This weekend sees Sweden hold the 2020 edition of their national final Melodifestivalen.
Before the show, nine members of the Aussievision team gave their top 10 songs 12 points down to 1, to find out our collective favourite.
Here they are in reverse order:
12th. Paul Rey - 'Talking in My Sleep' (8 points)
Highs: 5 points from Dale
Lows: 0 points from Guy, Steve, Fleur, Liv, Emma and Mike
Dale: This is a really well produced song, he sings it well and he maximises the simple staging. It has a much more pan-European radio and more mature sound than many songs in this line up.
Kyriakos: I enjoyed the performance and loved the blue and red exposure graphics. Unfortunately the song sounds a bit dated to me.
Fleur: Too slow paced for takes a while to gain momentum but I’ve lost interest by then.
Emma: Somewhat surprising that this one made it into the final from the Andra Chansen round. Talking in my sleep...more like trying not to fall asleep!
Steve: A sad boy rock ballad that had bored me after a minute or so. I don’t see the appeal of this at all.
11th: Méndez feat. Alvaro Estrella - 'Vamos Amigos' (16 points)
Highs: 8 points from Guy, 3 points from Ruby
Lows: 0 points from Steve, Fleur, Emma and Mike
Kyriakos: I don’t see this one take it out but love the catchiness and energy of the performance and song. Great to hear a different style of music in the final.
Steve: Generic Latino fare with the addition of a Spanish rapper. It has a beat, but I just don’t buy into this.
Emma: Budget version of Despacito with Alvaro Estrella even sounding like Justin Bieber. Nowhere near as good as his last offering ‘Everyday’. This becomes very repetitive after a few listens.
Dale: With a name like 'Vamos Amigos' you know exactly what you're going to get! It delivers it well, fun, poppy, Latin light. Didnt' trouble high on my scoreboard.
Fleur: I don’t like this. Sounds amateurish. Reminds me of a conga line on a cruise ship. Yes, it is a party song but I have heard better.
10th: Mohombi - 'Winners' (26 points)
Highs: 7 points from Liv, 6 points from Steve
Lows: 0 points from Dale and Kyriakos
Steve: A charismatic performer with a good voice giving his all for some fairly standard Swedish electro-pop. The “dreamer / winners” hook is rather basic, but I did find myself singing along to it after just one listen. In summary: rather catchy but equally rather safe.
Emma: One of those songs that I struggle to say much about. Don’t like it as much as last year’s offering Hello which was a much more passionate performance and suited the artist’s style more.
Mike: Apart from the chorus, there's not much that sticks with me about this entry.
Kyriakos: Unfortunately I am not convinced by Mohombi’s performance… The song sounds too safe and I am not getting any personality, Mohombi needs to give us more.
Fleur: This is on-brand Sweden. It’s not bad, it just does not sound any different to most of the songs they’ve sent in the last 10 years.
Dale: Repetitive, simple and I really struggled to remember it after the semi final let alone the final.
9th: Victor Crone - 'Troubled Waters' (28 points)
Highs: 8 points from Emma, 6 points from Kyriakos and Guy
Lows: 0 points from Dale and Liv
Emma: Victor managed to finish 20th for Estonia last year. Could he come back and sing for Sweden this year? The song is very Avicii but is elevated by some very creative use of the LED’s, particularly on the floor. Victor himself isn’t half bad either. This would be a solid choice but may lose the respect of the Eurovision fandom who seem to have grown tired of the Swedish pretty boy singers at the moment.
Fleur: From a storm to troubled waters. This is okay but that is it for me. It’s not a winner. It’s also a tad repetitive.
Kyriakos: It is catchy and super radio friendly. It is great to see Victor Crone back. He seems more confident than ever and his song is one of my favourites from Melfest this year. He’s out there smashing it and having fun. Mike: Victor does a decent job of trying to sell this song live.The song itself is not the most original and Victor did sound a little strained performing this in his Semi Final. Dale: Victor looks great and he does try and sell this Avicii countryish EDM but at the detriment of the vocal. He really struggles. The graphic overlay at the beginning doesn't match the song. I wanted this to be better, but it wasn't great.
