The Swedish broadcaster announced all artists that are taking part in the popular show Melodifestivalen to determine the act that is going to represent Sweden on home soil. While we have to wait a few months before we get to hear the songs, let’s get to know the 32 acts a little better. Here are the participants from Semi Final 3 & 4. Please keep in mind that this is NOT the running order.
Semi Final 3
1. Eddie Razaz – Alibi
Eddie is a former Idol contestant and later became one half of the band Rebound with which he had the hit single “Hurricane”. Razaz is also pursuing a modeling career and recently did a photo shoot for Tom Ford Eyewear. This is his first shot at the MF crown and he may become the male eye candy of 2013.
2. Amanda Fondell – Dumb
The Swedes probably remember this talent who won the 2011 edition of the Swedish idol series. After her smashing victory Amanda released her first single “All this way”. Her career is just taking off now but I’m sure we’ll hear from her a lot over the next few years.
3. Ravaillacz – En riktig javla schlager
This band consists of Tommy Korberg, Claes Malmberg, Johan Rabaeus and Mats Ronander. Tommy already represented Sweden twice in Eurovision, first in 1969 and again in 1988. He is also a world famous Musical performer. Claes is a actor and stand-up comedian, Johan is an actor generally portraying unpleasant characters & Mats is a rock musician. Can this group of older man convince the Swedish public? It certainly sounds like a diverse group of artists.
4. State of Drama – Falling
The bands biggest success was in June when they won the music competition Metro On Stage. Their winning song “Can’t find you anywhere” earned them 3.5 Million kronor for marketing and recording purposes. Now they are ready for the Big Stage and believe to have the recipe for success.
5. Janet Leon – Heartstrings
Leon started her career in 2003 when she joined the pop group Play. Eventually she decided to start a solo career and her debut single was released in early 2009 entering the charts at #3. In addition, she is working with a major record lable to release a debut album in the USA. But for now she wants to give MF a shot.
6. Caroline af Ugglas – Hon har inte
Carlonine’s first appearance on the MF stage was in 2007 where she failed to advance to the Finals however she once again participated in 2009 where her song “Snalla Snalla” came second only missing victory by a few votes. As they say, third time’s a charm.
7. Martin Rolinski – In and out of love
Martin is a famous singer in Sweden who is probably best known as the lead singer for the band BWO (Bodies without orgins). They entered MF Four times between 2005 and 2009 and scored a 2nd and a 3rd place but never managed to win it all. Now he’s going Solo, maybe that’ll do the trick.
8. Elin Petersson – Island
Elin guaranteed a place in MF by winning a non-established-writers competition to get a place in Sweden’s national selection. She beat 646 songs and earned her spot in MF. Her response was “To participate in MF was not exactly the idea I had in mind when I was sitting there in my apartment writing the song”.
Semi Final 4
1. Ralf Gyllenhammar – Bed on fire
2. Terese Fredenwall – Breaking the Silence
Terese is not only a successful singer but also an accomplished songwriter writing music for artists such as previous MF participant and 2013 host Danny Saucedo. She has released three solo albums to date & won a Radio Music Award with her song “Drop the fight”. Let’s see if this talent was able to write something that will be appealing to the MF crowd.
3. Behrang Miri – Jalla Dansa Salwa
Seyed was born in Iran and moved to Sweden when he was 3 years old. He is a rapper and worked with Ozz Nujen. He is also writer and has done several acting jobs. It looks like MF will have a rap song after all but will it to do the trick?
4. Lucia Pinera – Must be love
Lucia Pinera is a young and new talent who competed on “True talent”, a Swedish singing competition reality show. Interestingly enough, Tommy Korberg (MF 2013 Semi3 as part of Ravaillacz) was a judge on that show and now they’re competitors on MF so let’s see who is going to make it further.
5. Army of Lovers – Rockin’ the Ride
This band was formed in 1987 but took several breaks including changes in the line-up but for their MF participation reformed as the original line up. Their biggest hits were in 1991 with “Crucified” and “Obsession”. They are the early favorites to win the contest but without knowing the song we all should take that with a grain of salt.
6. Ulrik Munther – Tell the world I’m here
Ulrik is only 18 but started playing in different youth rock bands. He used YouTube to promote his songs. He is well known among the Eurovision fans for finishing 3rd in MF 2012. He is another favorite to win the whole thing so keep an eye out for this young talent.
7. Sylvia Vrethammar – Trivialitet
Sylvia is a pop/jazz singer best known for the 1974 song “YViva Espana” reaching #4 in the UK charts which sold over one million copies worldwide. At age 72 she certainly shows now sign of slowing down and we’re all curious about her entry.
8. Robin Stjernberg – You
A former member of the boyband What’s up (Eric Saade was one of his bandmates) Robin placed second in 2011 when he participated in the Swedish Idol series. While being really busy working on his career he decided to give MF a shot. It’s going to be interested to see him and Amanda Fondell face each other once again. Can Robin beat her this time around?
