They’re the three-time Melodifestivalen veterans who aren’t afraid to rip off their shirts while singing about naked swimming. And now Samir & Viktor are poised to hit the Mello 2024 stage to see if they can improve on fourth place — their best-ever finish in Sweden’s national final.
That’s according to Aftonbladet, who have once again worked their sources to extract the sweetest Mello tea.
“They’ve got a good place in the competition if they want it,” sources told reporter Torbjörn Ek, who has a stellar track record of revealing the Melodifestivalen artists before they’re publicly confirmed.
You’ll recall that the group split more than three years ago. During their hiatus, Samir became a real estate broker and Viktor started a social media agency, while also pursuing a solo music career. But “serious income losses” during Sweden’s economic recession compelled them to reunite in June 2023 to release “Skål” (that’s “Cheers!”).
Aftonbladet is confident the reunion will continue at Melfest in 2024. And while we don’t have anything extra to add, we’re fairly certain they won’t be singing an emotional ballad (LOL). This is how we reviewed their past three entries.
Melodifestivalen 2018: “Shuffla” — fourth place in the final
Deban: “Shuffla” feels shuffled — but it works! Samir and Viktor have done away with attempting to sing in tune, and slick choreography. Instead, they have prioritised fun over substance. As much as I like “Shuffla”, I can’t help but critique it as their weakest Melodifestivalen entry yet. Still, it gets me moving.
Angus: “Shuffla” is a surefire summer smash, but it’s not a Melfest winner nor a Eurovision contender either. The song is tired, trades on notes the dynamic duo have hit in previous singles, and relies on the decade old riff from “We No Speak Americano” to drive it forward. Samir & Viktor’s appeal is that they’re anti-Melfest: they aren’t polished are performers and are only in the competition for a good time. That’s all. This song falls between two stools: too self conscious to cash in on their appeal and not serious enough to actually challenge for the win.
Melodifestivalen 2016: “Bada nakna” — twelfth in the final (via Andra Chansen)
Edd: There’s whistling, there’s an EDM post-chorus, and watered down six-packs – it’s heaven. The fun that they have on stage brings me joy – and I think it’s about time Sweden sent something fun. And could you get more Swedish than a blonde and an Arab guy singing about skinny dipping? If they can whip off those trousers, too, when they get to the final, I honestly think this could win the whole thing!
Luis: Meh. “Bada Nakna” is too cheap for the most expensive national final. It’s like when you get supermarket ham as appetiser at a wedding: you like it, but you want the good dishes to start coming in. Samir and Viktor have nice chemistry, and the show they throw is entertaining, to say the least. But the act in the end relies too much on easy tricks, like ripping of their shirts and the breakdance.
Melodifestivalen 2015: “Groupie” — eighth in the final (via Andra Chansen)
Bogdan: First time I saw Samir and Viktor performing “Groupie”, I wasn’t sold (read: I hated it), but after I saw them again in Andra Chansen, I could understand why they got a second chance. The song is okay, y’all. You don’t need to speak Swedish to understand what they are singing about and it’s pretty catchy. The main downfall (and it’s a pretty big fall) is that vocally they are a bit of a mess. But I can certainly see this become a radio hit in Sweden, if it hasn’t already.
Robyn: Twin Twin might have been the first ESC act to take an on-stage selfie, but Samir & Viktor are taking things to another level by introducing the concept of a groupie. Musically, the song veers towards the twee folk-pop style that’s really overdone these days, but the duo’s natural charisma, cuteness and the joy of the song lift it above just being a novelty song.
Samir & Victor are the fifth act Aftonbladet are reporting for Melodifestivalen 2024. The full list is below.
- Lasse Stefanz
- Smash Into Pieces
- Dotter
- Liamoo
- Samir & Victor
Melodifestivalen = Unemployment service
And new artists for Sweden, one day maybe ?
Lasse Stefanz are new i think
They are old and also participated before
No, they competed in 2011
I hope it’s something Sl utty , more than Bada Nakna even
Their legacy was successfully continued by Anis don Demina and THEOZ, and now the kings are back to give us a new banger
Very excited to see them again
A proper fun party banger has been missed in Mello and if they can bring it I am here for it.
We are already know who will be the winner of eurovision 2024.. but nice try tho..
Olivia Rodrigo?
Israel of course! If it’s not obvious… They are 1st place in the odds!
I think everyone knows that at this point, It will be just like in 2022.
Unless Israel sends a very bad song (which is not going to happen).
it’s too early to say that? unless the conflict is resolved which is going to happen in the next month or so, hopefully with a long-term ceasefire I don’t see them winning.
Israel provokes strong feelings in people, not all of it sympathetic. I can’t see a 2022 happening.
Let’s wait and see… If the song is good and the performance is at the level of 2018/2023 or even better, I definitely see Israel winning!
I could easily see a case where Israel gets 0 points from the public out of protest, regardless of song quality.
Why are you even paying attention to odds when we don’t even have the official list of countries participating in 2024 yet? You’re jumping the gun.
Who on Earth even pays attention to the odds this early?
That’s what I said. SMH
Breaking News Grette Thunberg Says Do Not Watch Melodifest Because Plastik Is Bad For Enwiroment!
Ah Bejba…the troll is back from its cave…
don’t insult her please
Thank You
Don”t feed the troll!
Im Not Trolling Im Sharing My Opinion
My advice is to stop answering to his/her comment. Don’t even react with the +/-
As soon as you realize that some people’s opinion is worth nothing, it’s easier to get over it.
just because she stans someone you don’t like, doesn’t mean her opinion is worth nothing
does she really lie in her post then? Melfest is known for many many plastic entries, and is not a good representation of the actual swedish music scene, not even their most famous composer has ever had an entry in it, Max Martin, who has been slaying in the charts for many artists worldwide, many number 1 hits
Sweden has a good reputation in the contest, i doubt Max would ignore SVT when asked?
She’s doing rage baiting at its best using right-wing populist narratives. Welcome to Bejbas comment world. But yeah, ignoring her and her second account (Anonymous91) is the best thing you could do.
We Arent The Same . Why Dose EveryOne Think This Nonsence
How Am I Right Wing ? I Dont Suport Any Politik . You Are Full Of Way To Many Lies And Acusing To Be Taken Seriously . If You Dont Like What I Say Then Respektfuly Disagre To Me Dont Bully Me And Slander
You want far-right, queerphobic countries because because they are. You called Sweden a clomate dictatorship. That is right-wing.
Wiwibloggs has a serious problem with right trolls.
Even If Its The Truth You Have No Proof .
Peacefully eat popcorn. Wait for the final act. And remember to use the bathroom during the commercials