Steve: I think Sweden would find itself in the titular “troubled waters” were this to be chosen. Whilst the chorus is rousing enough, there’s considerable potential for vocal issues (verging on a screech in the live performance I watched). The song also appears to be trying to create a narrative but falls short. It’s a “no” from me.
8th: Robin Bengtsson - 'Take A Chance' (36 points)
Highs: 8 points from Kyriakos, 7 points from Mike and Fleur
Lows: 0 points from Ruby, 1 point from Emma
Mike: An oddly catchy and pleasing song from Robin Bengsston. The chorus has almost an ABBA vibe to it and the whole thing has a little schlager flavour about it. Not what I was expecting from Robin.
Kyriakos: Now this sounds very Melfest and even very Scandi Eurovision. I love the song and I find myself humming this all day long after one listen. believe Robin is the dark horse in this Contest. His vocals in his performance are slightly shaky at times, but if he nails them he will get really far or even take it all out.
Steve: A decent vocal with fairly strong verses but a somewhat weaker chorus. The song does build fairly well, until the last 30 seconds or so in which things tail off. Rather uninspiring all told.
Emma: Sounds like an album track that wouldn’t be released as a single. Robin struggled in the live version with the high notes and gets quite a lot of help from his backing singers here.
Dale: I actually really like the song, old school schlager sound. I also don't mind Robin, I think he can do decent pop. I don't think these two match well together on the performance.
Fleur: Nice hook. Another nice song. Has all the Swedish bells and whistles. Was not keen on the last part though. Not sure if it a stand out, but it is a good song and package nevertheless.
7th: Felix Sandman - 'Boys with Emotions' (39 points)
Highs: 10 points from Kyriakos and Mike
Lows: 0 points from Ruby, 1 point from Guy
Mike: Much maligned since it debuted back in Semi Final 1, Boys With Emotions has really grown on me. It has an interesting tempo and production that sets this apart from the other songs. I find this is one that has stuck with me, where some of the others haven't quite managed.
Kyriakos: I was intrigued from the first listen and became hooked from the second listen onwards. I love his performance, great staging and dancing. It’s contemporary, it’s now and it’s the risk Sweden should take. It’s different from other Melfest winning performances.
Fleur: Ironically, this lacks emotion and I am not buying it. He just does not sound sincere and this song needs a genuine performance. It does sound disjointed at parts so the song does not flow well. It’s okay, I don’t love it. It will do well with the jury.
Steve: An admirable message, for sure, but I find the vocal distinctively average and the staging/overall performance all too “cool for school”. It doesn’t do much for me.
Emma: A very strong studio cut doesn’t quite translate to the stage. It’s not for lack of trying but Felix struggles to keep his vocal quality up with all the movement the staging requires. Felix came very close to winning Melfest a couple of years ago so this is my dark horse.
Dale: The most contemporary song in the contest. Does it all come together live though, not quite. I think this could do well with the jury but interestingly I think the Swedis public will let this boy down.
6th: Anis Don Demina – 'Vem e som oss' (43 points)
Highs: 10 points from Dale and 8 points from Liv
Lows: 0 points from Guy, 2 points from Fleur
Dale: SHU SHU! I LOVE the energy of this song. Yes it's a little Macklemore but it doesn';t matter, it's still got his personality all over it. Inventive staging, in Swedish and brings the party big time. This year's Shuffla Shuffla!
Fleur: This is not my usual genre. It’s not awful but it is a bit shouty for me. I guess it’s a fun party song. I like that it is sung in Swedish. I liked it more as the song went on.
Steve: Completely not my genre of music, but I love the staging, the chorus almost makes me forget the verses, and this has undeniable energy. I’d probably find myself jumping up and down to the sung sections of the song.
Emma: Fun novelty Swedish song in the style of Melfest veterans Samir & Viktor. There’s no way Sweden is going to send this to Eurovision but you can’t deny its catchiness.
Kyriakos: Could be seen as the novelty song in this final but wow! Honestly I would be happy to see this take out Melfest. His energy is amazing and he has great stage presence. The energy this performance has makes it stand out!
