Samir & Viktor were reported to be the first confirmed participants in the 2018 Swedish national selection for Eurovision, Melodifesitvalen, but now there are a further 4 names to add to the list! But who are they?

Having already confirmed Samir & Viktor’s potential participation last week, Aftonbladet has yet again published a further list of names for Melodifestivalen, including numerous familiar faces from past editions of the selections!

Throwback to 2002

Runner-up of the 2002 Melodifestivalen competition, Méndez, is apparently all set and ready to compete in the forthcoming Swedish selection, 16 years on from his last participation.

Méndez previously competed with his entry Adrenaline and, although finishing in second place against Afro-dite, the entry became a popular hit in Sweden as well as across the pond in his home country of Chile.

The latest set of reports reveal that the rise of Latin-influenced music in the charts this year could be a strong contributing factor in the return of the DJ, with songs like Despacito having a huge impact in today’s music scene.

The return of two 2017 artists?

Aftonbladet goes on to report that 2 returning artists from Melodifestivalen 2017 are both set to return to the competition: Benjamin Ingrosso and former FO&O band member Felix Sandman.

Having both reached the final of the 2017 contest earlier this year, the former selection participants are both reportedly set to compete in the forthcoming selection. Whilst Ingrosso will allegedly compete provided he finds a song he wants to perform with, this will be the first time that Sandman will compete as a solo artist.

A new name makes an appearance

Yet to feature in the Melfest line-up, but has long awaited to compete, is singer-dancer Sigrid Bernson.

Boyfriend of earlier featured Samir Badran, Bernson had a summer hit earlier this year with This summer and is hoping to compete in the forthcoming event.

These are some of the names allegedly set to compete at the 2018 Melodifesitvalen event, however a full set of names are officially set to be revealed later in the year. An announcement date is expected to be revealed by the Swedish national broadcaster, SVT, in due course.

Melodifestivalen 2018 dates and cities

• 03/02: Heat 1 – Karlstad, Löfbergs Arena
• 10/02: Heat 2 – Gothenburg, Scandinavium
• 17/02: Heat 3 – Malmö, Malmö Arena
• 24/02: Heat 4 – Örnsköldsvik, Fjällräven Center
• 03/03: Andra chansen (Second chance) – Kristianstad, Kristianstad Arena
• 10/03: Final – Stockholm, Friends Arena

Which of the above names would you like to see in Melodifestivalen 2018? Any other artists you’d like to see competing in the selection?