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Sweden’s SVT has published the full competition rules for Melodifestivalen 2026, outlining how songs can be submitted, what requirements entries must meet, and how the broadcaster will handle the selection process.

📅 Key dates

• Submissions open: Monday 18 August 2025 (09:00 CET)
• Submissions close: Friday 12 September 2025 (11:59 CET)
• Around 30 songs will be chosen to compete, after an industry jury evaluates the entries and gives its recommendations.

SVT’s new core selection team will include Karin Gunnarsson (contest producer & artistic director), Viktor Berglund (producer & voting coordinator), Lotta Furebäck (stage producer), and Daniel Edvardsson (content producer).

🔑 Main rules for submissions

• Eligibility: Songwriters must be Swedish citizens or residents (as of 12 August 2025). Non-residents may participate if at least one songwriter meets this requirement.
• Diversity in songwriting: At least 50% of selected entries will be written by women or mixed-gender teams.
• Language: About 30% of entries are intended to feature primarily Swedish lyrics. Songs may be submitted in any language, but the submitted language will normally be the one used in competition.
• Originality: Only new works are allowed. Songs may not have been released, performed publicly, or circulated online (including social media) prior to the competition.
• Duration: Entries must be between 2:00 and 3:00 minutes long. Songs outside this limit may be adapted if approved by SVT.
• Vocals required: Instrumental-only pieces are not permitted.
• Artist approval: Artists must be aware of their submission and ready to perform both in Melodifestivalen and, if chosen, at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.

🎤 Rules for selected entries

• SVT decides which artist will perform each song in the competition (and possibly at Eurovision). If the original creators disagree, SVT may replace the entry.
• A maximum of 8 performers are allowed on stage in Melodifestivalen, reduced to 6 for Eurovision.
• Artists must sing live; however, pre-recorded backing vocals may be used (except from the lead artist).
• Songwriters must provide full lyrics, translations (if needed), and complete documentation once selected.
• SVT reserves extensive rights to broadcast, adapt, and promote the entries, in line with EBU’s Eurovision regulations.

📺 Other conditions

• Entries cannot be released or performed publicly before their broadcast date in Melodifestivalen.
• Songs and artists cannot be used for commercial advertising until at least 30 days after leaving the competition (or, for the winning entry, until after Eurovision).
• Participants must take part in SVT-arranged press conferences, rehearsals, and promotional events, both during Melodifestivalen and—if selected—at Eurovision 2026.
• SVT retains the right to disqualify any entry that violates the rules.