Results From Melodifestivalen: Heat 1

Melodifestivalen, Sweden's Eurovision selection show, began on Saturday with the first round. It was held in Gothenburg and hosted by Robin Paulsson, a comedian, and last year's Melodifestivalen winner, Sanna Nielsen.

The line-up:
1. "I'll Be Fine," Molly Pettersson Hammar
2. "Pappa," Daniel Gildenlöw
3. "One by One," Rickard Söderberg & Elize Ryd
4. "Hello Hi," Dolly Style
5. "Det rår vi inte för," Behrang Miri feat. Victor Crone
6. "Can't Hurt Me Now," Jessica Andersson
7. "Sting," Eric Saade


The Great: Eric Saade and Dolly Style

This is Eric Saade's third appearance at Melodifestivalen, and he did not disappoint. Eric first participated in Melodifestivalen in 2010 with the unfortunately titled song, "Manboy," which became a #1 hit in Sweden. His second attempt, "Popular" won in 2011, and he represented his country in Eurovision, finishing third overall. Eric is a professional at this point, and it's no surprise that his polished entry, "Sting" went straight to the final. Eric is definitely a contender, and he would probably do well in Vienna.  Watch his performance here.

Dolly Style is made up of three 18 year-old girls who call themselves Molly, Holly, and Polly. They come from a "dollhouse in Dollyville," naturally. Dolly Style received enough votes to qualify for the Andra Chansen round, so in a few weeks, they will have another chance to compete for the final. This is exactly what I want from Melodifestivalen, so, thank you, Sweden.

The Good: Molly Pettersson Hammar

This was Molly Pettersson Hammar's first appearance at Melodifestivalen, and sadly, she failed to qualify. But a loss at Melodifestivalen is never really a loss, as it is the most-watched television program in the country. "I'll Be Fine" is currently #1 on Swedish iTunes, so it's clear Swedes loved her, even though they might not have voted for her. The good news for Molly is that her debut was wonderful and very well-received, and more Melodifestivalen performances are likely in her future.

The Boring: Jessica Andersson and Behrang Miri

I don't even want to talk about how these two entries advanced to the next round. Jessica Andersson is a favorite in Sweden, but her song, "Can't Hurt Me Now," is a tired ballad, and we've all seen it before. She was voted straight to the final. Behrang Miri debuted at Melodifestivalen in 2013, and that song, "Jawa Dansa Sawa," did very well in the Swedish charts. His entry this year, "Det rår vi inte för," lacks the fun and energy of his former hit, but it received enough votes to go the Andra Chansen round.

The Robbed: Rickard Söderberg & Elize Ryd

Now for these two. I mean, COME ON. This song has everything: fog machines, eyeliner, DRAMA, belting, LOVE, wind, rainbow lights, and that key change! Rickard Söderberg is a famous Swedish tenor, and Elize Ryd is the lead singer of death metal band, Amaranthe. They claim to be in a relationship (????). This finished fifth on Saturday, which means it was just short of qualifying for Andra Chansen. Sweden, what are you doing? You needed this in the final! It is definitely my favorite of the night, and I hope these lovebirds (??????) continue to collaborate.