Wrap up warm, because we are heading to Skellefteå for the fourth and final heat of Melodifestivalen 2017. It might be a freezing -7 degrees in the north of Sweden, but tensions are boiling over for this week’s heat. That’s because there’s just two automatic spots for the final still on offer before next week’s Andra Chansen. Oh, and there’s the little fact that Loreen is making her return to Melodifestivalen as well…
Yes, the Eurovision 2012 winner returns and y’all are excited to see her back.
But Loreen is just one of four acts returning this week, and there’s some real competition here. Both Wiktoria and Jon Henrik Fjällgren finished second in the public vote of their Melfest finals in 2016 and 2015 respectively. Sara Varga — who knocked Loreen out of Andra Chansen in 2011 — also returns in a duet with Juha Mulari.
Alice Svensson and Axel Schylström make their debuts and will hope to cause a surprise. Svensktoppen nasta act Les Gordons will also hope to progress further in to the contest than many of their fellow wildcard winners have before them.
As always, SVT will upload thirty seconds of each act’s rehearsals throughout the day, as well as a minute snippet of each song. Check out both as well as our thoughts below. We’ll update this post as videos become available.
Melodifestivalen 2017: Deltävling 4 Skellefteå
1. Jon Henrik Fjällgren feat. Aninia – “En värld full av strider (Vearelde gusnie jeenh vigkieh)“
Chris: For a song where Aninia is listed as the featured artist, it certainly feels like she’s the driving force in this snippet. There’s no surprises here from Jon Henrik at least, for better or worse. The “different” factor is missing — we’ve heard him joiking before. The shots of the staging don’t seem to suggest anything as magical as “Jag Ar Fri”, as well. I feel there’s a limit on the success already.
William: Jon Henrik’s spiritual joiks are incredibly stirring on first listen. But for me that was back in 2015, which, in the eyes of many, was his one real shot at winning this. The addition of Anina gives us a different flavour. Sadly it’s bland and somehow familiar — like the Disney songs that don’t get the Oscar nods. Good for variety, but somehow this feels weaker than Roger Pontare’s failed attempt two weeks ago.
2. Alice – “Running With Lions”
Chris: I expected good things from Alice and she’s delivered. It’s just a shame she’s rather thrown to the lions in this semi-final. That post-chorus instrumental section gives me life. In any other heat, I think this would have been Andra Chansen at worst. Perhaps a lack of name recognition will hurt Alice here.
William: If Alice is running with lions then I want to joint the pride! She’s got the sass of Tila Tequila, the beauty of Lucy Liu and the soaring voice of Jasmine Kara. Instantly gripping and produced to perfection, this is so 2017. A song of the moment that I hope becomes a song of the year. Slay, Alice!
3. Les Gordons – “Bound to Fall”
Chris: Well bless them for trying. Les Gordons have absolutely no chance here, regardless of the quality of “Bound to Fall”. A ska-tinged indie rock song just isn’t the right fit for Melodifestivalen. Maybe ship it off and see if Sami Zayn needs some new entrance music? I fully expect two more minutes of the same song from what the snippet gives us, too.
William: It sounds whiny and angsty and very American teenage pop. And thankfully I’m a huge fan of that genre! This has shades of 00s band Wheatus (“Teenage Dirtbag”) and it makes me feel nostalgic. It’s not winning, but I’m thrilled to have it in the race.
4. Wiktoria – “As I Lay Me Down”
Chris: This is a little underwhelming and I can’t quite put my finger on why. Perhaps where “Save Me” simply had a country fringe to it, this puts all the tassels and bells on. Three listens in and I’m still struggling to remember any real part of it as well. It’s nice, but it doesn’t stand out — by the looks of things, the stage performance doesn’t have anywhere near the same impact either.
William: Hello Dolly Parton! Wiktoria — who has built her name with country-pop that straddles EDM — seems to be going straight up Grande Ole Opry with this one. It lacks the instant charm of “Save Me”, but who knows what she has in store during the final two minutes. She’s a brilliant live performer, so could elevate. This sounds spiritual and definitely shows off her voice.
