Sweden’s beloved Melodifestivalen is embracing change for its 2026 edition, marking a shift toward a more professional and transparent selection process—along with a few structural tweaks to keep the competition ever-fresh.
A Clearer, Industry-Rooted Selection Process
According to GAFFA, SVT has confirmed that applications for Melodifestivalen 2026 will open on 18 August 2025 and close on 12 September 2025 at 11:59 CEST. A total of 30 songs will be chosen—15 by SVT in collaboration with a jury described as individuals “with a clear musical connection.” The jury members, all seasoned professionals, are:
Karin Gunnarsson, competition producer
Viktor Berglund, competition producer and head of voting
Lotta Furebäck, producer
Daniel Edvardsson, producer
What stands out is that this jury is no longer populated by anonymous public listeners, but by experienced industry figures—a deliberate move toward expertise and consistency.
An Aftonbladet report headlined “SVT’s change: Takes control over ALL the songs in Mello” underscores how SVT is consolidating decision-making. The report notes that four individuals now wield exclusive power over which songs make the cut—roles previously dispersed or publicly influenced—suggesting a strategic shift in gatekeeping. The tone hints that this level of control, while possibly efficient, may raise concerns about creative homogeneity or centralization of taste.
Why the Change?
The revamp is intentional, rooted in SVT’s desire to preserve Melodifestivalen’s strong editorial standards while adapting to today’s digital music landscape. Anders Wistbacka, project manager for Melodifestivalen, emphasizes the dual approach: “We keep the editorial power that has made Melodifestivalen so strong, but complement it with insights into what engages and works in today’s digital music landscape.”
What This Means for Competitors and Fans
For artists and songwriters: Expect a more focused, but also more selective process—entries will be evaluated by people who understand both music production and the competition’s demands.
For fans: The show could feel more cohesive and polished, but may lose some of the unpredictability and variety that came from more decentralized decision-making.
Details
Submission Window:
18 August – 12 September 2025, closing at 11:59 CEST
Total Songs Selected:
30 (15 chosen by SVT with jury)
Jury Members:
Karin Gunnarsson, Viktor Berglund, Lotta Furebäck, Daniel Edvardsson
In essence, Melodifestivalen 2026 appears poised to evolve—striking a new balance between tradition and modernization.
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