Melodifestivalen is Sweden’s method of selecting the entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. The show is one of the most popular events in this Scandinavian country which hosted this year’s contest in Malmo. ESC fans from all around the world tune in every year to watch all Semi Shows as well as the big Finale.
The winner of radio competition Svensktoppen nästa automatically is given one of the 32 spots and the lucky act is the band EKO. The band from the Västerbotten region won with the song Yellow. This will NOT be the song to be performed during Melodifestivalen as the EBU rules stipulate that the songs are not allowed to be released or publicly performed before September 1st. We’ll find out soon enough which song this band will choose so check back soon for additional information.
Not counting Eko, half of the competing entries will be chosen by a selection panel from the received submissions, while the other half will be selected through an invitation process by SVT. A new rule for the 2014 edition of the competition stipulates that at least 20% of the selected entries are to be written by female composers/lyricists in a full or partial capacity.
Who do you want to see take part in this popular show next year? Would you like to see some new faces or see some familiar faces return? Share your thoughts below or join the conversation on our popular forum HERE
Source: eurovision.tv, wikipedia, sverigesradio
Roy van der Merwe
August 26, 2013 at 07:22
In South Africa we are used to having quotas, but I find it a little strange in SWEDEN. I thought you go for the best irrespective of which race or sex or gender the composers come from?