A month ago SVT announced a number of changes for this year’s Eurovision in Malmö, hinting that another “big change” was coming. And today that big change was revealed.

In addition to the Big 5 countries performing in full in the semi-finals, there will now be three categories to draw for the running order in the grand final. In recent years, the qualifying countries from the semi-finals and the Big 5 have chosen which half of the Grand Final they will perform at random.

The producers of the show then decided where in the first half (songs 1 to 13) or second half (songs 14 to 26) of the Grand Final those acts would perform. 

But now a new third category will be introduced: “Producer’s Choice“. This means that of the 25 countries drawing their positions (Sweden has already drawn position 1) they will now be able to pick either first half, second half or producer’s choice in a random draw after the respective semi-finals.

This means that if an artist pulls out producer’s choice in the random draw – the show producers will be able to place that song anywhere in either the first or the second half of the running order.

There will be 6 places to pick for both first and second half, adding up to 12 of the 25 positions. The rest of the positions will be the 13 producer’s choices, which will able the producers to optimise the running order in terms of shift in genres or in general not to cramp together the same kind of entries.

The Big 5 will be picking their positions in the Grand Final after their second rehearsal on Saturday 4 May, live during a Reddit AMA.

The 10 qualifying artists from the each semi-final will draw their positions from the remaining options live on Eurovision’s TikTok channel after the live shows on Tuesday 7 and Thursday 9 May respectively.

The reason for the change is to give producers of the show even more of an opportunity to make all songs in the Grand Final stand out and create the most exciting running order possible. 

Christer Björkman, this year’s Contest Producer, explains more about the reasons for the change: 

“It’s all about creating the best TV show possible and giving all artists a chance to shine. In previous years, with just the First Half and Second Half draws you might find many ballads ended up in the same part of the show or many favourites were drawn to perform in the same half. Adding the flexibility of Producer’s Choice gives me the ability to create an even better flow of different tempos and an even more thrilling Grand Final.”

What do you think about the new “producer’s choice”? Will it make for a more evenly spread out of the favourites? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

 

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OsloEuroFan
OsloEuroFan
9 days ago

I remember the time it was just a random draw. THAT was truly exciting. I’ve never perceived anything in the last years organized running order that heighten any of the songs – it only reflects the taste of the producers.

Angela
Angela
9 days ago

Changes in Eurovision are very good… but this is just unnecessary.

The organisers love the event and want to make it unforgettable. 
But this can be done with other changes.
This last one is very unfair

msss
msss
10 days ago

With Russia removed, Azerbaijan not doing well recently, eurofans just need that one boogeyman country who they can release their anger at. Its just a show. Last time Sweden won 8 years ago. It amazes how critical are people of Sweden doing well yet completely ignore Ukraine coming top5 with the public each year due to huge diaspora and slavic solidarity. Maybe we should focus more on celebrating music rather than locking our attention on winners of the contest.

Angela
Angela
9 days ago
Reply to  msss

Then if you want to enjoy Eurovision so much, you must accept that Ukraine has sent amazing songs the last ten years…
Like it or not, don’t cry about it. We celebrate the music at the end

Milan
Milan
11 days ago

Is there any other major competition where the running order is rigged “to make things more exciting”?

Guorga
Guorga
11 days ago

So now there will be even more incentives to manipulate the odds in order to get a good position in the running order as a “favorite”.

Tony Olsen
Tony Olsen
11 days ago

I have always loved the Eurovision Song Contest. Unfortunately is has lost it´s magic, and I am not a big fan like when I was younger. Eurovision has been to rigged and to swedish. But good luck anyway to all participations, even it seems Swedish TV want some countries to win more than others.

Darren
Darren
11 days ago
Reply to  Tony Olsen

Im the same to be honest.
Careful mix of Swedenisation of the contest, blatant favouritism of certain countries and then Ireland’s constant (and mostly deserved) bad results. Definitely taken the spark away from the contest for me.

Nicolas
Nicolas
11 days ago

wow, ESC wasn’t already rigged enough since a decade.

Patrick
Patrick
12 days ago

Is there no end to the Swediah rigging of this contest. It won’t be worth watching at this rate

Poul Rissen
Poul Rissen
11 days ago
Reply to  Patrick

Then don’t or do the Swedes force you to?

TheHenno
TheHenno
12 days ago

SVT/Björkman – your megalomania knows no limits. The day in which these two entities have nothing to do with organising the ESC cannot come any sooner…

Dave
Dave
12 days ago

Big 5 butt kissing continues. I wonder who complained this time. Bet it’s the UK and Germany for 0 points and last places.

Erikiejberg
Erikiejberg
12 days ago

Omg some people here… grow up.
No, this is not to make Sweden win more. I know some of you are still mad about last year, but Loreen won fair and square, and we knew the rules and the point system before. Stop crying.

