Welcome to the penultimate show of the Swedish selection, Andra Chansen (Second Chance). This week we visit the Halmstad Arena in Halmstad to decide which four songs will join the eight direct qualifiers for the final on the 12 March. Gina Dirawi will be joined by Peter Jöback and Ola Salo this week for hosting duties. As the Second Chance is all about duels the opening theme is Bond styled including a performance of Skyfall of the hosts.
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Duel 1 – Panetoz “Håll Om Mig hart” (Hold Me Tight) Versus Molly Pettersson Hammar “Hunger” – Predict “Hunger”
The urban dance group versus the larger than life diva. The upbeat dance number is growing on me and full use of the stage and audience area is impressive but I don’t think they will be no match for the overly dramatic ballad and pyrotechnics of Hunger. With Molly’s snub last year and the showy performance this year, Molly should progress easily to the final.
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Duel 2 – Albin & Mattias “Rik” (Rich) Versus Boris René “Put Your Love on Me” – Predict “Put Your Love on Me”
This combo puts the seasoned performing brother against the footballer. I’m still surprised that Rik made it this far. The song lacks the singability factor whereas Boris’ song is instantly catchy. The only issue with both of these acts is that their vocal performances have been patchy. The happy bright performance of Boris does give him the advantage.
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Duel 3 – ISA “I Will Wait” Versus SaRaha “Kizunguzungu” (Dizziness) – Predict “I Will Wait”
Will the pocket sized pop princess beat the feel good Swahili number? This battle is the most difficult to predict as both songs are good enough to be in the final. ISA’s song is great but is it too big for her? Will the Swedish public vote for a song in Swahili? I think ISA’s popularity will win out over the fun dance number.
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Duel 4 – Dolly Style “Rollercoaster” Versus Samir & Viktor “Bada Nakna” (Bathe Naked) – Predict “Bada Nakna”
The Barbies against the Kens. I love the energy and performance of Dolly Style and the song is pure fun. Samir & Viktor’s performance is really focused on the water features and the shirtless finish but their song is still fun. I think Samir & Viktor’s popularity will win out over Dolly Style’s unfortunately.
Glad Samir and Viktor made it, their song is the best of the 12 in the Swedish final
Isa was robbed! I couldn’t believe she lost out. The match between Dolly Style and Samir & Viktor meant only one thing: I’d have to be tortured with hearing one of them again at the final (sigh!). Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to one epic finale next Saturday.