Here in the United States, election season is squarely upon us. News outlets from the largest networks to the smallest independent stations are buzzing with activity, each planning their coverage to one-up the competition.

Every year, Swedes gather around their TV’s to watch the country’s most popular show, Melodifestivalen, an annual song competition that airs in six shows by Sweden’s Public TV Broadcaster, SVT. The winner of the grand finale is selected to represent Sweden in the international Eurovision Song Contest – the world’s biggest music show and the most popular entertainment program in Swedish TV history.