This was a tough week, with seven strong songs. I’m hard-pressed to pick my top four!
Paul Rey: “Royals”
This is Paul’s third time at Mello as a singer, following years as a songwriter. “Royals” is more of a banger than his previous entries, and he was backed up by a troupe of dancers and flashy graphics. Definitely a contender.
Casanovas: Så Kommer Känslorna Tillbaka (This Is How the Feelings Come Back)
Casanovas is a dansband (dance band), a popular subgenre in Sweden. This kind of song is always catchy, but does the genre translate to a larger Eurovision audience? Probably not.
Melanie Wehbe: “For the Show”
Great song, but it seems a little too similar to last year’s winner, Cornelia Jakobs. Melanie gave a great performance but was held back a bit by a strange pillar in the middle of the stage that she first danced around, and then entered in at the end. It’s unclear how this relates to the song.
Nordman: “Släpp Alla Sorger” (Forget Your Sorrows)
Great song from an established band. Nordman had two big albums in the ‘90s. Their sound is a bit folk mixed with rock. This song has a super catchy hook and some mystical images of ravens flying in the background.
Laurell: “Sober”
Laurell is a Canadian with a few massive hits on Spotify (“Habit,” “Change My Heart”). She met her Swedish husband at a songwriting camp for Mello. Her song with a reggae beat included dancing gummy bears and hallucinogenic background graphics. It seems like it could be a love-it-or-hate-it type of entry.
Ida-Lova: “Låt Hela Stan Se På” (Let the Whole Town Watch)
Nice song about letting go and not caring what people think when you want to dance or scream in the public square. Ida-Lova has an earnest performance style that matches the lyrics.
Marcus & Martinus: “Air”
M&M are Norwegian teenage brothers with some dance moves, a catchy song, and a light show. This could easily win the day. The song is about how you can breathe without air when you are with someone who takes your breath away.
Advancing direct to the final on March 11:
Marcus & Martinus: “Air” (as expected, this crowd pleaser won the day)
Paul Rey: “Royals” (it was a close battle with Nordman, but Paul Rey squeezed through)
Going to the semi-final on March 4:
Nordman: “Släpp Alla Sorger”
Melanie Wehbe: “For the Show”