Melodifestivalen: Heat 4

The last of Melodifestivalen's four heats was broadcast from Örebro on Saturday. We have seen all the contestants at this point, and the line-up for the Andra Chansen (second chance) round is set.

More importantly, there was a sighting of my favorite Swedish back-up dancer, Daniel Koivunen, formerly known as "Anton Ewald's Left Back-Up Dancer." After lots of research (internet stalking), I finally figured out his name, and I have requested to be his friend on Facebook. Fingers crossed he doesn't think it's weird that an American girl with zero connections to Sweden is trying to be his friend!

Anyway, Daniel Koivunen performed this week in two numbers! First, the opening, which featured host, Sanna Nielsen, singing "Free Your Mind" by En Vogue, for a reason I do not understand because I do not speak Swedish. And secondly, in Dinah Nah's entry, "Make Me (La La La)." But back to the competition.

The line-up this week:
1. "Don't Say No," Midnight Boy
2. "Black Swan," Caroline Wennergren
3. "Building It Up," JTR
4. "Guld och gröna skogar," Hasse Andersson
5. "Make Me (La La La)," Dinah Nah
6. "Ett andetag," Annika Herlitz
7. "Heroes," Måns Zelmerlöw

Melodifestivalen: Heat 2

Melodifestivalen was broadcast from the city of Malmö yesterday, from the same arena Eurovision 2013 was held. Seven acts were up for consideration.

The line-up:
1. "Forever Starts Today," Linus Svenning
2. "Där och då med dig," Emelie Irewald
3. "Groupie," Samir & Viktor
4. "If I Was God For One Day," Neverstore
5. "Nonetheless," Marie Bergman & Sanne Salomonsen
6. "Möt mig i Gamla stan," Magnus Carlsson
7. "Don't Stop Believing," Mariette

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

And The Winner Is...

The upmost congratulations to CONCHITA WURST from Austria! A dark horse from the beginning, Conchita became an audience favorite thanks to her originality and talent.

In a year where parts of Eastern Europe are war-torn, the victory of Conchita is truly moving. In the arena, during her performance, the audience could be heard singing along with "Rise Like A Phoenix." As she was crowned the winner, Conchita said, "This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are. We are unity, and we are unstoppable."

Austria's final vote tally was 290. In second place, The Netherlands, with 238 points. Sweden came third with 218. What a wonderful, and talented top three!

It was an amazing night. Congratulations to Conchita! Can't wait to see you in Austria next year!

Results From The First Semi-Final

Eurovision 2014 has officially begun! The first semi-final took place in the B&W Hallerne music arena in Copenhagen. It was a fabulous start to what looks to be a landmark year for Eurovision. And we have ten finalists! They are, in no particular order:

Aram MP3 from Armenia. No surprise here, he's a frontrunner in the competition.

András Kállay-Saunders from Hungary. Another obvious choice, although I still don't know how I feel about a pop song about child abuse.

Sanna Nielsen from Sweden. Looking and sounding beautiful, Sanna!

Dilara Kazimova from Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan always puts on a good show, and this year is no exception.

Pollapönk from Iceland. A fun, silly song about loving others.

Tolmachevy Sisters from Russia. These poor girls were actually booed when it was announced they made it through the semi-final. The audience was not feeling Russia.

The Common Linnets from The Netherlands. I was blown away by this performance. Very beautiful and subtle. And I am an American, so I have a soft spot for country music.

Mariya Yaremchuk from Ukraine. A fierce performance from Ukraine. Loving the hamster wheel.

And, for the first time, Montenegro and San Marino both qualified for the final! Congratulations to Sergej Cetkovic and our girl, Valentina Monetta! And congrats to all the finalists.

Great News From Sweden!

Swedes chose their winner today, and congratulations to Sanna Nielsen! As predicted, it was a heart-stoppingly close finish. Sanna beat runner-up, Ace Wilder, by 2 points.

So Who Should Represent Sweden?

If you've been reading my Melodifestivalen recaps, then you know tomorrow is the fateful conclusion of Sweden's Eurovision selection process.

If you're just joining us, the ongoing Melodifestivalen ("The Melody Festival") has been taking place in Sweden for the last five weeks. Now, most other European countries have their own national selection for Eurovision, but the reason I've been covering Sweden is because it's just so good. From the level of production, to the talent of the performers, the Swedes take it all very, very seriously. And there's a chance that us Americans could be hearing from one of the finalists in the future: though we don't necessarily realize it, Swedish musicians and producers are all over our American pop charts.

It's a strong year for Sweden, and the final reflects this. It's going to be a very close race. Nearly every entry could go to Eurovision and be successful (except for Linus Svenning's "Bröder," I just will never be okay with that). Now, traditionally, a lower placement in the line-up produces a victory. Going eight, ninth, or tenth is the strongest position to be in. But there's no obvious winner this year.

Melodifestivalen: Round 2

Round 2 of Melodifestivalen was held on Saturday in Linköping. Former Melodifestivalen musician and comedian, Sean Banan, treated the audience to a very, very funny rendition of 1984's Eurovision winner, "Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley" by Herreys. At the end, the actual Herreys reunited and performed their famous song.

The line-up:
1. "Love Trigger," J.E.M.
2. "Hallelujah," The Refreshments
3. "Glow," Manda
4. "Efter solsken," Panetoz
5. "I Am Somebody," Pink Pistols
6. "Undo," Sanna Nielsen
7. "Set Yourself Free," Little Great Things
8. "När änglarna går hem," Martin Stenmarck