Idol and the Swedish music phenomenon

Some people are born into the music industry, with the right genes, the right contacts and the right education. But most people aren't.

I believe one of the reasons Sweden has such a lot of good musicians, and such a successful music industry, is that there has been a great music education for kids since many many years in this country. I'm talking about the communal music school, where you take lessons after school. The communal musical school and all the courses that were subsidized made it possible for most kids to such training.

Many of those teachers have now lost their jobs. That happened before the financial crisis, it's all political. So I guess in the future, we won't have the same musical industry. If there is no diversification, you don't get all the talents.

Talking about talents, I think the Idol competitors this year keep an high standard. Tonight Mariette, Tove and also Nichlas gave me a bit of shivering when listening. Erik is also a favorite.