Sweden is kicking off its process to select a representative for a forthcoming Eurovision edition, marking a pivotal moment as Melodifestivalen announces its traditional path toward this national choice. In 2023, the Swedish public broadcaster SVT set the stage by introducing the selection framework after Cornelia Jakobs carried Sweden’s hopes with the song Hold Me Closer. This year’s cycle continues to build on that momentum, inviting artists and composers to participate and showcase their entries for consideration during the next Melodifestivalen season.
Entries are open to artists and composers who want to compete in the Nordic country’s revered music festival. Submissions must be filed by the deadline of September 16 at 23:59 through the official Melodifestivalen site. The selection structure, a familiar feature since 2015, divides picks between two streams: 28 songs are chosen by a professional jury, while 14 additional entries are invited directly by the organizing team. The final lineup will be announced later this year, rounding out the pool of contenders for the national competition.
Among the criteria SVT emphasizes are song length and language considerations: tracks should run between two and three minutes. The broadcaster also reserves 10 nominations for compositions written in Swedish, underscoring the country’s commitment to native-language storytelling. Foreign writers are welcome, provided they collaborate with a Swedish-born artist and form a valid team that aligns with the festival’s artistic aims. This policy fosters a blend of international input with strong Swedish artistic identity, a balance that has become a hallmark of Melodifestivalen’s modern era.
SVT’s approach to opening the reception for Melodifestivalen is described as both important and enjoyable, reflecting the excitement that accompanies a new competition cycle. The organizers acknowledge the task of curating a compelling season and express confidence in obtaining a broad and high-quality set of contributions. In a note from SVT, the team signals a positive outlook for the 2023 season, emphasizing a continued commitment to delivering a successful and engaging event that resonates with fans across Sweden and beyond. The production team, led by trusted producers, reiterates the goal of capturing diverse musical voices while maintaining a cohesive festival experience that aligns with the country’s cultural storytelling traditions. Source: SVT.