The third semi final of Sweden's national selection for the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest is about to take place. You can watch the webcast by following the link below.
The third semi final in Sweden is now underway. Tonight's eight acts looking for two places in the final and two places in the 'second chance round' in two weeks time are:
- BWO – Lay your love on me
- Mickey Huskic – Izdajice
- Frida feat. Headline – Upp o hoppa
- Thérèse Andersson – When you need me
- Patrik Isaksson – Under mitt tunna skinn
- Caracola – Smiling in love
- Ainbusk – Jag saknar dig ibland
- Eskobar – Hallelujah new world
Song 1: BWO – Lay your love on me
Returning for a third attempt at Melodifestivalen 2008, BWO are back with an uptempo song. Lead singer Martin starts sitting on the stage with the band posing as a a painting. Sharp dance movements accompany the song as Eurovision sees the first pair of leather pants in quite a while! The performance is strong.
Song 2: Mickey Huskic – Izdajice
This is a traditional Balkan ballad performed in Bosnian. Mickey starts at his michrophone stand. He's gone for casual dress, with black jeans, white shirt and – for the second song in a row – black leather, this time in the form of a jacket. The song switches to English for the second chorus. It builds well throughout the performance.
Song 3: Frida feat. Headline – Upp o hoppa
Frida, a surprise chart topper last year on downloads makes her Melodifestivalen debut with an upbeat reggae – pop tune. A bouncy performance from the girl in the orange jacket with Headline rapping, the performance has a chemistry and comes across well on stage.
Song 4: Thérèse Andersson – When you need me
Therese, known for electro pop with girlband PAY TV shocks Sweden with a little surprise – she is a trained classical opera singer, and she shows off her skills to full effect. Wearing a Silver flowing gown and with flags behind her, the old Melofidestivalen wind machine is used to full effect.
Song 5: Patrik Isaksson – Under mitt tunna skinn
This is a haunting soft rock ballad by Patrik. he's dressed in a dinner suit and the song has a very strong chorus. The backing singers all have instruments and this song is coming across very strongly. The vocals hold out for the big notes, but the harmonies with the backing vocalists seem a little out of synch.
Song 6:Caracola – Smiling in love
Three girl pop band, Caracola are dressed in similar dresses, one in red, one yellow, one green. The song is pure pop, very catchy and the performance on starge is impressive, reminiscent of Femminem's dance routine in Kiev. The vocals are a little weak early on but the harmonies work well. The band get a huge applause from the arena.
Song 7: Ainbusk – Jag saknar dig ibland
Ainbusk are a four piece band, three singers stand in pink dresses, the fourth plays the piano. This is a sad ballad, delivered with power powerful vocals that struggle to do the song justice but they pull it together. The song is very melodic and filled with emotion.
Song 8: Eskobar – Hallelujah new world
An REM style pop-rock song is delivered by the wildcard entry of the night. The vocals are not too strong and the words struggle to fit in time with the music. The song has a strong guitar accompanyment and gold foil drops from above the stage in celebration of their new world.
VOTING BEGINS
Voting has now begun after a recap of tonight's semi finalists. At the first voting break, the three lowest-scoring acts will be eliminated.
A brief review of former entries including the word 'karlek' (love) follows, reminding us how many love songs have made it to the Eurovision Song Contest or Melodifesivalen finals.
THE RESULTS:
The first voting window is closed. The songs that will progress to the second round are:
- Caracola – Smiling in love
- Therese Anderson – When you need me
- Patrik Isaksson – Under mitt tunna skinn
- BWO – Lay your love on me
- Frida feat. Headline – Upp o hoppa
6th place: Ainbusk – Jag saknar dig ibland
7th place: Mickey Huskic – Izdajice
8th place: Eskobar – Hallelujah new world
Voting continues for the five songs that pass to the second voting round. When the lines close, the first finalist will be announced, followed by the two songs that go to the second chance round. The second finalist will then be revealed.
To the final:
- BWO – Lay your love on me
- Frida feat. Headline – Upp o hoppa
To the second chance round:
- Thérèse Andersson – When you need me
- Caracola – Smiling in love
5th place: Patrik Isaksson – Under mitt tunna skinn