And yes, maybe Sweden always gets a good RO position, but maybe that is because they constantly send high quality pop songs with good stagings. Maybe countries like Albania, that people say are thrown under the bus each year, should learn from this

yoo
yoo
12 days ago
Reply to  Erikiejberg

“high quality pop song” LOL

Daniel
Daniel
12 days ago
Reply to  Erikiejberg

Just because Sweden sends good songs to Eurovision, they may still want to influence the result through the starting numbers.
This gives power to the TV producer.

FunQ
FunQ
12 days ago
Reply to  Erikiejberg

Is that fair and square that Sweden has won in 1974 (with Abba) and then, by a stunning miracle, has won in 1984 (10 years anniversary), 1989 (25 years anniversary), 2023 (for 2024, 50 years anniversary) of the victory of ABBA? Sweden always changes the Eurovision Rules and has got a Swedish executive sprrvisor for ages, at least 20 years. Is it dair and square the Executive Supervisor myst always be from Sweden, or from Norway?

Erikiejberg
Erikiejberg
11 days ago
Reply to  FunQ

See. Even your math does need some extra to make the 49 years into 50 years.
And idk, maybe they are from those countries because they make high quality television, or are chosen for their own qualities. You are just hating on Sweden for the sake of it, and thinking Bjorkman made this decision on his own

FunQ
FunQ
11 days ago
Reply to  Erikiejberg

My dear, if they wanted to do the mega celebration in the exact anniversary of 1974, Malmö 2024, they had to win it in Liverpool 2023. Clear for everybody, not for you. They tried in 2022 with Cornelia Jacobs but there was the Ukraine variable. But then had to retrieve Loreen from long term storage, imploring her to come back, giving a copycat song, in order to influence the Juries. And we all know how much Sweden is able to influence the juries with the radiofriendly empty/lazy pop. Do you remind of 2015 against Il Volo who landslided the televote?… Read more »

Erikiejberg
Erikiejberg
10 days ago
Reply to  FunQ

First of all, I know this year is the 50th anniversary. Your logic that Sweden WON on the 10th and the 25th anniversary, and you count Loreen in that same category even though that was 49 years is just not matching. You want to make a point just to make a point. And why bring Cornelia in this, that even makes less sense.
Second of all, I am not Swedish, so you just called me dumb and arrogant. And that is not okay. So maybe take a look in the mirror before insulting people 🙂

Fatima
Fatima
12 days ago
Reply to  Erikiejberg

I think you’re missing the central point, Erik. Which is not that we’ve had enough of Sweden’s wins, but we have had enough of the Swedification of the contest. We’ve got a Swedish Executive Producer, over-representation of Swedish songwriters, copying of the Melodifestivalen format. And now A Swedish producer has persuaded the EBU to give him powers which will influence televoters. I’d love see countries like Albania get more of a look-in.

Erikiejberg
Erikiejberg
11 days ago
Reply to  Fatima

Like I said. Maybe the Swedification is happening because of the overall quality Sweden delivers. Am I saying I think this is a good change, no. But it also wouldn’t have been if another country hosted. And maybe if other countries should have a better say in the overall matters, they should deliver quality

FunQ
FunQ
11 days ago
Reply to  Erikiejberg

Who decides if the Eurovision hosted by Sweden is the best? My dear Swedes, you are arrogant and full of yourself!! Probably you can continue to indulge in your arrogance transforming the Eurovision in your own thing. But the other Countries should start to think to some other show. To organize something else. A real song contest with less trash and less Bjorkman. Eurovision is trying, under Osterdahl to push the show to a more international audience, having failed all the various transplants to US and ASIA. That’s the reason of this push to increase the show and decrease the… Read more »

Lawrence Gibb
Lawrence Gibb
11 days ago
Reply to  Fatima

So instead of crying about it tell us how YOU would organise it.

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
12 days ago
Reply to  Erikiejberg

Totally with you. I agree with all the points, and I have to say this:

I wish more countries took the contest as seriously as Sweden.

FunQ
FunQ
11 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

Ok. It’s clear you are the PA of SVT or Bjorkman. With the clever smiling and eyepleasing picture in the profile and everything. Very professional. Well, having won it undeservedly for 7th times makes, probably, either the local audience, or the production, more eager to take it seriously. It’s clear Albania or San Marino cannot invest the same money of the rich Sweden and, cleverly, doesn’t want to invest a lot of money in a show that, most of the times, is stolen from Sweden. Some said Ukraine stole the crown in 2022. Here the ones who constantly steal, because… Read more »

Poul Rissen
Poul Rissen
11 days ago
Reply to  FunQ

It’s so amusing. Thank you for your kind words. I bet Christer hired me for my smile to promote the Swedish interests.

