2478 entries for Melodifestivalen 2017

Entries for Melodifestivalen 2017 closed earlier this week, and already broadcaster SVT has revealed that they have received 2478 entries — 28 more than 2016’s total.

The 2478 total includes songs from a wide variety of sources — some come directly from major record labels, others come from established singers and songwriters, and 362 entries come from the general public.

Now the songs are left to be assessed, under the leadership of new jury chair and deputy contest producer of Melodifestivalen, Karin Gunnarsson. The team is tasked with whittling that down to 28 songs, 14 from the songs submitted in the open call, 13 from invited artists, and one being the winner of Svensktoppen nästa, Les Gordons.

Melfest producer Christer Björkman says this year they’re aiming to get as many new songwriters in the show as possible, and that they’ve already received a good response. “One reason that the songwriters who never previously competed in the contest now feel attracted could be that half the entries had such amazing chart success last spring,” he explained.

So we know where and when the Melfest shows will be held, and also know that Les Gordons are the first confirmed participants, but who will the other 27 acts be?