It selected the fifty-second Swedish entry to be internationally represented in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 (ESC 2012).

[1] As in the editions between 2009–2011, a maximum of eight people were allowed on stage, while only persons of 16 years or over are eligible.

On 20 June 2011, Sveriges Television (SVT) announced an open call for Melodifestivalen 2012, with some changes in the rules.

For the web competition, authors could upload their audio file on SVT's website between 1–20 September 2011.

[5] The format of the 2012 Melodifestivalen was similar to the previous ten contests, with four heats, a second chance round, and a grand final.

From 1–20 September 2011, musicians with no previous music contract were able to submit songs to the SVT Melodifestivalen website.

On 1 September 2011, SVT announced major changes in the web wildcard contest.

[7] On 7 October 2011, SVT announced that four web wildcards were disqualified due to rule violations.

All four songs had been published on other websites before the competition began, contrary to SVT's rules.

However, on 14 October 2011, SVT disqualified the replaced song "No Games" by Leslie Tay.

"No Games" was disqualified due to the writer having released music through a commercial record companies, in violation of the rules.

Later in the afternoon, around 13:30 to 14:00 CET, SVT announce the winner and their own choice at Melodifestivalen website.

It was broadcast live in the radio show P4 Extra with the host Lotta Bromé.

SVT's fifteen wild cards and the jury's choice were revealed on 9 November 2011.

On 28 November 2011, the last 16 artist were presented, which also featured the return of several former Melodifestivalen artists like Mattias Andréasson and Danny Saucedo from the group E.M.D., in 2012 Melodifestivalen they will solo-compete and Charlotte Perrelli, winner of Eurovision Song Contest 1999.

Other Swedish artists who will return to Melodifestivalen again are Love Generation, Andreas Johnson, Molly Sandén, Lotta Engberg and Christer Sjögren (in a duet) and Hanna Lindblad.

The rock band Dynazty, which performed the 2010 winning song "This is my life" in the 2011 Melodifestivlen final, will also compete in 2012.

In the first round the artists will sing their songs, and the public will telephone- and SMS vote.

After the appearances will SVT have a quick review of the songs, subsequently terminated round.

[18] The Andra Chansen (Second Chance) round was held on 3 March in Rosvalla Nyköping Eventcenter.

A duel format was used, with each song battling against another in order to remain in the contest, and qualify for the final on 10 March.

2007-2011 the duel meetings were determined before the contest began, which meant that SVT decided how the eight songs would be met.

On 3 March 2011, SVT announced the 11 international groups that made up the jury vote.

Jury spokespersons (in order of appearances): Tredje Chansen (Third Chance) is a web-contest organized by Sveriges Television.

[21] Thirty-two unsuccessful Melodifestivalen entries in the past ten years will have a third opportunity for a spot in the grand final.