Sweden: Melodifestivalen’s semi-final qualifier 2022 revealed
The line-up for next week’s grand final of Melodifestivalen 2022 is now ready. Eight acts have already booked their seats directly to the final through the four heats. Tonight, eight other horns locked for the four remaining places in the grand final.
In the end, Anna Bergendahl, Tone Sekelius, Theoz and Cazzi Opeia secured the four coveted places and remains in the competition to represent Sweden and Eurovision 2022.
This year, the format of the second chance changed. Rather than four head-to-head duels that were previously the case, the eight acts were divided into two groups. Two songs from each group would then go on to complete next week’s grand final lineup.
The show was held at Stockholm’s Friends Arena, which will also host next week’s grand final on March 12.
Melodifestivalen 2022: Semi-final qualifier
Anna Bergendahl with “Higher Power”
Anna Bergendahl is no stranger to a Melodifestivalen final. She qualified directly to the final 2010 and 2020, where she went on to first and third place respectively. She had to go through the Second Chance round in 2019 and she has gone through the difficult road again this year. Anna delivered a convincing performance of “Higher Power” and was the first qualifier to be announced.
Tone Sekelius with “My Way”
Tone Sekelius has already broken new ground as the first openly trans people in the Melodifestivalen. Tonight she also deserved the right to be the first artist in a Melfest final. Tone Sekelius actually finished close behind Alvaro Estrella in the second vote in their heat, so this result may have come as a surprise to some. But for the most part, Tone set his tune and booked his place in the final.
Theoz with “As you like”
Theoz already defeated some Melfest veterans in the form of Malou Prytz and Omar Rudberg in his heat. He had to do the same thing tonight, and joined a strong second group. However, the teenager stayed and secured a place in the final with the Swedish-language track “Som du vill”.
Cazzi Opeia with “I Can’t Get Enough”
Much like Tone Sekelius, Cazzi Opeia was drawn to compete in a group that also included someone who finished ahead of her in her heat’s second round of voting – in this case Lisa Miskovsky. But, just like Tone Sekelius, the Cazzi Opeia overcame the odds of advancing to the final. Her colorful performance of “I Can’t Get Enough” was the final qualifier announced for next week’s final.
Melodifestivalen 2022: Draw of semi-finals and results
Qualification in bold.
Group 1
- Tone Sekelius – “My Way”
- Alvaro Estrella – “Suave”
- Danne Stråhed – “Hallabaloo”
- Anna Bergendahl – “Higher power”
Group 2
- Theoz – “As you like”
- Lisa Miskovsky – “Best to come”
- Little sister – “Until our days are over”
- Cazzi Opeia – “I Can’t Get Enough”
What do you think of the qualifier for the grand final? Can any of these other chance artists go on to win the Melodifestivalen 2022? Who do you want to represent Sweden in Eurovision 2022? Let us know in the comments below.