For weeks, the Melfest rumour mill has been churning out suspected artists for Melodifestivalen 2020. But now Sweden’s national broadcaster SVT has finally separated fact from fiction by confirming the 28 acts who have made it to Europe’s glitziest national selection. The line-up includes some of Sweden’s hottest artists, Melfest legends, as well as newcomers. Let’s take a look.

SVT revealed the artists and their song titles in a press conference today. However we won’t start to hear the songs until the rehearsal week of each semi-final in February.

Earlier this year, SVT confirmed the dates and venues of Mello 2020, and later revealed that the shows would be hosted by Alcazar singer Lina Hedlund, jazz/pop singer Linnea Henriksson and comedian David Sundin

The acts are presented in the semi-final groups they will compete in. This can offer clues as to who the strongest acts may be. Though other factors are considered when allocating semi-finals, including song genres and the type of performers.

While Melodifestivalen 2020 is tasked with finding Sweden’s entry for Rotterdam, the show is most than just a Eurovision national final. Melfest is a celebration of Swedish culture, with producers careful to select a wide range of artists and genres that reflect popular Swedish music.

Melodifestivalen 2020 – competing acts

Semi-final 1: Linköping – 1 February 2020

Malou Prytz – “Ballerina”

The sixteen-year-old singer made her Melfest debut earlier this year with “I Do Me”. Malou has since released a number of singles, including “Left & Right”.

Songwriters: Thomas G:son, Peter Boström, Jimmy Jansson

Felix Sandman – “Boys with Emotions”

Former FO&O member Felix made his Mello debut in 2018. His song “Every Single Day” placed second in the grand final. Recently Felix has also done acting work.

Songwriters: Tony Ferrari, Parker James, Peter Thomas, Philip Bentley, Nicki Adamsson, Felix Sandman

OVÖ – “Inga problem”

Rap duo OVÖ make their Melodifestivalen debut. They are known for their 2018 single “Zara Larsson”, an ode to the Swedish popstar.

Songwriters: Nicholas Frandsen, Lukas Nathanson, Jean-Willy Akofely, Nickie Osenius Kouakou

The Mamas – “Move”

The Mamas came to fame in Melfest 2019, as the backing singers for John Lundvik’s “Too Late for Love”. They’ve since become a three-piece after founding member Paris Renita left.

Songwriters: Melanie Wehbe, Patrik Jean, Herman Gardarfve

Suzi P – “Moves”

Sixteen-year-old newcomer Suzi P makes her Melfest debut. She has released a number of singles this year, including “Shunon”.

Songwriters: Joy Deb, Suzi Pancekov, Aniela Eklund, Malou Ruotsalainen, Chanel Tukia, Kenny Silverdique

Sonja Aldén – “Sluta aldrig gå”

Schlager diva Sonja returns to Mello for her fourth time. Her best entry was in 2007 where her song “För att du finns” placed sixth in the grand final.

Songwriters: Bobby Ljunggren, David Lindgren Zacharias, Sonja Aldén

Robin Bengtsson – “Take a Chance”

This will be Robin’s third Melfest appearance. He previously on Mello 2017 with “I Can’t Go On”, which went on to place fifth in Kyiv.

Songwriters: Jimmy Jansson, Karl-Frederik Reichhardt, Marcus Winther-John

Semi-final 2: Göteborg – 8 February 2020

Linda Bengtzing – “Alla mina sorger”

Schlager queen Linda Bengtzing will be making her seventh Melfest appearance. She first competed in 2005 and last appeared in 2016 with the track “Killer Girl”.

Songwriters: Yvonne Dahlbom, Jesper Welander, Adam Jönsson, Linda Bengtzing

Dotter – “Bulletproof”

Indie pop singer Dotter made her Melfest debut in 2018 with the song “Cry”. She has also written for Mariette and Lina Hedlund and performed in a 2019 internal act.

Songwriters: Dino Medanhodzic, Johanna Jansson (Dotter), Erik Dahlqvist

Anna Bergendahl – “Kingdom Come”

Anna won Melfest 2010, and controversially didn’t qualify for the Eurovision grand final that year. She made a Mello comeback last year with “Ashes to Ashes”.

Songwriters: Bobby Ljunggren, Thomas G:son, Erik Bernholm, Anna Bergendahl

Thorsten Flinck – “Miraklernas tid”

Actor, musician and provocateur Thorsten Flinck previously competed at Melfest 2012 with his group. They placed eighth in the grand final with the song “Jag reser mig igen”.

Songwriters: Thomas G:son

Klara Hammarström – “Nobody”

Klara is an equestrienne, reality TV star and singer. Earlier this year she released her debut single “Break Up Song”, followed by “You Should Know Me Better”.

Songwriters: Erik Smaaland, Palle Hammarlund, Klara Hammarström

Paul Rey – “Talking in my Sleep”

Soul-pop singer Paul Rey will make his Melfest debut. He is best known for the 2017 remix of his song “California Dreaming”, including a guest rap from hip hop icon Snoop Dogg.

