Melodifestivalen

Melodifestivalen is Sweden's annual music competition organized by Sveriges Television (SVT) to determine the country's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. Since its origins in 1959, it has grown into one of Sweden's most watched television events and a major platform for Swedish pop music.

The contest typically unfolds over several weeks in February and March, moving between multiple Swedish cities. It features four or five semi-finals, from which a portion of acts advance directly to the final, while others reach a second-chance round known as Andra chansen. The grand final determines the winner, who earns the right to represent Sweden at Eurovision. The voting combines televoting and juries, with results announced during the final.

Entries are sourced through auditions and submissions, inviting both established artists and newcomers. The format emphasizes live performance and evolving stage presentation, and the venue for the final changes periodically, often in major arenas in Stockholm or other large cities. The competition has also become a significant televised event, drawing broad national attention and extensive media coverage.

Melodifestivalen has produced several notable Eurovision entries and moments. ABBA's victory in Eurovision 1974, following their Melodifestivalen triumph, is a landmark. Loreen won Melodifestivalen in 2012 with Euphoria and again in 2023 with Tattoo, both of which went on to win Eurovision. The festival is widely regarded as a launching pad for Swedish artists and a key element of the country's musical culture.