Melodifestivalen 2021 is set to be a cornerstone in the contest’s history; the last edition directed and spearheaded by music magnate Christer Björkman, who has led the Swedish spectacle and Eurovision selection show ever since 2002. And, as Aftonbladet reports, he is set to go out with a bang.
The Swedish tabloid states that the departing Björkman will be the main host of this upcoming edition of Melodifestivalen, joined by at least one special guest on each of the six shows. The system would be similar to the 2016 edition, when Gina Dirawi presented the shows alongside weekly co-hosts.
SVT is set to aim high with their desired co-hosts to go along with the iconic producer. According to Aftonbladet’s sources, three names have allegedly confirmed to appear in at least one of the shows – Måns Zelmerlöw, Lena Philipsson and Oscar Zia.
Måns Zelmerlöw needs little introduction; the 2015 Eurovision champion has been a stalwart across the contest’s media from Sweden to the United Kingdom and beyond. The “Heroes” singer also co-hosted the 2016 edition of Eurovision to high critical acclaim, so it seems natural that he has been approached to feature in this year’s important Melfest year.
Lena Philipsson is one of the biggest names in Swedish music, participating and hosting Melodifestivalen on several occasions, even going to Eurovision in 2004 and achieving a top five placement.
Oscar Zia, the 2016 Melfest runner-up, is also reported to have agreed to host one of the shows alongside Christer Björkman.
SVT however, is far from over in their scouting and has been asking various stars over the holiday season to be one of Christer Björkman’s co-hosts. Aftonbladet reports that some of the people who the broadcaster has reached out to include Eurovision 2014 bronze medallist Sanna Nielsen and fan-favourite Sarah Dawn Finer. Additionally, music legend Pernilla Wahlgren was allegedly asked around two weeks ago, but it is unknown if she has confirmed or not.
Danny Saucedo was also reportedly asked to be a co-host for 2021. However, the “Amazing” hitmaker eventually decided to compete in this year’s show instead, and was revealed to be part of the 28-act line-up in December.
The tabloid goes on to suggest that two-time Melodifestivalen contestant Anis Don Demina could also be involved in the 2021 contest, but it is unclear if he would be a co-host or an interval act.
Swedish broadcaster SVT usually reveals the hosts of Melfest in the autumn of the year before each contest. However, there has so far been no official announcement in regards to the 2021 hosts. Aftonbladet suggests that, since the contest will solely be broadcast from a television studio in Stockholm’s Annexet with no audience this year, there is not as much need for using the host announcement to build hype and increase ticket sales for the usual tour across the country.
SVT will make an official announcement about the hosts of Melodifestivalen 2021 in the weeks ahead.
What do you think? Would you be excited to see Christer Björkman host Melodifestivalen alongside some star-studded guests? Let us know in the comments below!
I think it’s a good way to say farewell and thanks to Christer…even though you don’t like him, He had done a wonderful job with Melodifestivalen.
I am used to get A LOT of down votes here so i dont mind. People in here dont like opinions. He have done a SUPER job. He is the reason we in Sweden had a tour in 2002 with 32 songs. He started it. Sweden are the 3rd biggest music industry in the World so its not a schock that we get good placings in ESC. do fans understand anything of this? NO. But sometimes they try.
Gosh…, he’s everywhere!
Just in Sweden.
Ugh, I loathe the man. Can not wait until he has gone.
Lol, you are all acting as if ESC was serious to begin with!
maybe you should take your own advice and retire from commenting on things you have no idea about?
This man should retire, once and for all. We all dislike him and his continuous meddling into other national final… Just go away!
I’d love to see Mans and Lena co host. And I think it is o.k to give bjorkman the stage. He did hold the fort for 19 years.
Looks like he’s making the most of his last year!
we all know this: the sad fan base in here will also hate the woman who comes after Christer. we all know they will. Hate is what they are best at. The gay community is NOT a loving community. A person who says it is a liar. Its toxic.
I’m disgusted that your thinly veiled homophobia has 4 upvotes.
Don’t worry he’s at -1 rn thx to to me 🙂
haha you hate all swedish to.
haha you hate all swedish to
Daddy Christer Björkman and his sugar baby Oscar Zia should be the title, living
get a life. Be jealous of someones success is pitty
He is boring but at least he knows more than anyone else the show + Eurovision. However, I was hoping for new faces, wasn’t he planning to retire or something?
They werent kidding when they said they are going out with a bang! SVT is not here to joke around. Could be really good!
i love Lena
Brrrr the man who made the kneefall for commerce and playback, who killed the genuine creativity in eurovision….
And big name Oscar Zia?
If you want to go out with a bang make Sarah Dawn Finer’s alter ego the main host…. Only a narcisist would put himself on the stage. Does he expect applause for what he did? I would rather send him of to the supreme court of creative justice!
For once I hope the rumors are very wrong.
ESC has always been commercial, dont pretend its not. Its not exactly high art now! There is a reason most etasblished artist avoids it! ESC has always been about commerce, camp, being over the top and being proud of it! How has Björkman attributed to it being about commerce? How can one person even attribute?
Don’t know what will happen but I hope for the same energy and vibes from last mello’ editions. This is one of my fav shows with Eurovision ??
You know that it hurts, oh it hurts, really hurts in the middle of the night.. singer is back yasssss
Ps: they should invite Sanna Nielsen with Empty room
This seems like a bad idea with coronavirus. Just have two hosts throughout the six shows.
Oh please, the production team is large enough that few extra hosts won’t make any difference.
please no