Eurovision / Melodifestivalen Moment #4 : Nanne Grönvall

In 2005, in controversial circumstances, Sweden chose Martin Stenmarck with his song “Las Vegas” (which I liked a lot) over Nanne Grönvall with her song “Håll om mig” (which I liked a lot more). Nanne had the popular vote (chosen by viewers), but was trumped by Martin who had the jury vote (chosen by a group of experts). There was a public outcry over the result, and the rules surrounding Melodifestivalen have since changed.

Nanne is a fantastic performer who I’ve seen perform on a few occasions and actually met once at a shopping centre performance in Stockholm.… Read the rest “Eurovision / Melodifestivalen Moment #4 : Nanne Grönvall”

Melodifestivalen 2014 #2

There was a real sense of déjà vu in the second heat of this year’s Melodifestivalen, the contest which decides which act will represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest.

In 2005, in controversial circumstances, Sweden chose Martin Stenmarck with his song “Las Vegas” (which I liked a lot) over Nanne Grönvall with her song “Håll om mig” (which I liked a lot more). Nanne had the popular vote (chosen by viewers), but was trumped by Martin who had the jury vote (chosen by a group of experts).… Read the rest “Melodifestivalen 2014 #2”

Fikar med Nanne

Aside from the excitement of Melodifestivalen, it’s been a weekend for catchups. Thanks to my long-term involvement in the world of ABBA fans, I’ve met some really great people over the years. I’ve also met some dickheads, but you learn to avoid them after a while. Thankfully, the good outweighs the bad. And this weekend, I caught up with two of the good ones.

Yesterday I travelled back to Norrkoping to see Cliff, an English ABBA fan who I met six years ago when he came to Australia.… Read the rest “Fikar med Nanne”

Schlager Paradise

I have woken this morning with a slight hang-over. Not an outrageously bad one, though. Yes, I had quite a few beers and wines and a reasonably late night. But I’ve also had a pretty good sleep in, and so I feel reasonably good. And the reason for all of this was Melodifestivalen, the Swedish final leading to the Eurovision Song Contest.

Having watched the show via download or DVD for the last few years, I was keen to see it in its natural environment – a Stockholm gay bar.… Read the rest “Schlager Paradise”