Melodifestivalen in Sweden continues its forward momentum as interest from the music industry remains high. SVT, the public broadcaster, wrapped up the submission period for the iconic Eurovision pre-selection last Thursday, marking the highest intake since 2013 with 2824 submitted songs according to a press release.
“Absolutely amazing. I’m incredibly proud to work with Melodifestivalen, and the growing interest in the competition is evident,” states Karin Gunnarsson, head of the Swedish format. “Participating in Melodifestivalen clearly has a real impact. Many of the apps tied to the process have evolved into major successes, which is exciting for artists and writers alike.”
“The next phase begins with careful listening, thorough screening, and preparation for the upcoming steps in the selection process to assemble a roster that is strong, successful, and enjoyable. We look forward to receiving all inputs with anticipation,” Gunnarsson adds in the press release.
From the 2,824 entries, a total of 28 will earn a spot in Melodifestivalen 2025. A selection jury will choose 14 songs from the submitted works, while SVT will select the remaining 14 later in the autumn. The final lineup will reveal which songs and artists advance to the next stage of Sweden’s Eurovision pre-selection for the year. The process aims to balance variety with quality, ensuring a diverse and engaging slate for audiences across the country and beyond.
Among the rules guiding the competition, SVT indicates that entries should run between two and three minutes in length and can be performed in any language. There is a preference for up to ten compositions written in Swedish. Writers from outside Sweden may participate, provided they collaborate with a Swedish-born artist team, fostering cross-border creativity while preserving Swedish cultural input. This approach underscores Sweden’s commitment to openness while maintaining a strong national voice within the contest.
With this new phase, Sweden looks to secure a seventh Eurovision title, a historic milestone for the country. The journey follows recent challenges during the Turin 2022 rehearsals, where the event faced organizational hurdles. In the grand final, Cornelia Jakobs delivered a standout performance with the song Hold Me Close and finished fourth, earning 438 points and marking Sweden’s best result in the competition since 2015.