Robin Bengtsson Shines Bright as Break-out Star of Melodifestivalen 2016

Photo: Lizel Strömberg

The Dark Horse Few Saw Coming

Robin Bengtsson began his week in Melodifestivalen in the middle of the odds. Many believed he would qualify to Andra Chansen with the help of some carry-over recognition from his third-place finish on Swedish Idol back in 2008. When we met with Robin to speak about his Melodifestivalen entry, "Constellation Prize", and finally making it into the contest, he was soft-spoken, humble, but eager to get the opportunity to finally be on the Melodifestivalen stage.

Robin had previously submitted songs in for consideration on two occasions, but with the help of his manager suggesting that Robin be the one to sing "Constellation Prize" when it had yet to find a singer, finally things started to come together. He released a truly excellent EP entitled "Under My Skin" back in 2014 comprised of well-produced songs with a great groove, including "Fired" and "Sleep On It", under the artist name "B Robin".

Competition is not something that Robin is particularly interested in, as he is instead more concerned with showing Swedish and international viewers just how passionate he is about music and singing. "Constellation Prize" spins a somewhat elaborate narrative in which Robin's love interest is with someone new but Robin hopes to still be with her even if he's not her first choice ("Consolation Prize") and that perhaps their love is written in the stars ("Constellation"). Melodically and production-wise, the song isn't the most innovative but truly soars live due to Robin's superb vocals as well as his remarkable ability to emote the narrative and create a connection with viewers.

Much to Robin's surprise, he ended up not only placing in the top 4 on Saturday night, but qualified direct to the finals in Stockholm. With many more rounds of competition to take place, it's difficult to say how he will end up placing but if there's one thing that is clear, it's that Robin Bengtsson has now broken out in the way he had hoped to do. Hopefully an EP or album will soon follow his run in Melodifestivalen that will return back to the funkier soul-pop that was so well-executed on his EP but now he will have an even larger audience to enjoy the content.

Watch our sit-down, one-on-one interview with Robin Bengtsson here:

Also watch as we checked in with Robin after the first dress rehearsal: