If you believe the betting companies, the entire Melodifestivalen will be decided in Malmö. Måns Zelmerlöw, who won the European Championship ten years ago with "Heroes", is expected to win with ease.
At the same time, the Finnish-Swedish humor group KAJ has sailed up as an unexpected favorite with the song "Bara bada bastu". According to several entertainment writers who have listened to the contributions in Malmö, KAJ has a chance to overshadow the big favorite with their crazy bastu-pop, complete with woodchips and spruce trees on stage.
I never dared to dream of such a reception. You were already tagged to tears earlier and now you get extra tagged, says Kevin Holmström in KAJ.
"Fresh breeze"
But they think it's almost impossible to beat the big favorite Måns Zelmerlöw.
No matter how well it goes for Finland, Sweden is always a little better, jokes KAJ's Jakob Norrgård before returning to seriousness.
I think Måns has secured a ticket to the final. But it will be interesting to see if the people feel the same way. I think we can come in as a fresh breeze. We dare to be a little outside the Mello-box.
Country wave
Tennessee Tears, who deliver a flirtatious country contribution, agree with KAJ that they are in the "death group".
Everyone has such incredibly different styles. There are really artists who can surprise. And of course, Måns is there, says Tilda Feuk, one half of the country duo.
The goal is set for the final and they hope to ride the country wave that has characterized the music world in recent years.
Last time we were in, we went to the semifinal. Then everything was new for us. So yes, I definitely want to go to the final, says Tennessee Tears' Jonas Hermansson.
Want to make Loreen proud
But not everyone has a final place as their top priority. Debutant Ella Tiritiello, who will perform the contribution "Bara du är där" which Loreen has co-written, says she's participating to develop.
Then it's always super fun if I get a final place, of course, she says and emphasizes that she hopes to make the double European Championship winner Loreen proud.
Having her name behind me is huge. I may put a little too much pressure on performing well, but I think it's good that I'm like that, otherwise I might not have given 110 percent.
1. Andreas Lundstedt – "Vicious"
2. Ella Tiritiello – ”Bara du är där”
3. Tennessee Tears – "Yours"
4. KAJ – "Bara bada bastu"
5. Amena – "Do good be better"
6. Måns Zelmerlöw – "Revolution"
