Sweden SWEDEN 2025 - KAJ - Bara bada bastu

[ESC United Mod Team]

 

[Judas]

Danny apparently immediately sent Måns a mocking text saying "Welcome to the club" following by kissing emojis lol. Måns was seen showing it to someone at the afterparty and being annoyed over it.

The article on Aftonbladet is paywalled, but supposedly when they were playing KAJ at the afterparty, John Lundvik danced mockingly and said "What an amaaaazing voice, this is great music". The crashout is real

Honestly Melfest winners need to see a therapist as part of the contract. No one is acting sane.

Loreen also didn't make it to the final once after her Euphoria victory with Statements. She was very disappointed and visually upset but she never made any condescending comments about the winner of the year. I think it was the same year as I Can't Go On.

 

[freerider]

In

Herreys were quite entertaining. But that's 40 years ago of course.

1986 we also sent a funny entry. I liked it very much although Dover Calais was my favourite in Melodifestivalen that year.

Which one do you prefer?

 

[Mattan]

I watched the final with 40+ other Swedish-speaking Finns, in a space that was far too small for us. I don't think anyone seriously expected KAJ to be able to win, but the mood shifted dramatically when the jury votes came in, and by the time the televotes were being counted, it kind of seemed inevitable. The mood in that room when KAJ's victory was confirmed was just complete euphoria; we've all liked KAJ's stuff for a long time, and seeing them compete in MF was already a powerful experience, but seeing them win felt like a fever dream.

It took 27 years for Sweden to send a song in Swedish, and when they did, it was done by a group from Finland, singing about going to the sauna in a dialect that I have some trouble understanding, as I'm from the south coast – that was decidedly not on my bingo card. In an interview before leaving for Malmö, KAJ made it clear they didn't expect to qualify for the final, but it seems like this snowball will keep on rolling for a little longer.

In addition to the obvious connection between countries, KAJ are also building bridges between the language groups in Finland; anything in Swedish rarely makes it into Finnish-speaking circles, and it's pretty easy to know little to nothing about Finnish pop culture if you're only in Swedish-speaking circles, but everyone knows KAJ now.

 

[NemesisNick]

Since I watched the Swedish national final, Melodifestivalen 2025 Final live, online yesterday evening (8 March 2025), I've made a review video containing my opinions on all twelve finalist songs, in order of performance (based on Melodifestivalen 2025 Final performances), and my ranking from twelfth to first in My Eurovision Scoreboard.

Nemesis Nick Talks Eurovision: Melodifestivalen 2025 Final Review

The Swedish national final, Melodifestivalen 2025 Final, took place on Saturday 8 March 2025. I watched Melodifestivalen 2025 Final live, online from the UK...

youtu.be

 

[SpiritofKeiino]

Fairly sure it's a Top 5 televote in GF unless it gets absolutely screwed over with a really early running spot so that casual viewers forget it.

How will it do in the jury? Really not sure. Hard to call. If it continues staying high in the odds and popular in the fandom, which I believe it will - I wonder will juries feel like being extra generous to it if they think it has winning potential?

 

[Fluke]

John Lundvik says he's done with Mello, but would maybe like to compete for another country where "the focus still is on impressive stagings, singing ability etc". He says when the juries voiting guidlines are "like this" and the competition is so TikTok-focused, he isn't able to compete. He thought he would be among the juries favourites.

Seriously, he was third with juries, what did he expect? I'm just happy if he and a bunch of others won't participate again. Good singer but a bit ordinary, okay songwriter ("Bigger Than Us" is actually my favorite of his contributions) but he shouldn't have participated again so soon after he won MF, anyway.

I for one really think this can win the ESC, by the way. We're #1 in the odds and the international support for this entry is massive. "It's not the kind of song that wins" is a sentiment without substance, the most popular entry is going to get the most votes, and i don't rule out juries putting it in top 3 or so, for whatever reason. It's not in my ESC top 5 currently, though, but i might change.

Has anyone else realized there's a kind of political undertone to this? Sauna is also a big thing in Russia, so choosing this entry kind of unintentionally alludes to what we have in common, recognizing brotherhood between Russia and North Europe - not to support Putin, but to show that we don't really hate Russians - we just don't want you to invade or threathen our countries.

 

[freerider]

Seriously, he was third with juries, what did he expect? I'm just happy if he and a bunch of others won't participate again. Good singer but a bit ordinary, okay songwriter ("Bigger Than Us" is actually my favorite of his contributions) but he shouldn't have participated again so soon after he won MF, anyway.

