Consider us floored by Melodifestivalen’s 2024 final line-up. The annual national selection show that picks Sweden’s Eurovision Song Contest has been powering full steam ahead for the past five weeks, picking top tier talent from the Scandinavian music landscape to represent in Malmo. The last heat saw Marcus and Martinus and Medina advance to next week’s final, with fellow Heat 5 performers Jay Smith and Annika Wickihalder advancing through the second chance gateway.
We would argue that this is the strongest line-up the contest has seen since Christer Björkman’s final Melodifestivalen year in 2021 which saw Eric Saade, Charlotte Perrelli, Danny Saucedo, Dotter, Anton Ewald, Danny Saucedo, Jessica Andersson, The Mamas, Arvingarna and Tess Merkel take the stage. What a year!
Whilst are souls are crushed by the glaring void left by schlager queen Elisa Lindstrom and Swedish Hollywood Wife Gunilla Persson, the Melodifestivalen 2024 line-up is a strong one. We’ve picked out the highlights below.
Marcus and Martinus – Unforgettable
The clue is in the name here, with Marcus & Martinus delivering a masterclass in pop excellence. Unforgettable is brimming with a high energy pop sound, but laced in elements of intrigue and darkness. Completed by cyber-focussed staging, red, white and black visuals, and futuristic choreography, the Norwegian stars have delivered a sheer musical triumph with their sophomore Melodifestivalen entry.
Check out our interview with Marcus & Martinus here.
Dotter – It’s Not Easy to Write a Love Song
Changing gears from her majestic Little Tot, Dotter returns with sublime mid-tempo ballad It’s Not Easy to Write a Love Song. Soaring with a gorgeous melody, Dotter’s beautiful vocal and quietly absorbing staging, the musician showcases an impressive versatility here.
Check out our interview with Dotter here.
Cazzi Opeia – Give My Heart a Break
Glimmering with a sunny optimism and pop art palette, Cazzi Opeia delivers a joyous slice of pop with Give My Heart a Break. This is a bold and colourful entry beaming with undeniably catchy pop hooks and delivered with pitch perfect finesse by Cazzi Opeia. We can’t wait to see this one again.
Check out our interview with Cazzi here.
Maria Sur – When I’m Gone
Packing a chorus that has stayed with us for weeks, Maria Sur’s return to Melodifestivalen has been a thoroughly impressive one. The Ukrainian star showcases herself as a fierce performer on the delightfully slick and addictive When I’m Gone. This is classy, elegant synthpop that Maria delivers like a true pro.
Jacqline – Effortless
This slinky pop banger from Jacqline has worked its way into our hearts. Delivered with finesse and cool, Effortless is contemporary pop at its finest. Smooth staging and strong vocals from Jacqline help assert her as a true Melodifestivalen contender.
Medina – Que Sera
We weren’t aware of what this contest was lacking until Medina delivered it this weekend. Pop with a global flavour is on the menu in Medina’s Que Sera, a buoyant explosion of multilingual Europop energy. Party-centred staging, colourful composition, and earworming hooks help remind us of why the Swedish public continually hold Medina to their hearts.
Danny Saucedo – Happy That You Found Me
The pop hunk returns with his first foray into English-language music since 2012. Happy That You Found Me capitalises on Danny’s powerful stage presence, with the star presiding over Swedish House Mafia style production and delivering a performance that grabs and compels viewers.
