Ten years have passed since Måns Zelmerlöw last competed as a finalist in Melodifestivalen, and on Saturday it's time again.
I'm incredibly nervous about being back in the final, especially considering the favorite status. It increases the pressure enormously and makes many people think that winning is a given, which is tough to think about, he says.
Now he's trying to tell himself not to take anything for granted. And he dares not say what he thinks about his chances in the final.
The response after the qualifying round has been enormous, bigger than the last time I competed, and it makes me even more nervous, he says and continues:
As long as I reach the top four, I'm very pleased, it's been my attitude from the start and it still applies.
Wants to represent Sweden
With that said, Måns Zelmerlöw is still aiming for victory.
Deep down, I clearly want to represent Sweden in Eurovision. I'm extremely pleased with the song, the performance, and the message, which feels more relevant every day.
The best strategy for handling the pressure before the final, he believes, is to stay away from what's written in the media – but it's easier said than done.
I still check around and read a lot. But sometimes it can also be motivating. I saw clips where fans from Europe react to my number and it made me incredibly happy.
Even the nervousness, he believes, can add something.
It's been a long time since I was nervous, and it's nice to feel that feeling again, because then I know it's important and for real.
Bastubadarna Kaj the biggest threat
Among the opponents in the final, he highlights both Klara Hammarström and Greczula as major challengers.
Considering their listening figures and popularity, they both have a big chance of winning.
But like many others, he believes that the well-dressed sauna bathers Kaj pose the toughest opposition.
It's a different contribution and doesn't resemble anything Sweden has sent to Eurovision before. That makes them very well-positioned.
With only a few days left until the final, Måns Zelmerlöw is focusing on fine-tuning the performance.
On Saturday, I don't want the number to have any obstacles. When I go on stage, I want to feel that I've done everything I can.
John Lundvik – "Voice of the silent"
Dolly Style – "Yihaa"
Greczula – "Believe me"
Klara Hammarström – "On and on and on"
Scarlet – "Sweet n' psycho"
Erik Segerstedt – "Show me what love is"
Maja Ivarsson – "Kamikaze life"
Meira Omar – "Hush hush"
Måns Zelmerlöw – "Revolution"
Saga Ludvigsson – "Hate you so much"
Annika Wickihalder – "Life again"
Kaj – "Bara bada bastu"
In late June, Måns Zelmerlöw will embark on the "Chapter II tour".
So far, it's clear that he will visit twelve Swedish cities, but more dates are expected to be added.
Tour schedule:
25/6 – Motala, Motala Lokverkstan
28/6 – Östervåla, Skogsvallens Festplats
4/7 – Oskarshamn, Latitud 57
9/7 – Halmstad, Hotell Tylösand
10/7 – Fårö, Sommar på Stora Gåsemora
12/7 – Svedala, Sommarrocken
24/7 – Piteå, Kalles Tältet PDOL
31/7 – Kalix, Vassholmen
1/8 – Norrköping, Hugo Parkfestival
2/8 – Glanshammar, Humledagen
8/8 – Nyköping, Tovastugan
29/8 – Eksjö, Eksjö Stadsfest
