The Wiwi Jury – our in-house panel of music unprofessionals – has come to the end of its tour in Sweden. Last to face our judgement was Eric Saade and his song ‘Sting’. Was he still as popular as ever or did we think it was time the manboy went home? Read on to find out!
“Sting” — Eric Saade
Robyn: This song has the worst couplet ever: “I knew you before you were a cool kid/So screw you, right?” Did someone use their rough notes as lyrics? That bit is so awful that it almost ruins the entire song for me. And then there’s the issue of Eric, a grown man of 24, singing a song of teen angst. But the Saade magic is still there: crazy, infectious pop delivered with uber confidence and flawless professionalism. I don’t know if “Sting” is the best song for Sweden, but if it went to Vienna, they’d put on a great show.
Score: 8/10
Ron: This song does sting and the show is impressive with all the gimmicks, but Eric is just annoying, so I can’t really enjoy it (his voice, his face expressions, should i say more?!). He sure deserves a place in the Top 4, but it’s not a winner for me, sorry.
Score: 5/10
Deban: Fundamentally, I am against Eric Saade returning to Melodifestivalen for a third appearance. He has a successful career, and represented Sweden at the mother contest in 2011, finishing in third place. “Sting” is true to his pop form. Lyrically, it’s light with interludes in the composition making room for spectacular choreography, and clever camera angles. Although “Sting” isn’t entirely age-appropriate for Saade these days, he retains his massive teen appeal, and remains incredibly telegenic.
Score: 7/10
William: I don’t know why Eric Saade is dressed up as a waiter, but I’m happy for him to serve me a juicy sirloin any night of the week. This staging may not have the electro-infusion of Mans’, but it feels more real. I like that he’s relying on himself and his dancers rather than a computer screen. The choreography is playful and, despite the ridonkulous lyrics, the song is playful and catchy. I know I said this “stink so bad” a few weeks ago, but Eric has won me over. I wouldn’t mind seeing this at Eurovision.
Score 8/10
Bogdan: While with other MelFest songs I try to find something to like, I am struggling to find something to dislike about Eric Saade’s “Sting”. It is an infectious, fresh, different pop track that the singer delivers brilliantly. The choreography alone should warrant him a win. The staging helps of course, but so does the saxophone and Eric’s convincing attitude throughout his performance. Vocally he’s never the best but I don’t care, for years from now on we will remember Melodivestivalen ’15 because of “Sting”. Eurovision is ready for Eric Saade’s comeback.
Score: 10/10
Denise: Eric, Eric, Eric, aaaaaaaah! Okay, his voice isn’t that great but that’s why we’re having backings. The lyrics are also bad, but who cares about the lyrics when it’s Eric? The staging is incredible and he already showed us that he’s an amazing dancer. I’d have to say that I prefer Manboy and Popular over Sting a little more, but it’s still great.
Score: 10/10
Billy: Eric Saade, the grown man that still sings teenage songs, has many lovers and some haters. I’m a hater. “Sting” is average, certainly worse than “Popular”, although I like the UFO thing. I don’t get why he wants to return to Eurovision, after a successful participation. In addition, his actions to attract attention, including kissing anyone next to him, make me hate him even more. I mean, he behaves like trash pop stars.
Score: 6/10
Padraig: Don’t hate him because he’s beautiful. Seriously, don’t! Sure he’s an arrogant so-and-so with questionable public decorum. But who cares? “Sting” is a modern pop masterpiece. The beat, the melodies, the retro flourishes – everything works perfectly. It would be foolish to write this off simply because you don’t like the vessel making the delivery. Sting and slay!
Score: 10/10
Sami: This is pop perfection. The staging is amazing, Eric is born to be on the stage and the song is just so catchy and fresh. It’s not as good as “Popular”, but this would make it to the top of my Eurovision 2015 ranking. Even if Eric doesn’t win, I’m still happy he’s back and treated us all with this great song.
