Sweden is starting their preparations for Melodifestivalen 2023. As the artists prepare for the first heat to take place on Saturday February 4th, Jazzi speaks to Eva Rydberg and Eva Roos. They are vying to represent Sweden in Eurovision with the song “Länge leve livet”
Hi guys, I would just like to start things off by asking you guys to introduce yourselves ?
“Eva Rydberg and Ewa Roos are two of our most beloved actors and artists with over 60 years in theatre, revue, film and music. They have shared the stage many times and now it is time for them to make a “comeback” together on one of our biggest music stages.
In Melodifestivalen, Eva Rydberg participated in 1977 and Ewa Roos was already in Eurovision for children as a 13-year-old. Together they had success at Melodifestivalen 2021 with the song “rena rama ding dong” that the whole world sings and dances to.
With their comic talent, timing and wonderful chemistry, they will spread speed, joy and a wonderful dance to all viewers again in Melodifestival 2023″
Before we continue, let’s start with a quick icebreaker by just asking if there is one thing about yourself that not many people know about.
Rydberg: “I have done TV in Mexico, performed at Olympen in Paris, been the Supporting act for Frank Sinatra and Lena Horn at Avicii arena in Stockholm, and done TV show with Gene Kelly”.
Roos: “We have never been enemies! We have since the beginning always been friends”.
For newer Eurovision fans, this will be the first time they will get to know you, could you please tell us a bit more about yourselves.
“We are just two girls from Sweden who love to perform on stage by singing, dancing, and acting, etc. We been in showbiz for over 60 years and been friends for over 50 years.”
Let’s move on to Melodifestivalen 2023, can I start off by asking, what made you want to participate at the Swedish selection once again?
“At first we said, never again but then when we got all the great feedback adding with a gold record, we started to feel the “mello vibes” again, then we got this song “Länge leve livet” that we couldn’t resist so,,,”We are back” !”
You will be participating with the song “Länge leve livet”, which we are yet to hear can I start off by asking if you can give us any insight into what the song is about?
“Länge Leve Livet” is a swinging up-tempo song that is about the love of life and those dearest to you. It is specially written for Eva & Ewa and is a bit of a tribute to their 53-year friendship.”
When the audience listens to your song, what message would you like to send?
“Happiness, singalong and dance!”
What would going to Eurovision and represent Sweden mean to you?
“That would be fantastic, and a dream come true! And we would have to reschedule our plans in May!”
Asking more about Eurovision, what is your earliest memory of the competition and what is your favourite Eurovision song (from Sweden or from another country).
“From Eurovison there are plenty songs that still are in our heads!
Hallelujah from Israel.
La de swinge from Norway
Fly on the wings of love from Denmark
And so many more!!”
As we are speaking right now, we are only a few days away until the first heat of Melodifestivalen in Gothenberg, how are you feeling?
“Excited and stressed, this is a big show with a lot of rehearsals and press conferences etc etc. So we are busy 24/7!”
How are the preparations for your live performance next week going? Can you give us any hints into your staging?
“A bit of old school style but with modern dance with feelings from the 30th! Cant say more.”
You participated in Melodifestivalen before, in 2021, how do you think your sound has changed since you last participated?
“It is a bit more of a radio friendly sound but with same tempo and energy still”
Melodifestivalen has a long tradition in Sweden, do you have any favourite memories from the national final over the years?
“Rydberg: ”E det det här du kallar kärlek” with Lasse Holm & Monica Törnell 1986.
Roos: Ring Ring with ABBA 1973. It was a scandal that it didn’t win.”
Thank you for this opportunity, Is there anything you would like to say to the International viewers over at That Eurovision Site?
“Warning we will aim for Liverpool and a little teaser for you and all Eurovision fans!Â
There will be a special remix release of “Ding dong” coming in perfect timing for the Eurovision finals in Liverpool!”
Who are Eva and Ewa?
Eva Rydberg & Ewa Roos made their debut at Melodifestivalen 2021 with “Rena Rama Ding Dong”, which managed to make it to the Andra Chansen round of the competition. Their entry was so popular that the duo made a guest appearance at this year’s Melodifestivalen to perform a Remix of their entry consisting of different languages.
Eva and Ewa have been in the music industry for over 60 years, and have been friends for over 50. There Melodifestivalen 2023 song “Länge leve livet” which translates to “Long live life” was written by Emil Vaker, Henric Pierroff, and Kalle Rydberg.
Sweden’s Eurovision Journey
In 1958, Sweden made their debut in the Eurovision Song Contest, with Alice Babs representing them with the song “Lilla stjärna” which placed fourth. Since their debut, the Scandinavian nation has managed to win six times (1974, 1984, 1991, 1999, 2012, and 2015).
In 2022, Sweden was represented by Cornelia Jakobs, who won the 61st edition of the competition and competed with the song “Hold Me Closer”, which managed to qualify for the Grand Final and placed 4th with 438 points from the jury and televoters.
What do you think of our interview with Eva and Ewa? Are you excited to hear their Melodifestivalen 2023 song? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok as we prepare for Eurovision 2023!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: Janne Danielsson, SVT for Melodifestivalen 2023