Meh
Meh
9 days ago
Reply to  FunQ

You need to cool down, get a life and stop obsessing over one of the world’s smallest countries and Christer Bjorkman. Then you will enjoy the show, the spring and everything else more. Believe me, you need to get another hobby

FunQ
FunQ
7 days ago
Reply to  Meh

Do I have to stay cool while Sweden destroys the Eurovision with their injection of plastic? Sweden is tra sforming the face of the Eurovision with massive injections of Botox. That’s the reality. I will not watch it this year. I am over fed up about the Swedish arrogance and conviction they are the best in the world so they have to organize it whenever they want, just by influencing the juries, the running order, etc.

Tino
Tino
11 days ago
Reply to  Erikiejberg

I agree with you. Those changes are not necessarily made to help Sweden having good score every year, Sweden doesn’t need that :’) The countries that are thrown under the bus are countries with bad/average song that have 0 chance to win the contest. BUT it doesn’t change the fact that SVT/Björkman are faaaaar too  present and involved in the running of the competition. This new change is completely unnecessary and remains unfair. I love Sweden in Eurovision but it’s time to put people from other countries (non-nordic countries) at the head of the contest. At least for a few… Read more »

Erikiejberg
Erikiejberg
11 days ago
Reply to  Tino

I am not saying I think this change is good. But just the hating on this blog to some countries, almost just for the sake of hating is annoying me. And I mean, it is not it is just a Swede deciding. We had Sietse Bakker at a high position, and many other people, and the hate for them was not as big.

Lawrence Gibb
Lawrence Gibb
11 days ago
Reply to  Erikiejberg

I know it’s annoying but there are people on these threads who are just angry and sad and want something to complain about. They never offer credible suggestions or evidence for their claims. I totally agree with you. In fact I think the changes could be beneficial in helping the running order even out the style of songs. Particularly in a year when so many songs fall into similar categories. Melodifestivalen is arguably the most successful national final format so why wouldn’t you listen to its producers? These moaners also never acknowledge that participating broadcasters have to agree to the… Read more »

FunQ
FunQ
11 days ago
Reply to  Tino

Do you think that a country (or TV Broadcaster) who considers themselves as “messerngers of the God of Eurovision” can even by far consider to drop the control on the Executive Supervisor chair?? You are dreaming. SVT will NEVER abandon that role. And if they do it, it will be only to someone they can control or that agreed under the table to let SVT do whatever they want with the show. Come on. It has been like this for the last 30 years. Do you think they feel even a gram of shame for this arrogance.and self indulgent, patronizing… Read more »

Tony Olsen
Tony Olsen
11 days ago
Reply to  Erikiejberg

Noone complains about Swedens victory last year. But it seems like Sweden think they are the owners of the Eurovision, and everytime Sweden is the hostcountry, we see a lot of changes.

Erikiejberg
Erikiejberg
10 days ago
Reply to  Tony Olsen

A lot of people complain about Swedens win last year, and that rules were unfair, Finland should have won, it was fake for the Abba anniversary. A lot of complains. And lets not act only Sweden changes stuff. UK wanted to do the Xfactor elimination last year, or do we also blame Sweden for that. NL changed stuff for Covid that hasn’t been changed back. Did Sweden own Eurovision back then as well according to you?

Mike
Mike
11 days ago
Reply to  Erikiejberg

High quality pop song . ?

FunQ
FunQ
7 days ago
Reply to  Mike

They are self indulgent. So every song they bring is absolutely deserving.

Michael
Michael
12 days ago

Juries overrate Swedish entries almost every year, Swedish producers change the rules etc.
The contest is becoming “Swedenvision Song Contest” ?

Andy
12 days ago
Reply to  Michael

Just wait until their ass draws “Producer’s Choice” and get stuck on the second slot. You can almost hear the bitchfit now.

Henry
Henry
12 days ago

Stockholm 2026
Gothenburg 2027
Malmo 2028
Linköping 2029
Jönköping 2030
Helsingborg 2031……..

that’s where we’re heading, so BUCKLE UP !!

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
12 days ago
Reply to  Henry

You forgot Kiruna in the north for 2032 ;[

Lawrence Gibb
Lawrence Gibb
11 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

Lol

slia
slia
12 days ago

Can someone stop Bjorkman? This is not his private party. Running order should be completly random and fair.

Darren
Darren
12 days ago

Bjorkmann constantly gives me a negative vibe just like Philipp Kirkorov did too.

Something about them just doesn’t sit right with me. I can’t explain why.

