Ahead of the fourth semi-final of Melodifestivalen 2025, Tim had the opportunity to speak with Ella Tiritiello, who is hoping to qualify for the final with her song “Bara du är där”.
Read our interview with Ella Tiritiello here!
Hi Ella, I would like to start by asking how are you doing today?
I feel really good!! I am very excited about February 22 when I will be participating in the Melodifestivalen.
Tell us one thing about yourself that not many people know about.
I am addicted to nasal spray.
How does it feel to be in the running to represent Sweden at Eurovision 2025?
It feels so incredibly fun and exciting. It is truly something I have dreamed of doing, and singing for such a large audience is going to be so much fun. Of course, it feels nerve-wracking, but I feel well-prepared and just want to get on stage and sing!!
The first question I will ask about Mello is your entry “Bara du är där”. What was your personal experience like recording the song, and telling us in your own words the message of your entry?
Bara du är där – a ballad that is very vulnerable but also full of power. It’s a love song, which for me is about my mom. I’m not in a relationship right now, but I have a very strong relationship with my mom, so for me, Bara du är där – is about her. But I think it’s wonderful when listeners can form their own perceptions and personal connections to the song, so I hope they make it their own. I heard this song and fell in love with it immediately. I got to record it and give it my personal touch. When I then got the chance to perform this song at Mello, it felt so obvious that I would do it! I love Loreen, and my whole family has liked her since I was little. So getting the chance to do this song feels so incredibly fun! We are a big Mello family, so for me, this is so big.
We’re a couple of weeks away from your participation, how are the preparations going for your performance?
I sing the song 10 times a day and do my entire performance at the same time. That way, I get prepared and everything sticks in my memory.
Is there anything you can tell us about what we’ll see on stage?
I want people to feel the emotion of a teenage girl who is in her room expressing her feelings.
You are one of the artists debuting in the competition this year, how are you finding your participation so far, as a newcomer?
It has been so fun, and it is really a life experience. Everyone is very nice to me, and I am having the time of my life!
We’re here because we love Eurovision, I wanted to ask you, what is your go-to Eurovision song?
I love Eurovision; I would say that the songs I have listened to the most from there are Euphoria by Loreen and also Arcade by Duncan Laurence.
Looking ahead to Mello next month, once they see you perform “Bara du är där”, and they like your performance and your entry, what song from your discography should they listen to next?
I would really say that people should listen to my song “Again and Again” and also my interpretation of Avicii’s ‘For a Better Day,’ which started my whole career.
About Ella Tiritiello
Ella Tiritiello first became known in the Swedish music scene through her covers via Instagram. Her fame dramatically increased in 2021 when, at 14, she covered “For a Better Day” atop the Avicii Globe. This is something she would do again in 6 months time, singing the same song with Zara Larsson. Despite her short time in the industry Ella has managed to release two EPs and perform at Allsång på Skansen in 2022. Outside her music career Ella also made an acting debut last year.
Ella Tiritiello will be participating at this Saturday’s Melodifestivalen 2025 with her entry “Bara du är där”, which she co-wrote alongside Adam Englund, David Björk, and Loreen Talhaoui.
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 2024, Marcus and Martinus represented Sweden on home soil. As the host entry, their song “Unforgettable” did not need to compete in the semi-finals. At the close of voting in the grand final, they had received 174 points. 125 points were received by the juries, while the twins received 49 points by televoters.
Are you backing Ella at Mello this year? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2025!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: Stina Stjernkvist/SVT for Melodifestivalen 2025
Giwrgos Oiko