SVT’s outgoing Project Manager of Melodifestivalen believes the competition needs “adaptations and adjustments” for next year’s edition. 

Annette Brattström was speaking to The Euro Trip live in Stockholm minutes after overseeing her final year as Project Manager of Melfest which saw Cornelia Jakobs win with her song Hold Me Closer. 

“Well it was months in the making and we didn’t really succeed in the first shows,” Brattström said. 

“It wasn’t until the fourth competition [heat] that we actually saw in real time how it worked out. 

“And I think you can continue with it but you have to do some small adaptations and adjustments for the next year. But I think it was a good show actually.” 

Brattström had been Melfest’s Project Manager since 2009 but is stepping aside after 14 editions. 

Arguably the most challenging aspect of her role was the reorganisation of Melfest 2022 after the traditional nationwide tour was cancelled last minute due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in Sweden. 

Asked how she looks back on the last six weeks, Brattström said: “I’m so relieved and we’ve done some huge adaptations and adjustments based on the situation around the world.

“It’s an amazing team and they’ve been through so much. 

“I admire their efforts that they really put into this. They work 24/7 every day a week for six weeks so it’s been a really tough period this time.”

Image Credit – The Euro Trip