Basti
Basti
12 days ago
Reply to  Darren

Always trust how you feel about certain people or things. Its our soul speaking to us through feelings. Trust on it. Have a lovely day!

Costa
Costa
12 days ago

People in here are overreacting too much. Very difficult to keep reading.
The producers have all rights to change some rules if they think it will be for the better. I think its good to have a more flexibal running order creation and I highly doubt they will prefer any country in that.

Daniel
Daniel
12 days ago
Reply to  Costa

So you think they can change regardless of whether you think it’s good or bad yourself?

Costa
Costa
11 days ago
Reply to  Daniel

I said that i think its good. I rather have them do a lineup instead of randomly draw all ”good” songs in first half. Obviously anything could be biased and everyone will have other opinions about that. I just think we should let them cook for this year and than we will see if they do a good job or not. We can argue afterwards… theres no reason to blame them for trying out things differently even if its a questionable move for fans

Daniel
Daniel
12 days ago
Reply to  Costa

One would instead perhaps use a computer program where the music is analyzed according to, for example, speed etc. and in that way ensure that slow songs do not end up next to each other, for example ballads.

Or that a larger jury decides instead of the television producer.

Or that the results in the semi-finals affected the starting numbers in the final, similar to what usually happens in athletics during championships, for example

Daniel
Daniel
12 days ago
Reply to  Costa

There are no prohibitions against them allowing, for example, ballads to be one after the other in the start numbers, even with the new rules. Hypothetically, this could be the case with the new rule for start numbers, but it is not written down. It could equally be used for any purpose when they get to decide the starting numbers. In other contexts it can be biased judgments that influence and why couldn’t it take place now in Eurovision? There is no rule to refer to if they place songs on start numbers that the public dislikes when the TV… Read more »

Daniel
Daniel
12 days ago
Reply to  Daniel

Change in the text.
In other contest/competition….

Not_funny_anymore
Not_funny_anymore
12 days ago

Since the time producers decide the ro:
2014 sweden performed 13th
2015 sweden performed 10th
2017 sweden performed 24th
2018 sweden performed 20th
2019 sweden performed 9th
2021 sweden performed 25th
2022 sweden performed 20th
2023 sweden performed 9th

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
12 days ago

and now sweden performs 1st

Daniel
Daniel
12 days ago
Reply to  Anonymous91

Sweden’s gets starting number 1 due to a draw due to Sweden being the host nation.

Daniel
Daniel
12 days ago

In 2014, 2015, 2019, 2023, Sweden was drawn into the first half of the starting field.

Jake
Jake
12 days ago
Reply to  Daniel

That’s right. Except no other country who gets drawn 4 times into First Half would never perform before the 9th song. That’s the issue when you have countries literally placed in 2nd multiple times and this country never performs before 9th. Except when it doesn’t have a choice. Their influence over the reference committee, delegations and producers are unmatched.

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
12 days ago

Yes, simply because, in most years, they are among the favourites, so the producers rightfully put them towards the end of the show.

Imagine Loreen performing 3rd. Who would stay and watch the rest 23 songs (apart from fans of course)

Iv***
Iv***
12 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

With her performing 3rd (that didn’t happen thanks to MÖ) we would now be heading towards Helsinki (or Tampere or wherever in SUOMI)!!!

Poul Rissen
Poul Rissen
11 days ago
Reply to  Iv***

Turku is better. We will find out when Finland wins and Sweden stops stealing the crown :×

FunQ
FunQ
11 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

Ok. So if Loreen is that unmatched champion, why don’t you bring her each year, so you win it each year and we finally close this Circus of Vanities who has become the Eurovision under the Swedish Executive Supervisors? This thing you wrote is the plastic evidence on why Sweden is bad for Eurovision. And people like you are the proving evidence that Sweden only kills Eurovision. Your consideration of the tastes of the European audience is that everybody must like Loreen and that’s it. I liked Euphoria. I hate Tattoo. A meaningless song, copycat of Euphoria, which she sang… Read more »

Jake
Jake
12 days ago

The rich get richer. Instead of having every song on equal footing we now have 1 man tip the scales for already “popular” entries. We already know it’s not great to be in first few slots. And it seems the same countries seem to always get first 7 slots year after year. The few times Sweden have drawn first half in a final they always seem to get the last few possible slots in that half. Their only first 7 slots placement in a final have come when they drew that number out of a hat. Christer might want to… Read more »

Henry
Henry
12 days ago

A new and exciting change – Sweden will never be in the 1st half again!! Yay indeed!!

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
12 days ago
Reply to  Henry

yet they perform 1st this year?

Giorgio
Giorgio
12 days ago
Reply to  Anonymous91

that is why they are making this change now, to avoid this situation in the future. it is so obvious!

