Jonathan Currinn
It is probably one of the biggest Eurovision national selection shows in the world. Melodifestivalen (known as Melfest for short) is a global event in itself. It is massive in Sweden, and the winner goes on to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, there have been a bunch of rumours in the lead up to this announcement. Finally, we have the full list of the contestants for Melodifestivalen 2018.
There will be 28 acts participating in Melfest 2018, with plenty of newcomers to the show, and a few returnees. The format will see four semi-finals take place in various cities in Sweden, two acts from each of the semi-finals will qualify for the national final held in Stockholm. There will also be a second chance round.
Returning acts include Benjamin Ingrosso, who came fifth in 2017; Kikki Danielsson, who has represented Sweden at Eurovision twice in the 80’s – coming third at ESC 1985, and this marks her tenth time competing in Melodifestivalen; Samir & Viktor came eighth in 2015, and 12th in 2016, can they do better this time around?
Then there’s Mimi Werner who took part in 2016, but didn’t qualify for the final; Méndez who came second in 2002 and made it to the second chance round in 2003; Kalle Moraeus & Orsa Spelmän got to the second chance round in 2010; Jessica Andersson has competed four times as a soloist, most notably coming 11th in 2015, she has competed twice as part of the duo Fame, who won and represented Sweden at ESC 2003, coming fifth.
Felicia Olsson is back, she competed in 2013 but didn’t get through to the final; Felix Sandman competed as part of trio FO&O in 2017 coming 11th; and, Mariette came third in 2015 and fourth in 2017. Mixed in with these returnees are some formidable debuts to the Melodifestivalen competition.
Seems like Melfest 2018 is going to be one tough competition, yet again. We can’t wait to see who will win.
Here’s The Full List Of Acts Competing At Melodifestivalen 2018:
Semi-Final 1: Karlstad (3 February)
- Renaida – “All The Feels”
- Benjamin Ingrosso – “Dance You Off”
- Edward Blom – “Livet på en pinne”
- John Lundvik – “My Turn
- Kikki Danielsson – “Osby Tennessee”
- Sigrid Bernson – “Patrick Swayze”
- Kamferdrops – “Solen lever kvar hos dig”
Semi-Final 2: Gothenburg (10 February)
- Ida Redig – “Allting som vi sa”
- Jonas Gardell – “Det finns en väg”
- Margaret – “In My Cabana”
- Liamoo – “Last Breath”
- Samir & Viktor – “Shuffla”
- Mimi Werner – “Songburning”
- Stiko Per Larsson – “Titta vi flyger”
Semi-Final 3: Malmö (17 February)
- Martin Almgren – “A Bitter Lullaby”
- Dotter – “Cry”
- Moncho – “Cuba Libre”
- Méndez – “Everyday”
- Kalle Moraeus & Orsa Spelmän – “Min Dröm”
- Jessica Andersson – “Party Voice”
- Barbi Escobar – “Stark”
Semi-Final 4: Örnsköldsvik (24 February)
- Felicia Olsson – “Break That Chain”
- Felix Sandman – “Every Single Day”
- Mariette – “For You”
- Rolandz – “Fuldans”
- Emmi Christensen – “Icarus”
- Elias Abbas – “Mitt paradis”
- Olivia – “Never Learn”
The second chance round will take place on 3 March 2018 in Kristianstad, with the Final following on 10 March 2018 in Stockholm. All six shows will be presented by David Lindgren. The winner, who will go on to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal, will have to compete against 42 other representatives. Confirmed so far are Laura Groeseneken for Belgium, Saara Aalto for Finland, Waylon for the Netherlands, and AISEL for Azerbaijan.
