Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Melody Festival 2011, The Finale

It's almost time!! On Saturday it's the end of the line, it's crunch time, it's the big crescendo, it's the grand finale of this year's Melody Festival! If you're interested in watching it on Saturday, they will be streaming it live on: www.svt.se (starting 8 pm, CET).

I want to give you a rundown of the contestants competing on Saturday. If you have read my previous posts, you should have some background information on all the artists. Now I will post each song and try to predict how they will do in the finale. Living in the US, I've been able to escape the media-frenzy surrounding this fabulous competition, so my conclusions have not been influenced by public opinions.

1. In the Club, with Danny Saucedo: Solid club-hit. This guy can sing and dance. The chorus is a bit repetitive, but I can forgive it because it's so freaking well-produced. Under all other circumstance he would do brilliantly in the competition, however, his younger and even dreamier equivalent, Eric Saade is competing in the same finale. I personally prefere Danny, but it's mostly because Eric Saade's picture perfect face gives me the creeps!

2. Spring för livet, with Sara Varga: Well, this was not a favorite of mine. It has nothing to do with the song, it's all because of her and the image she has. To me, a singer/song writer should look genuine, personable and honest. Sara Varga looks like a girl who should dress in something skimpy and record a club-hit. Maybe it's me being sensitive, but Restalyn and singer/songwriter doesn't go together! Thankfully, I'm pretty certain she will not do too hot in the finale and I can't wait until I get her song on CD... cause I do kinda like the song...

3. Oh my God, with The Moniker: This is one of my favorite songs in this year's competition. Sure it's different and I'm not sure that it would do well in Eurovision, but I don't care. It puts a big smile on my face and Daniel Karlsson (aka The Moniker) seems to really enjoy himself. The biggest problem I see with this song is that it grows on you. In Eurovision you only have one shot, it needs to stick with you right away. Well, honestly I don't think I have too much to worry about. Unfortunately, this will not be a contender for the throne.

4. 7 Days and 7 Nights, with Brolle: It this my least favorite song? I think it is! I found out after his elimination round that, apparently, he is really popular. I can't understand why. Given that I really disliked it, I hope it will come in last, but I don't think it will. Hopefully it will end up in the bottom half. If he wins... I don't even want to finish that train of thought...

5. E det fel på mig, with Linda Bengtzing: I think most of us (the Swedish people and I) are in total agreement. It's great that she's a part of the finale, but do NOT send her to Eurovision! She and her song represents the tradition of the Swedish Melody Festival better than anyone. For that reason people sent her to the finale. But I bet almost every single on of us would be ashamed to send her to Eurovision to represent Sweden. Linda Bengtzing is a total darling but she will probably finish close to the bottom in the finale.

6. Leaving Home, with Nicke Borg: Yet another one of my favorites. It didn't blow my mind, but it was one of few songs I would classify as good music. Sweden almost always has a song from the rock genre in the finale. I usually like them, especially if it's a rock ballad. Considering this is not only the only rock song in the finale, it's also the only ballad, I'm sure it will have some fans out there. But sadly, I'm also sure this will not be the winner of the competition.

7. Me and My Drum, with Swingfly: Speaking of favorites, this is one as well. Well, it's actually not one as well, I believe this is my ultimate favorite in the finale. Nicke Borg's song is good music, The Moniker makes me smile from ear to ear, but Swingfly makes me want to hit the gym, that's how much energy it has! It's impossible to sit still to it. It's a sad thing that I don't believe it will win, but it's not going to stop me enjoying it many times over in the future. Go Swingfly!!

8. I'm in Love, with Sanna Nielsen: ZZZzzzz... I love you Sanna, but OMG this song is boring! I think I've heard this before... in every single Melody Festival that has been the past decade! So, the conclusion should be that it's a successful concept. Sure enough, it is. It got her straight through to the finale and she is sure to get a lot of votes on Saturday. The only threat to her reasonable success on Saturday (she won't win) is that she and Linda Bengtzing will be fighting over the same voters. But for me, I believe in evolution and I'm ready to leave this particular kind of music behind.

9. The King, with The Playtones: Not my kind of music, but I guess if you're into this genre av music this might be quite good. Personally I think it's worrisome that there are many songs in this year's finale that I don't mind never hearing again and unfortunately this song falls into that category. I will admit that I'm happy that The Playtones made it to the finale. I'm hoping they will steal some votes from Brolle and hopefully none of them will do particularly good on Saturday.

10. Popular, with Eric Saade: Ok, pretty boy, will you win the whole shebang? My guess, yes. He is pretty, he looks cool, he can dance, he can sing and the whole performance is well-rehearsed and well-produced. Will I be happy when they announce him the winner? No. Will I be upset that he won? Not really. If we end up sending Eric Saade to Eurovision, at least we know he will deliver. Maybe not a top result, but I'm sure there are plenty of teenaged girls in Europe, just waiting to fall in love with Eric Saade.

All in all, my favorite is Swingfly. However, I will be insanely happy if Swingfly, The Moniker or Nicke Borg wins the finale. But I'm not going to kid myself, it's not likely to happen. If I would place a bet, it would be on Eric Saade. And I can live with that. History says that all the winners since they first introduced Elimination rounds has been the winner of their elimination round. If that is true the grand price will go to either Danny, Sanna Nielsen, Eric Saade or Linda Bengtzing.

The most important thing to me is that the Swedish people vote for their favorite song, not the song that we predict will give us the best result in Eurovision. The winner on Saturday will be representing the people of Sweden, so let it reflect what we actually like rather than what we believe is the best tactical or political move.

I live in the US, so I won't be able to vote in the finale. If you are able, please vote once for me. Preferably on Swingfly, but The Moniker or Nicke Borg will do as well. Soon it's time to chill the pink Champagne, prepare the finger-food, decorate the living room and put on a pink dress. I'll get back to you with the results and some final thoughts.

No comments:

Post a Comment