Sweden

🇳🇱 Netherlands are in, Joost isn’t

Netherlands are in, Joost isn’t. The Netherlands will take part in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland. Dutch broadcaster Avrotros announced it today. The EBU has given the Netherlands an extension until November 1st. By then, it must be clear whether the country will participate. A little more than a week before that day, Avrotros made a statement. After months of talks, the broadcaster received enough assurances from the EBU that important changes will be made to the music festival. Joost Klein was given the chance to participate again, but he decided to turn down the offer. Song submissions for 2025 are now open. Netherlands are in, Joost isn’t. Until the very last moment, Joost was the contestant to be. However, he decided not to do it. In a statement Joost says: “My team and I had everything ready, but it just doesn’t feel good. I am very thankfull for all the love around the world, however I am still affected by this year. I need to give myself more time to heal”. Dutch broadcaster Avrotros was in doubt about participation, due to the things happening last year. Joost was disqualified because of an incident between him and a camera woman. Joost was not convicted by Swedish police. Avrotros only wanted to participate if the EBU would make significant changes to the festival.

Arash Labaf

About Quick Facts NameAlex Arash Labaf Born23 April 1977 Nationality🇸🇪 Swedish National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongAlways (& Aysel) Biography Alex Arash Labaf, born April 23, 1977, in Tehran, is an Iranian-Swedish musician. As an artist, he is known simply as Arash. Arash had his breakthrough in 2004 with the release of his single “Boro Boro”, which topped the Swedish charts. Following this success, he released his self-titled debut album, “Arash”, in 2005, which included other hits such as “Tike Tike Kardi”. His third single, “Temptation” (feat. Rebecca), also became a major hit in Scandinavia, reaching number two on the Swedish charts in 2005. Arash further expanded his influence by recording a Russian version of “Temptation” with the popular Russian group Blestjasjtjie. The song, called “Vostotjnie skazki”, was a significant hit in Russia. In 2006, Arash released “Crossfade (The Remix Album)”, showcasing new renditions of his popular tracks. He continued to build his career with the 2008 album Donya, featuring collaborations with artists like Shaggy on the title track Donya, and Rebecca on Suddenly. The album also included the heartfelt duet “Pure Love” with Helena Paparizou. In 2009, Arash represented Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest with AySel, performing the song Always. They finished in third place with 207 points. The song became a major hit in Sweden, reaching number 3 on the Swedish charts. Following this success, he released “Kandi” (feat. Lumidee) the same year. Arash’s international collaborations continued with the release of “She Makes Me Go” (feat. Sean Paul) in 2013, a track based on “Think about the way” from 1994 by Ice MC. In 2014, he released his album “Superman”, which featured singles like “One Day” (feat. Helena Paparizou), “Doga Doga” (feat. Medina), and “Sex Love Rock N Roll” (feat. T-Pain). In 2016, Arash collaborated with Snoop Dogg on the track “OMG”. The following year, he released “Se Fue” (feat. Mohombi) and “Dooset Daram” (feat. Helena). His musical journey continued with the 2018 hit “Goalie Goalie” (feat. Pitbull, Blanco & Nyusha) and the 2019 single “One Night In Dubai” (feat. Helena). Arash’s more recent works include “Mary Jane” (versus Ilkay Sencan) and “No Maybes” (feat. Ilkay Sencan, Era Istrefi) in 2020. In 2021, he released several singles, including “Lavandia” (with Marshmello), “Angels Lullaby” (feat. Helena), Asemoon, and “Ich bin weg (Boro Boro)” (feat. Samra & Topic42). In 2022, he collaborated with Navid Zardi on “Bombe”, and in 2024, he released Hulu (feat. Sasy). Beyond his music, Arash has also contributed to film soundtracks. He produced music for the 2004 film Bombay Dreams, featuring the track “Bombay Dreams” (feat. Rebecca & Aneela), and for the 2005 film Bluffmaster, which included his song “Boro Boro (Bure Bure)”. Arash’s family resides in Sweden. He has two siblings, Arsalan Labaf, a lawyer, and Ashkan Labaf, a doctor. Malmö is his hometown in Sweden. Entries Always (& AySel) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsArash LabafRobert UhlmannElin WrethovAnderz Wrethov MusicArash LabafRobert UhlmannJohan BejerholmMarcus EnglöfAlex Papaconstantinou Backings? Dancers??? Results Semi Points: 180Position: 2Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: 207Position: 3Running order: 11 https://youtu.be/9OEIOS1oUeY?si=XTfvyALTe_5fDfS1

