For weeks, the Melfest rumour mill has been churning out suspected artists for Melodifestivalen 2019. But now Sweden’s national broadcaster SVT has finally separated fact from fiction by confirming the 28 acts who have made it to Europe’s glitziest national selection. The line-up includes some of Sweden’s hottest artists, Melfest legends, as well as newcomers. Let’s take a look.
SVT revealed the artists and their song titles in a press conference today. We won’t start to hear the songs until the rehearsal week of each semi-final in February.
Earlier this year, SVT confirmed the dates and venues of Mello 2019, and later revealed that the shows would be hosted by comedian Marika Carlsson, Eurovision 2011 singer Eric Saade, television personality Kodjo Akolor and entertainer Sarah Dawn Finer.
The wiwibloggs team is covering the event live from Stockholm. Join us as we bring you all the news!
Semi-final 1: Gothenburg – 2 February
Anna Bergendahl – “Ashes to Ashes”
Anna has the dubious distinction of being the only Swedish act to not qualify for the Eurovision grand final, having just missed out in 2010.
Songwriters: Thomas G:son, Bobby Ljungren, Erik Bernholm and Anna Bergendahl.
Nano – “Chasing Rivers”
Soul singer Nano Omar debuted at Melodifestivalen 2017. His uplifting song “Hold On” won the televote and placed second overall.
Songwriters: Lise Cabble, Linnea Deb, Joy Deb and Thomas G:son.
Mohombi – “Hello”
Mohombi is best known for his 2010 international hit “Bumpy Ride”. He returns to Melodifestivalen after first appearing in 2005 as part of Group Avalon.
Songwriters: Alexandru Florin Cotoi, Thomas G:son, Mohombi Moupondo and Linnea Deb
Zeana feat. Anis Don Demina – “Mina bränder” (My Fires)
Zeana competed on Idol 2016 and has released her own music. Anis was one of Sami & Viktor’s backing singer doing the “Shuffla” and his now going solo. He recently released “Sucker for Love”.
Songwriters: Thomas G:son, Jimmy Jansson, Anis Don Demina and Pa Moudou Badjie
Arja Saijonmaa – “Mina fyra årstider” (My four seasons)
The Finnish singer and political activist has competed at Melfest twice before. In 1987 her entry “Högt över havet” went on to win the inaugural OGAE Second Chance Contest.
Songwriters: Göran Sparrdal and Arja Saijonmaa
High15 – “No Drama”
The four-piece girl group got their start on Sweden’s Got Talent 2017. They have released a number of singles, including “When We Were Kids”.
Songwriters: Joy Deb, Linnea Deb and Kate Tizzard
Wiktoria – “Not With Me”
Wiktoria Johansson first competed at Melfest 2016 with the country-pop song “Save Me”, which placed fourth. She returned in 2017 with, “As I Lay Me Down”, which finished sixth.
Songwriters: Joy Deb, Linnea Deb and Wiktoria Johansson
Semi-final 2: Malmö – 9 February
Andreas Johnson – “Army of Us”
This will be the seventh Mello appearance for Andreas. His best result was in 2007, when he placed second. He most recently competed in Melfest 2015.
Songwriters: Andreas Johnson, Jimmy Jansson, Sara Ryan, Andreas ”Stone” Johansson and Sebastian Thott
Hanna Ferm & LIAMOO – “Hold You”
Liam Cacatian Thomassen won Swedish Idol 2016, while Hanna was the 2017 runner-up. LIAMOO returns to Mello after “Last Breath” in 2018, while Hanna makes her debut.
Songwriters: Jimmy Jansson, Fredrik Sonefors, Hanna Ferm and Liam Pablito Cacatian Thomassen.
Malou Prytz – “I Do Me”
Newcomer Malou won the children’s section of the 2017 Baltic Song Festival. She also frequently uploads covers to her Instagram account.
Songwriters: Isa Tengblad, Elvira Anderfjärd, Fanny Arnesson and Adéle Cechal
Oscar Enestad – “I Love It”
Oscar made his Mello debut in 2017 as part of the popular boyband FO&O. Their song “Gotta Thing About You” placed 11th in the final. Since the group split, Oscar has launched a solo career.
Songwriters: Emanuel Abrahamsson, Parker James and Oscar Enestad
Jan Malmsjö – “Leva livet” (Live life)
Jan Malmsjö is an 86-year-old veteran actor. He last competed in Melfest in 1969, singing “Hej Clown” co-written by Benny Andersson. The song topped the vote, but lost on a tie-break.