Daniel
Daniel
12 days ago
Reply to  Henry

Excluded if Sweden becomes the host nation again and Sweden is possibly drawn to starting number 1

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
12 days ago

I think it’s a fun idea. Looking forward to who will get the producer’s draw. (Hopefully it’s one of my favs)

yaremturkiye
yaremturkiye
12 days ago

um yikes anyways

ANDREW BROWN
ANDREW BROWN
12 days ago

Do you know what else is really annoying me about this producer choice matter. Firstly i have always loved the entries from Sweden. However the constant manipulation of the running order by Bjorkman is now placing a negative affect on the Swedish songs hence the fandom anger. This change is making it even more obvious. This year im not even going to vote in protest of this new positioning system. Whats the point anymore. It’s not Eurovision anymore its Bjorkmanvision for Sweden. I can’t believe this man has so much power. The general public who view for one night will… Read more »

Jonny
Jonny
12 days ago
Reply to  ANDREW BROWN

You’re overreacting. I cannot any “manipulation”. The producers decide on a viewership basis and not on a “Let’s make Sweden get a lot of point.” There is no conspiracy, it’s just in your head. Please accept that.

Jonny
Jonny
12 days ago
Reply to  Jonny

*cannot see any “manipulation”*

Daniel
Daniel
12 days ago
Reply to  Jonny

There is no prohibition against if they choose to favor certain countries, but that is not good

Daniel
Daniel
12 days ago
Reply to  Jonny

They themselves admit that “it should help different contributions such as ballads.”
They themselves admit that it can be important which start number the countries get.
And it can be used in a way that doesn’t do justice and it’s not about helping ballads

Daniel
Daniel
12 days ago
Reply to  Jonny

And how can you be sure that it cannot be used to benefit certain countries?
Draw makes it fairer

Daniel
Daniel
12 days ago
Reply to  Jonny

Eurovision is less about a real competition when the TV producer gets to decide the starting numbers.
For example, during sports competitions, they don’t usually go to like they do now.

ANDREW BROWN
ANDREW BROWN
12 days ago
Reply to  Jonny

Tell that to the performers and Nations who constantly placed in unfavourable positions in the running order.

Stian F
Stian F
12 days ago

I have to say I am disappointed as I had hoped that the big change would be something else..I would have rather liked seeing the contest present a more expensive list of criterias for the jury members to vote on, as well as expensive the jury to 12-15 members, just like it used to be in the 90s… that would have been a GREAT change for Eurovision. Another great change would have a 60%/40% vote favouring televotes. And also…Bring the number to how many can be on stage at the same time to 8, and also bring backing singers back… Read more »

Tino
Tino
12 days ago
Reply to  Stian F

Backing singers on or behind the scene is up each country. I mean EBU should make it compulsory but for now if a delegation decides to hide their backing singers it’s on them.
The question now is are there still a lot of countries that go to Eurovision with backing singers? Most of the artists use pre recorded vocals. EBU should also remove this rule. It’s not normal that it has been done in junior contest and not in the adult.

Marlinken
Marlinken
12 days ago

Sweden’s PR is expert at causing mediocre songs to do better than they should (gays fawning over middle aged women like Loreen and Cornelia helps with this too) but it can’t force a bad song to do well. Remember Tusse? A Swedish song, performed in the best slot of the show and featured all that cringe racial content (when the West was going hysterical over race; thank Odin that’s dying out). It still tanked.

Jonny
Jonny
12 days ago
Reply to  Marlinken

Don’t be racist.

Marlinken
Marlinken
12 days ago
Reply to  Jonny

= “don’t notice any inconvenient patterns”

Lawrence Gibb
Lawrence Gibb
11 days ago
Reply to  Marlinken

Rude. I’m guessing mysoginist, racist and hompophobe.

Marlinken
Marlinken
11 days ago
Reply to  Lawrence Gibb

Gay and a feminist before it was fashionable. Try again.

Stian F
Stian F
12 days ago

Wow…. a change that will weaken the small countrie’s chances of a good result for all future now. It is so obvious that smaller nations with lower amount of viewers will mostly always get earlier shots as to keep the larger nations and nations where ESC is more popular already more engaged, and this will make it easy for the producers to place countries like Ireland, Malta, Czechia, Albania, Moldova and San Marino in earlier slots always if they pull a «producers choice» and don’t have a massive crowd pleaser of a song. I am sure it will make for… Read more »

Marlinken
Marlinken
12 days ago
Reply to  Stian F

If they don’t have a “massive crowd pleaser of a song” they’re not winning anyway.

Stian F
Stian F
12 days ago
Reply to  Marlinken

Well not with the juries at least….

