GÖTEBORG – Robin Bengtsson’s Melodifestivalen journey took an unexpected turn this weekend, as the veteran performer advanced to the final qualifier instead of securing a direct spot in the final. This marks the first time in his four previous appearances on the show that Bengtsson hasn’t immediately progressed to the final round.
The news, reported by Aftonbladet, came as a slight disappointment for Bengtsson, who had the opportunity to tie Danny Saucedo’s record of five direct qualifications to the final. “A little frustrating,” Bengtsson admitted following the results. Despite missing out on the record, he expressed relief and optimism. “But I’m still relieved and happy. There’s still hope for the final,” he said.
Bengtsson, who won Melodifestivalen in 2017 with “I Can’t Go On” and represented Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest, where he finished fifth, has become a familiar face in the competition. He also directly qualified for the final in 2016, 2020, and 2021. Last year, he submitted a song that wasn’t selected but contributed as a backing vocalist for Erik Segerstedt’s “Show Me What Love Is” in the final.
The 35-year-old artist attributed his performance this year to strong competition. “It feels like there are a lot of strong songs. Brandsta and Felicia, great shows, great songs. It was pretty expected for me, actually,” he commented. He also expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “It was absolutely wonderful. It went the best it could. I was super happy with everything.”
Bengtsson plans to celebrate his advancement with his team and supporters. “First, we’re going to go to my hotel room and toast a little with my cheerleaders and the whole team I’ve been working with this week. Then we’ll go to the after-party and dance and toast,” he said.
This year’s Melodifestivalen has already seen Felicia (“My System”) and Brandsta City Släckers (“Rakt in i elden”) secure direct spots in the final. Alongside Bengtsson in the final qualifier are Laila Adèle, Klara Almström, and Arwin, who were eliminated from the competition.
Bengtsson’s participation in Melodifestivalen 2026 was confirmed earlier this year, alongside artists such as Medina, Greczula, and Felicia (formerly known as Fröken Snusk). Other confirmed participants include Manoel “Junior” Marques Lerin, and according to Aftonbladet, Meira Omar, Saga Ludvigsson, Eva Jumatate, and Smash into Pieces are also set to compete.
The competition continues to heat up as Sweden prepares to select its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest. Bengtsson’s journey, while taking an unexpected turn, remains alive, and he’s determined to make the most of his second chance in the final qualifier.
