Malmö Messages: A draw among the Big 5 and Sweden

Malmö Messages:the Big 5 and Sweden

The big five and Sweden had their second rehearsal today. However, there is more happening: the draw also took place to decide in which part of the show the participants will perform. There is a change happening: half of the countries will draw a ‘producers choice‘. They can be placed anywhere.

United Kingdom

He might have called it the most homosexual act ever. Olly Alexander has four dancers around him, who seem to be dancing around each other somewhat combatively. The men have bare torsos, except for Olly’s torn shirt. Whether it is indeed the most homosexual act ever or not? No idea, but not much is left to the imagination. He seems to be rising in the bookmakers’ ratings, where he is now in tenth place. Olly Alexander drew the first half of the final.

EBU/Corinne Cumming

Germany

Little has changed since last time for Germany. The act was already so well-defined that there is little left to change. The singing is important in the German entry. But whether Isaak makes enough of an impression to break Germany’s negative streak remains to be seen. The bookmakers give him a 23rd place. Isaak drew in the first half of the final.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

Sweden

The Swedes are number three in line to create a full music video of their performance. It is exactly the same performance as during Melodifestivalen. We see Marcus and Martinus everywhere and nowhere. This afternoon in the press center, someone enthusiastically told of having done five interviews with them. We already knew that Sweden will open the final.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

France

Less is more, the French must have thought. Slimane stands alone on the stage in white clothing while singing his “Mon amour”. He stands, sits, and lies down while singing. The a cappella part makes a deep impression. The bookmakers currently predict just shy of a top-5 spot, placing him sixth. France will perform in the second half of the final.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

Spain

With a lot of gold in the background, a red sofa, and the two members of Nebulossa in black clothing, the act is complete. The lyrics of “Zorra” caused a lot of controversy, but the Spanish audience enthusiastically roars along with the song. The bookmakers have no faith in it. They rank the song in 24th place. Nebulossa drew producers’ choice this afternoon.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

Italy

Fortunately, not everything remains exactly the same as during the previous rehearsal. Angelina Mango has a different dress: a black one, with much fewer flowers on it. That makes the overall busy impression during the performance a bit less intense. “La Noia” is currently fourth with the bookmakers. Angelina Mango drew producers’ choice.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

As mentioned, except for Italy, there are few changes. The big five and Sweden will be heard and seen for the first time during the semifinals, so there are equal opportunities for everyone. We think: abolish the big five if they really want equal chances. But then, who are we…

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Martin Österdahl Steps Down as Eurovision Executive Supervisor

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Martijn

Martin Österdahl Steps Down as Eurovision Executive Supervisor

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

Share
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