In 2015 he won Eurovision, in 2016 he co-hosted it, now in 2017 Måns Zelmerlöw will again return to Eurovision — this time as Sweden’s co-commentator. The “Heroes” singer will join regular commentator Edward af Sillén in Sweden’s commentary booth in Kyiv. And when it comes to delivering Sweden’s douze points, that honour will go to Melodifestivalen star Wiktoria.
Måns told Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet that he’s looking forward to the experience, especially as it means he won’t be so busy during Eurovision week. “Both times I’ve been through Eurovision there has not been much time to enjoy the Eurovision week. Now I think there will be a little more free time.”
He has also hinted that he may make some live appearances during his time in Kyiv — but he’s not giving anything away at this stage.
Måns already has his favourites for Kyiv. After he performed at Iceland’s national final, Måns is a fan of Svala and her song “Paper”. He’s also partial to France’s Alma and her entry “Requiem”.
Surprisingly, while Måns is aware of the competition favourite — Francesco Gabbani’s “Occidentali’s karma” and the dancing ape — Måns isn’t sure what the fuss is all about. “I have not fallen for it,” Måns told the newpaper.
Måns will be joined in the commentary booth by Sweden’s regular Eurovision commentator Edward af Sillén. Since 2009 he has been Sweden’s regular commentator and is joined by a different co-host each year, including Sanna Nielsen in 2015. Edward took a break from commentary duties in 2013 and 2016 due to his involvement with producing Sweden’s hosting of Eurovision itself.
“The Swedish Wogan”
Edward is a respected comedy writer and was behind Måns and Petra Mede’s script for Eurovision 2016 — including the iconic song “Love Love Peace Peace”. But Edward is also known for his cutting commentary, which — when translated into English — reminds some fans of the golden years of UK commentary legend Terry Wogan.
Here is a selection of Edward’s best shade from Eurovision 2015:
“As you have have noticed, Ukraine isn’t part of Eurovision this year. Anyway, here’s Russia with a song about peace.” — on Polina Gagarina.
“Written by a guy that makes commercial jingles, sang by two completely unknown artists – this really tells us how much England cares about this competition.” — on Electro Velvet.
“Why she has decided to match big headphones and a wedding dress is unclear.” — on Maraaya.
“This is what happens when six singers want to sing solo.” — on Genealogy.
Also confirmed for Kyiv is Sweden’s spokesperson. This year Melfest finalist — and televote runner-up — Wiktoria will do the honours in presenting Sweden’s points.
This continues Sweden’s tradition of using Melfest stars to deliver points. In recent years, the points have been presented by such artists as Danny Saucedo, Yohio, Alcazar and Mariette.
@sandeo
You must kill that voice in your head.
Sandeo who told these things? Even ifthey were true nobody would have tell them in public
Stephanie — Youououou… it was announced yesterday that Elodie Gossuin will be back as the French spokesperson!
Great she should make a tradition about singing French entries.
About that picture above, with Mans and Edward almost like a romantic couple, they are so fake, Mans has a girlfriend, Sweden will do anything to win esc.
Sandeo:
1. How on earth do you know this? Did the wind tell you these things? It’s completely – COMPLETELY – false. I can assure this.
2. Pressure on juries? When we still don’t know them? Oh, come on… 😀 please try with a better joke 🙂
Didn’t know that Edward af Sillén is also Sweden’s main commentator. Saw him in a lot of backstage interviews last year and he also presented the points from Sweden at Finland’s UMK earlier this year.
@Sandeo April fools was 12 days ago honey
@Sandeo
That’s so untrue. RAI wants to host if Italy wins. The CEO is pro-Eurovision and the Italian HoD confirmed their willingness to host. In an interview he even said that RAI was ready for it in case of victory in 2015.
I have heard here in Italy that the Italian Delegation and Rai do not want Italy to win but be in Top 5 as they do NOT want to host it here in Italy. Apparently the Juries have been advised of this so there will be a ‘fix’ so Italy don’t win. They will be focusing on Bulgaria to win a Up and coming country and this comes from reliable sources.
Italy is overrated as hell. I’m glad he said what some people have in mind.
Mans has been salty lately, first with Lucie’s song and now Francesco’s.
While I do respect his dislike for the song, I think he needs to recognize that the song has connected to a lot of people who do like it, hence its appeal, the same reason people liked his song in 2015 and others don’t.
It’s unfortunate those teeshirts look like they’re spelling “GOON” and not “GO ON”.
