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It’s Melodifestivalen time! Let’s get the party started! Written by on February 3, 2011 | 3 Comments

The Swedish national finals for Eurovision, entitled Melodifestivalen, demand almost as much attention as the song contest itself.  With a legion of fans watching webstreams, hosting parties and travelling across Europe to attend mega-productions across Sweden over the 6 week period, it deserves recognition as the biggest and most popular Eurovision selection process.

With Melodifestivalen 2011 starting this coming weekend, its time to celebrate! ESC Insight thought what better way to kick off the Swedish selection season than with some cracking songs of the past 3 years that almost, but not quite, made it to Eurovision.

1. Lay Your Love on Me – BWO (2008)

This ridiculously catchy and addictive performance features ruffled yokes, talk of the bourgeoisie, cages hoisted above the stage and fireworks. What more can one ask for? Slightly over-the-top perhaps, but its THE perfect Melodifestivalen dancefloor filler and compulsory viewing.

2. Thank You – Amy Diamond (2008)

If this was Junior Eurovision, this would have been a sure-fire winner. Alas, being surrounded by dancers at least a foot taller made Amy look even younger than her already young years. Does nothing to diminish the fact its a wonderful Melodifestivalen sing-a-long.

3. Empty Room – Sanna Nielsen (2008)

This ballad performed by the gorgeous Nielsen almost beat out the silver-clad Charlotte Perrelli on the night. Would have been a wonderful addition to Eurovision, so our fingers are crossed she will get her chance this year when returning to the Melodifestivalen stage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0bcWNcSKLI&feature=related

4. Stay the Night – Alcazar (2009)

Everyones’ favourite Swedish boy/girl pop-group (you know, other than ABBA, and maybe Ace of Base, oh and Roxette) have tried a couple of times to represent their fine nation at Europes’ song contest.  This one however was the biggest and the best of the lot.  Eurovision sorely missed their fine dance routine and bright pastel-coloured outfits in 2009.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLZu0lLdyGs

5. Tingeling – Melodifestivalen interval (2009)

Like every good Melodifestivalen, we need eye-catching and memorable interval entertainment.   This was the 2009 interval, prior to the events in Moscow and caused quite a stir when it aired.  They complained it featured too many stereotypes – cossacks, Red Army choir, dancing bears, matryoshka dolls – and then promptly featured them in their own Eurovision entertainment (ok, maybe not the scantly-clad dancing girls).  Bring on Tingeling!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHQwNQvVOKw&feature=related

6. Love Love Love – Agnes (2009)

Before she went global with the hit ‘Release Me’ (still probably playing on a modern radio station near you), Agnes gave us a little bit of a 1970’s flashback with her 2009 tune.  Thumping disco beats and donning a gold sequin jumpsuit, she made us wish that the likes of Eurovision was this cool back in the day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpMLfYFft0k

7. Unstoppable – Ola (2010)

The tale of a persistant female talent who you can’t escape – does it sounds a bit like a particular Melodifestivalen artist who keeps coming back for more?  This was not the winner of Melodifestivalen, but it IS the winner of the most infectious refrain of piano playing from 2010.  Woah-oh-oh, can Ola come back again?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09kf9iUPCSo&feature=related

8. Kom – Timoteij (2010)

What do you get when you put a four talented, gorgeous young blondes armed with instruments, hot male drummers, and highly memorable chorus together?  A highly underrated contender it seems.   This song came first in the OGAE second chance, but on reflection, perhaps should have been given the chance on an even bigger stage – Oslo.

9. Manboy -Eric Saade (2010)

For many, this song remains the favourite of last years Melodifestivalen. Referred to by one person ESC Insight knows on Facebook as the ‘hot wet Swedish twink’,  Eric Saade gave us catchy lyrics, a key change and well, a very hot, wet moment. The question on everyones’ lips therefore must be, can the ‘2010 man of the moment’ go one better in 2011?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfPe5j95IMQ


So, weve missed your favourite? No problem, that’s what the comments are for. You are celebrating Melodifestivalen and tuning in this Saturday, yes?  Let us know!

About The Author: Sharleen Wright

Sharleen Wright is the co-founder of ESC Insight and a freelance journalist and researcher. She has previously worked for numerous community radio stations in Sydney Australia, and contributed to the wider world of comedy holding production and promotions roles at both the Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Her written words have appeared online, as well as The List magazine, and numerous fanzines on the topics of television and specifically, Eurovision . She is currently based in Australia and undertaking research on food and event tourism. You can follow Sharleen on Twitter (@sharly77) and Facebook (facebook.com/sharleenwright).

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Have Your Say

3 responses to “It’s Melodifestivalen time! Let’s get the party started!”

  1. David says:

    Yes, some good ones there. Bring on the 2011 MF extravaganza!

  2. Jake says:

    Great list of songs and a reminder of how much great stuff the Swedish people passed on to pick truly underwhelming or retro choices.

    One thing: Timoteij went straight to the final as the highest vote getters in their semi and never saw Second Chance. It seems lately the Swedes know what to put in the final, but have a hard time making the ultimate decision.

  3. You are indeed right there Jake. I meant to write OGAE Second Chance. Shall fix that now 😉

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