Albin Johnsén featuring Pa and their song "Upp i luften" were one of the favorites to advance to the Melodifestivalen final from the first qualifying round in Luleå.
But this year, SVT has changed the rules, which means that only one contribution goes to the final qualifying round instead of two, as previously in the Second Chance and semifinal.
We are more disappointed and sad than angry. We really wanted to come to Stockholm, says Albin Johnsén.
Stockholm needed us there. Now it's going to be really boring, says Pa Modou Badjie.
He has previously advanced to the final three times with his band Panetoz.
It was better before, he says and laughs.
Will you take it up with SVT?
No, it's no use arguing about it. It is what it is. Our journey ended here, but the music continues, says Albin Johnsén.
We must still thank everyone who voted for us. Everyone who took the time to write nice words. My phone is full, it couldn't be better, says Pa Modou Badjie.
The new rules of the final qualifying round
John Lundvik and Maja Ivarsson took the two top spots and went directly to the final in Stockholm on March 8. Debutant and "Love is blind" participant Meira Omar came third and thus has a chance in the final qualifying round, which takes place in the fifth qualifying round in Jönköping on March 1.
It was in August last year that SVT announced the news that they are changing the rules so that only one contribution from each qualifying round goes to the final qualifying round, where only five contributions compete. In the qualifying round, the contribution that received the most votes in its qualifying round goes through, while the audience gets to vote on the other four.
Previously, SVT has also reduced the number of contributions in the qualifying rounds from seven to six and expanded to five qualifying rounds, where they previously had four regular and one Second Chance – or semifinal.
"No one's fault"
Albin Johnsén and Pa Modou Badjie were thus affected by the change, but they say it's no use being bitter.
It's no one's fault, these are the game's rules. You come here to get votes. The one who has the most followers and so on, it's a lot that plays a role. It wasn't enough this time, but maybe next time it will be enough all the way, says Pa Modou Badjie.
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"
