Lets speculate- bout Melodifestivalen 2013: In true Aftonbladet style!

Rumour  has it..... just all over Stockholm Town this month- and although at the STV Melo HQ the 2 500 new songs submissions for Sweden's own National Final have hadly had chance to hit the mail room floor. As already one of Sweden's gossip rags Aftonbladet- no less, are speculating on just what big names will be taking part in Melodifestivalen 2013. It seemed like last year there was a lack of  big stars returning to Melo- however in 2013 we have the added big bonus of that Free ticket all the way to the Eurovision Grand Final in Malmo if you win. That has got to create some interest we think-
and we have some returns from the Queen diva herself -Carola- as well as Sarah Dawn Finer. Jessica Andersson (one half of Fame pop duo of  2003) Jessica has a new album due for a release delayed until Spring next year. What a dead- give away - or maybe wishful thinking. In fact at this early stage, although songs may have a particular artist in mind anything can happen often at Melodifestivalen things change at the last minute.
 Cast your eyes over the full rumour list below, you'll find the ever popular host/ pop singer Mans Zelmerlow. If Mans does not find the right tune, we think he would most certainly be a perfect presenter from Stv for Eurovision 2013.

Linnea is from Sweden's Idol 2010- and currently in the Top 3 singles -with a hit called 'Lyckligare nu'

• Sean Banana
• Linnea Henriksson
• Cookies N Beans
• Jump the Gun
• Carola
• Helena Paparizou
• Måns Zelmerlöw
• Nordman
• Jenny Silver
• Jessica Andersson
• Jessica Folcker
• Martin Rolinski (singer from BWO)
• Eric Amarillo
• Sarah Kelly
• Youngblood
• Mimmi 
• Cecilia Vennersten
• Sarah Dawn Finer
• Gravitonas
• David Lindgren
• Swingfly
• Topcats
• Linda Bengtzing

ABBA Deluxe coming soon feat: Austrialian Historial TV Special

Yes, that history book on the shelf - keeps repeating itself. Yet here at schlagertunes, we don't mind at all..

Especially when it comes in the format of the Deluxe Album/DVD Editions of Abba's past albums, this year already we 

had the final 'Abba- The Visitors' had this Deluxe 2 disc treatment and this Deluxe set even had the bonus of a rare unreleased demo track from Abba's vaults on it. It has been almost the norm for universal/polar to release one of these remastered albums each year. So image the delight to find out for 2012 we have 'two for the price of one'- Ohhh hold on! not such a good deal 'two for the price of two!'then is more accurate. 

Anyhow this package released in November from Universal will include the full 'Abba In Australia' special that was watched my more people downunder than the 1969 moon landing! As well as booklet notes on the set by Carl Magnus Palm who recently did new interviews with Bjorn & Benny about the recording and production of the Abba album 
check out more details from the Abba guru - at his site     C M P

here is the track-list

DISC 01: CD

1.  Mamma Mia

2.  Hey, Hey Helen

3.  Tropical Loveland

4.  SOS

5.  Man In The Middle

6.  Bang-A-Boomerang

7.  I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do

8.  Rock Me

9.  Intermezzo no 1

10.  I’ve Been Waiting For You

11.  So Long

Bonus Tracks:

12.  Crazy World

13.  Medley: Pick A Bale Of Cotton – On Top Of Old Smokey – Midnight Special

14.  Mamma Mia (Spanish Version)

DISC 02: DVD:

1. ABBA In Australia (Television Special Export Edition)

Mamma Mia

Hasta Mañana

Ring Ring

Tropical Loveland (Hawksbury river clip)

Waterloo

I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do

Rock me

Dancing Queen (not included on Australian edition)

Honey, Honey

Fernando

So Long

SOS

2. Made In Sweden – For Export (SVT)

Mamma Mia

I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do

So Long

3. SOS (Seaside Special, BBC)

4. Mamma Mia (Top Of The Pops, BBC)

5. The Best Of ABBA, TV Commercial

6. Greatest Hits, TV Commercial

7. International Sleeve Gallery

Loreen is currently hidden away working on here debut Album

Yes- I for one cannot wait to hear the follow up to Euphoria- from Sweden's Loreen. And if this preview clip is anything to go by- it will be another dance floor stomper as a follow-up.
The album will be called 'Healed' available on 24th October 2012..before then we will see the new single from the album in 2 more weeks

