Photo: Lizel Strömberg (ZEL Photography)

Dotter may have entered her semi-final with every expectation of being a contender to win the whole contest, she was unable to make it past even the first round of voting. There were a number of issues with the number when it was adapted from the studio version to the live show. The dark and moody lighting effects inadvertently made her look washed out, and the audio mixing was so poorly done that the song was left flat and out-of-tune when broadcast on television. There's no doubt that Dotter has an artistic style that can resonate with fans, as her song fared better among consumers after her elimination. But for this particularly effort, it simply wasn't executed well enough to warrant further qualification.

Watch our press conference with Dotter here:

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Photo: Lizel Strömberg (ZEL Photography)

Dotter is one of numerous newcomers to this year's Melodifestivalen, and in the week of her semi-final she has garnered the attention of bookies and international fans alike to be a favourite to do well. Her song "Cry" was written on by the legendary Linnea Deb and the staging was designed by Rickard Engförs. The lighting is mostly dark with explosions of white to punctuate select moments of the song.

Jessica Andersson has returned once again to Melodifestivalen and has brought a Fredrik Kempe-penned song called "Party Voice". The staging and choreography has been worked on by the iconic duo Zain Odelstål and Dennis Brochner. The number is designed to highlight a fierce diva attitude that transcends stigmas about women as they get older. It's glittery, sparkly, and has plenty of wind machines.

Watch our press conference interviews with Dotter, Jessica Andersson, Barbi Escobar, Méndez, and Moncho here:

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