After closing the submission window for “Melodifestivalen 2026″, Swedish broadcaster SVT announced that 3,888 songs were submitted to the selection process for Eurovision 2026.
This is a record, with an increase of more than a thousand compared to last year (2,794 songs).
Similar numbers were obtained in 2011, where more than 3,800 songs were submitted.
“Melodifestivalen 2026” – Known Details
- 3,888 songs were submitted to “Melodifestivalen 2026“
- The selected jury will shortlist the submitted songs.The panel will consist of the “Melodifestivalen” main board members, among them Karin Gunnarsson (“Melodifestivalen” producer).
- The competition will consist of 6 shows: 5 semi-finals and a grand final.
- The show will be held between February and March 2026.
- 30 acts will compete in the semi-final, 12 of them will qualify for the final.
- There aren’t any restrictions regarding the language of the songs.
- At least 30% of the chosen acts will be performed in Swedish.
- At least 50% of the chosen songs must feature female writers/composers.
- Any Swedish citizen/resident can apply. Foreign performers are welcome, as long as at least one of the songwriters/composers is Swedish.
- All submitted songs must not have been released before the contest.
- The song duration must be between 2 and 3 minutes.
- SVT might invite some performers, writers and composers to submits songs.
- The full regulations can be found here
Anders Wistbacka, “Melodifestilvalen 2026” project manager, added:
We always want to improve Melodifestivalen. We keep the editorial power that has made Melodifestivalen so strong, but complement with insights into what engages and works in today’s digital music landscape
KAJ represented Sweden in Eurovision 2025
They performed “Bara Bada Bastu” and ended in 4th place
Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th, 2026.
