Tonight saw the first of five semi-finals of the highly anticipated Melodifestivalen, the Swedish national selection for the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest! 8 artists and groups were present in Örnsköldsvik's Fjällräven Center, but only two of them could qualify directly for the final which will take place on the 13th of March in Stockholm's gigantic Globen Arena. The lucky two who got the highest support from the Swedish televoters tonight were Salem Al Fakir and Ola!

Earlier today, Swedish national broadcaster SVT announced that popular singer/songwriter Pauline was awarded the last wildcard for the 2010 Melodifestivalen, the hugely popular Swedish selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. Pauline will now perform Sucker For Love in the 2nd semi-final in Sandviken on the 13th of February.

The second and last press conference presenting artists for the 2010 Swedish selections was held on Monday. The broadcaster SVT introduced 17 artists in a calm but crowded meeting with the national media. Among many newcomers the main attention was fixed on veterans such as Pernilla Wahlgren and Peter Jöback. The new faces are said to represent a new approach to the national selections.

In a special press conference today, Swedish national broadcaster SVT announced the second half of the artists for the highly popular national final, Melodifestivalen. Among lots of newcomers, the Swedish audience will see many familiar faces like Peter Jöback, Pernilla Wahlgren and Alcazar.

Successful Swedish singer, Peter Jöback, has been chosen as the third wildcard to appear in the 2010 edition of the Swedish national final, Melodifestivalen. This was revealed by SVT this evening.