Eurovision News 
Sweden 
SVT, the Swedish national broadcaster, has announced significant changes to the age eligibility rules for Melodifestivalen according to Swedish newspaper Expresen. This decision comes in response to new guidelines issued by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
For artists hoping to compete in Sweden’s iconic national selection, Melodifestivalen, there will be a revised age requirement starting from the next edition of the competition.
Under the updated regulations, participants must have reached the age of 17 years old by the time of their participation in Melodifestivalen. Furthermore, to be eligible for the Eurovision Song Contest itself, artists must have turned 18 years old by the date of the first rehearsal for Eurovision.
This adjustment aligns Melodifestivalen with broader standards and ensures consistency with the EBU’s requirements for the international competition. The change will come into effect for Melodifestivalen 2027, impacting aspiring artists who wish to represent Sweden on the Eurovision stage.
Anders Wistbacka (Mlelodifestivalen Manager) stated to Expressen:
Due to Eurovision’s new rules, the Melodifestivalen regulations are now changing from the previous age limit of 16 years. Starting with Melodifestivalen 2027, a competing artist can be 17 years old, but must have turned 18 by Eurovision’s first rehearsalt
