Melodifestivalen 2026 Rehearsals Offer First Look at Saturday’s Competition
A first glimpse into the upcoming Melodifestivalen 2026 competition was offered on Thursday, as members of the press corps were granted access to rehearsals ahead of Saturday’s broadcast. These initial run-throughs, the first time artists performed with fully realized staging, provide a tantalizing preview of what audiences can expect this weekend – though officials caution that significant adjustments are likely during Friday’s final rehearsal. All photographs are sourced from media.melodifestivalen.se, the official media site of Swedish Television, and credited to photographer Stina Stjernkvist / SVT.
Patrick Jean Kicks Off Third Segment with “Dusk Till Dawn”
Patrick Jean opened the third portion of the competition with a performance markedly different from his 2021 entry. The staging began with Jean alone on a dimly lit stage, creating an atmosphere of solitude. As the song progressed, a platform illuminated during the first chorus, signaling a shift in energy. The track builds from a calm beginning to a faster tempo, featuring a prolonged instrumental section reminiscent of Felicia’s performance. Dancers joined Jean after the second chorus, adding a dynamic element to the performance. “This is a rather mysterious song but a pretty good introduction to the show on Saturday,” one observer noted.
Korslagda Brings Rock ‘n’ Roll Energy with “King of Rock ’n’ Roll”
Following Jean’s pop offering, Korslagda injected a dose of rock ‘n’ roll into the proceedings with their song “King of Rock ’n’ Roll.” The performance commenced with singer Ubbe joining the rest of the band already onstage. The number was characterized by energetic instrumentation, extensive pyrotechnics, and the strategic use of speakers as stage props. A guitar solo culminated in Ubbe’s walk onto the catwalk, amplifying the rock aesthetic. Notably, despite its English title, the song is performed entirely in Swedish.
Emilia Pantić Evokes Autumnal Mood with “Nothing”
Emilia Pantić’s performance of “Nothing” promises an immersive autumnal experience. The ballad begins with Pantić seated on a park bench, bathed in lighting that transitions between the hues of an autumn day and evening. The staging incorporates dramatic elements, particularly during the chorus, as Pantić moves around the stage. The performance concludes mirroring the beginning, creating a sense of cyclical closure. Stage smoke and falling autumn leaves further enhance the thematic atmosphere.
Medina Delivers a Party Vibe with “Viva L’Amor”
Medina, competing in Melodifestivalen for the third time, aims to ignite the arena with a celebratory performance of “Viva L’Amor.” The number begins unconventionally, starting in the audience area with Sami and Ali, alongside dancers, and Sami carrying a fire torch. The energy quickly escalates into a full-fledged party as they move to the stage during the first chorus, revealing a large, fractured heart prop. The performance culminates in a pyrotechnic display featuring fire and confetti raining down on the front rows of the audience. Like Korslagda’s entry, “Viva L’Amor” is sung in Swedish despite its Spanish title.
Eva Half’s “Selfish” Features Striking Visuals
Eva Half will deliver the second ballad of the competition with “Selfish.” The performance begins with close-up shots of Half onstage, expanding to reveal a night sky backdrop on the LED wall during the chorus. The stage utilizes both the LED wall and floor in innovative ways, complemented by shifting purple lighting. The number concludes with pyrotechnics positioned on the stage ceiling.
Saga Ludvigsson Offers a Country-Infused Performance with “Ain’t Today”
Saga Ludvigsson closes the starting field in Kristianstad with “Ain’t Today,” a country song distinct from her previous work. The performance begins with Ludvigsson alone on a minimalist stage, which then reveals four large fans. After the first chorus, she is joined by a group of dancers, with female dancers positioned prominently alongside her and male dancers taking a more background role, though they eventually converge around her at the number’s conclusion. A pyro effect was present, though its exact nature – LED or traditional pyrotechnics – was difficult to discern from the initial images.
