For the fourth time, the viewers also voted John Lundvik directly to the final in Melodifestivalen.
"Voice of the silent" was the favorite from the start. The betting companies' odds for John Lundvik to advance in the competition were the lowest of all. And the winner from 2019 became the first contribution to take a final spot.
It's such a relief and an incredible joy. I've had super-love from the media this week. I've been the favorite, and it's been pretty tough. Because it must be translated into the Swedish people voting – it's no guarantee, says John Lundvik to TT.
How will you celebrate?
There will be champagne and late tonight. Maybe some dancing on the tables. I deserve it.
Fourth time
Maja Ivarsson has been one of the pre-favorites in what is The Sounds' frontwoman's debut in Melodifestivalen. And she held up to the pressure in the first qualifying round in Luleå when she took one of the direct spots to the final.
Maja Ivarsson has several times emphasized that she is a competitive person. And she doesn't hide that she would have been disappointed if she hadn't made it to the final.
Yes, really disappointed, actually – I would have been really upset, she says to TT.
Maja Ivarsson experienced the prolonged suspenseful moment at the end of the qualifying round when it was between her and Albin Johnsén featuring Pa ("Upp i luften") when it came to either going to the final – or being eliminated.
Somewhere in my stomach, I actually had a really good feeling.
How will you celebrate?
I'll call my son, he's waiting. He's turning ten in two weeks, says Maja Ivarsson.
Meira Omar ("Hush hush") finished in third place, who this year will go to the final qualifying round alone, while those who finish in fourth to sixth place are eliminated. This is a change from previous years, when two contributions went to the final qualifying round.
Gunilla Persson and Fröken Snusk
This year's hosts Edvin Törnblom and Keyyo started the qualifying round in grand style. Both Gunilla Persson and Fröken Snusk participated in an expensive opening number and with a script by, among others, Edward af Sillén, they gave jabs to several contemporary phenomena.
The interval act during the competition was Gällivare success Hooja and Finland's Eurovision favorite Käärijä. Together, they performed their joint single "San Francisco boy". Inside the arena in Luleå, the audience's cheers were so loud when the artists went on stage that you could hardly hear the hosts' presentation.
Directly to the final:
John Lundvik – "Voice of the silent"
Maja Ivarsson – "Kamikaze life"
To the final qualifying round:
Meira Omar – "Hush hush"
Eliminated:
Albin Johnsén featuring Pa – "Upp i luften"
Adrian Macéus – "Vår första gång"
Linnea Henriksson – "Den känslan"
