SWEDEN – Anette Brattström, Melodifestivalen’s project manager, revealed to Aftonbladet that the Andra Chansen round had been cancelled. The Swedish Eurovision selection format has changed significantly since 2007. Mme Brattström stated:

“The purpose of the Second Chance from the beginning was that the artist would have the opportunity to redo their performance from the competition if you felt that there was something to do differently. But today, almost everything is rehearsed to perfection so there are no major changes made. Almost no one wants to make changes and then the idea of ​​Second Chance fails.”

A new semi-final replaces Andra Chansen and its duels. Two acts from each current semi-final will advance to the final, while two will enter a new semi-final. Six performers from each semi-final will go on to the next semi-final. The top two songs from each group will advance to the final. The old head-to-head format was despised by both musicians and the music business, Aftonbladet reports.

THE SCHEDULE

• Semi-Final 1: Malmö – Malmö Arena (February 5)
• Semi-Final 2: Gothenburg – Scandinavium (Feburary 12)
• Semi-Final 3: Linköping – Saab Arena (February 19)
• Semi-Final 4: Lidköping – Sparbanken Arena (February 26)
• Semi-Final 5: Örnsköldsvik – Hägglunds Arena (March 5)
• Final: Stockholm – Friends Arena (March 12)

THE HOST

Oscar Zia will host Melodifestivalen in 2022. Oscar has taken part in three Melodifestivalens. In 2013, he backed Behrang Miri on “Jalla Dansa Sawa”.

In 2014, he competed as a solo artist and finished ninth with “Yes We Can”. He also served on the Swedish jury for Eurovision 2014.

In 2016, he returned as a solo vocalist with “Human” and placed second.

He co-hosted Melodifestivalen’s second Semi-Final with Christer Björkman and Anis Don Demina.