Eurovision winner Loreen doesn’t feel the pressure of winning Melfest on her return to the Swedish competition this weekend. 

Loreen will perform in Melfest for the first time in six years on Saturday night, having last competed in 2017. 

Asked by The Euro Trip about the weight of expectation, she said: “My way of thinking is that everything has its time and Euphoria was perfect for that time. 

“This is a new chapter in many ways. 

“With that said, I don’t feel pressure of winning, that’s not even important to me, even though it sounds crazy. The most important thing for me is not to compromise my performance and my creativity.” 

Loreen is making her long-awaited comeback to Melfest with the song Tattoo. 

The song was written in collaboration with Euphoria writers Peter Boström and Thomas G:son, as well as Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Jimmy Jansson and Moa Carlebecker, better known as Cazzi Opeia. 

“I do have a vision and an idea of what I want to do. If we look at pressure, the pressure is within that,” she said. 

“I feel pressure to keep it according to my heart and not get too influenced by things around me.” 

Loreen’s return to Melfest is arguably the most anticipated of any artist in the competition’s history. After making her debut in 2011, she returned the following year and demolished her competitors with Euphoria, going on to dominate Eurovision with the same song. 

Her surprise participation in 2017 didn’t go as well. She didn’t reach the final, losing out to Anton Hagman in the second chance round. 

Loreen will perform last in the final Melfest heat on Saturday night.

Featured image – Janne Danielsson / SVT