Aftonbladet’s Stina Dahlgren and Tobbe Ek have reported two fresh names for Melodifestivalen 2026: American Song Contest winner AleXa and ’00s pop favourites A-Teens. The timing makes sense for the American star. K-pop is having a moment in Sweden after the success of Netflix’s “K-Pop Demon Hunters”. And given that former Mello boss Christer Björkman was the brains behind the American Song Contest, AleXa could have easily landed on producers’ radars.
Melodifestivalen 2026: American Song Contest winner AleXa rumoured
AleXa — a singer and dancer with K-pop roots — won the American Song Contest 2022 for Oklahoma with “Wonderland”. That song was penned by Cazzi Opeia, the writer behind Loreen’s Eurovision winner “Tattoo.” AleXa has also worked with Carlebecker, Andreas Carlsson, Ellen Berg and Albin Nordqvist, alongside Bekuh Boom. Aftonbladet’s sources say AleXa is being lined up for Mello by Cazzi and her crew. It is not yet clear if she will compete as AleXa or Kim Seri (her post ASC rebrand).
A-Teens
This Swedish pop group broke out around the millennium with ABBA covers before creating their own original hits. Sara Lumholdt, Amit Paul, Marie Serneholt, and Dhani Lennevald reunited as an interval act in Melodifestivalen 2024, then drew praise across South America and Europe. This summer they played London’s Mighty Hoopla festival, and in August they performed their first Swedish concert in 20 years at Stockholm Pride in front of a jubilant crowd. Aftonbladet first wrote they were still searching for the right track, but now sources say they have landed with a very strong entry.
Rumoured acts so far
(according to Aftonbladet’s reporting)
Eurovision names
- Robin Bengtsson
Sweden’s ESC 2017 act with “I Can’t Go On”, Melodifestivalen 2016, 2017 winner, 2020, 2022.
- Sanna Nielsen
Sweden’s ESC 2014 act with “Undo”, Melodifestivalen 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014 winner. A powerhouse vocalist, reportedly with a song by Thomas G:son, Peter Boström and Jimmy Jansson.
Melodifestivalen returnees
- Smash Into Pieces, Melodifestivalen 2023, 2024.
- Medina, Melodifestivalen 2022, 2024.
- Patrik Jean, Melodifestivalen 2021.
- Vilhelm Buchaus, Melodifestivalen 2025.
- Meira Omar, Melodifestivalen 2025.
- Saga Ludvigsson, Melodifestivalen 2025.
- Felicia (previously known as Fröken Snusk), Melodifestivalen 2024.
- Jacqline Moss, Melodifestivalen 2024.
- Arwin, Melodifestivalen 2025.
- Greczula, Melodifestivalen 2025.
Also in the mix
- Junior Lerin, with a song by Fredrik Andersson, who has written for Gunilla Persson, Björn Ranelid and Frans.
- Emilia Pantic
- Felix Manu
- Cimberly, winner of Idol 2023, where Saga Ludvigsson was the runner-up.
- Erika Jonsson
- Eva Jumatate
- A-Teens
- Kim Seri (previously known as AleXa, winner of American Song Contest 2022)
What’s next
Aftonbladet points to an artist and song presentation for Melodifestivalen 2026 on Tuesday 2 December.
What do you think of the Melodifestivalen 2026 rumoured acts so far? Let us know in the comments section below.
