Felicia won Melodifestivalen and will represent Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna in May. In an interview with DN, Felicia stated she does not think Israel should be allowed to participate in the contest. Felicia had a meeting with SVT on Monday, which was confirmed by Camilla Hagert, press chief at SVT, to Kulturnyheterna.
There is no public policy from SVT regarding how artists may express themselves, but Melodifestivalen and Eurovision may not be used as a platform for political stances or to drive opinion. In practice, performances and stage expressions must follow the competition's rules and not contain political messages. SVT is responsible for how participation is portrayed in their broadcasts and news reporting.
We have different opinions, me and EBU.
However, statements artists make in contexts other than those linked to Melodifestivalen and Eurovision cannot be influenced by SVT. Felicia's statement about Israel has stirred up emotions among fans and observers. The Eurovision Song Contest is supposed to be apolitical, but it turns out year after year that this is not the case.
In recent years, Russia has left the contest and there has been ongoing discussion back and forth about whether Israel should be allowed to participate. This controversy highlights the recurring tension between the event's non-political ideals and real-world geopolitical issues.
We have had discussions, but I have been clear that I think as I think and I will say it. Then we will find ways forward. We are doing this together, me, the record company and SVT. We must find a way forward where everyone gets their opinions said. It is very important.