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The evolutionary speed of Sweden’s Melodifestivalen might be best described as ‘glacial’, but SVT is keen to trumpet ‘changes’ for 2026.
The broadcaster has now published the official competition rules, confirming that artists, composers, and lyricists have until mid-September to submit their entries. As ever, the broadcaster is seeking a balance between established names and newcomers, while making clear that submissions generated by artificial intelligence will not be accepted – a move that echoes similar bans in other national selections.
Among the headline changes, Melodifestivalen 2026 will cement a move from the “Second Chance” round. Instead, the shows will feature five heats and a grand final, with the results streamlined to keep the competition moving at pace. Göteborgs-Posten reports that SVT wants to avoid drawn-out eliminations, focusing instead on giving more acts the chance to be seen in primetime before quickly whittling down the field.
Voting, too, is getting an overhaul. The app – now a staple of the contest – will remain central, but SVT is adjusting the way points are distributed to ensure that younger viewers don’t disproportionately shape the outcome. For the first time, tie-breaks will be decided by televoting rather than the jury, giving the audience the last word in any deadlock.
Producers also emphasise inclusivity. At least half of the selected entries must have female composers or lyricists involved, continuing efforts to make Melodifestivalen reflect the diversity of the Swedish music industry. In addition, artists must now confirm their availability for Eurovision itself at the point of entry – preventing the sort of late withdrawals that have occasionally complicated matters in the past.
One constant, however, is the scale of the spectacle. Melodifestivalen 2026 will once again tour Sweden, bringing the glitter and the pyrotechnics to arenas nationwide before landing for the final in Stockholm. Usually timed to reveal the Swedish entrant just in time for the Eurovision entry deadline.
