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Idol rises from the ashes. After being replaced by The X Factor Sweden last year, which was not only a ratings flop but an overall disappointment, the show that brought us Loreen, Darin, Danny Saucedo, Agnes, Linnea Henriksson, Amanda Fondell, Robin Stjernberg and multiple others is back for another round. Will we find a new star this time?

Recap after the JUMP ...

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You can watch the full episode HERE


The auditions continue in Malmö after a promising start in Sundsvall yesterday.

(I'm using Google Translate for all that's said, so bare with me and please correct me if something is wrong)

Sakib Zabbar (17) - "We're In This Love Together" - He grew up in a suburb in Malmö. He used to hang out with older guys until his family moved to a better neighbourhood and he got some friends of his own age. He sounds surprisingly great, even if this song has no melody whatsoever. The judges hand him the ticket while he's singing. "Shit!" Laila exclaims.


Mandana Svensson (23) - "You Know I'm No Good/"Bad Things" - She trips when she enters the room. The audition starts ok but Alexander stops her right away. He think she sounds like an Amy Winehouse imitation, he wants to hear Mandana. She sings True Blood's theme song with a very distinctive tone, yet the song is almost intelligible. Anders claims he needs subtitles to understand what she was singing yet he also says he loves her and gives her a yes, which make Laila also give her one. "Go home and work" Alexander tells her.



Olivia Maunsbach (16) - "On The Radio" - She thinks the judges have made some very good choices in previous seasons, the ones she'd have made. This is different, I like it, a lot. She actually reminds me to Moa Lignell, not the strongest singer but with a clear musical direction. She could very well be an Ingrid Michaelson/Regina Spektor crossing. Lovely audition. Alexander gives her a no, probably because she's so young.



Niklas Janfjord (19) - "Isn't She Lovely" - His interest in bodybuilding began when he was 14. He eats about 8-10 times a day. He claims to see a similarity between bodybuilding and singing, in that you need to work hard for it. It was not until high school he realized he'd a good voice and that many may like it.  He then went on to sing for 600 people. "I liked it" he says. His voice is pretty smooth, his tone really pretty. He's too insecure though, Laila had to tell him to sing with more enthusiasm. I liked it though. Alexander obviously gives him a no, while the others give him yeses. He refuses to shake Niklas' hand. That's really a douchy move man.


Oliver Cardoso (20) - Bagge on Tour - "Stay" - Anders came to Göteborg to meet Oliver, a football player who sings and play the piano. He says Oliver is good enough to get one of these "räkmacka" right away. Oliver doesn't disappoint. His singing is great, much better than some of the contestants that've been featured before, and his phrasing is terrific. I would like to see how he handles before the other judges though.


Vendela Hollström (16) - "Clown" - A huge voice for someone so young. Nice cover but I fear she may be a bit too generic for my liking. She could improve with more obscure songs though. Anders thought her tone was perfect while Alexander says she's got a girl next door vibe. A quick YouTube search lets us know she won something called My Camp Rock 2 on Disney Channel. You can watch the video here, be your own judge. - VIDEO

Wilhelm Börjesson (16) - "Let's Get It On" - He started writing music when he was 5-6 years old. His first song was about him being on the beach, meeting a giraffe and then it all turned into a party. "Deep stuff" he says. He's always thought Idol was really cool, the only thing he's afraid of is messing up his guitar playing. Great singer, cool tone and his guitar playing wasn't bad at all. I was disappointed he didn't sing an original, I wanted to hear that song about the giraffe. Haha.


Viktoria Ekelund (16) - "Waiting On The World To Change" - She recently learned that her dad has lung cancer and only one year left to live. "This is my last gift to him" a very sad Viktoria tells us. While that was a lovely rendition of the song of a song I adore, I kinda wanted it to be better. Considering all that's going on in her life plus the nerves or performing in front of the judges, I guess that could have affected her performance. She's got raw potential though, I'm pretty optimistic about her chances. Anders gives her a yes straight away. "There is no doubt that you will be singing. I'm not sure you should move on though. We must forget all the stories. If we don't, we do you a disservice. I hope you understand why. Your dad must be really proud of you, it's good that he got the chance to see you. It's a no" Alexander tells her. Of course, Laila isn't able to reject her, so Viktoria is moving on!



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