With the fifth Semi-Final of Melodifestivalen 2024 approaching, Angus sat down with Annika Wickihalder for an interview, ahead of her debut in this year’s competition with her entry “Light”.
Check out our interview with Annika Wickihalder right here!
During the interview, Angus and Annika talked about what the song is about, what we can expect from her performance, how competing on Idol 2021 helps her prepare for Melodifestivalen, and a lot more.
Who is Annika Wickihalder
Annika Wickihalder is making her Melodifestivalen debut, but this isn’t her first brush with TV fame. Viewers of Swedish TV will recognize her as one of the semi-finalists of Idol 2021. Born in Switzerland and having lived in Spain before moving to Sweden, the Swedish singer has always felt at home on the stage. Annika’s vocals are often described as powerful yet vulnerable. Her debut EP “Hollow” was released in 2023 and is inspired by pop, gospel, and soul.
Her Melodifestivalen entry “Light” is in part inspired by her experiences on Idol 2021. The song was written by herself, Linnea Gawell (Melfest debut), Herman Gardarfve (The Mamas “Move”, UK 2017, Switzerland 2018), and Patrik Jean (The Mamas “Move”, Azerbaijan 2019, competed himself in Mello 2021).
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 seven times (1974, 1984, 1991, 1999, 2012, 2015 and 2023).
In 2023, Loreen returned to represent Sweden, who won the 2012 edition of the competition. She competed with the song “Tattoo”, which managed to qualify for the Grand Final, and placed 1st with 583 points. Loreen won the jury vote, accruing 340 points from the jury, earning an additional 243 points from the televote. This now means Sweden matches Ireland for the record of most wins in Eurovision history.
What did you think of our interview with Annika Wickihalder? Are you excited to see her debut at the Melodifestivalen stage? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, BlueSky and Tiktok as we gear up for Eurovision 2024!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit : Magnus Liam Karlsson/SVT for Melodifestivalen 2024
That Eurovision Site 
Rory Gannon