Linnea Henriksson led the Melodifestivalen 2020 and is now debuting as an artist in the competition. She is the second person to do so – after Markoolio.
It's more nervous than leading the program. A thousand percent more nervous, she says.
"Singing every tone"
John Lundvik has competed three times before and won once, with "Too late for love" in 2019. Yet, he is nervous about his fourth participation.
I take nothing for granted and sing every tone as if it were the last.
Do you feel more for this song than your previous ones?
That's like asking which of one's children one loves the most. But yes, "Voice of the silent" feels different, more powerful. I get to use my entire vocal range and show everything I have.
Inspired by Bollywood
Meira Omar became a well-known face when she participated in "Love is blind" in 2024. She previously tried to pursue a career as a Bollywood actress in India, but no context has been as big as Melodifestivalen.
I decided to move to India when I was 19. I lived there for nine years, struggled, and went to seven-eight auditions a day. But I never broke through and became the star I thought I would become.
Now, she gets the chance to both sing and dance in front of millions of Swedish viewers. And the number "Hush hush" is definitely inspired by her previous experiences, with a lot of dance.
What I hope is that people will get the feeling that this is something new and something you don't often see on the Melodifestivalen stage.
How many have you performed in front of at most before?
Maybe max 600 people, it was at a very large corporate gig. So, of course, this feels thrilling and scary, but mostly just fun!
Has played Bert
Adrian Macéus is the youngest in the first semifinal in Luleå. He has acting experience, including playing the lead role in the new "Bert" series. He has also played several musical roles and is used to performing in front of an audience.
But when I came in here to the arena and saw all these lights, I thought, oh my god. It's an incredibly large production, he says.
What do you think about your chances as a debutant?
It's completely impossible to say. Everyone is super talented and experienced, and yes, I'm the youngest. The others have a bit more life experience.
"Up in the air" – Albin Johnsén feat. Pa
"Kamikaze life" – Maja Ivarsson
"Voice of the silent" – John Lundvik
"Hush hush" – Meira Omar
"Our first time" – Adrian Macéus
"That feeling" – Linnea Henriksson
