This Saturday, the first semi final of Melodifestivalen 2015 will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden. The first seven acts will compete for two tickets to the Final and two tickets for the Second Chance. Tomorrow, on Thursday, the 30-seconds snippets of the seven songs from the general rehearsal will be released.

We talked to Rickard Söderberg who will perform a duet with Elize Ryd. Both singers are famous not only in Sweden but outside the country as well. Rickard is known for his work in the Opera, and Elize is a singer in the famous melodic metal band Amaranthe.

Learn a bit more about their entry and Rickard himself:

• Hello Rickard! How did you and Elize Ryde decide to participate together in Melodifestivalen?

We met in a Swedish television show, and immediately took a liking to each other. When we heard this song, we knew we wanted to do this together …

• Can you tell us a bit about your song?

It’s a song that we hope will inspire; a promise that no one is alone. And it’s also grand, which suits our voices well. If there is love and good music (and there is), you never know what will happen in the future!

• Are you planning to continue working together?

If there is love and good music (and there is), you never know what will happen in the future!

• What would representing Sweden in Eurovision mean to you?

To represent Sweden with music and love would be an indescribable honour.

• How are you preparing yourself for your Semi-Final?

By doing my usual day job; singing in the Opera, writing articles and working with the charity.

• Can you tell us a bit more about the staging of the song?

We want to focus on the vocals, the voices and the message. So there will be few distractions …

• Who is the biggest contender you could think of from this year’s Melodifestivalen?

I want to see Melodifestivalen more as a venue for music and people, rather than as a fierce contest. So I would say everyone, and noone.

• Do you have any favourites from the past editions of Melodifestivalen?

Oh, I have many! But I must say that there are few songs that beats uk 1983! Sweet dreams with I’m never giving up!

• On a lighter note: what kind of music do you like to listen to?

In my day job, it’s so much music all the time, mainly opera and classical music. So when I get home so I relax with Barbra Streisand, Doris Day and Judy Garland. Or just silence.

• Have you got any other artist you would recommend to our readers?

I assume your readers already know most of what has to do with pop. So why not listen to Birgit Nilsson and Maria Callas; My household gods.

• Many people around the world will be reading this. What would you tell them about your country so to encourage them to visit it?

Sweden is one of the most tolerant countries regarding ex LGBT people to live in. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

• Melodifestivalen is also known for the wild parties after the semifinal and final: what’s your party trick?

I guess it would be to break out into a grand opera aria … Who would not want that at their party?

• Thank you Rickard and good luck on Saturday!

Fun Fact: Rickard Söderberg appeared on the cover page of Melodifestivalen issue of QX Magazine along with Eric Saade, Magnus Carlsson, Mariette, Kristin Amparo and Måns Zelmerlöw. Since 2007 only 3 times a winner didn’t appear on the cover page of the magazine – in 2007, 2010 and 2013. According to the statistics this-year-winner is on the cover page of QX!

Give a listen to Rickard’s big hit “O Helga Natt”: