The most closely observed of all participating countries, Sweden, hasn’t actually been overly successful in the last nine years – apart from a third place in Düsseldorf (Popular) and, of course, their victory with the subsequent top hit Euphoria. Loreen has remained a one-hit wonder, however, and Sweden returned to missing the top ten when Robin Stjernberg was sent to Malmö last year. But the host of the most recent contest still enjoys large amounts of attention.

The main reason for this phenomenon is surely Melodifestivalen, Sweden’s favourite TV show, and Europe’s favourite national final – or so it seems. At least, the number of catchy songs and professional productions is very high there. This, combined with a consistent and exciting format, packed in a shiny glittery polish, is surely the key to what is a successful TV show for the Swedish audience – and a good reason for lots of fans from throughout Europe to travel to (and gather in) Stockholm year after year.

At this year’s Melodifestivalen, just two points separated the winner from the second-placed Ace Wilder. Some blame the German jury for this result, and I – being German – can only assume that Busy Doin’ Nothin’ really didn’t please the German jurors, as it really isn’t the kind of song we particularly like here. That’s why you have an international jury in first place: to get a clue as to what would do well throughout as many European countries as possible. Ace Wilder wasn’t that. If you don’t like the result, you should better scrap the idea of international juries.

Instead, it was Sanna Nielsen who took the trophy with her seventh (7th!) attempt at Melodifestivalen. In her career, she has already been responsible for Eurovision dancefloor classics such as Vågar du, vågar jag and I’m In Love – and came quite close to winning the Eurovision ticket with her second-placed Empty Room in 2008.

Now it’s finally Undo for Copenhagen. A ballad in minor scale. Sad, as the lyrics “undo my sad” already suggest. Apparently the wrong grammar caused some strong reactions among fans, but shouldn’t art be free? Why shouldn’t you be allowed to sing “Undo my sad” when somebody else can sing “Sommerlicht, das ist Sommerlicht” (Estonia 2008) or “Heute habe obotnica” (Montenegro 2012)? Nevertheless, some of the lyrics have now apparently been adapted for grammatical correctness. This, however, doesn’t change the fact that the song is rather uninspired and comes along with a rather annoying case of one syllable (“U”) spread over four different notes – and on top of that, a hint of What About My Dreams in the verses. I would like to like the song, just because it’s Sanna Nielsen, and I am happy for her to have finally made it to Eurovision. But I just can’t manage it, as the song is too cold and stiff, too bland and calculated for my taste.

My verdict is that Sanna Nielsen has nothing to lose. She has already achieved more than what she can possibly achieve in Copenhagen, as she’s a legend among Eurovision fans, and no result will ever change that fact. Not a failure to reach the top ten, and not even the still likely case that she doesn’t even reach the final. This is quite simply not her best song. But it’s still better than Busy Doin’ Nothin’.

Top 10	Victory	Personal