This year’s Melodifestivalen heats come to a close in Malmo arena, the place which hosted Eurovision 10 years ago. Let’s take a look at the final 7 contenders for 2023. 

  1. Kiana – “Where Did You Go”: This is a very modern uptempo number being performed by a likeable 15 year old debutant. It has a British sound very reminiscent of Becky Hill’s hits. I enjoy the staging of this. The pink colours and graphics stand out and Kiana even borrows an element of staging from Alessandra’s “Queen of Kings”. I imagine this will be a favourite of the younger groups and the older age groups may admire Kiana’s display of confidence at such a young age. A contender for DTF in my opinion. 
  2. Signe & Hjördis – Edelweiss: This is a pleasant number but there isn’t really much more to say about this. The girls are likeable but also seem completely out of their depth. They look nervous and the package just falls flat. A contender for last.
  3. Smashed Into Pieces – Six Feet Under: The band bring a pop rock number that has elements of Blind Channel but more ESC/Mello friendly. They have a futuristic staging concept and perform this very well bringing energy to the stage. The package as a whole is palatable and accessible enough to score well across all age groups. Another contender for DTF.
  4. Mariette – One Day: Mariette returns with a different style of song to her previous entries. “One Day” is an uplifting anthemic song with a Disney like quality to it. It is a very positive number and Mariette performs this very well. The staging creates a feeling of warmth. She should be scoring highly with the older groups tonight, but the question is can this get enough support from the younger categories to pull her across the line? 
  5. Emil Henrohn – Mera mera mera: This is a party anthem and I am sure it will be a big hit in Sweden for the following weeks to come. My biggest issue here is with the performer. Emil comes across as amateurish and not really ready for the stage. The performance should feel lively but comes across as static. However, watching the dress rehearsal showed that he has a lot of fans especially those in the younger groups. He may sneak into the top 4. 
  6. Axel Schylström – Gorgeous: Axel has a power ballad that reminds me a lot of John Lundvik’s “My Turn.” He has an excellent vocal and is joined by a gospel like choir in the final minute of the song. Axel is singing about his accident and both the staging and his postcard also convey the message. Axel conveys his emotion really well. Earlier in the week I thought this could be a surprise contender for DTF, knowing how well Swedes react to a package with a narrative. However, the song itself doesn’t seem strong enough. Moreover, the audience poll suggests that the audience just isn’t connecting with this one. 
  7. Loreen – Tattoo: All accredited media were tantalisingly sat waiting for this rehearsal to be uploaded on Thursday early evening and Loreen truly delivered. “Tattoo” is modern, unique and emotional. It has elements of Euphoria combined with her recent single “Neon Lights” and verses that are influenced by ABBA. The stage show is captivating and it makes you feel like you’re watching a blockbuster film. The last minute is very powerful and grips you as Loreen belts out letting out her emotions. This is a clear frontrunner to win Melodifestivalen and yes the frontrunner to win Eurovision 2023 as of now. There are of course some things I have concerns about. Loreen isn’t really connecting with the camera for the majority of the song, but this was the case for Euphoria too. The performance as a whole is also very intense. The last minute in particular can feel overwhelming. However, the audience poll was a surprise for me. It shows that this isn’t too much for Swedes and is connecting, which bodes well for both it’s Melfest and ESC chances. 

Recommended bets:

Back Smash into Pieces to DTF @ 2.3 (Unibet)

Back Signe & Hjordis last place @ 1.55 (Unibet)

Back Sweden to win Eurovision 2023 @ 2.75 (Betfair Sports)