Saga Ludvigsson is returning to Melodifestivalen in 2026 with 'Ain’t Today,' a song she describes as a natural continuation of her artistic journey after last year’s breakthrough. Having competed in 2025 with 'Hate You So Much', Saga now approaches the competition with more experience, clearer boundaries, and a renewed focus on well-being.
“I’ve been writing a lot this year,” she explains, noting that 'Ain’t Today' actually began as a demo back in 2024. “But when it was time to send in all the songs, I was like, well, I think this is the one”
The song was later revisited in the studio in 2025, where she made lyrical changes to ensure a personal connection. “I always wanna be involved in the lyrics because I feel like I can’t connect to the song if I don’t know what it’s about.” she says.
Musically and emotionally, 'Ain’t Today' follows the same universe as her previous entry, but reflects personal growth.
I think it’s a good step from 'Hate You So Much'. It’s still in the same world, but it’s a natural step from what I did last year.
Looking back at her 2025 participation, she admits the experience was intense. “I was a bit stressed last year. I was like, I have to do everything,” she recalls. “So I feel like I did too many things, and I was way too stressed”
This time, her approach is different. “I’m taking care of myself more… both physically, but also mentally, especially,” she says, adding that she is learning to be “nicer" to herself.
That balance brings mixed emotions. While she feels calmer knowing what to expect, the pressure has increased. “Now people are expecting something from me,” She admits. “I wanna be better, and that’s the scary part. But I’m so excited”
Lyrically, 'Ain’t Today' expands beyond a single story. Unlike 'Hate You So Much', which focused on one person, the new song draws from multiple experiences. “This is about many experiences in my life that I put together into one,” she explains.
“It’s about being in some kind of relationship… when you feel like you give everything to them and you get nothing back. It’s a freeing song… about being free and doing what’s best for you,” she says, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing oneself.
On stage, the contestant promises continuity without repetition.
“You will recognize that it’s me doing it, but it’s on another level”
While careful not to reveal details, she confirms the performance is “a step up from last year” and something she is “really proud” of.
The song was written alongside experienced Melodifestivalen names, but Saga remained closely involved in shaping it. “They started something, and then when we sat in the studio, we changed stuff so it felt more me, both in the production and lyrics,” she explains.
Advice from her collaborators was simple but effective: “Have fun and do what I love the most,” she says, noting that enjoyment on stage was key to her success last year.
For Saga, success in Melodifestivalen 2026 is not defined by rankings. “I would say that people like the song and can connect to it,” she explains. “With my music, I wanna make people feel happy and empowered” If that happens, she says, “that’s a win for me”.
Watch the full interview:
Re-watch the first interview:
