Malmö Messages: dancing, ballads and demons

End of a Five-Year Tenure Martin Österdahl steps down as Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest in summer 2025. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced the news on 27 June 2025. His departure marks the end of five years leading both the Eurovision Song Contest and Junior Eurovision. Österdahl leaves after five successful contests. He started in 2020 and will finish his term this year. He helped modernize the show and led it through major changes. Now, he is stepping aside to let someone else take over. The Role of Executive Supervisor The Executive Supervisor holds the most important job in Eurovision. This person makes sure everything runs smoothly. That includes following the rules and confirming the results. Österdahl worked with host broadcasters each year. He led the Reference Group, which governs the contest. He also resolved problems during rehearsals and live shows. The role is vital to keep Eurovision fair and professional.  Österdahl’s Background and Experience Martin Österdahl is not new to Eurovision. Before 2020, he already worked on the show. Österdahl was Executive Producer when Sweden hosted in 2013 and 2016. He also sat on the Reference Group for seven years. Österdahl took over the top role in 2020, after Jon Ola Sand stepped down. His first year was unusual. The 2020 contest was cancelled due to COVID-19. Österdahl helped organize Europe Shine a Light, a special replacement show. In 2021, he brought the full contest back in Rotterdam. His background in TV helped him lead Eurovision. He understood both the creative and technical sides of the show. Achievements and Impact on the Contest Österdahl led the contest from 2021 to 2025. That includes editions in Rotterdam, Turin, Liverpool, Malmö, and Basel. He helped Eurovision grow during this time. One major achievement was holding Eurovision during the COVID-19 crisis. By 2021, the contest returned with safety rules in place. In 2023, he oversaw a show hosted in the UK for Ukraine. In 2025, the show in Basel broke viewing records. He also made branding changes. Under his lead, Eurovision got a permanent slogan: “United by Music.” This replaced the changing slogans from past years.  Österdahl brought in more sponsors and partners. He also increased online engagement. Eurovision’s social media channels grew rapidly.  Challenges and Controversies Not everything went smoothly. The 2024 contest in Malmö faced major criticism. There were protests, disagreements, and the disqualification of Dutch contestant Joost Klein. During the Grand Final, Österdahl appeared on stage. The audience booed him loudly. That moment showed a growing dissatisfaction. After the contest, pressure grew. Fans and media questioned the leadership. Many called for changes at the top of the EBU. Eurovision Universe noted that Österdahl became a target of criticism. His final years were marked by this tension. Despite this, he kept the show on track. He managed problems behind the scenes and in the press. But the pressure likely influenced his decision to step down. What Happens Next for Eurovision? The EBU has already planned the next steps. Martin Green CBE will take over temporarily. He will handle the day-to-day work after Österdahl leaves. Green has experience. He was in charge of Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool. In 2024, he became Eurovision Song Contest Director. Now, he will guide preparations for 2026 until a new Executive Supervisor is named. The EBU will announce a long-term replacement later. For now, Green ensures the contest stays on course. As Eurovision nears its 70th anniversary, it enters a new phase. Österdahl’s time brought innovation and growth. His departure ends an important chapter. Fans will watch closely to see what changes come next. source: eurovision.tv Share