Melodifestivalen's third semi-final takes place in Kristianstad this weekend, where the youngest contestant Eva Jumatate makes her debut with the song 'Selfish'. At 18 years old, she hopes to win the Swedish public's hearts with a personal ballad. Meanwhile, Nanne Grönvall celebrates 40 years in the competition with a medley, after cancelling a tour due to a cancer operation.
Melodifestivalen's third semi-final is set for Kristianstad on Saturday. Among the participants is Eva Jumatate, who at 18 years old is the youngest in the 2026 competition. She will perform the ballad 'Selfish', which she co-wrote. The song is about putting oneself first in relationships and draws from an event in her own life over a year ago.
'This song means a lot to me,' says Jumatate. She describes the message as 'you put yourself first and don't let others who don't deserve you take too much space.' At age 10, she appeared on 'Talang' and moved Bianca Ingrosso to tears with her performance, earning a standing ovation. Jumatate feels more excited than nervous, especially as the event is in her home town with teachers, friends, and family in attendance.
Another highlight is Nanne Grönvall, celebrating 40 years in Melodifestivalen with a medley of past songs. She is one of the artists with the most participations. Grönvall recently underwent surgery for breast cancer, which went well, but it has led to postponing her planned anniversary tour for 40 years as an artist from autumn 2026 to spring 2027.
'I was so looking forward to celebrating my 40 years as an artist with you already this autumn. But life had other plans,' she says in a press release. The tour was intended to start this autumn.
