Sweden has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 55 times since making its debut in 1958, missing only three contests since then (1964, 1970 and 1976). Since 1959, the Swedish entry has been chosen through an annual televised competition, known since 1967 as Melodifestivalen. Sweden is one of the most successful competing nations at the Eurovision, with a total of six victories in the contest, right behind Ireland who have seven wins. Sweden is also the contest's most successful country of the 21st century, with two wins from eight top five results. In total, Sweden has achieved 22 top five results in the contest.