Preparations for the opening semi final of Melodifestivalen 2008 are well underway at the Scandinavium Arena in Gothenburg. After stage positioning and sound checks were organised yesterday, today, the final lighting and camerawork are being finalised before tonight's full dress rehearsal with a hall full of spectators.
Today's rehearsals kicked off at 12:00 after the opening reception last night. A full seafood buffet was served to 250 performers, management companies, journalists and honoured guests. The scene would have brought back memories of the 1985 Eurovision Song Contest reminding those present that Gothemburg is the seafood capital of Europe.
You can listen to 1 minute clips of the first semi finalists here.
Today's rehearsals:
Song 1: Line of Fire – E-type & The Poodles
The Poodles and E-Type are looking more confortable and staging is stronger as their confidence grows. Many in the press centre believe this is going to be one of the songs that qualifies automatically for the final in Stockholm on 15th March. The pyrotechnics add to the strength of the performance.
Song 2: Alla gamla x – Face-84
Face-84 are new to the competition and are a young band. Many feel the vocals are not strong enough for the song to qualify directly to the final, but the tune is good and the band's staging reminds a little of Vanilla Ninja with a sound like the Bangles.
Song 3: Deja vu – Velvet
Dressed in black and gold cat suit, Velvet is winning over opinion in the press centre. The power of the song, a pure power pop schlager entry, and a solid performance has people talking about this as a possible threat to the early favourites from yesterday's rehearsals, The Poodles with E-typeand Amy Diamond. The performance uses two of the stage platforms and full use of the overhead camera for extra visual effect.
Song 4: Lullaby – Brandur
Also tightening the vocals, Brandur does not seem overpowered by the size of the arena on his Melodifestivalen debut. This song has power in its simplicity and could be a surprise qualifier. The piano and backing vocals work well together.
Song 5: That's Love – Michael Michailoff
Another improved performance from yesterday, Michael is performing his song well, but many in the press centre think that this song is going to face a real battle to get to the second chance round.The camera work makes the performance look good on screen, and if there are to be some surprises tomorrow, this one is still in the mix.
Song 6: Thank You – Amy Diamond
Amy diamond is performing in costume and we have our first clash, the two fancied female soloists are wearing similar outfits. Leg hugging black trousers and a gold jacket this time for Amy, and the question is can both girls take the gold award and a ticket to Globen tomorrow night. Again a strong performance, Amy doesn't try to hit the big notes at first, protecting her voice. She looks confident and everything comes together well on screen.
Song 7: Visst finns mirakel – Suzzie Tapper
Suzzie Tapper's quiet and haunting song is causing a wave of opinion in the press centre. The vocal performance is weaker than yesterday, but the stregth of character from the singer who is battling Parkinson's disease shines through. This song cannot be ruled out from a spot at least in the second chance round.
Song 8: I love Europe – Christer Sjogren
With backing dancers in blue corsets instead of the bikinis shown yesterday, the feathers are in full swing again. I love Europe is tipped to snatch an automatic spot for the final with highly popular Christer Sjogren being a long time favourite amongst the older generations in Sweden following his long career with dansband, Vikingarna. The performance is slick and happy and will get toes tapping and faces smiling tomorrow.
As Christer has the final run through before tonight's dress rehearsals, the press centre finally bursts into song with rows of journalists at their computers singing along to the chorus, swayingand bouncing in their seats. There is plenty of laughter too. Will Sweden go retro for 2008?
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