Nu kör vi! Saturday’s semi-final provided us with the last four songs to complete the line-up of the grand final of Melodifestivalen 2023 on 11 March in Friends Arena in Stockholm.
28 acts have been narrowed down to 12, who are all trying to snatch the crown to the Swedish kingdom and represent the Scandis at Eurovision in May.
But who will it be? Former Eurovision winner Loreen, Norwegian twin sensations Marcus & Martinus, Ukranian star Maria Sur or someone completely different?
Scroll down to listen to the songs and vote for your favourites in our poll.
Running order of Melodifestivalen grand final
- Jon Henrik Fjällgren, Arc North feat. Adam Woods – “Where You Are (Sávežan)”
- Tone Sekelius – “Rhythm of My Show”
- Mariette – “One Day”
- Marcus & Martinus – “Air”
- Panetoz – “On My Way”
- Maria Sur – “Never Give Up”
- Smash Into Pieces – “Six Feet Under”
- Kiana – “Where Did You Go”
- Nordman – “Släpp alla sorger”
- Loreen – “Tattoo”
- THEOZ – “Mer af dig”
- Paul Rey – “Royals”
Who should win Melodifestivalen 2023?
You can vote for as many songs as you like, but you can only vote once, so choose wisely!
Listen to the songs
Who is your favourite to win the final in Melodifestivalen? Can Sweden take their 7th Eurovision victory? Let us know in the comments below.
At the risk of being downvoted, is there a chance for Maria Sur, given her story?
Great stage presence but song not so memorable.
Her story is not the issue. Those who like it like it because they feel the song has ESC feeling..
But as I said I doubt she will get votes from young people,, they find it boring. As for Loreen my thought is still that she will get points from all groups but not necessarily the 12 points from all and that might be enough to win. Unless people just assume she will win and forget to vote:)
My favourites are M&M, but i think Loreen will win. But i’m curious, how will she translate this performance in a much bigger stage? ?
I love M&M too and I agree. My guess is stage the same. It is all about the cameras.
Loreen should win if she didn’t, I would be surprise.
Smash Into Pieces has by far the best song and the best performance, and should by that be the winner. But Sweden never ever sends a rock entry, so that won’t happen. Loreen will win this with ease. I’m Norwegian, but for me, “Air” with Marcus & Martinus are too weak in my ears.
Never sent rock? So what was 2007 entry, if not rock?
And 2000?
It was a long time ago, my youngest sibling wasn’t even born back then
I have my doubts about Loreen. Not about her herself bc she’s an amazing artist and Tattoo is a good entry, but I can clearly see a 2021 Melfest scenario: the Swedish legend (Eric Saade) loses against Tusse bc of the televote. To me is not that crazy to think Loreen will lose the televote against Marcus & Martinus, especially amid the younger audiences, the same who supported Tusse that time.
Let’s see what happens.
But Tusse won both jury vote and public vote
Even if she loses televote , she still could win due to jury votes.
But even among younger audiences she is liked.8 year olds find her fascinating, at least the ones I know..
And Tusse won 12 points from all groups, not just the youngest
I don’t think so but you are on to something…..
unto what?
Saade was never the favourite, Tusse was. And he did not only get the young vote but also from the older groups.
Loreen is everywhere, the most streamed Mello song ever. The only thing that can happen is if people simply assume she will win and forgets to vote.
The twins might do well yes but I doubt older groups will love them..
If Loreen loses, I’m sure the Eurofans will react with the calm restraint and politeness that they are famous for.
Overexcited fans, haters, neutral fans… that’s all good but it’s impossible to disagree that Loreen is the rightful winner of this year’s Melodifestivalen, considering the lineup at least. She tried to bring something different to Melfest in 2017 and didn’t even qualify to the final, this year she almost copied herself from 2012 and has 80% winning chance now, quickly scoring views, reaching all the possible charts in Sweden and other Northern countries, etc. Can’t argue with that. What can we do if it works like that sometimes, it’s life. It’s more interesting what will happen in ESC. Talking about… Read more »
I don’t expect surprises here at all, Loreen will no doubt win and it’s bit of an anticlimax to the whole selection, but alright.
I feel Sweden may shoot herself in the foot with ” International Jury”. I don’t think Loreen is a given to win Televote. Not generally a fan of returnees, no disrespect to the artist. I predict if Sweden sends Loreen, they will be waiting a little longer for 7th win.