Malmö Messages: A draw among the Big 5 and Sweden

The big five and Sweden had their second rehearsal today. However, there is more happening: the draw also took place to decide in which part of the show the participants will perform. There is a change happening: half of the countries will draw a ‘producers choice‘. They can be placed anywhere. United Kingdom He might have called it the most homosexual act ever. Olly Alexander has four dancers around him, who seem to be dancing around each other somewhat combatively. The men have bare torsos, except for Olly’s torn shirt. Whether it is indeed the most homosexual act ever or not? No idea, but not much is left to the imagination. He seems to be rising in the bookmakers’ ratings, where he is now in tenth place. Olly Alexander drew the first half of the final. Germany Little has changed since last time for Germany. The act was already so well-defined that there is little left to change. The singing is important in the German entry. But whether Isaak makes enough of an impression to break Germany’s negative streak remains to be seen. The bookmakers give him a 23rd place. Isaak drew in the first half of the final. Sweden The Swedes are number three in line to create a full music video of their performance. It is exactly the same performance as during Melodifestivalen. We see Marcus and Martinus everywhere and nowhere. This afternoon in the press center, someone enthusiastically told of having done five interviews with them. We already knew that Sweden will open the final. France Less is more, the French must have thought. Slimane stands alone on the stage in white clothing while singing his “Mon amour”. He stands, sits, and lies down while singing. The a cappella part makes a deep impression. The bookmakers currently predict just shy of a top-5 spot, placing him sixth. France will perform in the second half of the final. Spain With a lot of gold in the background, a red sofa, and the two members of Nebulossa in black clothing, the act is complete. The lyrics of “Zorra” caused a lot of controversy, but the Spanish audience enthusiastically roars along with the song. The bookmakers have no faith in it. They rank the song in 24th place. Nebulossa drew producers’ choice this afternoon. Italy Fortunately, not everything remains exactly the same as during the previous rehearsal. Angelina Mango has a different dress: a black one, with much fewer flowers on it. That makes the overall busy impression during the performance a bit less intense. “La Noia” is currently fourth with the bookmakers. Angelina Mango drew producers’ choice. As mentioned, except for Italy, there are few changes. The big five and Sweden will be heard and seen for the first time during the semifinals, so there are equal opportunities for everyone. We think: abolish the big five if they really want equal chances. But then, who are we…

Malmö Messages: The Big Five plus Sweden

We haven’t heard from the big five plus Sweden yet. Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the host Sweden automatically qualify for the final. They had their rehearsal tonight. The United Kingdom was the first to rehearse. If you think you have ended up in the locker room of a boxing match; this is still the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Olly Alexander is wearing red pants and a white shirt. His hands are taped up. Around him are a number of dancers in red shorts and with bare chests. According to eurovision.tv, the camera moves in such a way that it seems as if the room is spinning. It could make you “Dizzy”. Isaak, representing Germany, appears to be in a very luxurious living room while singing his song “Always on the run”. We see a fire pit, lots of flames, and the cube coming down again. Isaak himself is dressed in black and is flanked by four backup singers; live singing matters here too. Marcus and Martinus are performing “Unforgettable” for Sweden. And as usual, the Swedes have the exact same act on stage as they did during Melodifestivalen. The twins are dressed in blue and black. On the LED screens behind them, and on the cube above them, many colors and patterns are visible. Occasionally, the title of the song also appears. The act is the same, but huge. The contestant for France, Slimane, is dressed in white during his “Mon amour”. He starts lying down and sings the first part of the song on his knees. Later, he stands behind the microphone and steps away from it to sing the last piece a cappella. The smoke machine does its job. The Spanish duo Nebulossa rehearsed next. Their song “Zorra” starts from the cube, which is now not hanging but has come all the way down. Mery is wearing pants with wide legs and a blouse with large puff sleeves. The red sofa, which Mery also was standing on during the national final, has come along to Malmö. There is smoke on the floor throughout the performance. Angelina Mango will perform for Italy in a red dress. On her arms and legs, we see some sort of plant images. The four dancers emerge from four large cubes to lift Angelina. She stands among them in front of a large throne made of branches. The whole scene is set against a backdrop of a sort of forest with bare trees. In short, there will be much to see during “La Noia.”

Sightseeing Malmö during the Eurovison Song Contest 2024.

Are you looking for some tips to explore Malmö during the Eurovision Song Contest season? Look no further, we’ve got you covered! We’ll break down the city so you can make the most out of your stay.

🇸🇪 Marcus and Martinus: It’s a dream come true

Last Saturday, our reporter Kal was able to talk to Marcus and Martinus, the Swedish representatives in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. They talked about Loreen, about the difference between their songs “Air” and “Unforgettable”, the difference between the two of them and so much more. Anxious about the interview? Yes of course you are. So… here it is!

