Foto: ESC-Panelen
PANELEN PRESENTERAR. Ahead of this week’s heat in Melodifestivalen 2026, we spoke with Stefan “Ubbe” Sjur of the band Korslagda, who are competing in this year’s competition.
The rock band Korslagda formed in Älvdalen in 2019 and consists of Stefan “Ubbe” Sjur, Håkan Sörle, Andreas Bölling, and Per Kronqvist. Since then, the group has played together and released several songs and albums (Den Korslagda Lärarn and Boulder Dash) and performed at various festivals around the country. Their performances deliver genuine rock ‘n’ roll, getting audiences dancing and singing along.
Though they’ve played numerous venues across Sweden, this year marks Korslagda’s first time taking the stage at Melodifestivalen. And they’re competing for one key reason.
– We think there’s a lack of rock ‘n’ roll in Melodifestivalen, year after year it’s the same kind of music, and now it’s time for everyone to experience rock ‘n’ roll, says Ubbe.
How closely have you followed Melodifestivalen in the past?
– We’ve always followed Mello, maybe not every heat, but we always sit glued to the TV during the final and get a little annoyed with the others at home who don’t agree with us. That’s why we realize there’s always room for a rock ‘n’ roll band, Ubbe explains.
A Song About Becoming Obsessed with Rock ‘n’ Roll
In Kristianstad, the group will compete with the song ”King of Rock ’n’ roll,” written by “Ubbe” along with Andreas Werling, Pedro Sanchez, and Kristofer Strandberg. Ubbe describes the song as being developed with both band members and songwriters familiar with Melodifestivalen. The song is described as a rock ‘n’ roll track.
– The song is about how you develop into obsessed with rock ‘n’ roll, the King of rock ‘n’ roll, and how it got Ubbe up on stage.
Korslagda is slated to perform as the second song in the lineup, a position that historically hasn’t been particularly advantageous – since 2002, only two entries from that slot have advanced to the final round. However, the odds are currently looking favorable for the band. And with rock ‘n’ roll and plenty of energy, they could charm audiences from any starting position. We were curious to learn what kind of reveal they’ll be bringing to the audience on Saturday.
– It’s going to be a rock ‘n’ roll performance, that’s where we come from, and we’re going to do what we do best: be ourselves and do what we love, Ubbe says.
If you were to make it all the way to the final and win, how would it feel to represent Sweden in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
– What an incredible honor it would be to represent Sweden around the world, we would make Sweden proud.
Regardless of how they fare in the competition, Korslagda already has plans for the future. They’re currently on tour, which began last fall and continues through May. So, for anyone who wants to see Korslagda this winter and spring, there are plenty of opportunities.
– Then there will be a lot of festival gigs all summer, so I hope to see you, says Ubbe.
With that said, we wish the band Korslagda the best of luck in this year’s Melodifestivalen!
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