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 the first two Semi Finals. Please keep in mind that this is NOT the running order.
Semi Final 1
Cookies N’Beans – Burning Flags
The band consists of Frida Öhrn, Linda Ström och Charlotte Centervall. Their first shot at MF stardom was in 2009 when they took part in Semi 2 with their song “What if”. They finished in 5th place and were eliminated. They’ve been together since 2003 so could they big break through happen 10 years later?
Mary N’Diaye – Gosa
The 25 year old singer took part in the Swedish version of “The Voice” in 2012. Prior to that she released her single “Dumb Dumb” in 2010. In addition, Mary has been the opening act for U.S. artist Akon. Her goal is now to add MF & ESC to her ever growing resume.
Yohio – Heartbreak Hotel
Yohio developed a cult following in Japan and dresses like a doll and sounds like a man. He is fluent in Japanese, English and Swedish. He started out being part of the band Seremedy and released his first solo album “Reach the sky” a few months ago. I wonder if his entry is going to be an homage to King Elvis or maybe the name is pure co-incidence?
Jay-Jay Johanson – Paris
Jay-Jay who is known for his melancholic vocals and has already released 8 studio albums in Sweden. The 43 year old singer-songwriter’s genre would be described as Trip hop & electroclash so while MF sounds like a stretch for his music style, we sure appreciate the diversity. If he ends up winning MF, Sweden can expect at least a few points from France.
Anna Järvinen – Porslin
Anna was born in Finland but moved to Stockholm at the age of six. In the mid 90’s she joined the band Granada. It wasn’t until 2007 that she released her debut album which was nominated for four grammis. Originally it was revealed that Anna was due to compete in MF 2012 with Porslin but was replaced by David Lindgren’s “Shout it out”. Maybe it was for the better and 2013 is going to be her her? Only time will tell
David Lindgren – Skyline
In 2009 David first appeared on the TV show “Da ska det lata” and left quite an impression as he was invited back the following year. David’s first MF attempt was in 2012 with “Shout it out”. I made it all the way to Globen where it ended up in a respectable 4th place. He’s one of the early favorites so keep an eye on this babyface.
Eric Gadd – Vi kommer aldrig att förlora
Gadd’s debut was in 1987 with his album “Hello”. He is quite popular among the Swedish Soul music scene. He won Grammys in 1991, 1993 & 1997 and this is his first MF attempt. Can he touch the Souls of the ESC fans as well?
Michael Feiner & Caisa – We’re Still Kids
Feiner is a member of the house band The Attic & took part in MF 2007 with “The Arrival”. It finished 7th in Semi 3 and didn’t qualify. This year he is joined by Caisa and hopes for a better result in 2013 (though it can’t get much worse)
Semi Final 2
Joacim Cans – Annelie
Joacim is the lead singer of HammerFall but also has plenty of solo experience with his first solo album “Beyond the Gates” released in 2004. He also participated in the TV program Korslaget (Swedish version of Clash of the Choirs) which his team won. So Metal fans rejoice, there will be Metal at MF.
Anton Ewald – Begging
Anton is a dancer & choreographer who has been on the MF stage before supporting Eric Saade & Danny Saucedo. He doesn’t have any major exposure when it comes to his singing but one thing we are certain of, a lot of young teenage kids will go crazy over him.
Sean Banan – Copacabanana
Sean who has Iranian roots started out as a dancer and became a Internet phenomenon shortly after appearing on “Floor Filler”. In 2010 his song “Skaka Rumpa” entered the Swedish Top 10. Sean entered MF 2012 and made it all the way to the Second Chance Round with his song “Sean den forste Banan” and was eliminated at the last minute. Can the MF comic relief make it all the way to Globen on his second attempt?
Rikard Wolff – En förlorad sommar
The 54 year old actor and singer has quite a long resume including voicing Scar in the Swedish dub of “The Lion King” & starring in the movie Anglagard. He has released several studio albums and also done plenty of stage plays. We have no idea what to expect from this guy so all we can do is be patient and wait for February.
Erik Segerstedt & Tone Damli – Hello Goodbye
Erik was the runner-up on the third seasons of the Swedish Idol series in 2006. Shortly after he joined the band E.M.D. with whom he achieved a third place in MF 2009 & their song “Baby Goodbye”. Tone was also a Idol series runner-up but the Norwegian version back in 2005. She also ended up in 2nd place in 2009 in the Norwegian ESC National Final with her song “Butterflies. This Power Duo sounds like a force to be reckon with, keep an eye out for those two.
Felicia Olsson – Make me No 1
Only little is known about the 17 year old girl. Her song was co-written by Maria Haukaas Mittet who represented Norway in 2008, Amir Aly who worked with many MF artists in the past & Ingela Forsman who wrote 3 previous MF winners.
Pernilla Wahlgren, Hanna Hedlund & Jenny Silver – On Top of the World
Pernilla’s first MF participation was in 1985, then again in 2003 with her most recent attempt in 2010. Hanna also has two MF participations under her belt, one in 2000 and once again in 2002. Jenny tried her MF luck in 2010 and returned the following year with the song “Something in your eyes”.
So plenty of MF experience but also plenty of MF failure. Maybe with the combined forces they can convince everyone & carry the flag for Sweden next may.
Louise Hoffsten – Only the Dead Fish follow the Stream
Blues is Louise’s passion and is considered the most well-known and recognized female blues singer in Sweden. She started her career in 1987 and this is her first MF attempt. Can blues succeed in Melodifestivalen? We’ll found out soon enough.
