Things are heating up for Melodifestivalen 2021 and it’s more than just lineup names that are being reported. Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet is reporting that Melfest will be held in Annexet venue — adjacent to Globe Arena. As well, Sweden’s Eurovision 1999 champion Charlotte Perrelli is said to be part of the contest.

Melodifestivalen 2021 to be held at Annexet

Back in October, SVT confirmed that due to Covid concerns, the usual Melodifestivalen tour would be cancelled in favour of a Stockholm-based venue without a live audience. Now it appears the venue for Melodifestivalen 2021 has been decided.

Aftonbladet reports that the contest will be held at Annexet (The Annex) — adjacent to Stockholm’s Globe Arena. All six Melodifestivalen shows will be broadcast from there.

The Annex is part of the Stockholm Globe City complex, which includes Eurovision 2016 venue Globe Arena. Annexet was also used as part of Eurovision 2016, hosting the delegations’ facilities.

But while Melodifestivalen 2021 won’t be held in a usual arena-size venue, it will still have a full-size stage. Aftonbladet’s source explained, “They need a venue where it is possible to build a large stage, as big as at Eurovision, and then it is also practical with a place that is easy to get to. SVT thought for a while about an aircraft hangar at Arlanda, but it had become very complicated with transport. Especially now in corona times.”

Charlotte Perrelli reported for Melodifestivalen 2021

Yesterday she was reported to have been in talks with SVT, but now it appears that Charlotte Perrelli will be making her fifth appearance in competition at Melodifestivalen.

The Swedish diva previously won Melodifestivalen 1999 with “Tusen och en natt” (“Take Me to Your Heaven”) and 2008 with “Hero”. But La Perrelli has returned to Melodifestivalen two other times.

Most recently she competed in 2017 with the subdued folk song “Mitt liv”, finishing last in her semi-final. But fans of the classic upbeat Perrelli style can relax — Aftonbladet’s source says she will be performing a “glamorous pop hit song”.

Eva Rydberg & Ewa Roos reported for Melodifestivalen 2021

Two veteran Swedish entertainers will also reportedly be part of the show. Eva Rydberg and Ewa Roos will perform as a duo with a musical comedic number.

The pair are due to star in a new Swedish theatrical adaptation of the British classic television comedy Fawlty Towers, so their Melodifestivalen appearance is seen as a way of kicking off their new creative project. Aftonbladet speculates that their Melfest entry may be a song from the musical.

The inclusion of a song in this style is a reminder that Melodifestivalen is a celebration of all styles of popular Swedish music.

Melodifestivalen 2021 will be announced next week

It’s not long before fans will know the official lineup of Melodifestivalen 2021. While SVT has not yet confirmed the official date of the announcement, Aftonbladet says it will take place sometime next week. The newspaper’s source says the competing artists have been told to be available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Traditionally, SVT holds a press conference where the participating acts are introduced to media. However, due to the pandemic this format seems unlikely for 2021. The broadcaster may instead hold some sort of digital press conference or might simply just issue a press release.

Melodifestivalen 2021: Expected acts

According to Aftonbladet, we already know 20 of the 28 acts for Melodifestivalen 2021. They are P4 Nästa wildcard entry Julia AlfridaTusse Chiza, Sannex, Sami Rekik & WahlThe Mamas, DotterJessica Andersson, Klara Hammarström, Alvaro EstrellaPaul Rey, Arvingarna, Lovad, Eric Saade, Danny Saucedo, Anton Ewald, Tess Merkel, Kadiatou Holm Keita, Efraim Leo, Charlotte Perrelli and Eva Rydberg & Ewa Roos

The Melfest rules forbid artists from revealing whether or not they’re participating. Therefore, Aftonbladet’s reports are not official. However, the newspaper has proven to be highly accurate, with 45 of the last two years’ 56 participants correctly accounted for.

What do you think? Which other artists would you like to see competing in Melfest 2021? Who should Sweden send to Rotterdam? Tell us your thoughts below!

Follow all of our Sweden Eurovision 2021 news

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Kenny
Kenny
3 years ago

exciting rumored line-up already! Eric, Danny, Perrelli, Dotter, Anton, The Mamas!

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
3 years ago

I liked “Mitt Liv” and thought it was a good fit for her. It was classy and seemed a more individual effort. Not looking forward to a “glamorous pop hit song” as much.

Loin dici
Loin dici
3 years ago

I’m glad a number of the acts seems ‘new’. I’m usually concerned of Melfest compiling their veterans and calling it a day, and this lineup, I hope it brings a fresher Melfest.

Linus
Linus
3 years ago

ESC was cancelled and now we have a exiting fun line up. What do people do then? complain on Björkman and artists. Your a sad bunch of people. Be happy we have ESC and melfest.

Last edited 3 years ago by Linus
Briekimchi
Briekimchi
3 years ago
Reply to  Linus

It’s a bit early for you to be getting all defensive about any and all comments regarding Sweden, Linus!
There’s nine original comments on this article and only one of them is negative. Try to relax and let other people share their opinions.

Martin Månsson
Martin Månsson
3 years ago

Worth mentioning. This is the second time Eva Rydberg competes at Melodifestivalen. The last time was in 1977 with the song “Charlie Chaplin” which finished in 7th place.

Martin Månsson
Martin Månsson
3 years ago

Couldn’t find a Youtube video of her live performance but it can be found at 33:40 on https://www.svtplay.se/video/25464771/melodifestivalen-oppet-arkiv/melodifestivalen-1977

Last edited 3 years ago by Martin Månsson
Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago

I loved The Girl, it was sad she didn’t even get to Andra Chansen – if only to give her a chance to actually get the lyrics right. I much prefer it to Victorious or Party Voice, and if they can get to the final, hopefully Charlotte can too this time.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

It’s shaping to be one epic Melfest. My question is, if that hypothetical entry is from a Fawlty Towers musical, wouldn’t that be against the Eurovision rules? I know, it’s Melfest, it’s not just about Eurovision, but if you’re going in mostly abiding by Eurovision rules, isn’t that technically a commercial for the show?

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

That makes sense. My issue is that if in some universe the Fawlty Towers song wins, they’d have to pick a completely different song for Eurovision.

Erik
Erik
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

The suggestion in Aftonbladet was that they came with an original song that they would later use in their Faulty Towers show. Not the other way around.

Xoxoxo
Xoxoxo
3 years ago

Bjorkman out. Swedish music scene is rich and can offer many different styles and projects. This Schwedish schlager pop scene was popular until 2016, now we want to see something different. The real Swedish scene, not Bjorkman dreams.

Linus
Linus
3 years ago
Reply to  Xoxoxo

you will say the SAME thing with the new one after him. you are just a bitter person and you know it

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

Eric Saade, Jessica A., The Mamas, Dotter, Paul Rey and now Charlotte. This is going to be one epic ”all star” showdown, now isn’t it? In all fairness, I can’t wait to see this year’s Melfest. 🙂

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Don’t forget Danny! 🙂

Denis
Denis
3 years ago

Who still gets excited over these schlager dance songs with former winners still thinking they are relevant? Perreli hasn¨t been relevant since the last time she won,and it’s not like she will get a comeback. With app voting majority of votes are young people and they aren’t gojng to vote for schlager..

Lolek
Lolek
3 years ago
Reply to  Denis

I don’t think its so much a question hoping they win, just to add a little fun and enjoyable “vintage” sound to the contest. I certainly don’t mind a good schlager bop or two in the contest! 🙂

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Lolek

Sadly, they don’t always get the respect they deserve – with Nanne, Kikki, Arja, Ann-Louise, Charlotte…Linda Bengtzing, Roger Pontare, three-time winner Marie Bergman…all finishing at or near the bottom of their semi-final. It almost makes me wish they didn’t participate because I hate to see it.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

True…

Denis
Denis
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Hmm. That Marie Bergman entry though might have bent the weakest entry of that year. Perelli singing Swedish acousticpop wasn’t bad but also didn’t leave any impact. It was just there..

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Marie and Sanne’s song had strong lyrics, the melody not so much, it probably needed repeated listens to be appreciated.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Denis

I still get excited.

Linus
Linus
3 years ago
Reply to  Denis

hahahah. you are soooooo wrong.

Denis
Denis
3 years ago
Reply to  Linus

OK? Then how come all legendary acts ends up last in their heats. Where are the votes?

Lolek
Lolek
3 years ago

Awesome! Can’t wait to find out who the remaining 8 participants are!