Lead photo: Janne Danielsson/SVT
If you have been following along with Aftonbladet’s Melodifestivalen coverage, none of these will strike you as particularly surprising, but today Swedish broadcaster SVT have officially pulled the curtain up on a very impressive line-up for the 2025 edition of the nation’s musical spectacular. A solid mix of new up-and-coming talent and established favourites make up the performers. Names include former Eurovision Song Contest winner Måns Zelmerlöw, entertainment icon Victoria Silvstedt, and Alcazar legend Andreas Lundstedt.
The acts will be split into groups of six across five semi-finals with the top two progressing to the final, whilst only the third place entry will take part in a second chance round at the end of Heat 5. Another change sees the songs arrive on streaming services on the Friday before their heat so the painful wait to stream your favourites will be no more.
Heat 1: Luleå – February 1
The Sounds frontwoman Maja Ivarsson and former Melodifestivalen champ John Lundvik make up some of the starrier names in the contest’s opening heat. The former collaborates on a number with Melfest heavyweights including: Andreas “Giri” Lindbergh, Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Joy Deb, and Linnea Deb, whilst Lundvik’s number sees him collaborate with Jimmy Jansson, Peter Boström, and Thomas G:son. Idol star Linnea Henriksson will be aspiring for victory as an entrant after serving as a presenter of Melodifestivalen 2020, whilst new faces such as Love Is Blind: Sweden contestant Meira Omar will hope to showcase her vocal skills. Former musical theatre star Adrian Macéus also hopes to impress with his foray into Swedish-language music, whilst Albin Johnsén feat. Pa will hope to bring some raucous energy to the fold.
- Linnea Henriksson – “Den känslan”
- Meira Omar – “Hush Hush”
- Maja Ivarsson – “Kamikaze Life”
- Albin Johnsén feat. Pa – “Upp i luften”
- John Lundvik – “Voice of the Silent”
- Adrian Maceus – “Vår första gång” (Our first time)
Heat 2: Gothenburg – February 8
Gothenburg hosted Heat 2 looks set to showcase a big entry from Melo regular Klara Hammarström who recruits the elite squad of Dino Medanhodzic, Jimmy Jansson, Klara Hammarström, Moa “Cazzi Opeia” Carlebecker, Peter Boström, and Thomas G:son for her entry On and On and On. Schlager supergroup Schlagerz made up of Maria Persson (Blender), Maria Rolf (Titanix) and Sandra Estberg (Martinez) look set to be scene-stealers, whilst Fredrik Lundman aspires to represent Swedish country music. EMD star Erik Segerstedt makes an appearance, as does reggae star Kaliffa, and rising talent Nomi Tales.
- Schlagerz – “Don Juan”
- Nomi Tales – “Funniest Thing”
- Klara Hammarström – “On and On and On”
- Kaliffa – “Salute”
- Erik Segerstedt – “Show Me What Love Is”
- Fredrik Lundman – “The Heart of a Swedish Cowboy”
Heat 3: Västerås – Feburary 15
Colourful pop fun is expected with Dolly Style and Malou Prytz, both returnees to the Melo world. Soulful Angelino and vocal powerhouse Annika Wickihalder also make returns to the contest. Rapidly rising music talent Gretzula also joins the party, alongside viral music talent Björn Holmgren.
- Malou Prytz – “24K Gold”
- Greczula – “Believe Me”
- Annika Wickihalder – “Life Again”
- Björn Holmgren – “Rädda mig”
- Angelino – “Teardrops”
- Dolly Style – “YIHAA”
Heat 4: Malmö – February 22
Last year’s host city Malmö brings former Eurovision Song Contest winner Måns Zelmerlöw back to the fold with a number he dubs better than Heroes, whilst Alcazar legend Andreas Lundstedt delivers his new track Vicious – co-written by himself, Dino Medanhodzic, Laurell Barker, and LIAMOO. Country talents Tennessee Tears make a return after their 2023 contest appearance, whilst Idol star AmenA and pop newcomer Ella Tiritiello hope they make lasting first impressions in the contest – Ella should certainly do that with her entry Bara du är där co-written by a team including Loreen. However, could Finnish novelty group KAJ that could pose something of a threat to those in Heat 4?
- Kaj – “Bara bada bastu”
- Ella Tiritello – “Bara du är där”
- AmenA – “Do Good Be Better”
- Måns Zelmerlöw – “Revolution”
- Andreas Lundstedt – “Vicious”
- Tennessee Tears – “Yours”
Heat 5: Jönköping – March 1
A truly eclectic mix of stars close the heat stage. Schlager daddies Arvingarna return with Ring Baby Ring, whilst Scarlet return to outperform their fan favourite Melo anthem Circus X. 16 year old viral star Arwin, will be taking on fellow names including rock-inspired newcomer Vilhelm Buchaus and Idol talent Saga Ludvigsson. However it is entertainment legend Victoria Silvstedt who makes her return to the music world with the Jimmy Jansson and Thomas G:son penned Love It that has us most excited.
- Saga Ludvigsson – “Hate You So Much”
- Vilhelm Buchaus – “I’m Yours”
- Victoria Silvstedt – “Love It”
- Arvingarna – “Ring baby ring”
- Scarlet – “Sweet n’ Pyscho”
- Arwin – “This Dream of Mine”
Who are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below or on social media at @culturefixuk.