Songwriters: Anderz Wrethov, Elin Wrethov and Johan Bejerholm
Vlad Reiser – “Nakna i regnet” (Naked in the rain)
Vlad is a YouTuber and influencer. Earlier this year he released his debut single “Prankstar”, which reached No.76 in the Swedish chart.
Songwriters: Lukas Nathansson, John Hårleman, Vladislav Meletjenkov and Chris Enberg
Margaret – “Tempo”
The Polish popstress made her Melfest debut earlier this year with “In My Cabana”. The fruity track made it to the grand final (via andra chansen) where it placed seventh.
Songwriters: Anderz Wrethov, Jimmy Jansson, Laurell Barker and Sebastian von Koenigsegg
Semi-final 3: Leksand – 16 February
Dolly Style – “Habibi”
Bubblegum pop trio Dolly Style have competed at Melfest twice before, with “Hello Hi” and “Rollercoaster” Both times they made the andra chansen round.
Songwriters: Jimmy Jansson, Palle Hammarlund and Robert Norberg.
Martin Stenmarck – “Låt skiten brinna”
Martin represented Sweden at Eurovision 2005 with the glitzy song “Las Vegas”. He has also returned to Melfest twice, in 2014 and 2016.
Songwriters: Uno Svenningsson, Tim Larsson and Tobias Lundgren
Jon Henrik Fjällgren – “Norrsken”
Joik singer Jon Henrik is a two-time Mello veteran. He last competed in 2017, where his song “En värld full av strider (Eatneme gusnie jeenh dåaroeh)” placed third.
Songwriters: Fredrik Kempe, David Kreuger, Niklas Carson Mattsson and Jon Henrik Fjällgren
Omar – “Om igen” (Again)
Omar Rudberg was one third of FO&O. Since leaving the group, he has released a number of singles, including “Que pasa”.
Songwriters: Omar Rudberg, Johan Lindbrandt, Robin Stjernberg and Jens Hult
The Lovers of Valdaro – “Somebody Wants”
Electronic-pop duo the Lovers of Valdaro won the Melfest wildcard as part of the P4 Nästa contest. Group member Erik appeared at Eurovision 2018 as one of DoReDos’s backing singers.
Songwriters: Peter Boström and Thomas G:son
Lina Hedlund – “Victorious”
The former Alzcazar singer is making her sixth Melodifestivalen appearance and second solo entry. She last competed, with Alcazar, in 2014, placing third.
Songwriters: Melanie Wehbe, Richard Edwards, Dino Medanhodzic and Johanna Jansson
Rebecka Karlsson – “Who I Am”
Rebecka came to fame on the 2016 series of Swedish Idol. She placed second to overall winner Liam Cacatian Thomassen.
Songwriters: Rebecka Karlsson, Anderz Wrethov and Henric Pierroff
Semi-final 4: Lidköping – 23 February
Arvingarna – “I Do”
Dansband Arvingarna (The Heirs) are four-time Melfest veterans. They won on their 1993 debut and placed seventh at Eurovision 1993 with the upbeat song “Eloise”.
Songwriters: Nanne Grönvall, Mikael Karlsson, Casper Jarnebrink and Thomas “Plec” Johansson
Anton Hagman – “Känner dig” (Know you)
Anton made his Melfest debut in 2017, where his song “Kiss You Goodbye” controversially beat Loreen’s “Statements” in the Andra Chansen round.
Songwriters: Gusten Dahlqvist, Oliver Forsmark, Anton Hagman and Jakob Hjulström
Ann-Louise Hanson – “Kärleken finns kvar” (Love remains)
Schlager legend Ann-Louise holds the record for having entered Melfest the most number of times. Her 2019 participation will be her 14th attempt.
Songwriters: David Lindgren Zacharias, Josefin Glenmark-Breman and Olof “Ollie” Olsen
Bishara – “On my Own”
Bishara Morad is a 15-year-old singer known for covers on his popular Instagram account. He will turn 16 two weeks before the first Melodifestvalen semi-final.
Songwriters: Markus Sepehrmanesh, Benjamin Ingrosso and Robert Habolin
Pagan Fury – “Stormbringer”
A folk metal band, led by singer Arven Latour. Their music features in the video game Crusader Kings II and they have recently released “La le lej”.
Songwriters: Tobias Gustavsson, Fredrik Thomander, Anders Wikström and Mia Stegmar
John Lundvik – “Too Late for Love”
Singer-songwriter John made his Melfest debut earlier this year, where his song “My Turn” placed third. He is also known for writing a love song for the 2010 Swedish royal wedding.
