[interview] "Show Me What Love Is »: Erik Segerstedt talks ahead of the Melodifestivalen 2025 final
Saturday evening, Erik Segerstedt will take to the stage at the Melodifestivalen 2025 with his song Show Me What Love Is. In the midst of a week of preparations ahead of the final, which will decide who will represent Sweden at Eurovision 2025, he gave us a candid interview in which he talks about his career, his inspirations and his preparations for Saturday's final.
Hi Erik, you're in the final of Melodifestivalen 2025 with "Show Me What Love Is ». How are you feeling ahead of Saturday night?
Frankly, I'm really excited! Even though it's been crazy with all the interviews and preparations, I'm trying to make the most of it. It's a real moment of joy and energy that's coming out of this whole adventure.
For those who don't know you well, how would you describe yourself as an artist and what is your background?
My career started with Swedish Idol in 2006. But really, I've been making music since I was a kid: playing the piano and singing. I'd describe myself as an "organic »" artist because I love incorporating the piano into my songs - it's the central instrument in most of them. I also play guitar and other instruments.
Plus, I need to share. I'm never really comfortable alone on stage; I like the idea of being part of a group. For me, shared happiness is always the best. And even though I'm going solo now, my mind is still firmly set on collaboration.
Show Me What Love Is is seen by some as a ballad, but you say it's more of a mid-tempo. What was the inspiration behind this track?
The inspiration came to me while binge-watching the TV programme Married at First Sight. I was impressed by the courage of the participants who embarked on the adventure of blind love, ready to do anything to live an authentic story. Their audacity really influenced the lyrics of this song.
But the inspiration also comes from my own life: I myself am in search of love, and who isn't? This title reflects both my admiration for those who dare to take the plunge and my own quest to understand and feel authentic love.
Reactions to Show Me What Love Is have been wonderful. I've received lots of DMs on Instagram and other platforms. People love the song, and that means a lot to me. I'm really grateful that they've embraced it so wholeheartedly. It's an incredible feeling.
We also know that you're a big fan of Coldplay. Do you feel their influence in your music and stage direction?
Coldplay have always been one of my favourite bands. Their style can be felt in my music, whether in the choice of instruments, the atmosphere on stage or even my outfits. I'm really inspired by them, even if sometimes it's a bit unconscious: in the way I play the piano on stage, my performances, and even the aesthetics of my costumes.
I've been lucky enough to see them live here in Sweden - honestly, whenever they come I never miss their gig! I've followed their career since I started out. And to top it all off, we're even on the same label. To be able to meet them and, why not, envisage a collaboration, would be a dream come true!
You're back at Melodifestivalen as a solo artist, but you're staying true to the group spirit. What do you like about this dynamic?
It's a bit of a boost to find myself as frontman, but I never feel isolated on stage because I've got my whole band with me. Even if I carry the title solo, the energy comes from this collective collaboration. That's what makes it so strong.
I had already considered returning to Melodifestivalen in recent years, but I wanted to have the right song. For me, that's what it's all about: having a song that I feel is really cut out for the event, with the potential to go through to the final. And this time, I felt that it was the right time, that I finally had that song that made me want to try again.
One of yourrorists, Robin Bengtsson (Editor's note; Eurovision 2017), accompanies you during your performance. What energy does he bring to your performance?
Robin and I made a deal when I was doing backing vocals for him in 2017: if one day I qualified for Melodifestivalen, he would be my backing vocalist. It's great to see that promise come true today. Robin is an exceptional singer. To be honest, he's "overqualified »" for backing vocals. But he gets as much pleasure out of being behind me as I do out of singing behind him. It's hard to describe... It's really great that he's so humble to do that.
The Melodifestivalen format has changed a lot since you last took part. How do you feel about these changes, particularly with the songs being released the day before the show this year?
At first, I wasn't really sure how I felt about it. I thought it wasn't ideal, because the song is always going to sound better in its recorded version than it does live. But when I think about it, I think it's a good thing. In any case, there's always a risk that the song will be heard somewhere beforehand, and that could lead to disqualification. So it's reassuring to be able to release it just beforehand, without worrying about that.
For the final, have you planned any adjustments to your performance or any changes to the show, and how are you preparing for this?
If we make any changes, they'll be subtle adjustments. Everything worked well in the qualifying phase, so we're probably going to keep the same performance. We've talked about adding pyrotechnic effects and flames. We still have a few days before the show to test things out, so we'll see. But there won't be any major changes.
But ... I'm going to sing a lot better this time. I've really been working on my voice, doing vocal exercises and I've also been practising running and singing at the same time to improve my breath. This has enabled me to prepare my voice and make it stronger for this performance. When I qualified, I was ill for a week beforehand, so I didn't have time to prepare my voice properly. But over the last few weeks I've been concentrating on that so that I'm ready for Saturday. It's going to be a great show.
You took part in the Mellodifestivalen in 2013 with Tone Damli. Did you have a chance to watch his performance at the Melodi Grand Prix a few weeks ago? And apart from the MelodifestivalenDo you follow other national teams, such as San Marino?
No, I haven't had time to watch her performance, but I've heard she's taking part. I'll definitely check her out on YouTube. I love Tone, she's a super talented singer. As for the other competitions, I've got a few friends taking part San MarinoDavid Lindgren, Boris Renier and Greg Curtis, who have a group called CRL. But otherwise, I haven't really had time to follow other competitions.
What are your most vivid Eurovision memories?
2017, when we were in Ukraine. It was really special, especially with what's going on over there at the moment. It was a beautiful moment, and we really enjoyed ourselves. It's a really nice memory, but also a strange one, as I said, given the current situation in Ukraine. And then, in 2019, I also took part in Eurovision, this time with the Russian team, in Tel Aviv, Israel. That was another strange experience. I really loved Tel Aviv, I loved Israel. It's a strange feeling to have been in Kiev, to have been with the Russians, and also to have been in Tel Aviv. A lot of strange things are happening, just like these places at the moment.
The world is crazy at the moment. And that's precisely what makes Eurovision so important. Bringing people together, speaking a universal language, which is music. "It's a beautiful thing, and we just hope that more people can experience something like this. It's a beautiful thing, and it's really precious that it exists.
The final is fast approaching. How do you prepare? Do you have any pre-show rituals to keep you focused and relaxed?
No, not really... I don't believe in superstition. My preparation consists above all of getting a good night's sleep, working on my voice and trying to enjoy the moment. At over 40, my body doesn't react like it used to, and my voice needs more training. This song is vocally demanding, in fact I would have liked to write it a half-tone lower!
So, my preparation consists mainly of getting a good night's sleep, doing a bit of exercise and making the most of this bubble, because in a week's time, it'll all be over. Now I realise what a great opportunity it is to be in the final. If the desire is there, it's always a good thing to try again. In fact, I don't think this will probably be the last time you see me at Melodifestivalen. It's a great family of artists, and it's a pleasure to be part of it.
Any final words for your fans and supporters?
"Vive la France! » (laughs) I hope everyone watching the Melodifestival final on Saturday has a good time and enjoys my song. The most important thing for me is that they feel something when they hear it.
Thanks again for your time, especially during this busy week. We can't wait to see you on stage on Saturday night!
Artist details Erik Segerstedt
