They will be hosting Melodifestivalen

There are two program leaders from a new generation who will lead the viewers through five qualifying rounds and the final this spring. Kristina "Keyyo" Petrushina, 27, emerged through her own YouTube channel and has led several major productions on SVT. Edvin Törnblom, 28, has reached a large audience with stage performances, TV programs, and podcasts.

They have never worked together before, but are united in their love for Melodifestivalen.

I think there's an old Melodifestivalen enthusiast and a Melodifestivalen talent in both of us, says Keyyo.

Cancelled Performance

Edvin Törnblom was originally going to participate in the theater performance "Oss pojkar emellan" in Stockholm this spring. But it was cancelled. This opened the door for Melodifestivalen.

One day after the news came out that it was cancelled, they called from the editorial office at Mello and asked if I was interested, says Edvin Törnblom.

Now he gets the chance to stand on a big stage this spring – and he intends to take it. The program leaders will also this year be part of the show.

We really love this competition and are passionate about it, so we of course also want to contribute to the entertainment of the folk festival that it is, he says.

So there will be singing and dancing from the program leaders?

It's kind of obligatory, says Keyyo and smiles.

The Podcast Continues

Edvin Törnblom does the podcast "Ursäkta" together with comedian Johanna Nordström, which is one of Sweden's most popular. It will continue during Melodifestivalen.

With an important change, due to SVT's rules against commercial collaborations.

I won't be involved in the advertising, but I'll be responsible for maybe an even larger part of the content, considering what happens behind the scenes, says Edvin Törnblom.

The Melodifestivalen tour starts in Luleå on February 1 with the final on March 8 at the Strawberry arena. Who will participate will be announced by SVT later, but among the big names mentioned in advance speculation are Måns Zelmerlöw, Maja Ivarsson, and Dolly Style, as well as Meira Omar from "Love is blind".

Mikael Forsell/TT