Songwriters: John Lundvik, Anderz Wrethov, and Andreas “Stone” Johansson
Lisa Ajax – “Torn”
Idol winner Lisa returns to Mello. She has competed twice before, with “My Heart Wants Me Dead” in 2016 and “I Don’t Give a…” in 2017.
Songwriters: Lisa Ajax and Isa Molin
What do you think of the Melodifestivalen 2019 lineup? Can one of these artists give Sweden its seventh victory? Share your thoughts below!
Strange question and maybe I’m being dumb here…but how do listen to the songs!!???
Danny
I really want Jon Henrik to represent Sweden this year, I still listen to his last two entries, time Sweden tried something different and sent him to Tel Aviv
Haters gonna hate. Melodifestivalen is the best NF and will always be that. This is an amazing line-up. Seventh victory here we come.
Of course! So many potential eurovision winners – a good song for at least one of them and Stockholm 2020 is saved
I am okay to see Anna Bergendahl try Melodifestivalen many times, even if somebody else might take the winning spot next year. She is just fun to watch.
Just a shot in the dark, but is it bad or weird that I’m already planning on my MelFest 2020 wish list?
no 🙂
They all sound very boring and repetitive. Nothing new or innovative about Sweden, same type of songs (Pop) like…forever. They’ll qualify, no matter what piece of trash they’re sending, but hopefully the televote will punish them, just like it happned this year with Benjamin inGROSSo. #thankyounext!
well maybe you should wait for the songs first
We don’t have to wait for the songs, it’s pretty clear it’ll be another boring, bland, generic Pop act. How about aiming for something new, Sweden?
We in Sweden feel like this : We do you care about our national final? Dont watch it:) We can manage 🙂
Well said!
Anna Bergendahl needs a redemption in ESC. I to this day still listen to This Is My Life. Nano, Jon Henrik Fjällgren and Liamoo and Hanna Ferm are also ones to watch out for as well but my favourite will be Anna as I felt that she was robbed in Oslo
This is a pretty stellar lineup with a good mix of well-known returning and new artists–much better than the last couple years for sure! Most looking forward to hearing Jon Henrik, Lina, (LOVE Alcazar), Pagan Fury (their concept is awesome!), Dolly Style (because why not?), Martin, and even Anna (with a very different song!). Let the Melfest party begin!
This has gotta be Jon Henrik’s year… the momentum has been building up now! Margaret isn’t bothered about winning and Wiktoria’s time is long gone after her last entry.
Hopefully third time lucky! 🙂
Happy to have good tickets to the first semi final in Gothenburg – seems to be the best one :)!
Many great artists but ironically I’m most looking forward to Pagan Fury!!! So hyped to see a metal band in melo!!! And a genre that Sweden is generally well known for! I have high hopes for this!
No chance Bjorkman would let a song like this win….
It’s not an internal selection, so Bjorkman has no say on who wins.
If she had squeaked into the final via Andra Chansen, she might have won MelFest on the strength of her jury score alone. With a tweak of the stage setup and choreography, she would have finished top 3 in Kyiv.
I think fight for win will be between Nano , Wiktoria and Jon Henrik Fjällgren . Dark horses Lisa Ajax (because SVT put her to sing last in 4 th semi final, many times favorites of SVT get that position). Nano have 4 composer and all four composers won Eurovision, G sson in 2012, Lisa in 2013 for Denmark (she compose also Denmark song in 1995 and 2011) , Linea and Joy in 2015 . Wiktoria song write Linea and Joy Jon Henrik song write Kempe , Kruger autohors of Sweden song from 2014, and Kempe compose song another for… Read more »
The order in the finals are not the one that was presented today.
The list above is in alphabetical order. No running order is out yet, though the 7th position will probably go to Anton Hagman with an outside chance for Lisa Ajax.
I hope Andreas Johnson gets out of his semi-final this year, if only to the second chance round. Living To Die deserved better, I’m glad that injustice hasn’t stopped him from returning.
I like the line up. New comers and returning and young and older artists. You can complain all you want. Mello is still one of top 5 national finals and have always been and will always be. If you say for example that Portugals,Spain,UK or San Marinos are better then i cant take you seriously. I hope Wictoria, Anna Bergendahl and Hanna & Liamoo has great songs.
My blind picks (since I have not heard any snippets yet): Nano, Margaret, Jon Henrik and John Lundvik to win each of their semifinals. Could very well be a showdown between Nano and Jon Henrik. One of them is due, depending on the songs.
but wiktoria is going to win it all.
With a ballad this year though. Not usually what sweden are sending, but who knows.
So long as she doesn’t come with another folktronic tune, she might have a chance. Otherwise, my confidence level with her is closer to zero than it is to 10.
