Tonight the Eurovision Glitter ball descends on the Goteborg Scandinavium to decide which two songs will qualify for the final on the 12 March and which two songs will go to the Andra Chansen on the 5 March.  Amongst a great deal of controversy already without the first show even airing yet, we’ve had a song disqualified and a host demoted to performer only.  The one thing that is certain all eyes are on Sweden to see just what is going to happen now; more scandal or just great music?

I’ve been attending the Swedish selection for nine years now and you don’t come across many semi finals that you don’t know exactly what is going to happen.  Of course there are always a surprise now and then but the air of uncertainty is definitely afoot.
1 Samir & Viktor “Bada Nakna” (Bathe Naked)  – Predict Andra Chansen

Samir & Viktor’s second attempt Bada Nakna is fairly similar to their first attempt with Groupie.  It’s a novelty song that will catch the public’s eye due to topless young performers dancing around in water which is perfect for the song title.  Apart from the performance it is all about popularity with these guys.  Every song these two have done have become social media viral hits but saying that I do think there are stronger performers and songs in this semi final.
2 Pernilla Andersson “Mitt Guld” (My Gold) – Predict Andra Chansen

Pernilla’s song Mitt Guld is also her second attempt in Melodifestivalen and like Samir & Viktor it isn’t that much different to her previous entry Desperados.  This folk inspired song just feels out of place but the Swedish public love her and will be an older audience favourite.  As with her 2011 song, which went to Andra Chansen, Andersson have a niche audience but not enough followers to take her to the top.
3 Mimi Werner “Ain’t No Good” – Predict 5th Place

Ain’t No Good is Mimi Werner’s debut to the Melodifestivalen stage.  Although her style is more contemporary country her song is a hybrid pop country rock number that isn’t dissimilar to artists like Taylor Swift.  The problem is Werner is fairly unknown she competed on a talent competition in Sweden which she reached the final but hasn’t done much since.  I do love this song but it kills me to say that I don’t think Werner has the popularity to take it any further. I do hope I’m wrong.
4 Albin & Mattias “Rik” (Rich) – Predict 6th Place   

Mattias is no stranger to the Melodifestivalen stage and his brother Albin is a popular artist in his own right.  The problem with this duo is that their song is boring and their voices don’t complement each other.  Like so many urban style collaborations, this just feels forced and not thought out very well.  Their performance on the night could save it but I think it is unlikely.
5 Anna Book “Himmel för Två” (Heaven for Two) Disqualified

What an absolutely travesty.  The only true Schlager song of the evening can’t even participate.  I really loved the song and Anna Book is a true performer.  It is a real shame that she wanted to celebrate her 30th anniversary of being in Melodifestivalen with her participation this year.  At least she can perform the song if she is up to it.  I hope she is as I don’t want to miss it.
6 Robin Bengtsson “Constellation Prize” – Predict Finalist

Another debut here with Robin Bengtsson which I believe is a very strong entry and performance.  Bengtsson finished third place in Idol in 2008,  and hasn’t really stopped recording and performing but he has never really hit the big time.  This could very well be his chance.  The only word I could use to describe his song and performance is quality.  If he keeps doing want he does he should easily qualify for the final.
7 Ace Wilder “Don’t Worry” – Predict Finalist

Now I thought Ace Wilder would of come back last year but she is back after a year break.  She nearly stole the crown from Sanna Nielsen in 2014 with Busy Doin’ Nothin’.  This time around she hasn’t lost the attitude but has added a bit more style to her entry.  Far and away the favourite this evening and is also one of the favourties to win the contest altogether.  With the staging, the dancing and the repetitive song she should walk it.