its going to win. Finger crossed for the international juries vetoing it! – I hope that’s not too harsh. I did kidn of remind me of an artists interpretation of Yoda and the force from star wars.

SpirK
SpirK
9 years ago

Night ruined by the Swedes yet again! I was damn sure that “Insomnia” would’ve sailed though and at the worst, it would have gone to second chance. Well, apparently this was not the case. I didn’t like any of the songs that Sweden sent to the final. “Jag Ar Fri” was 3 minutes full of heja ha hey and “Don’t Stop” was one of the worst songs in the whole Melodifestivalen. For me it is a bad copy of the Victorious songs. The song meant absolutely nothing and she danced like she was electrocuted! Here is my top 7 of… Read more »

Timselvision
Timselvision
9 years ago

I loved the magical staging of Jon – I hope he wins MF. It´d be something different than the generic popsongs Sweden usually sends.

Anthony
Anthony
9 years ago

Jon Henrik – I expected him to go straight to the final and he did. So no surprises there.
Isa – I had a gut feeling Isa could spring a surprise tonight and she could be the Ace Wilder of 2015. The results from Deltävling 1 is a stark reminder that anything can happen on the night.
The moment I’ve heard that Ellen missed out and taken an early exit, that’s when my #melfest night is officially ruined tonight.

Oostenrijk
Oostenrijk
9 years ago

OMFG I didn’t know at all that Jon Henrik Fjällgren is at MF and now in the Final. This is AMAZING!!!

a.
a.
9 years ago

@jasmine – thank you so so much! You see I didn’t know these things, that’s why I simply couldn’t understand his phenomenon.

jasmine
jasmine
9 years ago

@ a First off, Sweden fell deeeeply in love with Jon during Sweden’s got talent, it was such a powerful song, it went straight into our hearts EVEN THOUGH we didn’t understand a word of what he was singing. And that’s the beauty of it, really. That’s what music is about. Music isn’t restrained by borders or a certain language – which is the whole point of Eurovision. Secondly, Jon has practically popularized the sami culture. And I’m always seeing these people typing stuff like; “Sweden, why are you ashamed of your language? Stop singing in English, that’s not your… Read more »

Geeky Explorer
9 years ago

I don’t get why Isa has passed Direkt till Finale, as it’s a cheap copy from Ace Wilder last year.
I don’t get why Insomnia didn’t have at least a chance at AC, for me it was the best performance of the night.
And I certainly don’t get the hype around Jon. The prerecorded vocals are the most interesting factor about this song. Otherwise it’s just a pretty boy representing a minority and doing awkward sounds. Sweden DO NOT vote for this, there are way better songs still in game!

Geeky Explorer
9 years ago

I don’t get why Isa has passed Direkt till Finale, as it’s a cheap copy from Ace Wilder last year.
I don’t get why Insomnia didn’t have at least a chance at AC, for me it was the best performance of the night.
And I certainly don’t get the hype around Jon. The prerecorded vocals are the most interesting factor about this song. Otherwise it’s just a pretty boy representing a minority and doing awkward songs. Sweden DO NOT vote for this, there are way better songs still in game!

Mario Vision of Gay Love
Mario Vision of Gay Love
9 years ago

Expected results in general mostly..
The first 2 direct qualifiers that was Jon Henrik & Isa were pretty obvious to guess that would pass immediately to the Friends Arena Finalen..
Surprising the fact though that Ellen did not pass at least to the andra chancen..
Expected result that the other two acts Kalle & Andreas Johnnson were eliminated..

Hollandique
9 years ago

My only hope is that Måns Zemlerow brings an explosive performance next week!

a.
a.
9 years ago

THIS IS NOT A SHADE, I just need somebody to explain it to me: what is so incredible about Jon? Because I don’t seem to notice it. Someone enlighten me please cause I’m struggling here!

jr esc nl
jr esc nl
9 years ago

Mathias a flop would be sending eric saade again jon was amazing!

PP
PP
9 years ago

Deven O’Kearney

I think John wili be second in televote first place go to Eric, but Eric wili not be in TOP 3 with international juries with his song Sting. I think that John had chance only if he win votes from international juries, but I think that they would vote for song in Swedish or any other languge except English, we see in past that song in Swedish did n t get many votes from international juries.

Thiefo
Thiefo
9 years ago

Melfest is turning out to be quite the disappointment this year, 3 semifinals so far and none of the qualifying songs have that WOW factor, as Eugene says. I think my favourite song of all the 21 performed so far is “I’ll be fine” and we all know what happened to Molly…

Alex
Alex
9 years ago

I wasn’t so thrilled about Jon’s song… prerecorded vocals were wayyy too essential for that performance. As far as Sami vocals go, Solju has a far better song in Finland…

I’m not surprised Andreas Weise at least got to second chance, though. His vocals were on point. His song sounded a LOT like John Newman’s “Love Me Again,” but I guess it didn’t hurt him too much.

I feel bad for Ellen, though. I liked her song but I’m not fully surprised she didn’t go through.

Mathias (From Sweden)
Mathias (From Sweden)
9 years ago

I’m so ashamed that Jon Henrik Fjällgren made it trough.
He’s so bad, he doesn’t even sing and alot of swedes wants to send him to ESC.
If we send him I see a flop like with Anna Bergendahl in 2010, Sweden please don’t send him!!!

PP
PP
9 years ago

Ace Wilder song is 100 % better than Isa song. Isa wili don t get many points from international juries like Ace last year.

davved
davved
9 years ago

Both songs that qualified tonight was THE BEST two songs.

ellen could have made the SC round but overall I am pleased.

Giorgos
Giorgos
9 years ago

Too bad Ellen didn’t qualify…she deserved it…
What’s up with “Jag är fri” ??? I really don’t like it…I don’t think this is a eurovision song….
Very happy for ISA though!!! She’s extremely beautiful and has a very good voice! Her song is good as well… Congratulations and good luck in the final Isa!!!<3

Thiefo
Thiefo
9 years ago

@the truth haha I’ve also thought that 😛 it happens too often…

No name
No name
9 years ago

I’m so happy! The result turned out EXACTLY as I wanted, for the first time ever. I really hope we’ll send Jon Henrik, I think he would do pretty well in Vienna!

Deven O'Kearney
Deven O'Kearney
9 years ago

I think that while Sweden loves Jon Henrik Fjällgren, I’m not sure Sweden will select a song in the Sami language. Even if it one of the favourites to win Melodifestivalen this year. As it is, Swedes are too afraid to send songs in Swedish.

I think Eric and Måns will be battling to win Melodifestivalen 2015.

Isaac
Isaac
9 years ago

Elize Ryd didn’t get through! Now Ellen isn’t through! Very disappointed by Sweden this year!

the truth
the truth
9 years ago

When someone wins a wiwi poll, he/she loses.