Stockholm, 19 February 2022
Sweden’s Melodifestivalen is hitting its stride, with the second live show being aired tonight. The prestigious festival, hosted in Stockholm and presented by Oscar Zia and tonight’s guest host Eva Rydberg, will eventually decide which song and artist shall represent Sweden in the 2022 Eurovision song contest, to be held in Turin. Rydberg stole the show, performing the opening act dressed as a Rio Carnival dancer, and went to perform two of the shows’s interval acts (including a multilingual version of “Rena Rama Ding Dong” with her friend Ewa Roos)
Tonight saw the following Line-up compete:
- Cazzi Opeia – “I can’t get enough”
- Lancelot – “Lyckligt slut”
- Lisa Miskovsky – “Best to come”
- Tribe Friday – “Shut me up”
- Faith Kakembo – “Freedom”
- Linda Bengtzing – “Fyrfaldigt hurra!”
- Anders Bagge – “Bigger than the universe”
Mello Hall of Fame inductee Linda Bengtzing returns for yet another stunning performance of her signature batty euroschlager. Other returnees include established artist Lisa Miskovsky, who previously participated in the 2012 Melodifestivalen, and Faith Kakembo who you may remember from 2020’s Melfest, where she sang the song “Crying rivers“.
After the 7 songs were performed, fans had a short time window to cast their votes via the app or televote. After that, the first part of the results came in.
Melodifestivalen’s vote works a bit differently to what we’re normally used to. Instead of eliminating the two songs with the fewest votes, they now announce the current leader, who immediately qualifies for the finale. The other finalist, as well as two semifinalists are chosen by the second vote.
Anders Bagge was announced as the winner of the initial vote and got to advance to the finale. The vote then reopened for the remaining six acts.
The second vote proved to be a nailbiter, with Lisa Miskovsky, Cazzi Opeia and Faith Kamembo in a tight rat race for the second direct qualifying spot. Although Miskovsky led the tally for most of the vote, it was ultimately Faith who pipped her at the post and placed herself for the finale. Lisa Miskovsky and Cazzi Opeia advance to the Semifinal.
DtF: Anders, Faith
AC: Lisa, Cazzi Opeia
Out: Lancelot, Tribe Friday, Linda
Do #YOU agree with Sweden’s results? What are #YOUR thoughts on Anders and Faith? Let us know in the comments, on social media or on our forum HERE. Alternatively, join the discussion on our Discord HERE.
