The Swedish final "Melodifestivalen" was held at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on March 11th, hosted by Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi. Before the final there were 5 semi-finals held at different location around the country. The winner was chosen by an equal weighting of international juries and public vote. Going to Liverpool is Eurovision 2012 winner Loreen with "Tattoo".
Lorine Zineb Nora Talhaoui was born in Stockholm, Sweden, but spent most of her early life in Västerås. Loreen became known after taking part in the Swedish Idol 2004 eventually coming 4th. As well as singing opportunities, she also worked in front and behind the camera on numerous TV shows. Loreen then took part in Melodifestivalen 2011 with "My Heart Is Refusing Me", getting to Andra Chansen. The next year she returned with "Euphoria" which won Eurovision 2012 in Baku. She then reappeared at Melodifestivalen in 2017 with "Statements" but once again did not progress past the Andra Chansen round. Outside of ESC she has embarked on several tours, headlined the Vienna Life Ball, has released 2 albums and many more non-album one-off singles Loreen has also been an ambassador of the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, a patron of the World's Children's Prize and recently performed at a live fundraising gala in support of Ukraine.
The staging is rather simplistic but is a rather large technical feat. Loreen starts lying on the floor with a large led screen suspended from the roof and millimetres from her body. As the song goes on Loreen dances around on the floor slowly 'pushing' the screen upwards. The colour palette is a kind of sandy beige colour which is mirrored in her outfit and the smoke colour. The first verse is very softly spoken but sung with intent. During he pre-chorus the song starts to get stronger vocally and in terms of instrumentation. The tune also starts increasing in tone up the scale. The chorus has a very repetitive and earwormy melody. This procedure is repeated again but in the second chorus the beat is really pounding. The song then regroups for a small bridge before exploding again for the final rendition of the chorus ending in the title of the song.
The name "Loreen" itself is enough to get the votes in. People will be expecting a 'Euphoria 2.0' and although this is different enough to not be called a copycat, there are definite similarities. In typical Loreen style this is a performance and singing masterclass. Loreen has the ability to sing and perform the simplest things and make it into an art form - however this does not mean I don't take issue with parts of it.
This is an entry of three parts. Firstly - Loreen herself. She is a known name, and a famous - nay game changing - winner of the contest. People will marvel at her theatricality as well as her vocal prowess. That all said, I wish Loreen would pronounce her words a little more during the chorus and pre-chorus as sometimes it can feel like just a wall of noise. Also I would like Loreen to put a little more finesse to her dance moves e.g. pointing her toes, curving her back. Secondly - the song. It is nothing particularly special - it is more to do which who is singing it. There have already been comparisons between the tune of this and ABBA's "The winner takes it all" which I feel is rather noticeable. Finally - the staging. There are big questions as to whether the "led ceiling" would be allowed or even viable in the Liverpool arena. I feel like the idea would work without the prop with some other lighting cues or even some interesting camera angles e.g. upside down or viewed from above. One would have to be very cynical not to think this stands a big chance of winning.
ARTIST - Loreen
SONG - Tattoo
WRITING/PRODUCTION CREDITS - Peter Boström, Thomas G:son, Jimmy Jansson, Jimmy Joker, Cazzi Opeia, Loreen Talhaoui
No comments:
Post a Comment