Hera Björk - Je Ne Sais Quoi

With Melodifestivalen said and done and most of the stand out entries already blogged it is now officially time for Eurovision. As may have already been alluded to, Eurovision is certainly a yearly highlight for me and just about any eurotrash music fan around the world.

First up is who you might call a Eurovision veteran although 2010 is the first time she has made it to the big stage on her own merit. Hera Björk did backing vocals for Iceland in 2008 and again in 2009 helping to two great results for a country that often got forgotten in the Eurovision mix. In 2009, Hera also took part in the Danish selection process trying to represent Denmark but finished 2nd although growing a significant fan base with her efforts around Scandinavia.

And then comes 2010 and Hera Björk finally has her chance to represent Iceland at Eurovision with Je Ne Sais Quoi. The song is a very typically Scandinavian-sounding dance track which will win it some huge supporters in Oslo as well as some huge critics. With the overall mediocre songs making up the Eurovision 2010 playlist, Hera's song will certainly be memorable and stands a pretty good chance at a solid result for Iceland for the third year in a row.

Below is a clip to the official video that has been submitted to the EBU and a link to the final version for Oslo. I'm voting some more action in the background although it's probably unlikely. Eurovision season - here we come! Just two months to go!



Hera Björk - Je Ne Sais Quoi

Sibel - Stop

Along with Ola, Sibel was a contestant on Idol 2005 although she ended up finishing closer to the top and in third overall. With the strong support of one of the judges it seemed as though Sibel would be destined for a successful singing career in Sweden, however, such has not really been the case.

Sibel's only album release, The Diving Belle reached #9 on the album charts and included her Melodifestivalen 2008 entry, That Is Where I'll Go. She made the finals of Melodifestivalen that year, beating out Ola's Love In Stereo in the Second Chance round and that single reached #6 in Sweden.

In 2010, Sibel returned to Melodifestivalen with Stop, which is a bit of a pop-rock inspired track and which competed in the fourth semi-final. Despite a very good performance and a song that was definitely one of the best pop songs of the competition, Sibel only managed to finish 7th in her semifinal and didn't come close to repeating her successes of 2008. The song has not managed to pick up much steam in Sweden, only reaching #36 on the singles charts.

Sibel's performance is definitely worth a watch - from her interesting outfit choice and her even more dancers and not to mention her impressive vocal performance - there is definitely lots to appreciate.

Enjoy!



Sibel - Stop

Ola - Unstoppable

Ola Svensson, known as Ola in the Swedish music scene, was yet another competitor on Swedish Idol in 2005. He ended up finishing eighth that year behind none other than Agnes. Since finishing on Idol, he has had eight top ten hits in Sweden, including four #1's - 2006's Rain, 2007's huge hit Natalie & S.O.S. and Sky's the Limit this past year in 2009.

It was announced in late 2009 that Ola would once again be taking part in Melodifestivalen 2010. Just missing out on the final in 2008 and coming off a #1 hit it seemed that his chances would be quite good. Unstoppable finished 2nd in the first semifinal and went directly to the finals ending up finishing in 7th place and not getting any points from the voting public.

Unstoppable has managed to reach #6 on the Swedish charts so far since its release and although at first listen I wasn't the biggest fan it certainly has grown on me. Ola's performance of the song isn't the best but despite that and the overly cheesy lyrics and references to Natalie from his previous hit, it's definitely worth a listen.



Ola - Unstoppable

Annagrace - Love Keeps Calling

It's amazing the things you learn on the internet! So I've heard the past two singles from Annagrace which had both done quite well reaching #1 on the Billboard Dance Charts but had no idea that Annagrace was actually just a re-branded version of Ian van Dahl, who wasn't as much just a guy but a group that charting all over the world in the early 2000s. Songs like Castles in the Sky and Reason were a part of the 2002 album, Ace, which reached #7 on the UK album charts and was certified gold there - no small feat for a dance artist!

After 2006, there was a bit of a break and things started back again in 2008 with Annagrace. They've had their most consistent success in their home country of Belgium since the early days, but as Annagrace they've topped the Belgian Dance charts with their first two singles. Annagrace's greatest success, however, has come on the US club scene. All three of their last singles have reached #1 on the Billboard Dance Charts - something that a duo has never managed to achieve before.