Hahaha, are you serious? How scared are you guys of Sweden in ESC? You try to say that its better to send Tone Sekelius or Theoz??
Not sacred at all as long as you keep sending the likes of Voices and copies of other songs including of your own previous winners.
We’re not scared, we’re fed up
So far, even though not elected yet, she has the best overall performance and song. I mean…really guys. I say no comparison. Period. Never seen anything like it. Stop comparing to 2012. Stop hating Sweden because we produce good songs.
I haven’t compared Tattoo with Euphoria.
I’ll be ok with either Loreen, Smash into Pieces, Marcus & Martinus or Jon Henrik. I mean, it has to be Loreen. I have mixed feelings, though, with what she has done putting “Frying Free”, “The winner takes it all” and some other, let’s say, inspirations to get “Tattoo”.
What sad attempt at throwing shade, lol
I have an obligation to vote for Jon Henrik :D.
Same. I think “Savejan” is so cool.
If you think we only like the song because of singer or we love everything Loreen does then how come Statements was rejected twice and did not even chart? If we love everything then how she has not had a single hit these eleven years? The hype is for the song yes! Of course it helps that Loreen sings it and that the song would not work without her. But is that not how artistry works? No song works without the artist making it. Would “Total Eclipse of The Heart” work without Bonnie Tyler’s energy? Would “My heart Will go… Read more »
Well said. She sings it with pure emotion and not sure anyone could have delivered it the same way
I don’t understand people who shoot Loreen for free when she is superb… Stop pouring out your hate. Everyone has their own tastes but respect the artists and the songs. For me, she is superb and you are not going to influence me. GOOOOO LOREEN
Melfest is always weak even before it starts according to the Eurofans.
You mean before it starts in 1958?
Funny 😉
Melfest is always going to have overrated songs that will win ESC only because of the “Swedish Mafia”.
Just like how every ESC year is apparently the worst year ever.
You are so wrong. Many countries this year could change out their own entry for a song in Melodifestivalen without a doubt.
I fully agree. I was being sarcastic.
Downer – overrated – old news. Sweden have written one of the biggest hits for universal stars. Sorry, we might do it for “melfest’ too.
I have a feeling that if Loreen won with Tattoo in 2012 and competed with Euphoria in 2023 everyone would be “it’s not as great as Tattoo”.
That’s a foregone conclusion.
I’ve been listening to Tattoo non-stop. This really is a good song and I will definitely be rooting for Loreen to win Melodifestivalen this year! I think Six Feet Under is an underrated entry, however. Maybe it could surprise us on Saturday?
The song is nice but I would not vote for “Tattoo” song if this song was chosen to represent Sweden. The chorus and melody are boring; linear and nothing special for me. The song is overhyped just because of Popularity of Loreen.
Eurovision 2023 is not a song contest for overhyping Loreen’s song and promoting her musical career.
I think it will come down to Tattoo and Air
I’m surprised Loreen has such a low percentage.
Loreen sure stirr things around and evoke emotions. I take that as a good sign 😉
Agree 100%!
Some people here really like to come for people that like Tattoo, just because it is Loreen. If I would just like it because it is Loreen, I would have loved statements. I however think Sweden was quite right for not putting that through to the final, it was in my opinion not a very good song. And I think that about a lot of Loreens songs. I always like songs like this, with this anthem like feel. We will never know how people would react to it if it wasnt Loreen singing it, because also a singer and their… Read more »
Well said! 🙂
Who votes for anyone other than loreen!!!!
OT: Crystal Ball ESC posted a Swiss snippet of “Watergun” by Remo Forrer. Pretty sure it’s real?
I hope Crystal Ball is found out and fired from his EBU job, whatever it is.
Do they work at the EBU? I just thought they’re like a hacker or some ish
Watergun sounds fun! Though if it’s real, idk what to expect (haven’t listened to the snippet yet)
It’s a war ballad.
Anyway winning Eurovision in what is now certain to be the worst line up ever is not a great achievement.
Great line up for Mello this year! It seems that Loreen will take the crown, my other two top entries are Smash into pieces and M&M (Marcus and Martinus). Let’s see what happens on Saturday! Regarding Loreen’s song, yes, to me, it’s the perfect ESC entry. Great song, sang well, performed well, staged well. We can’t blame Sweden for that. Their music industry is only 3rd or 4th in the world after the USA and the UK. They know how to make and present great songs, they definitely work on them A LOT! I wish many other countries could have… Read more »
Loreen is generic and dated, this song is forgettable
Only Smash into pieces
Today Tattoo entered the UK’s ‘Official Big Top 40’ chart at #37.