Mike: There's something about this I quite like. The song itself has good energy and the staging is original and eye-catching. I wouldn't be surprised if this does better than a lot of people expect.
5th: Hanna Ferm - 'Brave' (46 points)
Highs: 12 points from Fleur, 6 points from Ruby and Emma
Lows: 3 points from Guy, Steve and Mike
Fleur: I like this, it’s simple yet catchy. It would be a nice change from the all the male pop songs that Sweden have given us recently. She connects well with the audience which is something that has been lacking with Swedish performers at Eurovision lately too. Very polished performance.
Emma: Hanna is a gorgeous girl who could light up the Eurovision stage but this song lets her down. Whilst the studio cut is strong, Hanna’s live performance in the semi final lacked vocal polish. The song requires some light and shade yet Hanna came out all guns blazing and didn’t put the necessary emotion into her delivery. I actually preferred her duo with Liamoo last year and hope she comes back to Melfest if she doesn’t win this year as she could do very well with the right song.
Steve: An OK vocal, some rhyming dictionary lyrics, a bit of “la-di-da-di-da” (a pet peeve) and an outing for the twin to Jess Mauboy’s 2018 Lisbon dress. All a little too pedestrian for me.
Mike: Hanna was a favourite coming into Melfest but I think this song hasn't quite hit the mark it needed to. The staging is solid and Hanna does sell it as much as possible, but the song is a little simple and weak to be a real contender.
Dale: Cutesy bubblegum pop, some slight vocal issues in the high register but love her look and staging. If she nails this live she could sneak a place.
Kyriakos: Hanna’s ‘Brave’ is super catchy and her stage presence is amazing. Even though she can sound a touch shouty at times I get more of a connection with Hanna’s entry than I do with Dotter’s entry.
4th: Mariette - 'Shout it Out' (61 points)
Highs: 12 points from Ruby, 10 from Guy and 8 from Fleur
Lows: 1 points from Liv, 4 from Mike
Ruby: Is this the best overall package of the selection? Yes. Between a very proficient performance with a well written pop song, ‘Shout It Out’ is gripping and has me hoping that this is indeed Mariette’s year after three previous attempts. Who doesn’t love a bit of guitar?
Fleur: This is a ballad but unlike many that have cropped up this year, it is a stand out. The fake guitar annoys me slightly, but this would do well at Eurovision. Mariette is a solid performer and this shows.
Mike: This is not Mariette's strongest Melfest entry, but she does really lift this in the live performance. Overall I don't think the song itself has the punch to do well with either the juries or the public.
Dale: This is surprisingly good. Solid in every department. Good song, good artist, good vocal and good staging. Unfortunately it might just lack that 'spark' to take it all the way.
Steve: Strong lyrics (probably the song’s strongest element and some of the best in MF this year) delivering a resonant message and executed well by a talented performer. Despite being my fourth favourite, I wouldn’t be unhappy at all if this were to be chosen.
Kyriakos: I loved this song from the first listen. I think I hyped ups the performance in my head, and I find her stage performance a bit lacking, I expected dancers at least. The ending with the guitar is superb though.
Emma: Mariette’s strong vocals lift this offering which is weaker than some of her other Melfest attempts...notably A Million Years (one of my all time favourite Melfest songs). A good solid radio friendly track which is lifted by the emotion Mariette brings to her performances.
3rd: Ann Bergendahl - 'Kingdom Come' (71 points)
Highs: 12 points from Dale, Steve and Mike
Lows: 0 points from Kyriakos
Steve: A great voice delivering a bop with a country vibe performed by a likeable artist surrounded by hunky Chippendale dancers in kilts. It does feel a little dated and the title is odd, but I’m sold on this.
Mike: For the second year running Anna Bergendahl has my favourite Melfest song. I don't think this is as strong as last year's song, but as an overall package i think this stacks up pretty well. The chorus is catchy and the staging works really well with the song. I can't see this winning Melfest, but it should do pretty well with both juries and the public.
