From “Undo” to encore: Sanna Nielsen’s long-awaited Mello comeback
She’s back — and Sweden’s pop faithful are already losing their minds. Sanna Nielsen, one of Melodifestivalen’s most beloved icons, is set to return to the competition in 2026, according to reports from Expressen.
The singer, born in Edenryd, Skåne in 1984, has been a household name in Sweden for more than two decades. Her golden voice, elegance, and Eurovision pedigree make her comeback one of the most anticipated moments of the upcoming season.
From child prodigy to Eurovision legend
Nielsen first captured Swedish hearts at just 11 years old with her breakout single “Till en fågel”, becoming the youngest artist ever to top the Svensktoppen charts. But her musical journey began even earlier — at age seven — when she competed in her first local talent contest in Olofström.
Since then, she’s become a national institution. Having taken part in Melodifestivalen seven times, Nielsen finally struck gold in 2014 with the soaring ballad “Undo”, which carried her all the way to third place at Eurovision in Copenhagen.
Her other Mello entries — including “Empty Room” (2008) and “I’m in Love” (2011) — remain fan favourites, often cited as some of the finest Swedish pop ever written.
A voice of the nation
Outside the competition, Sanna has shone as both a recording artist and TV host. She fronted “Allsång på Skansen”from 2016 to 2021, released multiple albums, and spent her summers touring Sweden’s open-air stages.
Now, after more than a decade away from Melodifestivalen, her return signals a nostalgic revival — and perhaps another shot at Eurovision glory.
A fierce 2026 line-up
According to Swedish media, the Melodifestivalen 2026 roster is shaping up to be a battle of generations. Among the confirmed names are Felicia (formerly Fröken Snusk), Greczula, “Junior” Manoel Lerin, Robin Bengtsson, Medina, and Emilia Pantic.
Aftonbladet also reports that Meira Omar, Saga Ludvigsson, Arwin, Smash Into Pieces, and Eva Jumatate will join the competition — making it one of the most eclectic Mello editions in recent memory.
For fans, though, the spotlight inevitably returns to Sanna — the woman who once sang about “undoing my sad” and now seems ready to redo her reign.
Source: Expressen
