Of late, Sweden have been one of Eurovision's most successful nations, with their last win just 8 years ago in 1999.  Of course, Sweden are famous for quite possibly the biggest Eurovision export ABBA who won in 1974.  Between then and 1999 they won twice more, in 1984 and 1991 with the popular Carola.  Their recent run of Eurovision success has been great - entering sound songs securing them 1st in 1999, 7th in 2000, 5th in 2001, 8th in 2002, 5th in 2003 and 6th in 2004 - never once facing relegation.  Unfortunately their time was up in 2005, when Martin Steinmarck finished a terrible 19th place out of 24 - one of Sweden's worst ever results.  To remedy this, Sweden emplyed the vocal capabilities and experience of 1991 Eurovision winner for Sweden, Carola, who qualified with ease and finished 5th overall.  Last year however, their fortunes took a tumble, no doubt down to the over confidence of indie band The Ark, so Sweden are looking in 2008 for another top five finish to make up for their faults from last year, and hope to bring the contest home for a fifth time.

 

 

After realising that they don’t tend to do quite so well at Eurovision without the good old Schlager Factor, Sweden decided to ensure they sent what they do best to Eurovision: An uptempo, schlager, camp-disco song with a great key change, rousing performance and successful singer in the form of one time Eurovision winner, Charlotte Perrelli from 1999 (known as Nilsson then).  Melodifestivalen was a lot stronger this year, and if it weren’t for the judges favour Charlotte would have lost out on her second trip to Eurovision in lieu of Sanna, with an equally great song, but perhaps missing that initial impact Eurovision songs need these days.  All in all, I think the Swedish judges made the right decision; the song is brilliant and should surely contend for victory in Belgrade.  Charlotte is a polished performer, who seems to have gotten better with age and experience.  Her vocal at the national final was fantastic, and the song is a very tricky one to pull off, but she nails it.  Back when she won in 1999 she was one of 2 songs among my favourites, so I’m hoping that’s a good omen.  I always think Sweden come up trumps, and this one’s no different, but surely there’s a very strong chance I’ll be buying my plane ticket to Stockholm in 2009.

 

 

An initial prediction will appear here soon.

 

 

A prediction will appear here when all 25 songs in the Grand Final are known.