Score: 10/10
Angus: Lesser artists would have returned to Melodifestivalen and relied upon celebrity alone to catapult them up the scoreboard. Instead Eric Saade has sought to and succeeded in one-upping his back catalogue. ‘Sting’ shows progression from ‘Popular’ and ‘Manboy’ and the unparalleled fortitude of his stagecraft as a performer. Dynamic, unashamedly swaggy and oozing cool this song a Melodifestivalen winner!
Score: 10/10
Wiwi Jury Verdict: 8.4/10
As much as I loved Popular in 2011, this is just… awful. The song isn’t being shown off, it’s all about Eric. There’s no real hook, the lyrics are bad, Eric still has trouble with the whole being able to sing thing…
It feels a bit like “Look everyone it’s Eric Saade!” and the fact there’s music is just a background to it all.
There are many artists who have done worse in Melodi that have bought a MUCH better package to the stage…
I will disagree with the majority on this one. It is a very catchy song, and I like Eric. However, the lyrics are *cheesy* and the song is amusingly bad at best. Mans and Mariette have stronger entries.
I strongly believe thet the wiwi jury is high on something! Really?! 10s for this, well, stinking song?! I really hope I won’t have to listen to this in Vienna… And I thought Popular was bad….
It’s gonna sting pretty badly for little Eric when he gets massacred by Mans tomorrow.
I was a huge Eric’s fan in 2011. Popular was my favorite song to win that year. But, the Eric personality is dirty. By the way, the Sting is just one more pop song. Miles away of the Popular that is a catchy song. I think he returns to Melodifestivalen only for $$$$. His fan base is down and down until he returns.
I’ve never been an Eric fan, not even in 2011, I never understood how he got 3rd in ESC… or well, I do understand, due his huge fanbase. The same thing happens here, just as Eugene said, I feel everybody is so hyped about “Sting” because hey! It’s Eric! Even if the song sounds like it could be in the same album as Manboy and Popular, all stuck in 2010-11.
After “undo my sad”, I couldn’t care less about how good a song’s lyrics are. The pure energy of “Sting” is so infectious. On the first view, the dancing really came across impressive to me. It really is a great pop song, and it’s just a lot more fun. We desperately need some fun in the 2015 contest, which is why I would go for Eric over Mans.
Stop crying. The reality is merciless and you have to adapt.
This song is nuclear waste
ERIC <3 ERIC <3 ERIC <3
GOOOOOOOO <333333333333333
“Manboy?” Amusing train wreck. “Popular?” Bad, but well-staged. “Sting?” Worst song I’ve heard in several years.
I hate Eric Saade as person, and I hate his song even more. If he wins I’ll stop watching Melodifestivalen hehe
I even had preferred Danny Saucedo with *In The Club* to win the Melodifestivalen 2011 over Eric’s *Popular*..
I agree fully with Eugene here…
I was really amazed to be honest to see such great reviews 4 *Sting* from the wiwiblog jury…Just WOW guys!
How many of you gave *Sting* even whole 10s??!
Ok spit it out…What kind of special benefits did Eric promised to all of you so to give great grades & reviews to his song?? 😛
I believe that at least with the gay guys of wiwi bloggs must were sexual favors.. 😛 Right…? 😉
I never actually wrote that his SONG is truly bad, matching with his awful persona non grada..
Its a catchy enough song and it is entertaining to the ears..
The lyrics might be lame and fail but overall i approve about *Sting*
5,5 / 10
Coooool!!!!! 😀
@LucyEAPercy you’re not the only one who kinda heard that lyric. Hehehehe
I don’t love it as much as “Popular” (the song that made me a Eurovision fan), but I expect to finish within the top 4.
Hoping Eric wins really, either him or Mans, im pretty undecided. Either would be amazing in Vienna tbh. I kinda like how shameless Eric is anyways, he’s just funny. This song is so damn catchy, although all i hear is “it’s gonna stink so bad!” and worry whats happened haha!
Love him, love the song. Just hope Sweden go with one of the only 2 choices!
Eric saade must win