The 2016 series of Swedish singalong show Allsång på Skansen kicked off last night. It was the debut of new host Sanna Nielsen, and the show also featured Sweden’s 2016 Melfest and Eurovision star Frans, who last appeared on the show in 2006.
Following former host Petra Marklund stepping down last year, Sanna Nielsen made her debut on the Skansen stage and immediately prove to be perfectly cast. Her warm personality and endless singing talent was a perfect fit for the singalong show, instantly making her as well liked in the hosting role as Måns Zelmerlöw.
Sanna Nielsen
Sanna performed the first song of the evening, a reworking of her 2011 Melfest song “I’m In Love”. With new lyrics and retitled “Här är jag” (“Here I am”), the song was Sanna’s bold introduction to her new role as Allsång host. With seven Melfest entries in her back catalogue, we suspect this won’t be the last Melfest song Sanna will perform as host.
https://youtu.be/-9kLpNWKsvc
Frans
Also appearing on the scenic Skansen stage was Frans, who reprised his Melfest-winning song “If I Were Sorry”. The audience was full of Frans fans — mainly teenage girls — who were delighted to see their idol back with his cheeky swagger.
https://youtu.be/CanKp7L47NM
Frans also performed his 2006 No.1 single “Who’s Da Man?”, his ode to Swedish football great Zlatin Ibrahimovic. This wasn’t the first time Frans performed the song at Allsång på Skansen. Ten years ago, at the age of 7, he made his debut, to an audience that was no less enthusiastic than in 2016.
With Zlatan having announced his retirement international football after EURO 2016, Frans’ performance served as a fine tribute to the legend.
https://youtu.be/MVRlAtwt7R4
Frans also performed his new single, “Young Like Us”. He’ll be performing that song on his upcoming Tour de Frans (we still love that name!) of Sweden in July and August.
https://youtu.be/Zkil9-fSOoQ
Next week the show will feature performances from former Melfest stars Lisa Nilsson (1989) Malena Ernman (2009), Swedish pop star Daniel Adams-Ray, and Melfest 2016 runner-up Oscar Zia.
Melfest calls for songs, hope we will see Besa Krasniqi compete.
http://wiwibloggs.com/2015/12/30/besa-krasniqi-interview-melodifestivalen/113439/