🇸🇪 Road to Malmö: Sweden

photo: PhotoAnnaR, Wikimedia Commons We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Sweden. Marcus & Martinus Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen, the Norwegian identical twins behind the dance-pop duo M&M, have been captivating audiences since their 2012 debut. Hailing from Elverum, Norway, they were born on February 21, 2002, and swiftly rose to fame after winning Melodi Grand Prix Junior with “To dråper vann.” Their first album, “Hei,” and its hit singles, including “Elektrisk,” dominated the Norwegian charts. By 2016, the twins had expanded their reach, collaborating with Madcon on “Girls,” securing chart-topping success in Norway and Sweden, and releasing “Together,” their English-language album. They shone at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert and continued to release chartbusters like “Like It Like It” and “First Kiss.” Their creative momentum continued with the album “Moments,” and singles like “Invited.” After a stint of new music, including “Belinda” with Alex Rose and “Feel” with Bruno Martini, they won Sweden’s “Masked Singer” in 2022. In 2023, they nearly captured Melodifestivalen with “Air,” and in 2024, they triumphed, earning the honor to represent Sweden at Eurovision with “Unforgettable,” marking a new pinnacle in their vibrant career. Melodifestivalen Already in the sixties, the name of the Swedish national final was Melodifestivalen. The past over 20 years, it has been a national final with 4 or 5 semifinals. It has become the most popular national final all over Europe. But who remembers Abba, not winning it in 1973 with “Ring Ring”, but winning it a year later with “Waterloo”? The rest is history. This year, many stars from Sweden took part in it, as every year. However, none of them participated in the Eurovision Song Contest before. Jury and televoter agreed with eachother: Marcus and Martinus were the winners for both. Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest The first Swedish entry came in 1958, but it all really started exactly 50 years ago. In 1974, ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest with “Waterloo”, and changed Eurovision completely… forever! Ten years later, Herrey’s won with “Diggy-loo, diggy-ley”. Carola was the one who did the job in 1991 with “Fångad av en stormvind”. But since 1999, the chain of victories never ended: Charlotte Nilsson with “Take me to your heaven” in 1999, Loreen with “Euphoria” in 2012, Måns Zelmerlöw with “Heroes” in 2015 and Loreen again last year, with “Tattoo”. Sweden is one of two countries holding the record of most victories. photo: EBU/Chloe Hashemi The Bookmakers An 8th victory for Sweden is not likely. Currently, Marcus and Martinus hold the 10th place to win in the betting odds. What will really happen…. we’ll see! The song And this is the song:

Robert Wells

About Quick Facts NameRobert Henry Arthur Wells Born07 April 1962 Nationality🇸🇪 Swedish National SelectionInternal selection 2010Eirodziesma 2007Melodifestivalen 2003Melodifestivalen 1987 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongButterflies (with 3+2, 2010) Biography Robert Wells, born in Stockholm on April 7 1962, is a Swedish composer, arranger and musician. Wells was educated at Adolf Fredrik’s Music Classes and the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Throughout the 1980s, he played alongside numerous Swedish artists, such as Lill-Babs, Gösta Linderholm, Eva Bysing, and Jerry Williams. He later embarked on a solo career, achieving success with the hit “Upp på berget,” which reached Svensktoppen in 1986. In the Melodifestivalen of 1987, he participated with the song “Sommarnatt,” and he returned to the Melodifestivalen stage in 2003, performing in a duet with Sofia Källgren the song “My Love.” Wells gained significant popularity as a pianist on the TV game show “Så ska det låta,” where he showcased his extensive musical talent. His “Rhapsody in Rock” annual concert tours have been audience favorites in Sweden and internationally, drawing over 1.9 million spectators in Sweden since 1998. In addition to his Melodifestivalen appearances, Wells also competed in the Latvian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, Eirodziesma, in 2007 with the song “The Legends of Rock and Roll.” as a member of the group Johnny & Meldra featuring The Rockettes. In 2007, Wells contributed his piano skills to “A Song For You,” featuring vocals by Céline Dion, and also co-wrote the song. His music was selected as the official TV music for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. During the winter of 2008/2009, he was part of TV4’s “Körslaget,” leading his own choir. He wrote “7 Days & 7 Nights” for the Swedish hard rock band The Poodles for their 2009 album “Clash of the Elements,” and also played piano on the album. Additionally, he performed on the piano for Belarus’ entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. In 2021, Wells appeared on TV4’s “Masked Singer” disguised as a raven. Entries Butterflies (& 3+2) Country🇧🇾 Country Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsMalka Chaplin MusicMaxim Fadeev Backings– Results Semi Points: 59Position: 9Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: 18Position: 24Running order: 9 https://youtu.be/MvK2KU2zfzA?si=KFhGTi9aHc9hlIw4