The Spice Girls- turned down Eurovision- but are confirmed to do London Oympics 2012

There have been some almost annual rumours that the Spice Girls, and or Geri Halliway would sing for U K at Eurovision Song Contest. Back in 2010 it seems boyband Blue bet the girls to it.
The Spice Girls re-union is finally happening .. for the Closing Ceremony of the London Games 2012 this coming Sunday night- how exciting it promises to be a pop extravaganda with the likes of Pet Shop Boys, George Micheal, One Direction, Coldplay and even a promise of Kate Bush doing 'Running down the hill' -of course what else?

See some pics already in the press from the rehearsals- via The Mail  Here

Ivi Adamou turns out to be the Sweden's Summer Hit of Eurovision 2012

  Here at -schlagertunes, HQ M.E.L.B - our blogging is on a winter/summer (GMT) break. Blame the London Games 2012... however please do not worry we will return to regular blog-casts later on - it's just there is not too much Melodifestivalen or Eurovis' stuff to report or review just now. Except for-        

 A very interesting developement has happened over in Sweden's Top 10 singles. A massive seller has turned out to be the Cypus entry from Baku- Way back in January 2012 Ivi Adamou's song for Cyprus became a fan-favourite in Eurovis'fandom and certainly Cyprus delivered with an amazing performance. To be honest I was expecting Cyprus to perhapes give us a Top 5 placing maybe? instead a mere 16th placing in the Grand Final for lovely Ivi. Sweden gave Cyprus there 12 points- to make up the total of 65 points on the scoreboard. Plus this 16th placing still turned out to be Cyprus's best result since 2004
Lisa Andreas sung 'Stronger every minute'    

Then the unexpected the swedes followed this up with an amazing chart run for 'La la Love' as a single-
As you would expect Loreen's 'Euphoria' enjoyed 6 weeks at poll No: 1 position in Sweden back in April this year  already, yet after the Swedes Eurovision 2012 win you'd expected more chart success. Instead Ivi is looking up, up , up towards No:1 in her own right with 'La La Love' while Loreen is at No: 9 !
This shows how Eurovision votes- don't measure always sales and Hit potential.
      

Sweden's Top Ten- this week- thanks to-
     http://www.hitparad.se/

1	2			Flo Rida Whistle			Poe Boy/atlantic / Warner WMS
2	1			Alina Devecerski Flytta på dej!			Anders Johansson Enterprise/emi Music Sweden / Emi EMI
3	3			Panetoz Dansa pausa			Wm Sweden / Warner N/A
4	4			Ivi Adamou La La Love			Day1 Entertainment / Sony Music SME
5	6			Norlie & KKV Där jag hänger min hatt			Fantabolous Music / Universal UNI
6	5			Carly Rae Jepsen Call Me Maybe			Interscope Records / Universal UNI
7	10			Simple Plan feat. Sean Paul Summer Paradise			Atlantic Records / Warner WMS
8	8			Gotye feat. Kimbra Somebody That I Used To Know			Samples'n'seconds Records / Universal UNI
9	7			Loreen Euphoria			Wm Sweden / Warner WMS
10	9			Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa Payphone			A&m/octone Records / Universal UNI

The only way is Up Up for Loreen after Eurovision 2012

Loreen has had a huge impact with the dance tune and hit 'Euphoria' and grand winner of Eurovision. Even before the contest 

been Loreen's Melodifestivalen winner had charted already in 14 countries, abit of a record for a entry that at the time not 

been presented on the Eurovision stage.  

Strangely enough in recent Eurovision year dance music and Eurovision have not been 

a wonderful mix, it was Gina G's 'Oh aah just a little bit' of 1997 that proved one of the only historical exceptions to the dance music

rule. Gina's UK No 1 hit kick-started her pop dance career yet only finished in 8th place at Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo.

