Melodifestivalen 2026 Heat 1: The Journey Begins in Linköping

On January 31, 2026, Sweden's most anticipated music event of the year kicked off as Melodifestivalen 2026 Heat 1 took the stage at the Saab Arena in Linköping. This marked the beginning of a six-week musical journey that will ultimately crown Sweden's representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria.

The Competing Artists

Six talented acts competed for their chance at Eurovision glory in this opening heat:

Greczula – "Half of Me"

Greczula, a rising star in the Swedish music scene, delivered a powerful performance with "Half of Me," a heartfelt ballad exploring themes of vulnerability and self-discovery. The song's emotional depth and Greczula's commanding stage presence resonated strongly with the Swedish public.

A*Teens – "Iconic"

The legendary A*Teens made their Melodifestivalen debut with "Iconic," bringing their signature pop energy to the competition. Known for their international success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the group's return to the spotlight generated significant buzz and excitement among Eurovision fans.

Jacqline – "Woman"

Jacqline performed "Woman," an empowering anthem celebrating strength and independence. The song's contemporary production and meaningful lyrics struck a chord with audiences, earning her a spot in the Second Chance round.

Indra – "Beautiful Lie"

Indra brought atmospheric pop to the stage with "Beautiful Lie," a song exploring the complexities of relationships and truth. Despite a strong vocal performance, the song did not advance beyond the first heat.

Noll2 – "Berusade ord"

Noll2 represented Swedish-language entries with "Berusade ord" (Intoxicated Words), a rock-influenced track that showcased the diversity of Melodifestivalen's musical landscape.

Junior Lerin – "Copacabana Boy"

Junior Lerin brought Latin-inspired rhythms and vibrant energy with "Copacabana Boy," offering a colorful and upbeat performance that added variety to the evening's lineup.

The Saab Arena: Linköping's Premier Venue

Heat 1 took place at the Saab Arena, Linköping's state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue. With a capacity of approximately 8,500 spectators for concerts, the arena provided an intimate yet electric atmosphere perfect for launching Melodifestivalen 2026.

The Saab Arena has become a regular host for Melodifestivalen heats, known for its excellent acoustics and enthusiastic local audience. The venue's modern facilities and central location in Östergötland make it an ideal setting for Sweden's premier music competition.

Understanding Melodifestivalen's Format

Melodifestivalen 2026 follows Sweden's beloved competition format, featuring five heats, a Second Chance round (Andra Chansen), and a Grand Final. Each heat presents six competing songs, with the top two advancing directly to the final and two more proceeding to the Second Chance round for another opportunity.

The Voting System

For the 2026 edition, Sveriges Television (SVT) implemented a 100% public vote system for the heats, divided into eight regional voting groups across Sweden. This democratic approach ensures that the Swedish people have complete control over which songs advance to represent their country.

The winner of each heat is determined by the combined votes from all eight regions, while the second qualifier is selected through the innovative Demoscopic Jury system, which aims to represent a balanced cross-section of Swedish society.

Your Hosts for 2026

Melodifestivalen 2026 is hosted by the dynamic duo of Gina Dirawi and Hampus Nessvold. Gina, a veteran Melodifestivalen host known for her warmth and humor, returns alongside newcomer Hampus, bringing fresh energy and chemistry to the stage.

How to Watch Melodifestivalen 2026

Swedish broadcaster Sveriges Television (SVT) provides comprehensive coverage:

Television Broadcast

All Melodifestivalen 2026 shows air live on SVT1 on Saturday evenings from 20:00 to 21:30 CET. Following viewer feedback, SVT reversed an earlier decision and now broadcasts the complete voting results presentation on television rather than exclusively online.

Online Streaming

For viewers preferring streaming or watching from outside Sweden, SVT Play offers full live streaming and on-demand access to all shows. The platform is free to use and provides high-quality streams with multiple viewing options.

Interactive Participation

Download the official Melodifestivalen app to cast your votes during live shows and participate in the Demoscopic Jury functionality, allowing you to see real-time voting trends.

The Road to Eurovision 2026

The winner of Melodifestivalen 2026 will have the honor of representing Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria, scheduled for May 2026. Sweden boasts an impressive Eurovision record with seven victories, most recently with Loreen's "Tattoo" in 2023.

Melodifestivalen has launched the careers of international superstars including ABBA, Loreen, Måns Zelmerlöw, and many others, making it one of the most prestigious music competitions in Europe.

Why Melodifestivalen Matters

More than just a song contest, Melodifestivalen is a cultural phenomenon in Sweden. Each year, millions of Swedes gather to watch the shows, making it one of the country's most-watched television events. The competition showcases Swedish musical talent, production excellence, and the nation's deep connection to the Eurovision Song Contest.

The 2026 edition continues this proud tradition, bringing together established artists and newcomers in a celebration of Swedish music and creativity.

Event Results

This event concluded on January 31, 2026, at Saab Arena in Linköping. Below are the official results.

Direct Qualifiers to the Grand Final

1st Place (Public Vote): Greczula – "Half of Me"
2nd Place (Demoscopic Jury): A*Teens – "Iconic"

Second Chance Qualifier (Andra Chansen)

Jacqline – "Woman" advanced to the Second Chance round for another opportunity to reach the Grand Final.

Eliminated

Indra – "Beautiful Lie"
Noll2 – "Berusade ord"
Junior Lerin – "Copacabana Boy"

What's Next?

The Melodifestivalen 2026 journey continues! Visit the Events Calendar to see all upcoming heats, the Second Chance round, and the Grand Final.

The winner of Melodifestivalen 2026 will represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria.