Depending on who you listen to, the Andra Chansen round of Sweden’s Melodifestivalen selection process last night threw up yet more surprises, with the big favourites with fans and bookmakers alike failing to proceed to next Saturday’s grand final.

In the top half of the draw, Dynazty were knocked out by Top Cats, while veteran Andreas Johnson failed to reach his fourth MF final, being toppled by folksy girl group Timoteij. In the final duel, the rockabilly boys of Top Cats proved triumphant and will now perform their song “Baby Doll” in Globen on 10 March.

Meanwhile, in the bottom half, two songs from the first semi-final went head-to-head after Thorsten Flinck & Revolutionsorkestern and Sean Banan beat off the challenge of Lotta Engberg & Christer Sjögren and Youngblood respectively in the first round. And despite Banan’s chart success, it was the gravel-voiced Flinck who ultimately got the ticket to Stockholm with “Jag reser mig igen”.

Surprise or no surprise, it can safely be said that this is one of the most musically varied Melodifestivalen finals in memory – let it never be claimed that the Swedes only ever vote for schlager! – and we are pleased to announce that esc-chat.com will be in Stockholm next weekend to report live on the preparations for Saturday’s grand final. Watch this space!

Shortly after last night’s show, the running order for the final was announced. It is as follows:

1. David Lindgren – Shout It Out
2. Thorsten Flinck & Revolutionsorkestern – Jag reser mig igen
3. Dead by April – Mystery
4. Lisa Miskovsky – Why Start A Fire
5. Top Cats – Baby Doll
6. Loreen – Euphoria
7. Ulrik Munther – Soldiers
8. Björn Ranelid feat. Sara Li – Mirakel
9. Molly Sandén – Why Am I Crying?
10. Danny Saucedo – Amazing