Eurovision News 
Sweden 
SVT has announced that Hans Abrahamsson will take over as the new project manager for Melodifestivalen, starting from 2027. He steps into the prestigious role previously held by Anders Wistbacka, who departed earlier this spring after five years. Abrahamsson brings extensive experience from the television industry to Sweden’s biggest entertainment programme.
New Leadership for Melodifestivalen
After Anders Wistbacka announced earlier this spring that he was leaving SVT and the assignment as project manager for Melodifestivalen, a task he had held for five years, the hunt began for the right person for this very special assignment. It is now clear that Hans Abrahamsson will take over the project manager role from 2027.
Wistbacka’s departure came amid SVT’s cost-cutting programme and he accepted a severance package. He had led Melodifestivalen since 2023, overseeing four editions of the competition.
A Challenging and Celebrated Role
Melodifestivalen is not only Sweden’s biggest entertainment programme – it is also considered the party of the whole of Sweden. The production is complex to say the least, not least because it is carried out as an extensive arena tour. It is also a project that attracts all eyes and is under constant media coverage.
But above all, Melodifestivalen is a party – both in the arenas and, perhaps most of all, at home on the couches where families and friends gather to watch and enjoy. The final of this year’s competition was watched by more than 3.6 million viewers.
Hans Abrahamsson’s Extensive Experience
Hans Abrahamsson has worked at SVT since 2024 as a project manager and executive producer. His portfolio includes viewer successes such as Spelet, Gift vid första ögonkastet and Hotell Romantik. Abrahamsson has extensive experience from the television industry, both as a producer at a production company and as an executive producer at TV4.
Commenting on his new role, Hans Abrahamsson states:
For me, Melodifestivalen is the crown jewel of Swedish entertainment television. Being able to be a part of taking the programme forward to new successes is both honourable and challenging. But above all, very festive.
Hans Abrahamsson will take up the position at the turn of the year, preparing to lead Melodifestivalen into a new era from 2027.
SVT’s press release reads:
After Anders Wistbacka announced earlier this spring that he was leaving SVT and the assignment as project manager for Melodifestivalen, a task he had held for five years, the hunt began for the right person for this very special assignment. It is now clear that Hans Abrahamsson will take over the project manager role from 2027
Starting in 2027, Hans Abrahamsson will take over the project management role.
Melodifestivalen is not only Sweden’s biggest entertainment program – it is also the party of the whole of Sweden. The production is complex to say the least, not least because it is carried out as an extensive arena tour. It is also a project that attracts all eyes and is under constant media coverage.
But above all, Melodifestivalen is a party – both in the arenas and, perhaps most of all, at home on the couches where families and friends gather to watch and enjoy. This year’s final was watched by more than 3.6 million viewers.
Hans Abrahamsson has worked at SVT since 2024 as a project manager and executive producer, including for viewer successes such as Spelet , Gift vid första ögnökastet and Hotell Romantik . Hans has extensive experience from the television industry, both as a producer at a production company and as an executive producer at TV4.
– For me, Melodifestivalen is the crown jewel of Swedish entertainment television. Being able to be a part of taking the program forward to new successes is both honorable and challenging. But above all, very festive, says Hans Abrahamsson.
Hans Abrahamsson will take up the position at the turn of the year.