Songwriters: Paul Rey, Lukas Hällgren, Alexander Standal Pavelich

Méndez feat. Alvaro Estrella – “Vamos amigos”

The Chilean-born DJ has competed three times at Melodifestivalen. Most recently, his song “Everyday” made it to the 2018 grand final and reached No.4 in the Swedish charts. Alvaro Estrella is a Chilean-Swedish singer and dancer. He competed at Melfest 2014 with “Bedroom”.

Songwriters: Palle Hammarlund, Jimmy Jansson, Jakke Erixson, Leo Mendez

Semi-final 3: Luleå – 15 February 2020

Faith Kakembo – “Crying Rivers”

Faith is an upcoming singer-songwriter. Earlier this year she competed in P4 Nästa.

Songwriters: Jörgen Elofsson, Liz Rodrigues

Amanda Aasa – “Late”

Singer-songwriter Amanda Aasa was the winner of the P4 Nästa wildcard entry for Melfest. Amanda has played festivals around Sweden.

Songwriters: Amanda Aasa, Siri Jansson, Erik Grahn, Alex Shield

Albin Johnsén – “Livet borjar nu”

The Swedish rapper had a No.1 hit in 2014 with the song “Din soldat”. He made his Melodifestivalen debut in 2016, where he performed “Rik” with Mattias Andréasson.

Songwriters: Robin Stjernberg, Albin Johnsén, Gino Yonan

Drängarna – “Piga och dräng”

The popular dansband will make their Mello debut in 2020, the same year they celebrate their 25th anniversary. They are best known for their hit “Vill du bli min fru”.

Songwriters: Anders Wigelius, Robert Norberg, Jimmy Jansson

Mariette – “Shout It Out”

Mariette Hansson has been the most successful female Melfest act since 2015 and returns for the fourth time. Most recently her song “For You” placed fifth in 2018.

Songwriters: Thomas G:son, Cassandra Ströberg, Alex Shield, Mariette Hansson

Anis Don Demina – “Vem är som oss”

DJ, rapper and singer Anis Don Demina first competed at Mello 2019 , where he performed “Mina bränder” with Zeana. The song reached No.25 in the Swedish charts.

Songwriters: Anderz Wrethov, Johanna Elkesdotter Wrethov, Anis Don Demina, Robin Svensk

Mohombi – “Winners”

Hello again! Mohombi is an internationally successful R&B singer. He made his solo debut at Melfest 2019 with “Hello”, which placed fifth in the grand final.

Songwriters: Jimmy Jansson, Mohombi, Palle Hammarlund

Semi-final 4: Malmö – Malmö Arena

Hanna Ferm – “Brave”

Hanna made her Melfest debut earlier this year with the romantic song “Hold You”. While her 2019 act was a duet with LIAMOO, this time she’ll be solo.

Songwriters: David Kjellstrand, Jimmy Jansson, Laurell Barker

Nanne Grönvall – “Carpool Karaoke”

Schlager legend Nanne previously represented Sweden in 1996 as part of the group One More Time. She also placed second at Melfest 2005 with solo song “Håll on mig”.

Songwriters: Nanne Grönvall, Peter Grönvall

William Strid – “Molnljus”

William came to fame on the 2018 edition of Swedish Idol where he placed fifth. He is about to launch his solo pop career.

Songwriters: Markus Lidén, Christian Holmström, David Kreuger, William Stridh

Jakob Karlberg – “Om du tror att jag saknar dig”

Singer-songwriter Jakob is best known for his 2015 hit single “Fan va bra” (“Damn, that’s good”). The song reached No.7 in the singles chart and it was a huge summer hit.

Songwriters: Nanne Grönvall, Isak Hallén, Henrik Moreborg, Jakob Karlberg

Ellen Benediktson & Simon Peyron – “Surface”

Ellen competed at Mello 2014 and 2015, with her “Songbird” and “Insomnia”, respectively. Simon Peyron also competed in 2014 as the frontman for the band Outtrigger with their song “Echo”.

Songwriters: Paul Rey, Laurell Barker, Anderz Wrethov, Sebastian von Koenigsegg, Ellen Benediktson

Victor Crone – “Troubled Waters”

Swedish singer Victor Crone returns to Melfest after representing Estonia at Eurovision 2019. He previously competed at Melodifestivalen 2015 with “Det rår vi inte för”.

Songwriters: Dino Medanhodzic, Benjamin Jennebo, Victor Crone

Frida Öhrn – “We Are One”

Frida has previously competed at Melfest three times, including twice with the country trio Cookies ‘N’ Beans. This time, Frida will make her solo debut.

Songwriters: Frida Öhrn, Hampus Eurenius, Nicklas Eklund

What do you think of the Melodifestivalen 2020 lineup? Which acts are you most excited for? Who do you think will win the ticket to Rotterdam? Tell us your thoughts below!