Melodifestivalen 2026 arrives with a bold new identity, as SVT takes full control of the selection process and embraces a lineup built for spectacle and high-energy performance. With no clear runaway favorite, all eyes turn to newcomers and returnees alike to see who will head to Vienna.

Ahead of this weekend's third edition of the Pan-Arcticvision Song Contest, Phil Dore examines the history of the show, how it addresses issues or representation, and previews the 2025 show.

New voting reforms introduced by the EBU promise stronger safeguards against manipulation, with stricter promotion rules, enhanced security, and expanded juries designed to protect the Contest’s integrity. But will these changes be enough to rebuild confidence among broadcasters and fans and bring positivity back to the Song Contest?

Sem Anne van Dijk asks why despite the intense pressure Eurovision can place on its artists, many of them can't help but keep returning to the competition.

After years of absence, Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova are set to return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, each for their own reasons. Their comeback highlights the enduring power of Eurovision as a stage for culture, creativity, and international visibility.