As Melodifestivalen 2026 gets underway, SVT has confirmed several changes to the contest’s voting system and broadcast format.
Radiohjälpen voting introduced in the app
One of the main changes concerns voting. For the first time, viewers will be able to cast Radiohjälpen votes directly through the Melodifestivalen app, something that was previously only possible via telephone.
The feature will be introduced gradually throughout the semi-finals, with a randomly selected group of users gaining access in each show. To take part, users must be 16 years or older.
Radiohjälpen votes cost 10 SEK, whether placed via the app or by phone. When voting in the app, the entire amount goes to Radiohjälpen, while phone votes include a small administrative fee. As in previous years, free “heart votes” will remain available in the app.
According to Melodifestivalen project manager Anders Wistbacka, the goal is to modernise the voting experience while continuing to support Radiohjälpen’s Världens Barn campaign.
SVT Play takes on a bigger role in the shows
SVT Play will also play a more prominent role during the competition. While the two direct finalists from each semi-fonal will still be announced on SVT1, the final qualifier will now be revealed exclusively on SVT Play during the first four semi-finals.
This means that the SVT Play broadcast will continue for ten minutes longer, allowing viewers to follow the selection of the final qualifier after the main TV broadcast ends. The final qualifier segment will no longer be shown on SVT1 during these shows.
The fifth and final semi-final will remain unchanged and will be broadcast in full on SVT1.
Result show returns to the broadcast
Another notable change is the return of the full result presentation. After being removed last year, the graphic breakdown of points for all competing entries will once again be shown on screen.
SVT says the decision follows strong viewer feedback, with many fans expressing that they missed seeing the full results unfold during the broadcast.
How are the changes received?
Tonight (January 30), the dress rehearsal took place in Linköping, and our friends at ESC Insight was in attendance, where they spoke with the artists, who commented on the current format.
Jacqline, who is participating tomorrow with her entry “Woman” has said to ESC Insight that she would like the format to change, commenting:
“I feel like maybe not all of the people that are watching are going to transfer over to the app, so maybe they’re not going to see who qualifies.”
Meanwhile, newcomer Indra who is participating with her entry “Beautiful Lie” mentioned that it was fun to go on stage again, but the new system left her alone on stage, rather than being with the songwriters in the green room, commenting:
“When you have a lot of people in the green room like I do, it would be comfortable to have those with you.”
Looking ahead to Melodifestivalen 2026
Melodifestivalen 2026 will take place across six cities in Sweden, starting with the first semi-final tomorrow and culminating in the final in Stockholm on 6 March. The winner will go on to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna.
Sweden’s Eurovision Journey
In 1958, Sweden made their debut in the Eurovision Song Contest, with Alice Babs representing them with the song “Lilla stjärna” which placed fourth. Since their debut, the Scandinavian nation has managed to win seven times (1974, 1984, 1991, 1999, 2012, 2015 and 2023).
In 2025, Sweden were represented by Finnish group KAJ, singing “Bara bada bastu”. At the close of voting in the grand final, they had received 321 points, finishing in 4th place. 126 points were received by the juries, while the trio received 195 points by televoters.
Do these changes make Melodifestivalen more exciting to watch, or do you prefer the previous format? Let us know in the comments or on social media. Be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik-Tok as we prepare for Eurovision 2026!
News Source: SVT
Photo Credit: SVT
Tim J 
Giwrgos Oiko