This afternoon, via a Reddit Q&A session, Martin Österdahl (Executive Supervisor, Eurovision Song Contest) answered questions from Eurovision fans from across the world.
At the beginning of the Q&A, he stated: I was Executive Producer for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 and 2016 when the event was hosted by Swedish EBU Member SVT in Malmö and Stockholm and was a member of the ESC Reference Group between 2012 and 2018. I was previously Programme Director and Commissioner of Entertainment ＆ Sport at SVT where I was responsible for many of their highest rating primetime shows as well as supervising live productions such as The Nobel Prize Ceremony and 2010 Royal Wedding.
I have extensive international experience in the music and media industries having also worked in the UK, Russia, the USA, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway. I have also written novels that have been translated into 10 languages. My non-fiction work includes management literature on project leadership.
Over the course of 25 minutes, Österdahl answered two dozen questions about his time, so far, as Executive Supervisor and the contest as a whole.
Is there any plan to review the decision to permit pre-recorded backing vocals at ESC, or is it now considered to be final? There were some controversies both last and this year, regarding some performances where they were the dominant element of the final sound mix and I wonder how EBU perceives this. Are there any technical definitions on what constitutes a backing vocal (as opposed to lead vocal, which has to be live)?
Hello! Thanks for the question! We evaluate after each Contest and make new decisions for the next. Overall, I think the change made for Rotterdam has proven to be positive and successful but we’ll look at this again after Turin.
Can Eurovision host in San Marino if they win?
That’s a great question! Every country who signs up for the Contest has accepted the requirement to host in case of victory so I certainly hope so.
You can change, add or take away one rule from the contest, what will you do and why?
You’ll have to stay tuned 😉
Did the Turkish broadcaster really start talks last summer with the EBU for a potential come back? If so, how did it go?
Hopefully we’ll see them soon!
What will happen to Australia after 2023? Will they be permanently invited?
We’ll discuss that in the Reference Group in due time!
How did you decide your slogan, ‘you’re good to go’?
Good to go is something you say in production when something is ready to go on screen so it just felt like the natural thing to say. It just came to me as the right thing to say.
How do you strike a balance between developing the competition to make sure it stays exciting and relevant in the current media landscape, and making sure not to change things just for the sake of change itself?
I love this question! We don’t change for change itself. Change is always because we believe there’s a good reason.
How did the Stage and the turning sun turn out to be such a disaster? What went wrong?
I don’t think it’s a disaster, I think it’s a marvellous stage. This is an incredibly complex production and we always have to adapt plans when everything is in place in the venue.
What’s your favourite flavour of ice cream?
Pistachio or passionfruit sorbet!
If you could take Eurovision to any city in Europe where would you take it?
Well if it was ANY city…New York 😉
Will the live to tape performances still be done in future years, even after the pandemic is over? Could they be used as a backup or will they be eliminated entirely?
I hope they won’t be necessary in future Contests!
What are the biggest challenges as the Executive Supervisor and how are you able to overcome those challenges to ensure a great overall contest?
Well we’ve had Covid-19 and the way we overcame that was increasing communication and collaboration between all our participating broadcasters and stakeholders to reach a common goal.
Love love peace peace, or peace peace love love?
That’s a good question…let’s say that love always comes first!
What is your biggest mistake/benefit-of-hindsight-bad-decision during the time Eurovision has been under your care, if you dare to share?
One thing I have learnt is the importance of being accepting and understanding to all our unique differences and to always be respectful of that.
What do you enjoy most about being the ESC executive supervisor?
What I enjoy the most is that I get to see all 12 shows 😉
How does it feel to know the results before everyone else and were there any surprises for you personally last year?
Oh actually…that’s the best thing about being the Executive Supervisor!
I’m very excited about Eurovision Canada coming in 2023. What are you most looking forward to when that comes?
You’ll see the most spectacular show on the planet with a lot of courageous artists. I’m looking forward to it!
What are the biggest challenges in producing Eurovision and how does it differ from other big events you’ve been a part of, like the Nobel Prize Ceremony?
The complexity! This show has a complexity like no other.
What attracted you to work in Eurovision?
The honest answer is that I saw an untapped potential in the world’s biggest music event and it could become something even greater and better!
What’s been your most enjoyable moment from the contest so far? Or any funny moments?
Obviously [Sweden] winning in Baku was very special for us. But also bringing the Contest back in Rotterdam last year after the pandemic felt like an incredible achievement for everyone involved.
Is Eurovision what You work on whole year or do You do something else besides it (work wise)?
I work on the next one!
Are there any countries that currently don’t participate in Eurovision but have told you they are interested in returning/debuting?
We have a continuous dialogue with countries that have participated in the past.
How are you today?
I’m very well thank you. I’m excited and looking forward to the Second Semi-Final!
Martin Österdahl finished the Q&A by saying “Thanks for all your questions, it was great to answer them! Enjoy the show this evening!” We most certainly will, Mr. Österdahl!
