As different national selections around Europe finally start to take shape, in Sweden rumours have been circulating insistently about possible artists for Melodifestivalen 2018. Lately, important names like Samir & Viktor, Alcazar and Méndez (among others) have been listed in the Swedish press as the excitement continues to grow.

This week, Swedish media Aftonbladet published the names of six further artists who could be participating in the forthcoming edition of Melodifestivalen.

Several sources near the Swedish broadcaster SVT have indicated former Swedish Idol winner Martin Almgren as one of the 28 contestants of Melodifestivalen 2018. The talent show Idol has proven to be the source of many Eurovision stars from Sweden.

Over the last eight years, five Melodifestivalen winners have come from it: Robin Bengtsson, Måns Zelmerlöw, Loreen, Robin Stjernberg and Anna Bergendahl.

Another former Idol contestant will likely compete for the golden ticket to Lisbon. The name of 20-year old Renaida Braun, who arrived sixth in 2016’s Idol, is in the air among the possible contestants of Melodifestivalen 2018.

Norwegian artist Kamferdrops also seems to be ready for the national selection. She reached success this summer with her cover of Kikki Danielsson’s Jag trodde änglarna fanns. Sources at Aftonbladet confirm that she has gained a spot in next year’s competition.

A strong presence of country singers

Country singers will apparently be strongly represented next year, as Kalle Moraeus could also take part in Melodifestivalen 2018. The violinist, largely known in Sweden for his contribution to the Benny Anderssons orkester (former ABBA member), is expected to be on stage for the very first time.

Famous country music singer Kikki Danielsson. The 65 year-old Swede already took part to Melodifestivalen nine times, also competing in the Norwegian national selection once.

She represented Sweden at Eurovision twice: in 1982 as part of the country duo Chips and again in 1985 a solo artist, ending third in the ranking. According to reports, Danielsson is ready for a comeback.

In a separate article by Aftonbladet, sources allegedly revealed that another country music singer is ready to take on stage. 54 year-old Jonas Gardell is another known face of the Swedish national selection.

He collaborated as entertainer in 2002, 2003 and again in 2016 with episodes of the humor story Schlagerskolan. So far, the famous novelist and screenwriter had already refuse to take part to the contest. This is likely to change next year.

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