Today the host of Melodifestivalen 2007 entered the stage for the first time and met the press. He is thrilled to be the host of the contest and promises a surprise for the opening show in Jönköping.

How does it feel to host Melodifestivalen?

I am happy to be here and that Melodifestivalen is starting. It will be the first time I host something as big as this. I mean, it doesn�t get bigger than this in Sweden! Just look at the number of cameras in this arena right now.

Why did you decide to accept the offer to host the contest this year?

It wasn�t difficult at all. I mean, Melodifestivalen is the most loved TV-show we have in Sweden. I know the producer from earlier productions and I like the idea of the tour around the country for so many weeks. It is an exciting event!

What is the greatest difference from the TV-shows you have hosted earlier?

Taking in consideration the amount of people who are involved in the contest, this is so much bigger. Of course I am also aware of that this is a contest and that the artists are the main focus of the show. It wasn�t like that when I had my own talk show �Sen kväll med Luuk� (�Late Night with Luuk�). I guess hosting my own show for several years and, for example, interviewing Madonna has given me alot of important experience.

How have you prepared yourself for the job?

Well, among other things I have watched some old tapes of former Melodifestivalen. I have also practised to walk the steps here on the stage. I don�t want to trip� so I will walk very carefully and watch every step I take.

Did you find anything you like and will use?

Well, some of the hosts have been really good. I like Ulf Elwing and Janne Jingeryd. Janne was using a folder in one of the shows and I will steal that from him and use it this yeaer. It�s a contest with a lot of tradition so looking at former finals felt good.

Did you find something you didn�t like?

Yes, there was a host that did a really terrible job. I don�t remember the name and maybe that is good for all of us� But it is important to remember that the focus should be on the songs and the artists � not the host.

Have you been able to decide how you want to host the show or have there been many compromises?

There hasn�t been anyone who has stopped my ideas. I have pretty much been aloud to do it my way, which feels great.

Do you feel nervous that so many people will be watching you?

Honestly, there were quite many people who watched my talk show during the nine years it was running. I don�t feel nervous about the number of people watching, it rather feels kind of safe that there will be a huge audience.

How will you open the show on Saturday?

I can reveal now that I will walk down the stairs and say �Hello Jönköping�!

Any surprises?

There will be surprises in all the semifinals. I can reveal that I, for example, will disappear in smoke� but I won�t say more than that now. I will also have surprise guests in all the semifinals.

What will you wear tomorrow night?

Something similar to what I am wearing right now � a black suite. I think it looks really good and Christer Björkman thought so as well.

Do you like schlager music?

Remember, it really is a song contest for all kind of music. Melodifestivalen used to include only schlager songs, but not any more. Personally I only listen to schlager songs on parties like the ones I attend on Midsummer Eve and similar. I mainly listen to female sing-song-writers.

Good luck on Saturday!

Thank you!