Heja Sverige and rest of world! It’s finalen of Melodifestivalen 2025 at Strawberry Arena in Stockholm.
It began with Nemo’s acoustic version of “The Code” whose lyrics “I broke the code” foreshadowed what was to come.
There are twelve acts, but only one winner will be chosen to represent Sweden in Basel. The hosts announce the acts through their original, “I Love Europe,” and it sounded like the audience roared loudest for KAJ then Måns. We’re off to the performances. Nu kör vi!
John Lundvik gave reliable vocals with “Voice of the Silent.” Expect him to do well tonight with a strong record with juries: third (2018), first (2019), and fourth (2022).
Took 10 years and 4 attempts, but Dolly Style’s “Yihaa” became a tongue-in-cheek country-pop earworm.
Greczula’s “Believe Me” was this year’s throwback, channeling Freddie Mercury and Steve Perry.
Klara Hammarström’s “On and On and On” showed how she has gone from strength-to-strength as a singer and performer.
Scarlet’s “Sweet N’ Psycho” gave solid vocals with infusion of 80’s rock production with fit-for-purpose, edgy staging.
Erik Segerstedt knew how to look at a camera, performing with vulnerability that elevates “Show Me What Love Is.”
Not a frontrunner, Maja Ivarsson was just having fun with “Kamikaze Life.”
Meira Omar’s “Hush Hush” is next. She and the cameraman delivered by not falling off the stage.
The odds-on favorite, Måns Zelmerlöw’s “Revolution” delivered again, hitting every camera cut and every note. Technically faultless.
Saga Ludvigsson’s “Hate You So Much” showed that country can be fun for the Swedes.
Annika Wickihalder’s “Life Again” is filled with powerhouse vocals and a joyful performance exuding a “hometown girl” likeability.
Ending the night, KAJ’s “Bara Bada Bastu” is this year’s fun entry propelling them with a new cult following.
Our interval act was the fabulous Petra Mede, honoring those who love her – the gays.
Vi har ett resultat!
To the surprise of the juries, it’s close and not the runaway the pundits thought. Måns edged out KAJ in the juries, winning 76 to 74 points. Måns has now won the jury three times (2009, 2015, and 2025).
The juries effectively decided to let the public decide this year’s winner.
Usually last year’s winners perform, but Marcus and Martinus, who are Norwegian, weren’t in the country. As a result, 2024 runner-up Medina took on the task.
Now to the public vote and the announcement of the winner. It was always going to come down to Måns and KAJ. KAJ got 90 points to Måns’ 81 points, not enough to beat KAJ. KAJ edged out Måns for the win 164 to 157.
Under Melodifestivalen’s current system, 2022 and now 2025 are the only times the juries and public disagreed on a winner. KAJ joins Robin Stjernberg (2013) to ever win without winning their heat. And this is Sweden’s first Swedish language entry since 1998.
“Bara Bada Bastu” caught Sweden by storm. Can they ride the momentum in Basel and capture the hearts of Europe and the world?