Woohoo! That’s fantastic!
Some very suspicious upvoting here, just so you know. Anything negative gets tens of upvotes in about 30 seconds.
Regarding the Loreen discussion. It’s definitely my kind of song, I am Listening to it a lot. In terms of the Melodifestivalen line up I think it should win, and given the songs so far going to Eurovision it’s right at the top. I do however understand why some have negative views, it isn’t different or fresh enough to be an amazing winner? It would be a good winner just not as amazing or unique as Euphoria was in its time. What I mean by that is something beyond it being Loreen’s voice and her style, the song itself feels… Read more »
Although I a bit liked Loreen’s song, I will prefer another country to win Eurovision because Loreen’s “Tattoo” song is nothing special than Euopharia. I also don’t want to see overdomination of Sweden on Eurovision; it is European song contest; not a contest for overhyping Swedish songs
Maybe they just are better than a lot of the other countries.
Voted for my top 3: Mariette, Loreen and Smash Into Pieces (in that order). Marcus and Martinus would probably be an honorable mention, but I voted for the ones, who could potentially get my vote in Eurovision too and I’m not sure they fall into that category really.
I would’ve taken Wiktoria’s song at least over 5 of the finalists, so I’m sad we won’t see her on Saturday
Really, I get that people may not like Tattoo and the fact that is is probably going to win, but at least give good arguments. The repeated “it is just the name” “it is not as good as Euphoria” “it is too generic” start to annoy me.
Like I said, it it okay not to like it, but just stop with downvoting people who do and give good arguments. The esc fans are having a way to high bar just because it is Loreen
No, just loreen fans have low bar for her, because you all would dislike such song from another singer
It uses sample from 92 song, uses it poorly, it sounds like Mika Newton v plenu song who used same sample but deliveree it better, so why do people need to listen to song, they heard millions of times already, no impact, no anything, Jimmy Jocker wrote most of the songs this year and i dont hear you compiment othet his songs only one for Loreen
If Tattoo was sang by another Swedish singer, no one would have overhyped this song.
If Englebert Humperdinck had done SloMo, would it have been as successful? Dana (1970) performing Hard Rock Hallelujah? Serhat singing Arcade?
Patty Gurdy singing La Forza?
Have you heard Terry Hall singing All Kinds of Everything? Nicole singing Euphoria? These actually happened. I am going to e-mail Patty’s management team now with your suggestion.
So now I’ve just listened to Nicole singing Euphoria. I did not know that existed! I do like Nicole* but after hearing Euphoria in English for so many years, hearing it in German sounds really odd.
*coincentally, I watched a short documentary about her 1982 win on YouTube earlier today.
You can’t understand anything she’s singing, her pronunciation is awful, could be singing in Swedish I wouldn’t even notice the difference + that attitude (not her fault for that point) that she already won. I was shocked to witness in the Icelandic national final they showed her along with other Scandinavian qualified songs for Eurovision as if yeah she won that ticket already. That’s so disrespectful to other contestants and also makes you root for them even more. Also personal point but I’m very much against winners competing again in Eurovision. They won, their name would never be forgotten, they… Read more »
I do not understand the hype behind Loreen, all it is is just a wall of sound which Loreen mumbles through most of whilst lying down on some LED panels and has some choreo which makes her look like she’s got rickets, it is just bad in every aspect. I don’t understand why this even was shortlisted for Melfest in the first place let alone make it to the finals, and the fact that she is the fave to win Melfest and Eurovision is just baffling and plain confusing. Marcus & Martinus should and will win Melfest 2023 and will… Read more »
The emotion in her voice, the heartfelt power she projects through movement and sound.
I dont get any emotions and power, why then she didnt succeed anywhere since 2012
Just like rybak solely eurovision person
well that will change now….
I agree. Last year, “Hold Me Closer” was really sincere song with unique elements but “Tattoo” didn’t impress me. I think weak Melodifestivalen increased expectations from Loreen but the chorus of the song is a bit linear; going nowhere I don’t want to hype a song just due to expensive staging effects.
