Sweden's Eurovision Song Contest jury is facing claims of nepotism after awarding points to Malta and Azerbaijan, according to Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet and Wiwibloggs, a website focused on the Eurovision Song Contest.

This year’s Swedish jury consisted of Melodifestivalen stars Lisa Ajax and Anton Ewald, songwriter Wrethov, P3 music editor Karin Gunnarsson, and NRJ program director Rickard Keilor.

The jury awarded seven points to Malta (well below the maximum).  

"The connections to the Maltese act are quite clear. Melodifestivalen star Molly Pettersson Hammar — and a few other Swedes — co-authored the song and served in the backing choir," the media claimed.

However the reports fail to point out that Malta did well in the vote from most national juries - placing fourth with 137 votes - only to be sunk by the televoting, from which it got only 16 points. 

About Azerbaijan, the media noted that the Swedish jury gave that country 10 points  —  second place.

Swedish Idol winner Lisa Ajax awarded top marks to Azeri singer Samra. Aftonbladet said that seemed rather convenient since “Miracle” was written by Henrik Wikström, Amir Aly and Jakke Erixson, who routinely write and produce music for Capitol Records — the same label that represents Lisa. Furthermore, dancer Zain Odelstål appeared in Samra’s stage show. He previously worked with Lisa on her Melodfestivalen 2016 bid.