La Forza
La Forza
12 days ago
Reply to  Stian F

San Marino got good positions in 2021, Moldova in 2018, 2021 and 2023, Ireland in 2021, 2017, 2016, 2014, and 2013, Malta in 2016, 2019, and 2021, Czechia in 2018, 2022, and 2023, Albania in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2023, Montenegro in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022, Iceland in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023, Estonia in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022, and the list keeps going if I check more of the smaller countries. I’m considering not only when they got to perform in the 2nd half, but when they opened… Read more »

Poet
Poet
12 days ago
Reply to  Stian F

Perfectly said

Jorg
Jorg
12 days ago

How is this allowed?
How are people okay with this?

It has never been a better show because of the producer’s selection. Bring back the draw of specific number to make the show exciting! Excitement can rarely, if ever, be pre-determined.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
12 days ago

The amount of times Albania was picked to perform 2nd is one reason for why this is such a stupid decision.
The producers keep messing with it as they like but screw some countries up.
Let’s see them putting someone else perform 2nd for once, one of the favourites or strong countries for example.

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
12 days ago
Reply to  Roy Moreno

that is a tradition, Albania is not allowed to win tbh

David
David
12 days ago
Reply to  Roy Moreno

if they keep on sending the same song year after year, it only makes sense they perform in the same spot…

ThorBeta
ThorBeta
13 days ago

I agree with many of the comments that this is becoming unnecessarily overcomplicated. Apart from that I never thought that the running order is the most decisive factor for a song’s success although it does play a role and we can’t ignore that. A random allocation draw would simplify things and avoid all these conversations about who’s being favoured from the producers and who’s not and I don’t think it would make the show less “exciting”.

Jack
Jack
13 days ago

I’m all for change as it’s always good to try and make the contest better but I thought the whole point of a draw was to make it fair for all countries so that no one was favourited. They might as well just let the producers decide the whole running order at this point as this system just seems over complicated and unnecessary.

Jonas
Jonas
13 days ago
Reply to  Jack

Agree. The ONLY people to decide who the “favourites” are are the voters on the night.

Not bookmakers, not YouTubers, not Wiwi commenters, and certainly not Christer.

Poet
Poet
12 days ago
Reply to  Jack

And the smaller countries in 70-80% of scenarious will be placed between 2-5th position and bigger countries who pay more later in the order, because that is when it adds to TV ratings. C’mon – are we talking about the song competition, the song showcase or pre-putchased placements for songs which will affect, although not fully determine, their final ranking.

Dictating the rules
Dictating the rules
13 days ago

What has been happening with the Eurovision rules since Sweden drew the number 1 position is absolutely appalling and revolting. To prevent Sweden from ending up in the pit of the final ranking it was decided to trigger the televote from the very start of the competition – that is when Sweden starts singing. The only reason why the Big 5 plus host country are allowed to sing in the semifinals is because Sweden will benefit from it. To add up another layer of control it was decided today that there should be a “producer’s choice” along with 1st half… Read more »

Henry
Henry
13 days ago

Since Kaarija’s victory was stolen, nobody will EVER believe that EBU or Sweden have “good intentions”… Everything they ever do, will be automatically perceived as suspicious and rightly so.

Tino
Tino
12 days ago

Even though I totally agree on how stupid this new rule is, calm down with all those crazy theories. I don’t think there is any link between Sweden going 1st and vote opening at the beginning of the final. I honestly think it could be more fair this way. Look at how the artists going first have been treated by the public for the last decade… What happened to Austria last year is terrible and it’s not the first time it happens. If voting from the start can prevent this from happening again then I’m all in. And I’m a… Read more »

Iv***
Iv***
12 days ago
Reply to  Tino

They “have been asking this for years now”!? What a lovely coincidence that it took, out of all, Sweden to be to host to be the “hero” to implement this new rule.

The winning combination, I guess, had to be that MÖ + SVT.

Tino
Tino
12 days ago
Reply to  Iv***

It’s not a coincidence that this happens when Sweden hosts. Sweden is the country that cares the most about the contest and thinks a lot about what to do to improve it (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t). I think a lot of changes happen when Sweden host because it’s easier to do it when the production team is ready to test new things. As there a lot (way too much) of Swedish people at the head of the contest, I’m not surprised that they take each time Sweden hosts as an occasion to test new things. But you missed… Read more »

Iv***
Iv***
12 days ago
Reply to  Tino

First of all, it is so unfair of you to say that SVT cares the most about the ESC. I think the most of the fan base here would agree that they have rather taken the contest hostage.

Your point missing is that nobody is attacking the artists but SVT. And rightful so!

I’d compare the SVT and their “love” for the contest to a toddler that loves its pet sooooo much that it squeezes it to death!