I thoroughly agree Richard, Hold Me Closer I like it as an audio track rather than the live performance as I thought that the rotating Mirror she had on stage was too distracting and uncomfortable to look at given the lighting effects added to it. With Tattoo, the staging is the only central element to the entire thing, if that fails to translate in Liverpool, which I do see happening, most likely down to the aesthetics of the overall staging in Liverpool not coalescing with Loreen’s vision, The stage in Liverpool, looks very contemporary/sci-fi and I just don’t see how… Read more »
After the mello final last yea so many start to hate her. because it was a great song. And the same for Loreen. People just hate Sweden , not the song
said Tattoo is generic, but your winner sounds like Greece in 2014, another average song for a euro-club.
Air a better song??? Thats so funny “Loreen is a generic pop song, and I think that this even more generic pop song is better” yeah sure buddy! Cry about it! Loreen is winning!
You just said M&M WILL win. How very arrogant of you. I will remember this post and call you out in the Saturday night page talking about Loreen winning.
Last year people loved Loreen and now people like to down vote. And I’ve notice that some people feeling threaten and always needs to compare loreen with other esc participants. I would never go for example Italy’s wiwi post to push him down by raising the Loreen just because I don’t like the song. If I don’t have nice thing to say then I don’t say it. I leet people enjoy their liking of music and songs… I know many non euro fans who really liked Loreens song and performance without knowing who she is.. At the end of the… Read more »
I have only listened to Loreen’s and Jon Henrik’s songs (I will listen to the rest of the songs on the night of the show for the first time). Loreen’s song would climb to my number one spot of my ESC top certainly. Impeccable vocal performance, artistic staging, memorable song with surprising nice instrumental touches. Jon Henrik’s song is good but not as good as I hoped he would be. Loreen for the win she would certainlyyyy get my vote at ESC.
Although I liked Loreen’s all songs; I personally find “Tattoo” overhyped; the chorus and lyrics are just average and monotonous. It is not a song that I always want to listen. After one listening, it becomes a bit boring. Only staging is good.
I feel almost the opposite. I prefer it audio only.
Interesting that you don’t like the staging. I am curious to know what aspect of it ruins it for you because I personally adore it.
I don’t dislike it, but I’m not wowed by it. The Loreen sandwich with the screens, I mean. Her natural performing skills are enough all on their own.
Ok fair enough 🙂 . I especially like the color patterns in the staging. Everything from the background, to the effects, to what she is wearing seem to follow a really captivating shade (or shades) of brown. It’s visually engaging imo.
The colours are nice, yeah. I still don’t like the nails.
Is there some meaning to them that I’m missing?
Not sure about a meaning to the nails. And yeah the nails are not the strongest part. But the entire package is aesthetically appealing to me, so I don’t mind them 🙂
I think the nails like everything else is a tribute to her Berber roots. Very ” Dune” which is fitting since ” Dune” took inspiration from Berber culture
Look at the staging again and listen to the song , it is a message that she is delivering. All the elements are there , wind, water , earth and fire. For me this song is about taking care of each other and the planet . ?????Hidden art! ?
That’s fine. The song isn’t as alternative as I hoped Loreen would go, but it really grew on me. And like I’ve said in another post as well, she knows how to take, even a more middle of the road song and turn it into something artistic. And that’s something good, since the whole package is what counts at ESC.
We already know OGAE top 2 Sweden/Finland.
I think the fight is between 5 artists:
1, Smash Into Pieces
2, Marcus & Martinus
3, Maria Sur
4, Loreen
5, JH Fjallgreen
Based on RO I think JHF, Marcus & Martinus are out 🙁
Its interesting having SIP between Maria and Kiana cause they looks similar 😀
My personal choise would be – Jon Henrik <3.
M&M were thrown under the bus…I mean the possible competition. Loreen in the second half is with three rescued songs and two second places of their respective heat.
Of course M&M were thrown under the buss. Sweden was never gonna choose boys from Norway and thats truth.
U never know … I love Loreen but I am afraid that Maria Sur will win – then I will start fight :DD
Haha, my 4 year old says the same thing but no. Loreen will win.
Hopefully! I am just a bit tired of same artists. (My family in Sweden said same that Loreen will win) I still hoping for Jon! We need sami lang!
Loreen number 4? Eh, that wont happen. In your dreams maybe.
I know they won’t win but I really like Panetoz and Tone songs, listening to these songs makes me happy.
I dont give much of a shhh…whoever the swedens like best
Loreen; GAME OVER
Loreen is the winner. By any measure. Song, staging, vocals, stage presence, charisma, likeability, star quality, she has it all.