Love Keeps Calling is definitely more similar than the past two tracks to the sound of the van Dahl days but it still manages to do it with a more current edge. It's quite nice to see this kind of stuff charting well in North America! It appears like the video is linking it to some movie so not the most exciting to an unknowing viewer, but the song is great so enjoy!



Annagrace - Love Keeps Calling

Alcazar - Headlines

My love for Alcazar can hardly be overstated. For years they have been making the kind of music that people have come to expect and love from Sweden and Melodifestivalen is a stage that suits them like no other. They have finished third at the contest twice and ended up fifth last year just behind Mans Zelmerlow.

They are back at it again with Headlines which is pretty much what you'd expect from them although possibly a bit more modern and a bit less disco (read "a bit") than some of their previous tracks. They appear to have borrowed some of Agnes' infamous strings (a la Release Me) for the intro in what might be an effort to appeal to her massive success over the past year. It suits the song quite well and in my opinion, Alcazar have created another one for the ages here that I'd probably call my top pick for Oslo this May.

Unfortunately, Alcazar were unable to qualify directly for the final as they were able to do in 2009. In the defense, theirs was by far the most difficult of the three semifinals this year and it is also interesting to note that although qualifying directly for the finals in 2009 they only managed to secure 5th place overall last year. In 2003 and 2005, when Alcazar had their highest finish of 3rd on both occasions, they were forced to qualify through the Second Chance finals as will be the case this year. All in all, it could work in their favour. After missing out just barely in the past, the are definitely the most deserving of a chance on the Eurovision stage.

Although not being totally solid on some of the bigger notes, Alcazar put on a great show and the visual of them on stage makes the performance so much more enjoyable than the studio version - but both are available below for your enjoyment!



Alcazar - Headlines

Eric Saade - Manboy

Earlier in the year I posted one of Eric's first singles, Sleepless and referenced this upcoming entry for Melodifestivalen 2010. There are a lot of similarities to Sleepless and I'd venture it is equally, if not more, addictive. After a few listens, you almost forget the kind of ridiculous title of Manboy.

It starts off with a bit of a Backstreet Boys intro reminiscent of Everybody but then expands into the typical pop-dance song you'd expect from both its writer, Frederik Kempe, and of course from Melodifestivalen. The vampire/Twilight thing is certainly being pushed when it comes to Eric Saade here.

This song was part of the second semi-final and clinched top spot and moved directly to the finals coming up on March 13th. His performance was one of the best of the evening and I'd argue even Melodifestivalen overall. The stage show is impressive and modern without being too kitschy (save for the ending scene) although Eric might be a bit too young and similar to last year's winner to really have a chance at doing very well at Eurovision.

It'll probably be Darin vs. Eric when it comes to the voting of both the public and the jury and unfortunately I think my money will have to be on Darin despite the fact that You're Out Of My Life is unimpressive to say the least after his performance in semifinal 3.

Regardless, hopefully Manboy isn't the last we hear of Eric Saade at Melodifestivalen. Enjoy!



Eric Saade - Manboy

Linda Bengtzing & Velvet - Victorious

Linda Bengtzing has taken part in Sweden's Eurovision selection contest, Melodifestivalen, three times in the past five years. Her best result came in 2008 when she finished in 5th place despite not receiving any votes from the public. She has had several other releases outside of her Melodifestivalen entries - reaching #1 in 2007 with a duet featuring Markoolio. It is claimed that Victorious was submitted to take part in Melodifestivalen 2010 but was not selected by SVT.

Velvet has had several hits in Sweden and throughout Europe although her efforts at Melodifestivalen have not been the most successful. She reached the Second Chance round in 2006 but finished 7th out of 8 and failed to reach the finals that year. Her song from that year Mi Amore achieved success in Bulgaria, Russia, Greece and several other European countries.

So with a song that was rejected from Melodifestivalen, Linda and Velvet have opted to work together. Velvet would have been unable to take part in Melodifestivalen with this entry as she had competed in 2008 and 2009 and would have not been eligible to take part a third year in a row. It's the kind of anthem you would expect from these two with a bit of influence from each showing. It's got that Swedish anthem sound to it and ends in the typical key change. The kind of song you'll either love or hate!



Linda Bengtzing & Velvet - Victorious