I can’t! So many good acts this year!!! Anna Bergendahl has to redeem herself after her exclusion back in 2010 Would love to see Jon Henrik represent Sweden one day ? LIAMOO and Hanna Ferm have good chemistry together NANO yes! Love his style of music and was my winner back in 2017 Mohombi- have listened to his music when I was in High School. Can’t wait to see what he has in stored Omar- I thought he’d sing in Spanglish considering it’s the IT style at the moment Pagan Fury have my undisputed attention Bishara has caught my attention… Read more »
I like how they put all thomas gson and linnea deb songs in like one semi final.
Margaret! I really hope she has a killer song, she would be so cool in ESC! Plus guaranteed 12 jury and phone points from Poland, maybe even Czechia.
Why from Czechia? Sad to say but she is unknown here (except for real ESC fans), I’ve never heard anything from her in any Czech radio.
Then I hope that poland is not one of the internatioanl juries. They can’t be biased 2 years in a row
Meh, she’s not even in it to win it, and she won’t. The honour will go to a Swede.
As there were rumours about Helena Paparizou again (SVT would have had a song, but she said no), maybe SVT thought, Helena would say yes and wanted her to be presented last as the former Eurovision winner and kind of “biggest star” in this line-up…
So many returning acts! Felix’s ex band mates, Wiktoria, Nano, the 2005 and 2010 winners, Alcazar lady, Dolly Style, Liamoo, Margaret, Lisa Ajax, the winning songwriters from 2012 and 2015, the winner of the televote in 2005 Nanne as a songwriter, Jon Henrik and John Lundvik, plus the DoReDos backing singer. Wow so much talent.
5 out of 7 songs in semi 1 are written by Linnea Deb wow
Anna bergendahl really has the courage to come back. I can’t wait to see her flop
How can you say that before you hear the song? its really stupid
I have a feeling Nano will win, it’s s song written by the winning team of both Euphoria and Heroes
And Lise Cabble ho cowrote “Only teardrops”
So excited for Anna Bergendahl! Hope she does well with the G-Son song
Anna Bergenthal is a looser that will make Sweden banned from Eurovision
Your name.
So excited for Wiktoria!!!
Amazing line-up! I am curios about High 15 and Malou, because they are newcomers, so it will be exciting to see and listen to what they will perform. Then we have Margaret and Wiktoria, Dolly Style and Pegan Fury – this will be interesting… 🙂
Pagan Fury–sounds like someone is having regrets to pass on Higher Ground
Linnea Deb has 4 songs in Semi 1. Dang.
That’s a whole lot of Thomas G.son
The man’s gotta eat.
This sounds amazing!
Sounds like a strong year with so many big names!
Yes! Lisa Ajax and Anna Bergendahl are back. 😀 If Anna Bergendahl represents Sweden in Tel Aviv, maybe 18 May will be her first grand final. 🙂
savage
Maybe 18 May will be the day you stop being obsessed with 16/17 year olds.
And long forgotten songs’ music videos. I don’t like that this user keeps commenting on the same two topics.
I’m suprised they didnt let Thomas G:son write any songs… oh hang on!
On the plus side – Nanne Grönvall has helped write a song – which I could not be more excited about!!
Fantastic line-up! I’m excited for Wiktoria, Andreas Johnson, Margaret, Dolly Style, Jon Henrik, John Lundvik & Lisa Ajax and looking forward hearing from old school veterans Arja Saijonmaa, Arja Saijonmaa and Ann-Louise Hanson. It’ll be intriguing to see Anna Bergendahl’s unexpected return who’s probably been hiding away for the past 8 years as for Oscar & Omar competing separately who were part of FO&O. Newcomers that sound promising for me are High15, Malou Prytz, Rebecka Karlsson and Pagan Fury. Here’s to hoping Melfest 2019 will be the best edition since at least 2016 or even 2012, can’t wait to hear… Read more »
I was meant to mention Arvingarna after the old school veterans instead of accidentally listing Arja twice, dammit.
Hopefully theses songs will be good. Need something good after that big disappointment from Latvia.
Hope to send John Henrik, his song will stand out
P.S i dont give a… for Lisa ajax coming back. Still laughing with her attitude of not changing her lyrics and also for her jury scores in 2016. She simply gave top marks to her companies workers…. (azerbaijan etc)
Lisa’s label is Capitol Music Group, which is owned by Universal. Samra’s label is Wave Music, which is independent and Miracle was released by CAP-Sounds, a German label. Lisa didn’t give her top score to her company. Get your facts right
Miracle was written by her Swedish friends
oh thats so funny, say whatever you want, Samras song was written by Swedish people who happen to be Lisas friends. Get your facts right.