Check out the “As I Lay Me Down” lyrics here
5. Axel Schylström – “När ingen ser”
Chris: Did someone just slightly alter the melody and translate Elina Born’s “In or Out”? Regardless of that slight similarity, Axel’s got himself a good song here and I expect a strong result for him. So far, the only Swedish language songs that we’ve really seen have success have been “novelty” ones. If SVT want something a bit more serious in the final lineup, I think this is the best best.
William: He’s got a moving personal story and I’m already rooting for him because of it. Thankfully he’s got the song to back it all up. This is instantly catchy and infectious and I’m still humming it. Whether he can sustain that feeling for three minutes will make all the difference. But I’m hoping he does.
6. Sara Varga & Juha Mulari – “Du får inte ändra på mig”
Chris: Well, at least the battle for last place in this semi final will be interesting too. Sara and Juha’s voices really don’t go well together in this snippet and I doubt it’s going to get any better in full. It’s nice and twee, but it’s something that would be better suited to a Maltese selection than Melfest.
William: Bland, banal, flat and completely out of place, this is clearly being used to make Loreen’s solid act seem even bigger and more wondrous. Their harmonies don’t work and they sound even more bored than I am. Pure filler.
7. Loreen – “Statements”
Chris: Oh, SVT, you do tease us. “Statements” cuts off just before the chorus truly kicks in and we find out whether or not this really is the “second coming” many have been hoping for. So far, so good though. It baffles me that people were reporting this as a “new sound” for Loreen — it’s simply an evolution from “I’m In It With You”. I wrote Euphoria off in 2012 when I heard the (then 30 second) snippet. I’m waiting until Saturday to fully decide on “Statements”.
Click here for rehearsal clipCheck out the “Statements” lyrics here
William: Instantly gripping and completely atmospheric, “Statements” bleeds pain and melancholy. Leaning more towards performance art than pop music, this doesn’t just tug on heartstrings — it’s pulls them apart. The LED features, among other things, a famous picture of an elderly woman smacking a Neo-Nazi in the back of his head with her handbag, and images of a frightening apparition of a child — tormented, haunted and suffering. “Mother Mary try to keep it real/ save your prayers for peace and let us heal,” she sings. If this wins, it’s winning Eurovision.
(Photo: Stina Stjernkvist/SVT)
What are your thoughts on each song? Do you think that Loreen’s return is worth it so far? Shout out your thoughts in the wiwibloggs app, or let us know in the comments section below!
Really because people just love guessing exactly that your trying to mean any ways I’m still hedged over that tragedy in Los Angeles I’m not even mad or hating at he is just that how many times can some one tike that can possibly so intelligent and then again her husband is probably Chinese to I’m not going to lie out of millions of people around America that enjoy a good sushi here’s the fish every sidelined person knows that sushi calls for fish I’d love to try them I mean God only knows why won write
Inside jolt any way this is what I dream about when I believe I have chance first of I would donate to some hospital that’s caving down then I’d buy a three deter mini mention with a big back yard , have a couple of lays franchaises and sell home made hot chips to invest with mr. Lays permission of course then I would have the biggest wedding in existence in Alaska then I would buy a vacation ice house and I would die in a hot spring but naked after telling my husband to fetch me a towell.
Maybe there is even more chips than we could eat
People people people of the Supreme Court let’s act a little more humle. We can’t let our fears scatter us in to smothering I’m pretty sure there is a pretty revolting disgusting abdominal answer to this lays nominees and this just me but have you ever felt like your being brain washed by an old Billy the goat gizzard that pretend to be you pal well here’s what I came up with how and why do they come up will all this money me I eat about two potatoes a veer and why the he’ll isn’t miss I just broke… Read more »
Anything but Loreen winning not only the semi-final but the whole thing as well is beyond ridiculous. Her odds are so low it’s not even worth to bet anything. Even Måns had a higher betting score.
Could it be..
YAY for Les gordons! Brilliant song
What a great semifinal! I’m shocked by Alice’s song! This is amazing! Beautiful strings, everything sounds perfect!
