The list of potential names competing to represent Sweden on home soil next year is growing by the day!
Swedish newspaper (and consistent source of Melodifestivalen leaks, Aftonbladet leaked three additional names rumored to be taken part in the 2024 edition of the domestic music festival. They are:
- Medina
- Maria Sur
- Kim Cesarion
Hip hop duo Medina, composed of longtime collaborators Sami Rekik and Ali Jammali, would be making a triumphant return to the contest after both a 3rd place finish at the 2022 edition AND a decisive win at that year’s OGAE Second Chance Contest with their song “In i dimman”. If the rumors are to be believed, that means both of the previous two winners of the OGAE Second Chance contest will be competing this year. (Last year’s winners, Marcus & Martinus, are said to be among this year’s crop.)
Maria Sur made a big splash in her debut at the 2023 edition of Melodifestivalen. The Ukrainian singer, who was in the process of competing on the 2022 edition of The Voice of Ukraine when Russia invaded the country, fled to Poland and eventually made her way to Sweden where she continued to work on her music career. After winning Heat 2 with the inspirational ballad “Never Give Up”, she eventually placed 9th in the Melodifestivalen final.
Kim Cesarion may be a newcomer to the Melodifestivalen universe, but he is far from an unknown. In 2013, his major label debut single “Undressed” topped charts across Europe, Australia, and North America. Though his career has slowed since the release of his debut album of the same name in 2014, a berth in this year’s Melodifestivalen could serve as a great reintroduction to an international audience.
These three acts join a list of (thus far) 11 other acts leaked previously by Aftonbladet. Among the rest of the field are contest regulars Lisa Ajax, Dotter, Liamoo, and Samir & Viktor … as well as Drag Race Sweden veteran Elecktra and returning one-time competitors Smash Into Pieces (3rd place, Melodifestivalen 2023) and Clara Klingenström (5th place, Melodifestivalen 2021). Also rumored for a slot is DJ and singer Cazzi Opeia (9th place, Melodifestivalen 2022), fresh off her victory as a member of the songwriting team for Loreen‘s “Tattoo”, the reigning Eurovision champion. (She just so happens to have ALSO been a member of the songwriting team for K-pop star AleXa’s single “Wonderland”, the winner of the one and only edition of The American Song Contest in 2022.)
Keep your eyes peeled for more potential leaked names coming out of the Melodifestivalen camp as Swedish broadcaster SVT prepares to unveil the full list on December 1.
Which of the rumored acts so far are you most excited for? (There are no wrong answers, but the correct answer is Clara Klingenström.) Sound off in the comments below, in our forum, or on social media @ESCUnited.
Source: Aftonbladet
