Mariette on Melodifestivalen: “Shout It Out” is completely different to my previous entries

She is one of the biggest surprises of this year’s Melodifestivalen lineup — and one of the most beloved artists of Melfest in recent years. So it was only natural that we scooted up to Mariette during Tuesday’s artist reveal in Stockholm.

The 36-year-old Idol alum talked to her about her song “Shout It Out”, which promises to be a lot more edgy, and her motivation in coming back.

Mariette at Melodifestivalen 2020

While the rules of Melodifestivalen strictly forbid artists from letting anyone hear their song and essentially force them to be vague, Mariette did give us a few hints about the direction her song will take.

“It’s organic instruments, high tempo, it’s a bit edgier, a bit raw, a bit more attitude,” she says. “But yeah, it’s different, but at the same time it feels almost like old me.”

Mariette has always brought a spectacular show to the stage, whether she was accompanied by bungee-dancers or standing on top of a pyramid. This year she wants to take a different path.

“It’s gonna be more just honesty and naked. But I love all my performances.”

So why did she want to take part for a fourth time? Mariette explains that her decision stemmed from her many positive experiences at Melodifestivalen and her promising song produced by a talented team.

She only made the decision to participate a few weeks before the deadline.  She says promoting a song isn’t her goal — it’s all about enjoying the experience and sharing the work of her team.

“Melodifestivalen made me come back. But also my song, that I wrote together with three other talents. This song made me come back.”

Mariette’s previous Melodifestivalen songs

Mariette is one of the most successful Melfest artists who has never won it. “Shout It Out” will be her fourth entry. All of her entries finished within the top five. Given all that, she’s definitely an act to keep an eye on.

She made her debut in 2014 with “Don’t Stop Believing”, which placed third. With her return in 2017 (“A Million Years”) she reached fourth place. Her most recent entry — “For You” — finished fifth in 2018.

The coming months will be filled with other projects. Until Christmas, she’s busy with her own shows and her recently released duet with Eurovision winner Carola. She tells us that recording the Christmas song O Come, All ye Faithful with her childhood idol is a huge honour for her.

Do you think 2020 is the year for Mariette to take the trophy home? Tell us in the comments below!