Annika Wickihalder is one of the six artists competing in the final heat of Melodifestivalen this Saturday. She wrote her song “Light” with Patrik Jean, Herman Gardarfve and Linnea Gawell. Here at ESCBubble, we had the opportunity to interview Annika about her Melodifestivalen participation and find out more about her and her song!

Annika loves Melodifestivalen and has been following it since she was a kid. “You could say it’s a childhood dream come true”, making her feel both a little nervous but also super excited. Despite not being as knowledgable about Eurovision as she is about Melodifestivalen, she watches Eurovision every year and enjoys it just as much. Annika participated in Swedish Idol in 2021 which helped prepare her for the “social wave”, so she won’t be as shocked this time! “Idol was a very intense time and I was media trained quite well” she says was another positive of her experience on the show.

Regarding her song “Light”, it won’t sound too similar to the songs on her EP, although she says it will be like “Hollow” meets Melodifestivalen. “It’s a typical Annika song.” Annika tells us that the song is about a number of different things.

“For me, it’s about being lost in other people’s versions of me for a long time. I’ve been told how I should be as a woman and now I’m starting to listen within myself – what do I want to do and who do I want to be! The message is to dare to listen to yourself. I know it can be scary but it is so important! It’s yourself you have to live with for the rest of your life. Imagine a life where you are at peace with yourself and you dare to stand up for yourself.”

Although she can’t reveal specific details about her staging, we do know that it will be centred around strong feelings and strength. If Annika wins Melodifestivalen and makes it to Eurovision, she is most looking forward to meeting new people and spreading her love of music. A final message from her to her supporters:

“Be kind to yourself, the Earth and people around you. Right now, the world looks dark but with hope and kindness, it will become brighter. Thank you all for the love and support!”

While you wait to see Annika’s “Light” in heat 5, check out her single “Hollow”.

Are you looking forward to seeing Annika Wickihalder light up the stage in heat 5? Let us know in the comments below and @ESCBubble on social media!