Anders Bagge is a composer and one of the most popular TV personalities in Sweden. He is best known as the judge in the Swedish version of the popular music competition Idol. Bagge has worked with many stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Madonna, Westlife, Anastacia, Ace of Base, Santana, Janet Jackson and Enrique Iglesias. He also co-wrote two of the songs which appeared at the stage of Eurovision Song Contest both were entries of Azerbaijan, first one represented them in 2010 “Drip Drop” performed by Safura Alizadeh and the second one represented them when they hosted the show in 2012, “When The Music Dies“ performed by Sabina Babayeva. Anders is making his Melodifestivalen debut as a singer and will be performing the song “Bigger Than the Universe” this Saturday.

Hello Anders, first of all I would like to congratulate you for being selected for the Melodifestivalen 2022 out of 2500 submissions. How does that feel and what made you decide to take part at the contest?
– Thanks so much! It’s great to get the chance to participate. It was not really my intention to participate. I was sitting in a meeting with my agent who had heard the song and who simply challenged me to sing the song. I said ok in that case that it really suited my voice. And it actually did!

I read an interview for Aftonbladet where you said how judging in Idol and participation in Masked Singer Sweden helped you overcome stage fright is that true and do you have an advice with musicians who face the same?
– Yes, it was probably via masked singer that made me dare to stand on stage. I also think it’s a strength for me as a judge for Idol to actually expose myself to what our participants do every week.

How does it feel to compete among the artist which you advised and whose performances you rated as the judge of Idol?
– I’ll be quite honest! It’s super scary

Even though you don’t have Melodifestivalen experience you’ve got Eurovision experience as you are the one behind Azerbaijan entries from 2010, “Drip Drop” and 2012, “When The Music Dies”
– Absolutely. Hope it can help me this time ….

Can you tell us a bit about “Bigger Than the Universe”what does the song mean for you?
– I think so often about the planet and the environment. For me, it is about us all being more afraid of the beauty we have with animals and nature and all the nice and kind people. It may sound a bit cliché but it’s true!

What can we expect from your performance? Can you give us a hint?
– I hope I do not collapse with nervousness but I am also proud of the background film that shows my feelings with the song.

How does it feel to be married to Miss Sweden?
– What do you think?I’m so proud and hope I can continue to convince her that I’m the right man for her!

If I am not mistaken you have five dogs (English bulldogs, Jack Russell terrier and a Great Dane) how is life with them?
– It’s absolutely wonderful. I was told a number of years ago that I could not have children. So my dogs have really become my family! Love them almost as much as my wife!

Do you watch Eurovision regularly, if so would you like to share a memory which you have of it or a favourite song from the contest?
– I have not actually followed the competition in all the years but of course I have to pay tribute to Carola who is a good friend!

If you had a chance to make a duet or create a song for any Melodifestivalen/Eurovision participant, who would you choose?
– Good question!I have to think about it.Maybe one of all these wonderful singers I’ve had the chance to write songs for. But I just can’t actually choose anyone.

What are your plans after Melodifestivalen 2022?
– I will continue to write music and I actually have a lot of new music projects underway. Clearly, the Melodifestivalen has given me new energy within the music business.

Thank you so much for your time Anders. We wish you the best of luck at Melodifestivalen. Do you want to share something else or you maybe have a message for readers of escbubble?
– Thank you! It has been an honor to talk to you! Hope to see and hear from you in Europe this summer! Thanks so much!

Today SVT has released the snippets of the entries competing at third heat of Melodifestivalen 2022. You can check out the snippet of “Bigger Than the Universe” HERE How do you like the song and are you excited for heat 3 of Melodifestivalen 2022? Let us know in the comments below!