FeaturesRotterdam 2021πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ͺ Sweden

XTRA DECIDES: πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ͺ Melodifestivalen: our semi-final 1 direct finalists

Welcome to XTRA Decides! In this feature the team here at ESCXTRA rank the national final songs, giving our choice of the winner. Specially for Sweden’s selection Meldoifestivalen 2021 we are scoring each semi-final. Later we will choose our Andra Chansen (Second Chance) duel winners and score the grand final. We’re scoring using the Melfest style scoring system. (12-1)

For four weeks we will be deciding our direct finalists in each of the Meldoifetsivalen 2021 semi-finals. After giving our scores, the team has chosen Paul Rey and Nathalie Brydolf to go direct to the final. In addition our choices mean Kadiatou and Jessica Andersson would go to the Second Chance (Andra Chansen) round. Check out the scores and thoughts of some of the team below.

Our Scores

Paul Rey – The Missing Piece1 DTF115
Nathalie Brydolf – Fingerprints2 DTF110
Kadiatou – One Touch3 AC107
Jessica Andersson – Horizon4 AC84
Arvingarna – Tänker inte alls gå hem572
Danny Saucedo – Dandi dansa664
Lillasyster – Pretender759

Reviews

Paul Rey – The Missing Piece

Sami (12pts)

“The Missing Piece” is not as impactful as Paul’s previous entry, but I still think this is very solid attempt. It’s well produced and ready for the radios, but also gives enough room for Paul to show some emotions when performing the song live. It’s not the most original piece of music ever, but definitely good enough to qualify to the final from the first semifinal of the contest.

Tim (12pts)

When I spoke to Paul previously, he mentioned that ‘The Missing Piece’ is more intimate than ‘Talking in My Sleep’. True to his word, this is what it felt like. You can really feel the emotion and the impact of the song, and I was sure emotional when I listened to it. I know this semi is tough, but I am hoping that he pulls through to qualify directly to the final.

Nathalie Brydolf – Fingerprints

Tom R (12pts)

In a semi-final packed with schlager pop, rock and Saucedo-style, “Fingerprints” really stands out a strong contender for me. The rehearsal clip shows the pure beauty of the entry – it may be a little simplistic, but I really think that could help it in this particular semi-final. It’s my winner this weekend: let’s see if it can carry through on the night. It may just need a little elevation at the end for people to really remember it.

Tom O (10pts)

This semi-final is a real mixed bag so everyone will be drawn to different songs for different reasons. Natalie’s song has a quality to it next to some of the maybe playful songs on offer here. The staging looks simplistic but effective, making use of the scale of this year’s Melfest stage. As a Swedish Idol participant Natalie naturally has a great voice and stage experience in her favour here. Stopping me from my full 12 points are the lyrics – the whole fingerprints thing is a little off for me!


Xtra Decides so far

Check out more from our Xtra Decides feature with the links below…


Do you agree with our decision? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter@escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for reactions and interviews.

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