Loreen knows how to make great songs and performances! It will be fierce!
Wiktoria is lovely, the song is great!
If Loreen will go to Kiev with political statement, EBU must also allow Tako to use the image with the newspaper ”Russia invades Georgia”. Just saying.
@Jamie
Thats the whole point of this site and betting odds agencies, were trying to guess as early as possible for either money (bets) or credit (bloggs). Simple as that, although if Loreen wins there will be great chances for a Top 10 or higher but thats based on competition and we can only assume/guess.
Currently Italy is on everyones minds, so don’t get salty if some attention is shown to Sweden.
“If this wins, it’s winning Eurovision.”
We only know the songs from 13 countries so far so someone must be psychic to know what the other 29 remaining countries to reveal their entries apart from Sweden are going to be like. It’s rather too early to say which song is going to win Eurovision considering there are still countries that are selecting internally who haven’t revealed their artist or song which may cause a shock surprise.
Loreenfan
Last year same happened when they hear before other Ira Losco song and predict alomost win for Malta.
I literally can’t understand anything Loreen’s saying
A reasonable MF top 5 at this point will be:
1. Loreen
2. Nano
3. Robin
4. Mariette
5. Ace
I think that Nano’s song is a masterpiece and ESC winning material, and it’s a real shame he needs to compete with Loreen.
In William’s review of “Statements” he says “If this wins (Melodifestivalen), it’s winning Eurovision.” That gave me chills!
I’m already hooked by ‘Statements’. It’s going to be epic! It’s so different from anything she’s done before and yet, at the same time, it’s just *so* Loreen. I love it!
I predict the top 3 in final:
Loreen
Robin Bengtsson!
mariette
‘Statements’ isn’t a song it’s something otherworldly that’s too good for us lowly humans.
As it looks right now im pretty sure Nano will get my votes in the final.. I also agree with a lot of people, this is one of the worst years in Melodifestivalen.. I sincerely think none of the songs can win at Eurovision.
@ an esc fan – tea. International juries in national finals make no sense. You’re supposed to send a song that represents your country, why would you let foreigners decide? I’d say 100% televote should be used in those countries where labels don’t buy votes (so, for example, in Eastern countries a jury is necessary).
My top:
1, Loreen: Ok, didn’t have high expectations after Euphoria, but THIS IS EPIC!
2, Alice: That’s how you do a melfest debut! Catchy song, good singer, i just love it
3, Wiktoria: It has a charm, but doesnt reach the Save Me level
4, Axel Schylström: Catchy song, but that’s it for me
5, Jon Henrik Fjallgren ft Aninia: Not really into him, but the girl’s voice is nice
6, Les Gordons: I find it pretty basic, not memorable for me.
7, Sara Varga & Juha Mulari: Nice song but weak.
Just a minute and I’m again blown away … Loreen … she’s knows what MUSIC is … with no animals included … except her own “musical animal” within her!
Didn’t Christer Björkman say that there are some sogns who actually could win Eurovision? Actually, there are only a few songs who can reach the Top 10. Pretty disappointed selection from Sweden…
First of all, it’s maybe the best show of the 4! They kept the good stuff for the end. I really like most of the songs! Qiuck comments: 1. JON HENRIK FJÄLLGREN FEAT. ANINIA – “EN VÄRLD FULL AV STRIDER (VEARELDE GUSNIE JEENH VIGKIEH)“ The woman’s voice is everything here. The man doesn’t impress but when we listen the female voice, the song is immediately in another level! Like it. 2. ALICE – “RUNNING WITH LIONS” Also like it. It’s contemporary and the production is great, as always in Sweden. 3. LES GORDONS – “BOUND TO FALL” Ok, this is… Read more »
My prediction:
Final: Loreen, Wiktoria
Second chance: Alice, Jon Henrik Fjällgren feat. Aninia
Out: Axel Schylström, Sara Varga & Juha Mulari, Les Gordons
Im pretty sure the Top 3 of Melodifestivalen will be: Loreen, Mariette & Robin Bengston. I hope in that order.
