The producers of Melodifestivalen, the biggest entertainment show in Sweden and the Nordic nation’s long-running selection show for the Eurovision Song Contest, are “looking into [their] options regarding audiences” after Sweden introduced new restrictions to stem the spread of COVID-19.
In new measures announced by the Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson this week, a work-from-home mandate will come into action tomorrow, with caps on the number of Swedes able to attend public events, which would presumably include Melodifestivalen. The new measures are set to be reviewed in a fortnight.
Following the announcement, the English-language arm of the Swedish show on Twitter revealed that they are looking into their options with regards to allowing audiences in this year’s shows.
Dear #Melfest friends, in consideration of the new restrictions in Sweden, we are looking into our options regarding audience together with our collaborators. We will let you know as soon as a decision has been made ❤️
— Melodifestivalen (en) (@melfest_en) January 11, 2022
Melodifestivalen 2021 took place behind closed doors, with all shows taking place in the Annexet Hall in Stockholm rather than the usual format of the contest touring various venues around Sweden. It will of course be hoped that this type of situation can be avoided in 2022, but the review of these restrictions would fall just over a week before the competition is set to begin in Malmö on 5th February.
We will aim to keep #YOU updated with all of the latest developments surrounding Melodifestivalen and Eurovision as we lead into Turin’s hosting!
What do #YOU think of the latest news from Sweden? Are #YOU planning to go to Melodifestivalen this year? Share your thoughts with us below in the comments section, or join the discussion on social media and on our forum HERE!
