Melodifestivalen

As the viewing and voting figures has been released there are two things that are remarkable: 4 130 000 viewers (preliminary figures) for the final is the highest number in 7 years and the winner of this year, Robin Stjernberg, was just a bit over 2 000 votes from being voted out in one of the heats.

Fans might disagree, but on paper Sweden have already selected its eight strongest songs to compete in next weeks's final of Melodifestivalen. It has also gotten rid of its weakest songs and tonight eight songs in the socalled midrange part then fought for the last two spots in the final. 

In tonights fourth heat of Melodifestivalen two more finalists have been selected - all in the same arena that will host the Eurovision song contest in May. In the end two favourites stood as tonights biggest winners.

The fourth, and last, semi-final for Melodifestivalen 2013 is literally in the heart of Eurovision Song Contest. In the very same arena, Malmö Arena, will Eurovision be held in May. Today Friday was the general rehearsal for tomorrow's big event. EuroVisionary was of course present to give you the latest scoop on the performances.

We have now reached the fourth heat in Melodifestivalen 2013 where finalist number 7 and 8 will be picked. Here we find a group that were icons in the 1990s and a solo artist who was top 3 in Melodifestivalen last year and now counts as maybe the biggest favourite to represent Sweden at the Eurovision song contest.

On Saturday it's time for the third heat of Melodifestivalen 2013. In this heat we will see a double Eurovision participant up against an Idol winner and two singers who have been close to become the swedish representative at Eurovision.

Swedish journalists gathered tonight at hotel Park Avenue in Gothenburg to listen to the eight songs that are going to participate in the second heat of Melodifestivalen 2013. EuroVisionary was there to find out what was on offer.

Tonight Sweden picked it's first two finalists to Friends Arena in Stockholm as eight acts competed in the first heat of Melodifestivalen that took place in the town of Karlskrona.

In the six coming Saturdays Sweden will pick who will represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. The first heat is held in the town of Karlskrona on 2nd February 20:00 CET. Among the eight performers we find one of last years big breakthrough performers, an award winning veteran and a young rising artist who already has many followers.

Popular Swedish artist Peter Jöback has entered Melodifestivalen on two previous occasions, and in his home country, his career has gone from strength to strength. He has built a reputation for himself as one of Sweden's premier musical stars, and is soon to become historic.

On a press conference just ended SVT presented the host for the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. Petra Mede, stand up comedian and former Melodifestivalen host, got the task. At the press conference she proved herself to be quite a Eurovision fan. 

Swedish superstar and 2012 Eurovision winner Loreen has had an eventful, whirlwind year. You'd have thought that with all that has happened, she'd be in need of some respite? On the contrary, as the singer revealed yesterday, she is already preparing to record her new album!

Sanne Salomonsen might suffer some flashback in the coming months as she will now be starring in the musical Hair - something she also did in 1971. Back then it started her career... we can only hope that it won't be a ring closing that fantastic career now she is back. The play will also feature Tim Schou from A Friend In London. 

The conclusion was clear after the presentation of the first half of the participants in the 2013 edition of Melodifestivalen: Fans felt that SVT owed them some bigger and more experienced names. Would they get that today when the remaining artist was announced?

For many Eurovision fans the Swedish selection stands as something magical. The participating names are awaited with even more eager than a 5 year old looking forward to his Christmas presents. Few minutes ago the first half of these names were announced revealing several interesting names.

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet today published a list of names that are said to be confirmed as participants in Melodifestivalen 2013. In this list there are many names familiar to those who followed the swedish national selection during the years, such as Tommy Körberg, Pernilla Wahlgren, David Lindgren and Jessica Andersson.

Minutes ago SVT revealed, during a press conference, that the hosts for next year's Swedish final, Melodifestivalen, will be Gina Dirawi and Danny Saucedo. Gina will thereby be doing this twice in a row where as it is new for Danny, who is a former participant.

Unknown artist Elin Petersson was the clear winner of the jury with her entry Island, sweeping all competition aside. She was therefore awarded the second spot in the line up for next year's Melodifestivalen, joining Terese Fredenwall, winner of the Svensktoppen Nästa comptetition.

The Euphoria continues as Swedish broadcaster and host of next year's Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö have just made an announcement concerning one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year for many Eurovision fans - tickets for the Swedish selection Melodifestivalen will go on sale from the 25th of October.