After listening to these songs, i have only one thing to say: I’m in #TeamMariette
We all know that Loreen wili win MF and two month after and Eurovision thanks to overrated points by internatilonal juries at MF and Eurovision. I predict 132 points from juries at MF all 12 points from 11 countries, and at Eurovision I predict 320 to 350 points with juries and second concurent for win wili get from juries maximum 200 points.
I trust Swedes when it comes to “Hits”, and “Statements” is clearly no-hit material and won’t be a Spotify player. It’ll all depend on stage, and yes we all know how good Loreen is, but as a “song”, this is not the best that Swedes can offer.
@KennyESC – haters gonna hate
i just hate that there are sooooo many comments for that trashy and sh*tty selection of Sweden and sooooo less comments for es. Eesti Laul or A Dal.
Loreen already gave those winning vibes at her 30 seconds of snippet. She definetily can get Eurovision back to Sweden, I think. But let’s wait for the full version.
@ Polegend Godgarina : ”Sad the international juries always kill songs in Swedish.”
Juries hate non-english songs anyway. ESC needs 100% televote.
International juries in national selections are abomination – plague – insult – devil itself.
A country should send what it wants and what represents its culture, not what international juries like, because we all know what they like : boring, english, without imagination.
@Xeph
I just listened again. You’re half right XD
The first pre chorus (in the 1 minute clip), she says We don’t need your way out 3 times, in the dress rehearsal clip she says it 4 times, which according to the lyrics, is in the second pre chorus. We are yet to hear her sing the word Statements tho 😉
@I’ll Be Back – No you can’t, the 30 sec clip ends at exactly the same spot the 1min clip does, listen again.
Expected more from Loreen and Wiktoria. I honestly hope Mariette or Nano win the whole thing.
@ Purple Mask – y’all said the same about Jon Henrik in 2015 and look at how popular he was. Sad the international juries always kill songs in Swedish.
Two time Eurovision winner Loreen.
I can now stand firm behind Marriette’s effort. Nothing beats her song, really, at least for me.
Everything else is…really bland.
Wtf Sweden?
Marriette, it’s time for you to go on ESC honey! 🙂
I love Jon Henrik and Aninia too, and I don’t care who sings more, who overshadows who, both are in this together.
Viktoria is great; she makes me smile. I would put her direkt till final with Loreen. I don’t think there’s a question about that.
Loreen just has to win. @Swedes: Vote for Loreen if you want another top 3 result or maybe even victory.
The problem with Jon Henrik is that his awesomeness is being extinguished by another artist. I know they are staged in different places, but musically this doesn’t work together. I’m sorry Polegend, but this will be lucky to make Andra Chansen. 🙁
@an esc fan
Actually with Loreens song, the only political aspect of it is the staging. Jamala on the other hand had majority of hers in her song. Overall I think Loreen will be Top 3 in Melodifestivalen but I hope she wins.
Loreen’s voice makes my soul move. I don’t know how else to describe it. She’s definitely an icon of her time. Extraordinary.
Overall, the worst song in this semi is better than the best song in last week’s semi. I’m rooting for Jon-Henrik to go direkt till final, that’s the main thing. Quality, originality and talent shall prevail <3
I watched the Loreen 30 second clip… I appreciate the effort, but I think that if she wins, the televoters of Europe (who don’t really remember her considering she hasn’t had a hit in 5 years) will just be weirded out by it. I dunno, just impressions 🙂
Why does the uk even bother, they will come last anyway because everybody in europe hates us
I’m confused. You can hear the middle of Loreen’s song in the 30 second dress rehearsal clip, right. But everyone here is saying how they can’t wait to hear it.
Anyways, this is a decent semi. I like Axel’s a lot more than I was expecting, and the other 6 I basically agree with the majority.
Ok wow Loreen just slayed my entire life in 30 seconds.
Now we know that Loreen’s Statements are about French Revolution and about Nazism. A new Jamala ? New political song ?
Hope that Europe will reject this.
Is 2017 everybody !!!!!!!!!!