🇸🇪 News from the HoD meeting

Today, there is some interesting news from the Head of Delegation meeting. This meeting took place today, and some decisions are made about the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest: Iceland It was a big questionmark whether Iceland was going to take part or not. Icelandic broadcaster RUV stated that they, together with the artist, would make a decision. Icelandic artists expressed serious concern about their country taking part in a contest with Israel being there.The decision now made is that Iceland will take part. Big releave for singer Hera Björk, who now will for sure represent her country. Marcus & Martinus Always, the place for the host country gets drawn at the HoD meeting. So this time, it was decided where Sweden would perform in the final. And the result is: they will open it! In 1984, Sweden opened the show too and won. Is it an omen? Big Five For the very first time, the artists from the Big Five countries – France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom – and host nation Sweden will each perform their entries in full live during the Semi-Finals. In other years, a part of the rehearsals was shown, but never the entire performance. Longer ago, even that didn’t happen and only a part of the video was shown. The voting A new feature for Malmö 2024 includes extending the timeframe for voting during the Grand Final. Voting will start just before the first song is performed on Saturday, 11 May. This allows viewers to vote for the songs in real-time as they are being performed, a departure from the traditional method where voting commenced after all the entries were showcased. This approach was the standard since the introduction of public voting in 1997, with the exceptions of 2010 and 2011 when voting opened at the show’s start. Moreover, fans from countries not competing (Rest of The World) will be given almost 24 hours to vote for their preferred songs before the start of each live show. For these international fans, online voting will be available right after the conclusion of the second dress rehearsal for each Semi-Final and the Grand Final, continuing until the commencement of the live broadcasts.

Marcus & Martinus

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts MembersMarcus GunnarsenMartinus Gunnarsen Born21 February 2002 Nationality🇳🇴 Norwegian National SelectionMelodifestivalen 2024Melodifestivalen 2023 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongUnforgettable (2024) Biography Marcus & Martinus, known as M&M, are a Norwegian dance-pop duo formed by identical twin brothers Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen, born on 21 February 2002 in Elverum, Norway. The duo’s career began in 2012 when they competed in the eleventh season of Melodi Grand Prix Junior, held at the Oslo Spektrum and broadcast live by NRK. They won the contest with their song “To dråper vann” (“Two Drops of Water”), which peaked at number eight on the Norwegian Singles Chart. In 2015, Marcus & Martinus released their debut studio album “Hei” (“Hi”), which climbed to number 1 on the Norwegian Albums Chart and stayed in the top ten for 20 consecutive weeks out of 35. The album featured the single “Plystre på deg” (“Whistle at You”), and they also released other singles like “Elektrisk” (“Electric”) with Katastrofe, and “Ei som deg” (“One Like You”) with Innertier. They later released a special fan version of “Hei”, including “Elektrisk” among other extras. 2016 was a busy year for the duo as they released several singles including “Girls” with Madcon, which hit number 1 in Norway and Sweden, and “Heartbeat” and “I Don’t Wanna Fall in Love”. They followed up with “Light It Up” and “One More Second”. Their first English album, “Together”, was released in November, featuring hits like “Girls” and “Heartbeat”, and debuted at number 1 in Norway and Sweden. They performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in December. In 2017, Marcus & Martinus announced Norway’s Jury points for the Eurovision Song Contest. They released singles including “Like It Like It” with Silentó, “First Kiss”, and performed a special song for Swedish Crown Princess Victoria’s 40th birthday. They also released “Dance with You”, “Make You Believe in Love”, “One Flight Away”, “Never”, and their third album “Moments”. The single “Invited” was released in September. From 2019 to 2021, they released an EP called “Soon”, singles “Love You Less”, “It’s Christmas Time”, and were featured on Stig Brenner’s “Miserabel”. They also released “Belinda” with Latin star Alex Rose, and “Feel” with Bruno Martini. In 2022, they won the Swedish version of “Masked Singer” and released “When All the Lights Go Out”. They competed in Melodifestivalen 2023 with “Air”, finishing second behind Loreen. They participated in Melodifestivalen 2024 with “Unforgettable” and won on 9 March with 177 points, set to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö. In the Grand Final of the contest, they reached a 9th place. Entries Unforgettable Country🇸🇪 Sweden Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsJimmy ‘Joker’ ThornfeldtJoy DebLinnea DebMarcus GunnarsenMartinus Gunnarsen MusicJimmy ‘Joker’ ThornfeldtJoy DebLinnea DebMarcus GunnarsenMartinus Gunnarsen DancersDaniel KoivunenKenny LantzKim PastorPauline Eddeborn Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 174Position: 9Running order: 1 https://youtu.be/DcZpzObYzxs?si=p7IAkrPs3QigWuK2