Sweden is a Eurovision powerhouse, with the nation more often than not finishing in the Top 10, if not the Top 5. Hoping to continue with that trend this year is Cornelia Jakobs, the first female solo representative since Sanna Nielsen in 2014. Cornelia will sing ‘Hold Me Closer’ at this year’s contest, but how will it fare?
Anita
Song and Vocals
This is certainly one of the stronger songs this year, with Sweden offering a relatable, but still well performed entry. It wasn’t the strongest year for Melodifestivalen, however Cornelia was certainly one of the best choices for Sweden. Hold Me Closer is lyrically one of my favourite entries of this year, and I believe that a huge audience will be able to relate to the lyrics of finding the ‘right one at the wrong time’.
Musically, there is nothing innovative about this track, and in terms of Swedish Eurovision entries, it’s just as slick as their previous entries. I think there was some fatigue setting in with Swedish entries, especially from male soloists. While ‘Hold Me Closer’ is down the same road in terms of style, there was something about Cornelia that was more relatable or more authentic. I think this alone will help increase the televote for Sweden, something that was fading in recent years.
Is this a Eurovision winner? I wouldn’t rule it out. The bridge and final moments of the song give some ‘winning vibes’ and if well performed on the night as it was in the national final, this could be what takes it over the line.
Performance and Act
We know from previous years that Sweden usually keeps their Melodifestivalen staging for Eurovision. With that in mind, I think the more intimate staging will help Sweden connect with the televoters this year. On the other hand, I don’t know if I understand the staging, specifically the relevance of the green and red circle in the background. Perhaps go and stop? Casual viewers likely won’t look into this, and will appreciate the package as a whole.
Conclusions
This is definitely up there with the potential winners of this year. I expect Sweden to be high in the jury voting, and I expect some extra support from televoters this year for the authenticity. Top 5, or at least Top 5 is guaranteed for Sweden this year.
Rating
10/10
Dennis
Song and Vocals
A melancholic song by Cornelia about breaking up with someone since it is not the right time and place for that relationship. Perhaps not a topic the young viewing and voting audience will go for, but the more older people will get it. I’ve been told it’s especially a song that is being rewarded by females more than males, even though I think this topic surpasses gender and we can all relate to it, if we are unfortunate enough.
Performance and Act
Sweden keeps their staging small and humble, but still remarkable enough to have it stand out from other songs and acts. This could be a year in which their act also guarantees them a bit more points in the televote than was the case with other jury friendly entries in the last couple of Eurovisions.
Conclusions
Sweden is aiming to tie with Ireland in winning the Eurovision trophy the most times of all participating countries. It is only a matter of time before they do so and this year could be the year in which they do it. If the theory about Ukraine is not right, that people will vote for them because of the war and not the song, than Sweden is one of the top candidates to win based on their song.
Rating
10/10
Team Scores
Steef: 6/10
Erik: 6/10
Josh: 10/10
Heath: 10/10
Kaitlin: 10/10
Selim: 10/10
Morena: 6/10
Average Score: 8.7/10
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