2011’s Allsång På Skansen kicked off tonight in rapturous style with a tremendous line-up of guests to open the season. We were there, to watch over proceedings, and in the year it’s been since it was last in full swing, we really had forgotten just how much fun it is!
The artists came on to sing their current singles, plus each had a turn performing an old Swedish classic, going into the crowd and getting audience members to join in. It’s a tried and tested formula, that contributes to a great show which gives SVT huge ratings each year, and SVT’s viewers a reliable form of entertainment. What was different this year though, was the host – it’s the first year with Måns Zelmerlöw as the program leader. And despite fully admitting that he was ridiculously nervous, we think he did an excellent job – he’s a hugely charming TV personality. And even though we’d love him to make another pop album, we have to admit that he already looks right at home doing what he’s doing now.
Our highlights from the evening?….Well there were a few;
- September’s ‘Mikrofonkåt’ being backed by a male voice choir
- Seeing Benny Andersson live on stage – an actual living legend
- Danny Saucedo’s vigorous crotch grabbing during his encore performance of ‘Tonight’, which wasn’t televised
Our absolute highlight though, was actually meeting, shaking hands, and chatting with Mr Benny Andersson of Abba himself, backstage afterwards. Our brief interview with him will be online here later this week, as well as our chat with September, and with Marie Serneholt, who was there to support her boyfriend Måns.
For now though, here are those performances;
September: ‘Party In My Head’/’Mikrofonkåt’
Danny: ‘In The Club’
Benny Andersson’s Orchestra: ‘Kåra Syster’
Benny Andersson’s Orchestra: ‘O Kläng Och Jubeltid’