Dale: This is everything I love Anna Bergendahl being strong with bangs, country style pop schlager, great staging and the choreography is bloody fantastic. Will admit on first watch I didn't go WOW, but second and third and I'm obsessed! Dying to see it in Rotterdam. Redemption for Anna!
Kyriakos: She’s back! Her performance is good but it hasn’t connected to me like her entry from last year. The back up dancers do add to the performance, and the lyrics go well with her overall past story with Melfest and Eurovision.
Ruby: Entertaining, but a little bit simplistic lyrically, with a well-put together staging.
Fleur: This is a solid country-pop song. I like it but I don’t love it. It has its schlager moments which I enjoy.
Emma: Anna always surprises as someone who you don’t expect such a big voice to come out of. I find this a bit dated although Anna is very likeable and could do well if she was selected.
=1st: The Mamas - Move (74 points)
Highs: 12 points from Kyriakos and Guy
Lows: 3 points from Dale, 5 points from Fleur
Kyriakos: I Love Love Love It!!! My winner from Melfest this year! The energy these women bring to this song is at 200%. Their vocals are spine tingling and uplifting. Honestly I could see Sweden take out the Eurovision Song Contest with this song. It will be a jury and televoting favourite. I love the positive vibes. These women will be moving mountains!
Dale: This is done so well. I find the song a bit mid-range however, but they really elevate with simple but slick choreography and bags of charisma. You want them to do well and it elevates the song.
Ruby: Non-gimmicky and powerful – ‘Move’ is an extremely radio friendly track that is done well live by The Mamas, showcasing the wonderful vocals they are known for. However, this song seems ultimately destined for airtime, being perhaps a bit too current for Eurovision.
Emma: Sweden has sent solo male singers to Eurovision for the last few years so now is the time to go for something different. The Mamas proved themselves very popular as John Lundvik’s backing singers last year. The song is your standard gospel pop song but The Mamas bright personalities shine here. This song gives major happy vibes and they’d be a very popular choice.
Steve: I would love to be in a stadium listening to these ladies’ superb soulful voices live. I’d have no qualms about them hitting all those big notes and the song genuinely makes me smile. I’d have liked something a little more uptempo though, which is why it’s my second choice.
Fleur: I would like to see this at Eurovision. Gospel music would certainly be noticed. However, the lyrics are too clichéd and the song is rather predictable. You just know where this is going. It’s pleasant, and somewhat catchy. Overall, quite enjoyable to listen to.
Mike: The Mamas impressed in their Semi Final and there's a lot going for this song. It's catchy and their performance should stand out in this line up.
=1st: Dotter - 'Bulletproof'
Highs: 12 points from Emma and Liv
Lows: 3 points from Kyriakos, 5 points from Guy
Emma: This is a grower and has much greater appeal than Dotter’s last Melfest offering which failed to even make the final. Sounding very Sia-esque, Dotter’s laser light show coupled with her mirror ball outfit should be quite the spectacle although I still don’t think this song screams Eurovision winner.
Fleur: Good Scandi-pop. This has potential. My only concern is that the performance could be seen as too clinical, which has hurt Sweden in the televotes of late. I really like the song though.
Ruby: Vocally on point with an excellent stage show, Dotter has the makings to win this year’s selection. The bridge does a great job to help limit the repetitiveness of the lyrics, with a wide range staging potential present if taken to Rotterdam.
Mike: Probably the big favourite going in. I really like the staging and performance of this,however I'm not sure the song is really grabbing me like a favourite should.
Steve: I can see why this is proving popular. It’s a well-crafted, well-performed pop song with kooky elements, a clear narrative and a fairly strong vocal. The live performance lighting was also effective and lifted the performance for me.
Dale: Have to say I do love the staging for this, even though it does get a bit ‘done’ after 2 minutes in. One of the more modern songs in there, at times her vocal style isn’t to my liking but it’s a very solid and likeable entry. Would have the wow factor.
There we go - a tie for our winner AND even on countback with both getting the exact same scores from the group.
Agree or disagree with the results? Vote in our online poll and give your three televotes to your favourite song or songs! Vote here.