I for one really think this can win the ESC, by the way. We're #1 in the odds and the international support for this entry is massive. "It's not the kind of song that wins" is a sentiment without substance, the most popular entry is going to get the most votes, and i don't rule out juries putting it in top 3 or so, for whatever reason. It's not in my ESC top 5 currently, though, but i might change.

Has anyone else realized there's a kind of political undertone to this? Sauna is also a big thing in Russia, so choosing this entry kind of unintentionally alludes to what we have in common, recognizing brotherhood between Russia and North Europe - not to support Putin, but to show that we don't really hate Russians - we just don't want you to invade or threathen our countries.

Im not sure the choice of sauna praise had anything to do with peace with Russia (although it is a fine idea) but perhaps the choice of russian born Keyyo as one of the presenters had. But she was probably chosen because of her talent.

 

[ArmpitOfEurope]

A bit naive to invite an irish jury to Melodifestivalen. I like Ireland and its people but when it comes to Eurovision they want to keep their record atleast most of them. Thats probably why they tanked Måns, I could be wrong but thats what I guess happened. That doesnt mean that KAJ cant win but the experts believed Måns had a greater chance.

Youre acting like all the other juries awarded him the maximum points. He didnt have competition in the jury field in the melfest final, and yet he didnt manage to sweep 8 international juries. He wouldnt have come close to winning in May, his offering wasnt strong enough. He would have ended up with 160 jury points and 100 tele. At least now Sweden has got a pretty good chance to top the televote

 

[mauve]

John Lundvik says he's done with Mello, but would maybe like to compete for another country where "the focus still is on impressive stagings, singing ability etc". He says when the juries voiting guidlines are "like this" and the competition is so TikTok-focused, he isn't able to compete. He thought he would be among the juries favourites.

Well, Germany will welcome John:

 

[b4ld3r]

FANNY SVÄRD: Melloeliten är kränkt och det är så roligt

Det blev en ”Revolution” till slut, men inte den Måns Zelmerlöw hade tänkt sig. Artisternas reaktioner på att förlora mot Kaj är skrattretande.

www.expressen.se

This hits the nail on the head: "You would have thought that after years of cheesy numbers and epadunk high up on the charts, artists would have gotten used to the idea that such a number could win. But no – they cause scenes like spoiled children."

Obviously we don't know how well their stage show will translate to Basel (they will have to cut one, maybe two of their dancers depending on if they want to keep backstage vocalist Lars Säfsund). But if only having two dancers doesn't make their act seem more empty, I am starting to believe in our current odds lol

 

[lavieenrose]

Honestly Melfest winners need to see a therapist as part of the contract. No one is acting sane.

Loreen also didn't make it to the final once after her Euphoria victory with Statements. She was very disappointed and visually upset but she never made any condescending comments about the winner of the year. I think it was the same year as I Can't Go On.

Frankly she should have, they would've been warranted (/LH but not really that LH)

FANNY SVÄRD: Melloeliten är kränkt och det är så roligt

Det blev en ”Revolution” till slut, men inte den Måns Zelmerlöw hade tänkt sig. Artisternas reaktioner på att förlora mot Kaj är skrattretande.

www.expressen.se

This hits the nail on the head: "You would have thought that after years of cheesy numbers and epadunk high up on the charts, artists would have gotten used to the idea that such a number could win. But no – they cause scenes like spoiled children."

Also jfc, it kinda seems like this is snowballing into a big circus. Back when Måns/Lundvik were simply saying things with clear subtext, I was genuinely having a lot of fun with it and laughing about things that probably weren't even there. Now, though, it seems like they're bringing the subtext into the text, and it seems like they're doing so louder, more publicly, and nastier. Poor KAJ. That pang of sympathy I feel for them only grows bigger the more of this stupid circus I hear about.*

*Not that I'm not actively seeking it out.

 

[Judas]

Dear narrow-minded haters.
My disappointment with the result is JUST a sign of health, right? Have you ever seen an athlete come in second and say they are very happy? I wanted to win. That must be okay, right? It is a competition! I am genuinely SUPER HAPPY for KAJ and we have had the most fun together during this journey. I have congratulated them personally several times. and have NEVER belittled their contribution, on the contrary! They will make us proud in Basel!
But this unfiltered anger from you. This bizarre overreaction. Thinking it is okay to hate someone in the comments because he wanted to win a competition that we all love and because I wanted most of all to represent Sweden again in ESC? HOW can that be wrong? Isn't that why we are here? How can that make me an asshole? That I cried when all the pressure was released, not just the one I experienced in the competition, that is okay, right? Again. A HUGE congratulations to KAJ! I love Kevin, Axel and Jakob!
And to all of you who DON'T hate - a phenomenal big thank you for all the votes and all the support during this journey!

Mans on Instagram.