Tino
Tino
12 days ago
Reply to  Iv***

I understand your point and I have to say your metaphor is quite interesting. For me it feels like SVT is the one taking ESC the most seriously. Maybe it’s not. I just think that Sweden does a lot of efforts compared to other countries to improve the contest even though sometimes it’s too much and good intentions become bad decisions. I also understand that a lot of people here attack SVT and not swedish artists but the problem for me is that for some it turns into a general hate against the country. I don’t want that. I’m not… Read more »

Iv***
Iv***
12 days ago
Reply to  Tino

I do agree that artists can become innocent bystanders when folks take their anger out on them. But it is also true that the Swedish artists profit the most from that SVT’s pottering on the ESC. And then it becomes especially outrageous when they – for the most – profit of that in a such unjustified way, like last year. That’s why I have decides for myself not to watch the ESC this year. It’s going to be so MF (that for me is so unbearably trashy). Particularly with that Mede lady as presenter who is as entertaining as the… Read more »

msss
msss
10 days ago
Reply to  Iv***

dude, stop trolling under every comment. Nobody cares if you watch it or nor. Go touch some grass or smth

Frau Loch
Frau Loch
13 days ago

26 acts will have to be performed and most people dont care about the running order. This seems like that a man who has already got a lot of influence but wants even more.

Henry
Henry
13 days ago

Why is everybody suddenly so angry at Sweden?

You people hype this one country like crazy every single year, even though it has never deserved a quarter of that hype.

Andon
Andon
13 days ago

At least, the could leave less spots for the producer’s choice…

Seimi
Seimi
13 days ago

Positions for EVERY country should be decided by a blind draw Simple as!

Sally
Sally
12 days ago
Reply to  Seimi

I agree in principle. But they do need to do some practical planning to be sure they can change the sets in a very short time. If you have multiple of the more complicated set-ups in a row, it will put everything behind. They also want to mix things up so you don’t have 7 ballads in a row, for instance.

Vjera Brdar
Vjera Brdar
13 days ago

They ARE overthinking it.
Stop. Please, just stop.

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
13 days ago

I am always in favour of changes. Changes make life spicier. So, yes, let EBU make the changes, no big deal.

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
13 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

I am also really struggling to understand why the fandom expresses themselves so negatively about Sweden. I mean, they are a music superpower, most of their entries deserve a Top-10 ranking, they are professionals and…

Every time they host, the contest is upgraded. I expect the same.

Go Sweden!

Iv***
Iv***
13 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

An upgrade of a bad thing would be something worse. As simple as that.

If you are a sycophant of Sweden, you are free to indulge in MF, but we don‘t want the ESC to be turned into a European version of MF.

And why does your taste have to above everybody‘s else?! For me Swedish entries are just cheap trash pop that last only from MF to ESC.

Thom
Thom
12 days ago
Reply to  Iv***

Ok. So you would like the voting change back to when all poinst were presented by one after another? No split screen? No flag parade?

Those are changes the Swedes have implemented for the better.

Iv***
Iv***
12 days ago
Reply to  Thom

For me those changes were for the worse. And that flag parade is extra ridiculous!!!

Using the “Swedish changes” btw you can with simple maths calculate (by subtraction) the winner before it is announced. Another over the top ridiculous and pointless “Swedish innovation”.

Thomas
Thomas
12 days ago
Reply to  Iv***

So you REALLY mean that you want to go back to when all votes were presented by each and every contry? Usually you knew the winner already after about the half the votes had been presented. There was no build up of tension to the very last minute of the show with the split screen, and the time it took voting was very long. I just don’t believe that you think this change was for the worse. The “simple” math you are talking about is still better than the old system, which was EVEN MORE predictable. AND you can normally… Read more »

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
12 days ago
Reply to  Iv***

I am always impressed by new advanced English vocabulary… Thank you! Now I know I am a sycophant of Sweden. 🙂 Noted

On a serious note, I am pro-Sweden not because I like every entry (well, most of them) but because they take it so seriously and they are consistently professional in how they approach it and deliver.

Iv***
Iv***
12 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

They neither take it more seriously than others nor are they more professional than others. It’s all about MÖ and his two predecessors.

Marlinken
Marlinken
11 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

France, Italy and, now, the UK, have been taking ESC more seriously than Sweden for a few years now.

Poul Rissen
Poul Rissen
11 days ago
Reply to  Marlinken

Yes, and thats a good thing for the contest.

FunQ
FunQ
12 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

Poul Riisen, you are beyond pathetic. Sweden doesn’t need your pathetic rants to win when they want to. They have rigged constantly the rules to win when they thought they wanted to win to reach Ireland and detach all the major countries. That’s why they have always “incredibly” won at each important anniversary of ABBA’s Victory of 1974. Statistics are there. They won at the 5th, 10th, 25th, and 50th (year more or less) of 1974. As I don’t believe in fate, I believe Sweden has got all the right things in place inside EBU and the Reference Group to… Read more »

Erret2
Erret2
12 days ago
Reply to  FunQ

Or they send good entries…..

