• Sweden edition
Society

Sweden chooses Perrelli for Eurovision

Published: 16 Mar 08 11:05 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/10514/20080316/

Sweden is to send former Eurovision Song Contest winner Charlotte Perrelli to represent the country at this year's final in Belgrade, after the singer won the Melodifestivalen competition in Stockholm on Saturday with her song Hero.

Perrelli, who as Charlotte Nilsson won the contest for Sweden in 1999, beat off competition from Sanna Nielsen and BWO thanks to the votes of professional juries established by contest organizers SVT. The telephone votes of television viewers put Nielsen in first place, but these were outweighed in the final reckoning by the jury votes.

"It is so different now. Every stage is so closely watched. Also I was an unknown in Sweden then," Perelli said to SVT after her success.

Although she appeared nervous as the votes were reported back to Stockholm's Globen arena from around the country, Perrelli had been hotly tipped to win with her upbeat, glamorous disco number. Perelli confirmed to SVT how nervous she was as the votes were coming in.

"So many of the favourites have been knocked out this year. I took absolutely nothing for granted."

The winning song was written by Fredrik Kempe and Bobby Ljunggren. Ljunggren is a Melodifestivalen veteran, who also wrote BWO's entry Lay Your Love on Me and Sanna Nielsen's Empty Room. In the past he has written hits including Alcazar's Not a Sinner Not a Saint.

Perrelli now has just over two months to prepare for the Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held on 24th May in Serbian capital Belgrade. A rule change means that she - along with representatives of all countries apart from hosts Serbia and the four largest participating countries - will need to do well in semi-finals on 22nd May in order to qualify for a place in the grand final.

TT/The Local (news@thelocal.se/08 656 6518)

Today's headlines
Sweden among winners of future EU-US deal

Sweden among winners of future EU-US deal

Sweden is second in line to benefit the most from an EU free-trade deal with the US, for which negotiations were finally given the all-clear in a move welcomed by pro-business groups in Sweden. READ () »

JobTalk Sweden
Top ten tips for entrepreneurs in Sweden

Top ten tips for entrepreneurs in Sweden

Thinking of starting a business? Doubting you can make it work? The Local caught up with equity crowdfunders FundedByMe to find out what makes "just another great idea" become a successful big-earner. READ () »

Swedish woman cleared after dog towed to death

A woman in southern Sweden has been cleared of animal cruelty charges after she tied her pet dog to the towbar of her car, which was driven away by a man causing the death of the animal. READ () »

Profit hunt dampens housing construction

Profit hunt dampens housing construction

The challenge of finding solutions to Stockholm's housing shortage must compete with the profit margins of commercial construction companies with a vested interest in keeping property prices high, a new report has found. READ () »

'Low ambition' Achilles heel of Swedish start-ups

'Low ambition' Achilles heel of Swedish start-ups

Despite increasing numbers of start-ups, Swedes are still less talented at taking their business to the next level, according to a new global study published on Monday. READ () »

Boxing defenders knock down ban proposal

Boxing defenders knock down ban proposal

A debate about banning professional boxing in Sweden has been reignited following Frida Wallberg's nearly fatal defeat in a title fight against Australia's Diana Prazak. READ () »

Swedes joining rebels can 'rarely be stopped'

Swedes joining rebels can 'rarely be stopped'

A Säpo official has suggested Sweden is powerless to stop citizens from joining Islamist rebels in Syria even though there is a risk they will return to commit acts of terror in Sweden. READ () »

Silent buses to woo Gothenburg commuters

Silent buses to woo Gothenburg commuters

Swedish automaker Volvo is set to launch a fleet of silent, electric buses in Gothenburg, as part of the west coast city's aim to become climate-neutral as well as tackle noise pollution. READ () »

More Society

 

RECEIVE OUR NEWSLETTER AND ALERTS
 

 

Highlights
Private Finest.se Scanpix Ann Törnkvist Stefan Larsson Private DoToday Scanpix, C More The Local Finest.se Facebook The Local Scanpix Ann Törnkvist/The Local Henrik Montgomery/Scanpix CDC/Wikipedia (File) kristja/sxc.hu (File) Gary Krarper/Wikipedia (File) Fastighetsbyrån Swedish expats use book club to survive London Finest.se Sergei Grits Silence/WikiCommons Oliver Gee Oliver Gee Scanpix veidekke/Flickr The Local launches Italy's news in English J. Nilsson/Scanpix (File) Eddie Gee David V. Hughes

 

Latest news from The Local in Germany

More news from Germany at thelocal.de

Latest news from The Local in France

More news from France at thelocal.fr

Latest news from The Local in Norway

More news from Norway at thelocal.no

Latest news from The Local in Switzerland

More news from Switzerland at thelocal.ch

Search News


Register

Register now for:
> Free use of noticeboard
> Special discounts
> Weekly news roundup
> Unlimited use of discuss

REGISTER FOR FREE »


Blog Update: Stripes News

13 June 22:03

This weeks results..week 24/25 »

"A weekend full of surprises and LFC football. Results look like this: Div 5 Men won 4-2, K1 lost 5-0, K2 won 2-1, Vets lost 3-2, R1 lost 4-1. Korpen Ladies play Monday night and on the 26th the Div5 Men close the first half season with the last match before the summer kicks in. /LFC " READ »

Trade binary options
Create an account with Banc De Binary, the world’s most reputable binary options firm, and start cashing in today! You can start by practicing with our free $50,000 demo account.
www.bbinary.com
Therapy in English
Expat counsellor & talk therapist offers counselling for stress, relationship issues, sexuality, culture adjustment & life coaching. Private & confidential. Stockholm or Skype. Contact me today! 08-559 22 636 or
CLICK HERE
The Local's new Marketplace
Find products and services that are specifically focused on English speakers living in Sweden!
FULL DETAILS
Counseling in English
Individuals & Couples - Stockholm Beth Rogerson PhD - Clinical, Marriage & Family Therapist
Click or call 08-5580 1266 now