Loreen's victory in Baku- as expected the swedish favourite had even greater chart success all over Europe. However what was

quite unexpected was the record breaking UK chart success. While the Brits love and get into the annual Eurovis spirit of things each year

The Eurovision winning songs have not found any real record breaking sales success even names like Alexander Rybak and Germany's Lena hardly cracked the mighty

UK Top 10 singles. Until 'Euphoria' that is- the tune debuted at No: 85 and shot into the top 3 and peaked at No: 3 the last time a Eurovision winner was so high in the UK

sales chart was way back in 1987- With the second Jonny Logan winner and international world wide hit 'Hold me Now'

Loreen will I am sure continue her success in Europe with a planned new Album promised soon later this year. It will be very interesting to see 

 the musically direction this record will take? I hope Loreen will continue her work with wrier and producer Peter Bostrom, on some of the new tracks. One

thing we will be assured of is Loreen will have her own style and amazing spirit to whatever come after this Euphoria of wonderful

 success.

Eurovision 2012 - Road to Eurovision by Julia Zemiro

                 All the glam and glitter is over for Eurovision 2012- time to reflect on what may be remembered as the Eurovision 2012- For the year when Sweden returned to glory after so long.
But also what may have been the most political Eurovision in history -due to the Baku location. Here in Australia - schlagertunes  the best thing in 2012 was SBS's and Julia Zelmiro outstanding coverage and interviews with just about everyone in Eurovision past and present in Baku host city. If you have Eurovis' blues watch these two coverage shows with Julia- 


Part 2- at 40:15min- see Julia & Loreen have a relaxing chat-- 


Just copy Link
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/2239574110/The-Road-to-Eurovision-With-Julia-Zemiro


Then don't miss my favourite Road to Eurovision- Part1 -see new interview with Gigolia Cinquetti, (amazing)  Lyn Assia and Johnny Logan - what a winning journey Julia took us on.


Just copy Link
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/2239532950/The-Road-to-Eurovision-With-Julia-Zemiro?from=theFilter

Take a Look at Loreen's journey from Globen- in words & music

Christer Bjorkman- Mr Melodifestivalen- after 11 years finally he has the Eurovision 
winning glory to celebrate in Baku 

'This is ours...'- Loreen winner of Eurovision Song Contest 2012.

Loreen has brought victory home for Sweden's 5 th Eurovision win

             We are in a state of shock- that Loreen and sweden pulled of the historical 5th win.
It was a close competion between Serbia and Russia, that Loreen final scored 372 points- a full 113 points a clear winner in the end.

Finally Eurovision return's to the West, safely surely in Stockholm for Eurovision Song Contest 2013.

Eurovision Grand Final 2012 Random thoughts..

  What can I say... Eurovision 2012 is almost up on us. 


It has been so far with the two semi-finals a wonderful show from Crystal Hall. In particular the winners
interval act featuring Alexander Lena Dima & 5 years of winners -  that was a Eurovision treat that would have been better placed I think- for in the final tonight. Only thing I would common on -was  the winners medley were together with traditional azerbaijan instruments! 
 I found myself saying- "What they have traditional folk music and culture?' how come we never knew about it?
 Answer- "It has never shown up in any Azerbaijan song contest entries past or present- oh well maybe for 2013.


  This year once again it is difficult to pick a winner?- the same problem as I recall in 2011 in Dusseldorf.
Now in 2012- we have alot stronger performers I think- and the song quality well is it better?
Personally I think some countries have put forward a great song, knowing as song it may certainly not win. Could this be because 
Eurovision has become so huge only certain countries have the resources and money to be a host country? There is discussion from the EBU that the contest may experience a down scale in 2013.


I get the feeling that maybe it is time for a favourite to shine- abit like Alexander Rybak did in 2009 in Moscow- It goes without saying at schlagertunes -we want to see a Sweden's Loreen win. Not only does she have the most popular song of 2012 and wonderful performance- she is a fantastic very original artist. 
Yet- is it true the favourites don't win anymore?


Ok if that is the case we can rule out Sweden even Italy- another song and artist I like alot this year. So if it turns out
we find 2012 is the year of perhapes a dark horse coming forward to take the prize -


There can only be one - dark horse this year -it is Estonia Ott Lepland' he is the one to watch and most certainly his semi-final performance was amazing. Lets see what happens...good luck to them all may the
very best song win. :)