Måns Zelmerlöw on Instagram: "Kära trångsynta hatare. Att jag är besviken på resultatet är väl BARA ett sundhetstecken? Har ni någonsin sett en idrottare komma tvåa och säga att hen är jätteglad? Jag ville vinna. Det måste väl vara okej? Det är ju

26K likes, 2,229 comments - manszelmerlow on March 9, 2025: "Kära trångsynta hatare. Att jag är besviken på resultatet är väl BARA ett sundhetstecken? Har ni någonsin sett en idrottare komma tvåa och säga att hen är jätteglad? Jag ville vinna. Det måste väl vara okej? Det är ju en tävling! Jag...

www.instagram.com

 

[EscGeek]

Well yes, Mans, there are plenty of athletes who are happy coming in 2nd. Some are thrilled to even qualify for the tournament.

And mere mortals like me were overjoyed when we got a 43% score in math which is as we all know barely over a half.

 

[GRE]

I can understand him.

He feels like he is Usain Bolt of music.

The problem is that he is a just a handsome man with a good voice.

 

[Sabrewulf238]

One thing I've learned from this year of Melfest is that some of these artists have some very big egos that could do with a lot of shaking.

I mean I think I already knew that to some extent but it's really rearing it's ugly head this year.

 

[Kode74]

Sweden has been seen as a greedy ESC monster who sends soulless jury bait entries to host Eurovision every year.

Loreen has been accused of stealing victory from Finland thanks to the jury points. Then, there was that scandalous 2024 edition.

Finally, there was a climax with potential Mans' victory and the n-th Swedish ESC hosting.

And now the relief has come. KAJ won. A completly different, pure and simple entry that sparks joy.

They will not win ESC this year. By no means. They will do great in televoting, create a huge hype and then lose to Austria or France because of the juries. And Sweden will get part of that audience support that Finland had in 2023. Things will go back to normal, Swedish reputation will be restored and everyone will be happy. They can win again next year.

I think it's a brilliant move. Well done, Sweden ! That's how professionalism looks like.

I think this all is so true! I suppose, that people in Sweden got frustrated for others blaming that they are so calculating in ESC. Now this shadow is gone, though KAJ will anyway get them very good result from ESC. So nothing lost for them. I could even say that this was very calculated move .

 

[Ewigkeit]

Mans on Instagram.

Måns Zelmerlöw on Instagram: "Kära trångsynta hatare. Att jag är besviken på resultatet är väl BARA ett sundhetstecken? Har ni någonsin sett en idrottare komma tvåa och säga att hen är jätteglad? Jag ville vinna. Det måste väl vara okej? Det är ju

26K likes, 2,229 comments - manszelmerlow on March 9, 2025: "Kära trångsynta hatare. Att jag är besviken på resultatet är väl BARA ett sundhetstecken? Har ni någonsin sett en idrottare komma tvåa och säga att hen är jätteglad? Jag ville vinna. Det måste väl vara okej? Det är ju en tävling! Jag...

www.instagram.com

Proving the haters’ point Pathetic, egotistical man-child.

 

[b4ld3r]

Apart from topping the charts for Sweden and Finland, KAJ have now entered the Spotify Top 50 in Estonia, Norway and Iceland. I think the last time a Nordic charted like this before the contest was Queen of Kings and Tattoo? Don't remember if Käärijä managed to chart internationally before the contest.

 

[Looren]

Mans on Instagram.

Måns Zelmerlöw on Instagram: "Kära trångsynta hatare. Att jag är besviken på resultatet är väl BARA ett sundhetstecken? Har ni någonsin sett en idrottare komma tvåa och säga att hen är jätteglad? Jag ville vinna. Det måste väl vara okej? Det är ju

26K likes, 2,229 comments - manszelmerlow on March 9, 2025: "Kära trångsynta hatare. Att jag är besviken på resultatet är väl BARA ett sundhetstecken? Har ni någonsin sett en idrottare komma tvåa och säga att hen är jätteglad? Jag ville vinna. Det måste väl vara okej? Det är ju en tävling! Jag...

www.instagram.com

I can feel for him, the hate he received was exaggerated and pointless, is he a sore loser ? Maybe, but it doesn't mean that he deserves to receive all of this hate

 

[Gera11]

One thing I've learned from this year of Melfest is that some of these artists have some very big egos that could do with a lot of shaking.

I mean I think I already knew that to some extent but it's really rearing it's ugly head this year.

Likewise, a part of the fanbase is absolutely insufferable and would comment anything about fellow human beings! Hell, just look at what people post on twitter right now about that Israeli lady who died. Disgusting.

Yes, most medium to big artists are somewhat prepared for fans such as this, but it must get it to you sometimes.