Melodifestivalen Heat 2 takes us to Götebörg, where 6 artists compete for a spot in Sweden’s Grand Final! Two acts qualify via two rounds of 100% public voting, which is stratified by seven age groups to give 12, 10, 8, 5, 3, and 1 points for round 1 voting; round 2 is decided by total vote counts. The act with the second-highest votes in round 2 across all heats still has a chance to go to the Grand Final depending on the results of the second-chance voting after heat 5.
Nomi Tales opens the show with her self-authored “Funniest Thing.” In her Melodifestivalen debut, she delivers a dark pop anthem in an enchanted forest, singing, “You think you’re brave enough? Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha to be one of us? I don’t think so!” The strong vocals, moody staging, and contemporary dancers create an eerie and captivating performance.
Next, Schlagerz, a Swedish schlager dansband trio, debuts in Melfest with “Don Juan.” While schlager music is very popular in Sweden, their number sounds quiiiite similar musically to ABBA’s “Waterloo,” and the staging, camera angles, and costumes are a bit dated.
Erik Segerstedt follows with “Show Me What Love Is.” Competing for the second time since 2013, he wrote this song after watching “Married at First Sight”! Dynamic, bright background visuals complement his paint-spattered denim jacket, while Erik delivers strong vocals (and confetti!).
Melodifestivalen veteran Klara Hammarström (2020, 2021, and 2022 competitor) returns with “On and On and On.” The heartache-filled lyrics were co-written by a songwriting powerhouse team (including herself) led by Dino Medanhodzic, who also wrote three other numbers in this year’s Melfest! She sings atop a Greek-architecture-inspired pedestal, flanked by hidden dancers who make a handsy appearance. Her powerful vocals are enhanced by original and effective visuals.
Fredrik Lundman slows things down with “The Heart of a Swedish Cowboy.” This twangy country, is set against visuals of open landscapes and galloping horses, with lighting reminiscent of sitting in front of a bonfire as embers dance around him. Alone with his guitar, he sings of the constant hope of a “new tomorrow.”
Closing the show is Kaliffa and his reggaeton-inspired “Salute.” In his Melodifestivalen debut he delivers tropical island beats and imagery, surrounded by high-energy dancers. He emanates joy in his smooth vocals while making use of the pyro and confetti characteristic of a Eurovision party anthem.
While votes are tallied, host Edvin Törnblom entertains with “För männen som byter kanal,” a playful plea to keep straight men watching—think a Swedish-language “Love Love, Peace Peace.”
Results time! Erik Segerstedt secures a spot in the Grand Final in Round 1! In Round 2, the top three artists are Kaliffa, Klara Hammarström, and Nomi Tales. First announced is who is eligible for second-chance (the artists always seem elated which is confusing because they didn’t qualify yet…)—and it’s Kaliffa! Then the second finalist is announced: Klara Hammarström! We will see Erik and Klara in Stockholm, and perhaps Kaliffa? Only time will tell…
Vi ses!