Damn! I coulld not decide which one I would lik to see winning… There are so MANY great artists… Can’t wait for Mello 2019!!!
Thomas G:son sponsors the 1st semifinal. It is also the one with the bigger names, thought there are a lot of big names competing this year. Oh, and I play Crusaders Kings II, so it will be interesting to see Pagan Fury on stage. Actually, CKII developers are Swedish (Paradox Interactive), it makes sense to have them in Melodifestivalen.
You can tell most of those are going to be bland, nondescript songs… but there’s a lot to be hyped about! Wiktalent sounds like she’s gonna come through with yet another excellent track, Margaret is ready to serve another bop, Jon Henrik will serve the quality tune this competition needs… and Oscar Enestad will serve the kiis! I hope he still has his wig/haircut for Melfest.
I think you’re right and I also think Linda Pira was the one backing out. Too bad. Lisa Ajax may have a bop though
There is no Eurovision without at least one of the following songwriters: Alex Papaconstantinou, Thomas G:son, Ralph Siegel, Boris Milanov, Philip Kirkorov, and John Ballard, among others.
Let’s keep a tally
G:son- Check, several times
Papaconstantinou- Rumoured to be behind Cyprus song again
Kirkorov- He’s got seven countries to choose, probably will show his nose somewhere
Milanov- Aparantely too busy with new wife and baby, but who knows
Siegel- Well, San Marino is in, so…
Ballard- Let’s see
Milanov – No. In addition, he only contributed to Bulgaria’s entries as far as I know, and Bulgaria is no longer with us, so…
He’s a good composer and he’s married to a Georgian woman. I wouldn’t be surprised if Georgia didn’t try to lure him to write for them, and more without Bulgaria around.
He married Tamara Gachechiladze (ESC Georgia 2017) and their expecting a baby 🙂
Edit: I replied to the wrong thread. 😀
He was behind a couple of past entries from Serbia and Macedonia (including Autumn Leaves). He’s also a co-writer for “Nobody But You” with Cesar Sampson.
He was also behind Dance Alone and In Too Deep.
Lots of Melfest returnees next year. This should be interesting..will Sweden back a comeback artist or get behind a fresh debuting underdog? we’ll find out in 2019.
An interesting pattern:
2010 – Anna Bergendahl (debut)
2011 – Eric Saade (returnee from 2010)
2012 – Loreen (returnee from 2011)
2013 – Robin Stjenberg (debutant)
2014 – Sanna Nielsen (returnee from 2008)
2015 – Mans Zelmerlow (returnee from 2009)
2016 – Frans (debutant)
2017 – Robin Bengtsson (returnee from 2016)
2018 – Benjamin Ingrosso (returnee from 2017)
2019 – if it follows the same trend as above, a debut and I have a feeling it could indeed be a debut winning.
My initial guess is Mohombi or Vlad (he will have a trashy song but has huge support from his YouTube followers)
Let’s hope it’s Pagan Fury!
Folk metal? They have my attention already. And as the wife of an Arabic man, the Little Ponies (don’t remember name now) better use my pet name wisely.
Without the actual songs out, I’m putting my money on Wiktoria, Rebecka and John, those seem the titles I fancy the most.
Update- I’ve been listening to Pagan Fury. No way they’ll win-it’s Mello the will choose Anton or John- but they can count me as a fan now.
Love me a viking.
Very excited for Jon Henrik, Wiktoria & Lisa Ajax! Also looking forward to Nano’s song.
Anna Bergendahl, Mohimbi, Nano AND Wictoria in one semi final?! Four acts with great expectations and it is set for someone to crash and burn indifferent of the song quality
I see Benji Ingrosso on the songwriting credits for Bishara. Oh no!
I suspect he could have a strong song and win… unfortunately. With so many strong acts I could see an outsider coming from nowhere to win the whole thing.
Now this is why MF is best: Good songs and fierce competition. Last time we had a fun selection like this was in 2016. Just fun!
As for winners? Nano. With three ESC winners composing it , it must be spectacular.
It’ll be another sob song for straight locals who listen to Rag’n’Bone Man and Imagine Dragons, not my winner!
Honestly, Jon Henrik Fjällgren’s song is the only one I am curious about.
Agreed…I hear him say it’s going to be different than the last two songs!
I am so excited about Anna Bergendahl and Hanna and Liamoo 😀
Jon Henrik Fjällgren this your time Tel Aviv 2019
I’m looking forward to Pagan Fury so much, their music is really good!