“Star quality” IS what exactly?
X Factor. You’ve never heard of it?
Whatch her performance. if you don’t understand it by then you should probably not be commenting here 🙂
Stagaing is good but the song is just nothing special, don’t like overhyping songs just because of the popularity of Loreen. Stage presence? She just singing among Led screens a generic song.
Stage presence is not dependent on backing dancers, pyrotechnics, and special effects. Loreen could do her thing on a bare blank stage and still have stage presence.
Only for her fans like you are, not for normal people
No song…
How can she have any star quality if she didnt achive anything since 2012
I listened to a snippet of switzerland’s song titled “watergun”…
Yea I know that’s the title,laughable.
Anyway the song sounds boring as hell and unmemorable too, should easily nq considering the semi it is in lol.
Can you provide link or tell us where did you hear the snippet. I listened to two teasers in his insta. I think it sounds actually very promising.
Crystal ball esc in twitter
I abhor the crystal ball,.
And why IS this pertinent here?
It’s decent
So yeah guys, for the UK expect either Mimi Webb or Birdy, Rina Sawayama is out of the running…
I heard both songs, if the rumors are true and these are really the songs, then it’s very bad! I didn’t like any of this songs. What’s left is to wait for Israel.. This is perhaps the song I’m most intrigued by.
Ritoli??
Armenia is very intriguing too.
Why Rina is out?
Oh and birdy’s new song is also rumoured to be UK entry
I think its fight between Maria Sur and Loreen to win, I feel Loreen would win the juries while i think Maria would win the televote.
There is not going to be a fight. Loreen is a favorite on all swedish social media and different melodifestivalen groups. Maria is not even close. Its a Done deal, Loreen is going to Liverpool.
Eh, Maria has not had any impact on charts what so ever
And I doubt children will find her interesting
This
Maria sur is song of moldova pre selection, whats wrong with you
maria sur is not that great.
Omg we are really not allowed to like Tattoo here, are we? 20 downvotes on my post saying I like it, regardless of it is Loreen or not. Last week I was listening to this song at my parents place, and my dad, who is not a Eurovision fan and just watches it with my mom and sister was like: “okay who is this, this is a really good song”. Didnt know it was Eurovision. Didnt know it was Loreen. Same yesterday with a friend of mine, and afterwards we went to a gaybar, and tattoo was played, and the… Read more »
Don’t pay attention to haters, she is going to win Melfest and probably be top 5 in ESC
Another fanatic
I actually don’t like the downvoting at all: if you disagree, why don’t come up with some real arguments. Personally I’m not a fan of Tattoo but other’s liking it is totally cool by me. It would also be great if ESC could come ut with a big hit this year, the contest needs this from time to another in order to be musically relevant.
It’s not a dance song and your comment is so cliché…
Fine with you commenting, but at least give an argumentation. How is this not a dance song? (I didnt even call it one, so idk why you are saying that) And the comment is less cliché than just everyone saying it is bad because it is loreen, and the hype is just because of the name. Which isnt the case
Its the case, give this song to ida lova and nobody cared
You have 32 upvotes
Downvotes only for comments against tattoo
Sorry but Tattoo is not it.
Loreen is gonna sweep this
Anyway with Mello it’s easily Loreen and no one else, she is miles above everyone in the final and she deserves the ticket to Liverpool.
She is way worse then smach into pieces
One of the worst takes this esc season.
Thanks for making yourself a fool.
Guys mimi Webb with her song freezing is the main song rumoured to be the UK’s act, I had a good listen to it and it ain’t a winner, but it’s a bop, could get top 10 if chosen.
AIR for sure! I love this song! Amazing Vibe! Soo modern! This is my No.1
Good luck for all participants. I hope either Marcus&Martinus or “Smash into Pieces” would win. I personally didn’t like Tattoo’s song; it was just an expensive performance; a previous ESC winner singing among LED screens.
I mean, if to judge by your claims here, then Euphoria was even worse
It was a regular participant without even an LED screen, just her dancing in the dark
I personally don’t think Euphoria is such a perfect song as some think, but I do love it so much and rated it 10/10, just not overhyping it xD And same goes for Tattoo for me
I love the song and the performance but of course it’s not a new legendary Eurovision song
We live in 2023, not in 2012
“Smash Into Pieces” are touring since July, so it would be very interesting to see what they would do if they’d won
Eurovision is not in july
Sorry meant until