Despite the huge interest from media the first Swedish semifinal in Melodifestivalen failed to reach 3 million viewers. The number of televotes were as much as 200, 000 fewer compared with last year.
Last year 3, 045, 000 Swedes tuned in to watch the firstof four Melodifestivalen semifinals. The figures presented today show that the semifinal in Jönköping last Saturday only drew the attention of 2, 990, 000 viewers, which is a little bit less (55 000 viewers) than last year. However Melodifestivalen succeeded in becoming the most watched TV-show last week.
Also the number of voters declined. 379, 212 phone calls were made in order to vote for the songs during the show, a reduction of as much as about 200, 000 compared with the first semifinal last year. One reason for the decline may be several articles in thepress before the show about problems handling the high number of expected phone calls. The producer of Melodifestivalen 2007, Martin Österdahl, tells Expressen thathe issatisfied with thefigures.
"We feel humble that so many Swedes chose to watch the show on Saturday."
The second semifinal will take place this Saturday in Göteborg. esctoday.com will report from the event with news and interviews. Because of Carola's 5th place finish with Invicible whoever wins Melodifestivalen will automatically appear in this year's final on 12 May in Helsinki.
