When it comes to Melodifestivalen and Eurovision Song Contest I have always been proud to be a Swede. I've always associated it with pure joy. However, this year the joyful spirit doesn't seem to appear. The feeling when the names of next year’s participants were revealed can easily be summed up with one word, disappointment.
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?
Today it was announced that the ticket sale for the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest starts on Monday. Tickets will be available for a total of 9 shows priced between 90 and 1950 Swedish kronor. Standing tickets for the fans and seating tickets for the ordinary audience.
Many debutants and also some experienced names can be found in heat 1 and 2 of Melodifestivalen 2013 that was announced by SVT today. Maybe not the strongest field we've eveer seen but still not that weak either. And even without the really big names, is it still possible to find a winner in any of the first two heats?
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.
Should anyone be in doubt about the level of English in next year's host country then a quick look at the latest edition of the English Proficiency Index will settle that matter. Sweden tops the list followed closely by neighbouring country Denmark.
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.
Poor Kikki Danielsson. In recent years her career has been overshadowed by her turbulent private life. The troubled star seemed to be getting back on track again with a triumphant comeback last summer. Judging by the latest shocking news, Danielsson is on a downer once more.