FunQ
FunQ
12 days ago
Reply to  Erret2

Good entries? Come on. They NEVER changed the musical style. It’a always the same.

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
12 days ago
Reply to  FunQ

Never say never. They might send a Baby Lasagna style song next year…

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
12 days ago
Reply to  FunQ

Mentioning the word “pathetic” (I get it) more than 3 times and you are doomed to eternal Swedish Melodifestivalen nights 🙂

Max Spencer
Max Spencer
13 days ago

Bad idea, especially if the producers know the semi final results and standing for the chosen 13.
Do you think the producers will get the inside scope? Haha

Jo.
Jo.
13 days ago

just pull up some fancy LED screens, and write some jokes for petra mede to tell…
that should be enough for the fandom to swallow any new rule the want to force us to accept

Oy oy
Oy oy
13 days ago

At first sight, I don’t like this change at all. But I also didn’t like that the spokepersons didn’t announce all the points, that the juryvotes and publicvotes were separated, that the delegations drew first and second half, etc. But now I like all these changes. As fans we want everything to stay the same. But let’s also give this change a chance and see how it turns out!

Barry
Barry
13 days ago

Are all these changes written in stone?

Jonas
Jonas
13 days ago
Reply to  Barry

Yes. Christer is the Moses of Eurovision.

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
12 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

That was a really good one. Kudos!

Iv***
Iv***
13 days ago

ESC 2027 onwards: MÖ-Choice: All 12 points are automatically awarded to Sweden and we can be excited about who will have the “honour” of becoming second. Yeah!!!!!

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
12 days ago
Reply to  Iv***

I got a better idea. Sweden wins without voting and the voting is for 2nd place and below. Sounds fair! ;]

Iv***
Iv***
12 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

SVT’s, I morgon är en annan dag singer’s and MÖ’s wet dreams!

MissYouMrTakeItAway
MissYouMrTakeItAway
13 days ago

Hahahahaha… They will create a 4th category: “Luxembourg’s Choice” -especially crafted for Luxembourg themselves.

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
12 days ago

Leave the Letzëbuergisch people alone. They have just come back to the contest after 30 years 🙂

Jofty
Jofty
13 days ago

Maybe they will also decide that Sweden to perform twice, first and last as a bonus “Producers Choice”

carlitos
carlitos
13 days ago
Reply to  Jofty

hahahahahahahahahahahahha

Iv***
Iv***
13 days ago
Reply to  Jofty

Noooo! Not like that. The finalists will be divided into blocks, each with 4 to 5 countries, and after every block Sweden’s entry shall be performed again. And Europe will only have to decide which one on these Sweden’s performances will win.

Andon
Andon
13 days ago

Albania amd serbia draw producer’s choice:

Albania 2nd spot
Serbia 3d spot

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
12 days ago
Reply to  Andon

Well, if Albania sends a masterpiece like Suus, then the appearance slot won’t matter. But….

oran
oran
13 days ago

._. wtaf

Michael
Michael
13 days ago

Previous Eurovisions were much better when this contest was not dominated by Swedish producers :/

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
12 days ago
Reply to  Michael

We have not yet watched this year’s Eurovision Song Contest so how do you compare? Pun intended

Karl
Karl
13 days ago

This man should not be doing the running order of this Eurovision. It’s a blatant conflict of interests. He has a producer’s credit on the Luxembourg song.

Karl
Karl
13 days ago
Reply to  Karl

Gee, I wonder why he picked Luxembourg to be the closing act of their semifinal. This man is corrupt af

Jofty
Jofty
13 days ago
Reply to  Karl

Luxembourg will likely walk (again) as per Monaco if they do not qualify. I don’t think the song is good enough to qualify.

Jo.
Jo.
13 days ago

i bet luxembourg will be in that pot lol

Jacob Teglbjærg
Jacob Teglbjærg
13 days ago

At least he cant screw Euro 204 up, as Sweden hasnt qualified for that event. That we can have for ourselves without Sweden intefeering. But Björkman probably dont know what football is. And what gives most street cred? Winning Euro 2024 or winning Eurovision? Think about that Christer.

Fatima
Fatima
13 days ago

That’s a good point because like that tournament, the contest is more important than “the show”. We don’t give weaker teams more players so that they “have a chance to shine”.

Rhys
Rhys
13 days ago

Why do things have to be so complicated? Either stick with the current system, go back to a random draw or give the producers total control excluding the host nation. This halfway house approach is overkill.