That time has arrived - The first heat of Melodifestivalen! This year, Melodifestivalen will consist of five heats of six songs each. In each heat, the top two songs as voted by the public will go directly to the final, with the third place finisher going to the “final qualification” round. Of those five, the one with the highest number of votes from the heats will go to the final, with the remaining finalist chosen by public vote.
Heat One takes place in Luleå. After the hosts’ opening intro and musical number, they introduce the acts for the heat, making a somewhat polarizing joke about Joost’s 2024 Eurovision disqualification in the process.
Song 1: Albin Johnsén feat. Pa – "Upp i luften" (Up in the air)
We start with an energetic rap-pop anthem with a party theme, which is reinforced by the tilted LED platform, flashing lights, and glittery suits. Although they are engaging and the tune is catchy, it is a bit familiar, with historically mixed results in the competition for this type of song.
Song 2: Maja Ivarsson – "Kamikaze Life"
Maja provides us with a dynamic performance while up on the stage alone, both the song and the staging channeling early ‘80s pop-rock divas (think Kim Wilde). Maja’s strong vocals and entertaining stage presence immediately made this feel like a strong contender to make the final.
Song 3: John Lundvik – "Voice of the Silent"
Returning yet again to the Mello stage, John per usual delivers flawless vocals on this powerful pop ballad. The staging is minimal, centered around a mirrored ball to start and eventually growing larger with more dynamic lighting as it became more uptempo. To me this is a clear finalist based on both artist and songwriting.
Song 4: Meira Omar – "Hush Hush"
Meira gives us an extremely catchy entho-pop ear worm (...boom boom, chicki, chicki, chicki) which also features lyrics in Dari and Hindi. The performance incorporates engaging choreography with four dancers and a reddish-pink theme, and while not necessarily ground breaking - just try not singing it after…
Song 5: Adrian Macéus – "Vår första gång" (Our first time)
A heartfelt pop ballad, although more ballad than pop this time, that starts more contemplative and intimate before gradually building into the chorus, which is a bit more energetic, as is the staging. While having its appeal and well-delivered by Adrian, it feels overshadowed by more compelling acts.
Song 6: Linnea Henriksson – "Den känslan" (That feeling)
A cheerful, very nostalgic ‘60s-style song, Linnea does the song and vibe justice. It is pure Eurovision, with her descending on a heart (which eventually catches fire) and an on-stage dress change. The song is super fun and lively, but definitely older school and unlikely to be a finalist in this era.
Following a performance by Käärijä (he sure gets around) and Swedish duo Hooja, John Lundvik is announced as the first finalist. After a second voting round, Maja Ivarsson also advances, while Meira Omar heads to the final qualification round.