This time last year I watched my first ever Meliodifestivalen on TV.
Though I had heard about the passion that the Swedish had for this event I was not really prepared for how popular it was. Though I sat there as a passive viewer, I did find myself cheering on certain songs over others.
At the end, I thought that Anna Bergendahl’s “This is My Life” was a worthy winner and would do well in the final, in Oslo.
Back in the UK I ordered some beer, sat down with a pizza and awaited Anna’s performance. Yet to my dismay she was not on the show. It was only shortly after that I even knew that the Eurovision Song Contest had semi-finals!
Of course, Anna had failed to qualify (though looking at some of the finalists I could not really understand why)
So this year, since the final I have been fully behind Eric Saade. But my lack of knowledge of the Eurovision raised its ugly head last night. After watching the rather dire first semi-final I was rather surprised to see that the UK has an automatic path to the final this weekend whereas Sweden does not.
Firstly I feel that it really should be based on past performances and if this is the case how on Earth could the UK be one of the automatic five choices? Were frequently finishing last.
Ok this year we have put out a strong act with recently reformed ‘Manband’ Blue. The song is rather weak but certainly stronger than recent years.
Sweden this year has a great chance. I really think that the song is catchy, edgy, and dare I say ‘popular’.
So tomorrow is the second semi-final. I am keeping my fingers crossed for Eric and all of Sweden.
May the best country win!
