The second chance round of Sweden's Melodifestival 2008 is about to take place. Follow the webcast link below to see the last two acts getting a ticket for the Eurovision Song Contest national final next Saturday.
This article will be constantly updated.
The line-up
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E-Type & the Poodles – Line of fire vs. Sibel – That is where I'll go
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Ola – Love in stereo vs. Caracola – Smiling in love
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Nordman – I lågornas sken vs. Carola & Andreas Johnson – One love
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Thérèse Andersson – When you need me vs. Suzie Tapper – Visst finns mirakel
The show has started.
1. E-Type & the Poodles – Line of fire
A classic rock performance with fireworks and – of course – a line of fire on the ground. The song is really catchy. The whole actmight a little bit old-fashioned in the general music scene but as rock music is still not very common in the Eurovision Song Contest, it could well be succesful in Belgrade.
2. Sibel – That is where I'll go
Sibel is wearing the same dress as in the semi final. The ballad is very strong and Sibel performs the entry in a very emotional and authentic way (even if it gets a bit too dramatic towards the end). However, Sanna Nielsen's Empty room still seems to be the favourite among the ballads, which could make it hard for Sibel to reach the final tonight.
To the next round: Sibel!
1. Ola – Love in stereo
Ola and his backing singers are all dressed in white and black which looks very good and stage and fits in the whole performance. The entry is typically Swedish Europop and both the song and the performance are pretty predictable. However, Ola is a professional performer and seems to entertain the audience.
2. Caracola – Smiling in love
Caracola are dressed in red, yellow, and green and the outifts and the whole act reminds of Son de sol who represented Spain in 2005. The song and the performance are very simple and easy to remember. This could well be a summer hit but would prbably not be the best choice for the Eurovision Song Contest.
To the next round: Ola!
1. Carola & Andreas Johnson – One love
The outfits are a bit different while the performance is still the same as in the semi final. Although the two singers are vocally flawless, they still kinda seem to sing moreagainst each other than together, maybe because they are not used to duets. However, the crowd loves it and Carola and Andreas should easily make it to the final tonight.
2. Nordman – I lågornas sken
The medieval theme comes across very well on stage. Of course, the second time such a performance works less well than the first time because everyone knows what is going to happen. The song is not the most catchy one tonight but the one with thehighest recognition value as there is no similar song in Melodifestivalen this year.
To the next round: Nordman!
1. Thérèse Andersson – When you need me
A very hectic song with some operatic influences. Thérèse is jumping over the stage as if she does not know where to go. The performance needs a red thread somehow, it's a bit too chaotic, especially as it hasa large ballad part. A very interesting entry, but probably not a favourite.
2. Suzie Tapper – Visst finns mirakel
The most mature performance. Vocally, Suzie holds back a bit, but nevertheless, her performance is very authentic and emotional. The stage could be even a bit more dark and smoky to illustrate the special feeling of the song, but overall the entry comes very well across the screen.
To the next round: Suzie Tapper!
In the second round we will see:
- Sibel – That is where I'll go vs. Ola – Love in stereo
- Nordman – I lågornas sken vs. Suzie Tapper – Visst finns mirakel
1. Sibel – That is where I'll go
Unfortunately, if the same ballad is performed twice in a short time, it loses kind of its charme on the second attempt. Nevertheless, Sibel is flawless again and she even seems to have a bit more power than in the first round.
2. Ola – Love in stereo
The performance is identical to the first one and Ola even seems to have lost some of his tension. While the song becomes a hit in the hall, it's time to start asking ourselves what exactly does it mean to want "love in stereo"?
1. Nordman – I lågornas sken
The performance remains the same of course. The lead singer almost missed his entry, but the overall impression is as professional as always. As Nordman even manged to beat Carola into second palce, it's highly likely that they will reach the final now.
2. Suzie Tapper – Visst finns mirakel
Suzie has improved her vocals again and the overall performance is very moving. If it made it to the final tonight, it could be one of the dark horses next Saturday.
To the final: Sibel and Nordman.
