Ring-ring. Ring-ring. Voicemail.

“Hello, Schlagerfiasko! [Or words to that effect.] It’s Warner Music here. You do remember you’re interviewing Loreen at 10am, don’t you? We emailed you yesterday.”

Oh. There’s the email, received approximately around the same time as I was knocking back vittvin in Stadshuset. And now it’s 9.10am. Oops. I’m creating my own schlagerfiasko.

We rearrange for 11am. And then, on the T-banan, we rearrange for 11.30. Arriving at the hotel, there’s another wait, as Loreen is running late. It’s my own fault. A businessman tries to bring me in for an interview with his insurance company. I decline the offer, as I’m not very good with sums.

Loreen eventually arrives in the midst of an intense mobile conversation and greets me with a huge hug. It turns out that her brother is in Bali, and freaking out about the tsunami that could be on its way from Japan after the earthquake (thankfully, it never happened). I offer to cancel the interview right away, but Loreen’s having none of it. She even refuses to allow me to buy her a cappuccino, insisting on paying for our coffees herself.

She’s fabulous, of course she is. Anyone who insists on wearing the red stringy outfit like she did is always going to be fabulous. And the interview itself is a dream. We have a little gossip, too, but you’re not hearing about that.

After we wrap up, Loreen is approached by one of the reception staff to tell her that she was great, and that she voted for her, which I don’t think generally happens in Sweden. And as I casually mention that I have to buy a new microphone for the post-rehearsal interviews later in the evening, she even walks me to the shop to get one. Love her.

Spending the afternoon getting Loreen’s interview on the website, it’s soon time to start getting ready for the dress rehearsal.

It’s a bit of a strange experience, the dress rehearsal. In the press room, the media people are very relaxed about the whole thing (obviously, this is what we do), but outside, families are queuing to get in. Excited kids everywhere, eager to get a glimpse of their music idols (mainly Eric…). What we take for granted (and have free entry into), so many others are waiting in huge anticipation. This is a big deal.

Sitting down in the main are right in front of the stage, we’re in a very privileged position to see what’s going on. The rehearsal itself goes smoothly, with just a few minor hiccups along the way. But that’s what rehearsals are for. Can I also just point out at this stage that whenever you see breathless reports on other websites about which act has won the rehearsal vote, totally ignore it. It’s all made up to help the producers and other crew get an idea of how the technical side of the operation is working. It actually has no bearing on reality.

Swingfly wins the rehearsal contest. Enough said.

Right afterwards, we get a mini press conference, and a chance to chat to the stars. I grab interviews with Linda Bengtzing, Sanna Nielsen and Eric Saade. By the time I’d done that, there was no time to talk to Danny Saucedo, but three out of four targets isn’t bad, considering. At the välkomstfest the night before, Velvet had agreed to be interviewed, but we hadn’t exchanged numbers. Thankfully, she checks her email (or rather, her manager does and passes messages along), so as I’m waiting for Eric, I see her waving at me. Yes, I’ve got people waiting to speak to me. How ridiculous is that?

All four interviewees were absolutely amazing. It’s a credit to the contest that everyone is happy enough to talk openly, in English, to some crazy internet guy from London wielding a camera and a half-working microphone. Such professionalism is rarely experienced elsewhere – I have bitter memories of quite a few incidences…

If you haven’t seen the interviews, they’re all very snappy, quite amusing and brief. Take a look at my YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/schlagerfiasko

Later on in the evening, we hit up Kolingsborg to return to Paradise for the first time in a year. Paradise is one of Stockholm’s gay club nights, and has a reputation for schlager. Emil, aka Soundfactory, was DJing, and doing some very mind-altering things with mixes. If you have never heard Hera Björk mashed up with Kejsi Tola (Albanian Eurovision entry from 2009, but you already knew that), then you’re missing out. Actually, having said that, I’m going to ask him if he’ll put it online. It has to be heard.

The main act was the absolutely stunning Arja Saijonmaa. Anyone who knows me will know that I adore Arja, the Finnish campaigner, singer, politician and sauna-enthusiast. I’m not even going to try explaining how fabulous she was on stage, so you can watch the video below and experience the Arja magic for yourself. That’s Diamond Dogs’ Peter Englund hosting and worshipping.

Next time, standing at the bar with Shirley Clamp, dancing with the prime minister’s daughter, and being best pals with Alexander Bard.