Mans is getting old …nooo
Has Edward become a bit arrogant about Eurovision in terms of disliking so many other entries and screaming to the seven seas that Sweden is the ONLY best in a sense that not even healthy patriotic but over the top? Loreen and Mans may have given Sweden their last two wins, but … Edward sweetheart … Sweden does not be the UK from the 70s and 80s or 90s … come down and ser your feet on the ground! You’re way to good looking to becomes a sarcastic jackass! And furthermore we already have one Russia that is what it… Read more »
In the comments of this article there are more people defending Måns’ freedom of speech than people criticising what he said. No need to get defensive people.
@Denis
Well said!
Calm down people, it’s allowed not to swoon over Italy! The man has right to have opinions As for people saying Sweden are jealous, what do we have to be jelaous over? We have won six times, twice this decade, hosted a very successful show last year, getting top 5 every year since 2011 part from 2013 and becoming the most successful country of the decade. Not to mention that Swedish songwriters still get asked to write for other countries. What is there to be jealous of concerning other countries? We aren’t afraid of anything, and certainly not of a… Read more »
I don’t think the 12 points to Italy from Sweden is sure at all. If Måns is commenting that he doesn’t “get the fuss” during the final it will have a huge impact on voters. Also I don’t think he’s alone in not getting it. It’s a cultural thing.
People stop it! Måns is entitled to his own opinion, just like everyone else. We in Sweden is not afraid of Italy at all. We would love to see Italy winning and they will get our 12 points in televoting for sure. However, with the new voting system, ANYTHING can happen. Italy is the safest bet for the win atm, but mark my words. It will be a blood bath.
Wiktoria <3
“Måns isn’t sure what the fuss is all”
I am not sure why juries place him so high either in 2015
Not everyone has to like Conchita, Edward and the “gay focus / bias” some fans have on esc. It is a free world 🙂
Youououou… it was announced yesterday that Elodie Gossuin will be back as the French spokesperson!
____Say what you want about UK songs, but their commentators Terry Wogan and Graham Norton have the best sense of humor, that meaning funny without offending anyone. I wish we had the chance to hear more of it on youtube. Make a joke at the right time, and make sure is not an insult, this is the secret of having the sense of humor. ____I’m not a fan of Italian entry, but I think that Sweden and Mans are jealous. ____@ Women, football and Rock and Roll __Is true that Edward af Sillen is tooooo interested to be gay friendly,… Read more »
Soooo happy Edward af Sillén is back, our commentator last year was insanely terrible, she sounded like she was about to fall asleep throughout the entire show, and she kept mispronouncing everything. Edward af Sillén and Gina Dirawi are the best commentators we’ve had and that was 2012, hopefully this is as good.
@Women, football and rock’n’roll
Conchita was great what kind of bias are you talking about? Rise like a phoenix is one of the most successful songs of ESC. I am really surprised what a human being don’t like about it?
Mans, I love you, but your favourite ESC song ever is Jan Jan, so I do slightly question your judgement on Italy. Although I’m glad to hear that he likes Alma.
@azaad: oh that’s a cool idea actually. 🙂 i agree.
I don’t like Edward af SillYen…as I sometimes jokingly call him 🙂 (nothing personal though!) OK – he might be a nice guy and all that….But I have to say I got him “up my throath” after his scripts for ESC 2013 and the anniversiary shows. Someone should have made it clear for him that many of us did NOT find those “gay jokes” at all funny! Just stupid, stereotupical…just underlying silly fuel to the many stereotypes many people have about ESC and the fan community….OK – maybe meant as irony / satire. But it simply did not work! Thankfully,… Read more »
I think Mans is allowed to share his thoughts on the songs. And I’m glad that he’s honest instead of just saying what everybody wants to hear.
One can make a vial of salt of Ed’s quotes. I’m wondering if cursing is allowed in their aired shows.
That just made me want to see Italy win even more. Sweden throwing shade to Italy is obvious they are afraid of them
What an arrogant tit
Wiktoria <3 I love her so much, can't wait to see her
Wonder if they’ll present the points first, as Austria did last year. Could be the start of a nice tradition, especially as the split vote means the jury vote doesn’t need to be organized to deliver the most suspense
Finally! After disaster we had last year when Lotta Bromé was commentator, we can finally enjoy watching Eurovision without having the commentator talking over everything
Lol at the comments he makes – people think the UK commentators are bad… But I’m glad he picked up on the Russian and Armenian entries from the contest “2015”
Yaaassss, Wiktoria!!! She is so cute.
I’m glad he doesn’t like Occidentali’s Karma, that can only be a good thing lol #Torino2018