International Eurovision Fan of the Week - Jakob from Sweden
Each week we feature two Eurovision fans of the week, one from Australia and one from abroad. This week it is Jakob from Sweden aka @Jakreg76
What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Jakob and I'm from Malmö in Sweden.
What do you do or tell us something interesting about you?
After 20 years in nursing I'm currently studying at uni to get a BA in Social Sciences. I'm the perfect mix between Dorothy Zbornak, Miranda Hobbs and Kermit the Frog.
That is one amazing mix!! ~ Aussievision
When did you first get into Eurovision?
The first Eurovision I can remember is 1983. Like most Swedes my age I was pulled into Melfest and ESC by Carola. When she stepped onto the stage in Malmö and sang Främling, declared her love for Jesus and got lipstick over the host's ridiculous blouse she set a nation of semi-socialists on fire, revitalised Melfest and guaranteed the survival of both that contest and by extension that of ESC. Who knew a girl in a urin coloured jumpsuit and a hideous perm could have such an impact.
Haha she has certainly made an impact on you, the competition and us, we love Carola!
Which is your favourite Eurovision year and why?
The first year that came to mind was 2014. Great stage, great hosts, great songs and the crowd going mad when Conchita was interviewed in the green room was an amazing thing to experience irl.
If you could change one thing about Eurovision what would it be?
I do wish we'd see more songs not sung in English and also more songs that blend local culture with contemporary music.
Songs not in English are really lacking this year, it's a shame!
Where do you think Sweden is at in Eurovision now, was their a reaction to your low televote score last year?
Sweden is at a crossroad between an old formula that's worked for a very long time and struggling to develop something new. While Melfest has been a virtual hit generator during the last few years the winning song rarely mirrors the contemporary Swedish music scene and I think that will spell disaster sooner or later in the future. The big issue for Sweden going forward will be how well we'll cope without Christer Björkman. Regarding the reaction to our score last year it wasn't that big. As long as we're doing well the balance between televote and jury vote isn't something the general public worries about. Swedes want to do well in ESC, but don't forget that Melfest is our main priority and that Melfest had some of it's best years around 2010 when we did really bad in ESC.
If you could only listen to three Eurovision songs for the rest of time, what would you choose?
Hero - the perfect popschlager which has served as a blueprint for a majority of my favourite song. Treni di Tozeur - the vocals, the strings, the melancholic melody and the fact that it's sung in Italian all blends together to form the most important work of art to come out of Italy since Mona Lisa
Parlez vous Francais - The number of times I've tried to do the choreography is impossible to count.
Which Eurovision song:
Had the best staging?
Shady lady. Props, singer, dancers, choreography, shaky vocals, the climbing of the props all together married to make one marvellous performance Totally agree, iconic performance!
Had the best live vocal?
Elina Nechayeva
Was robbed?
The fact that Sweden killed of Loreen and Statements in Andra Chansen is a crime that should never be forgotten.
Is your favourite before the year 2000? Duo Datz - Kan. The time I spent in a Stockholm elevator with Duo Datz will haunt me forever. I was so starstruck I tripped, fell over and cursed in Hebrew.
Do you enjoy more now, than when they performed?
Polina Gagarina - A million voices. While I liked the song at the time I didn't love it as much as I do know both because I didn't want Russia to win and because I wanted Sweden to win. Polina did the performance of a lifetime while being booed and her vocals are some of the best in ESC ever. Would have to agree with you, I was hoping for a Sweden win and now look back at it and just go WOW, how did that not win Eurovision? ~ Dale
Was always my favourite... ~ Mike
Did you last play?
If 2019 included Serhat, if not Give me your love - Fame
Is your guilty pleasure?
I don't believe in guilty pleasures. I stand 100% for everything I like.
Any other interesting honourable mentions?
All the fab, glam Ukrainian pop ladies - Tina, Sloboda, Ani, Zlata... We're not worthy
What have your thought of Melfest so far and who do you want to win on Saturday and who do think will win?
I think it's been a good year for Melfest. It looks to be the most commercially successful year ever and the final is quite good. I'm happy that schlager seems to have found it's place in the contest again. Continuing in the same vein as my reply about Sweden in Eurovision I'd say that what's worrying is that many of the most contemporary and innovative songs didn't even make Andra chansen which doesn't bode (is that a word?) well for the contest in the future. I want Lina Hedlund to win (she won't) and I'm sure John Lundvik will win with that abomination of a song. People say it's something new compared to the Swedish formula of a handsome guy singing a slick pop song, but I must be missing something since to me JL is a handsome guy singing a slick pop song.
It does feel like a throw back by John Lundvik, but god it's done well!
Do you already have a favourite song for 2019? I have several songs I listen to regularly but no obvious favourite yet
What did you think our national final Australia Decides?
Overall a good first selection with a good variety of songs, good show and a winner I like. Thumbs up from me.
Good to hear, thank you!
And finally... Tonight Again, Sound of Silence, Don't Come Easy, We Got Love or Zero Gravity?
Sound of silence with We got love not far behind
Thanks for your time Jakob!