The Eurovision Song Contest is no stranger to surprises, and this year’s edition in Malmö promises to be no exception. Following the announcement of the “Big 5” performing their songs in full during the Semi-Finals and the exciting prospect of fans voting as soon as the first artist takes the stage in the Grand Final, another significant change has been unveiled: the introduction of the “Producer’s Choice” category for determining the running order.
How It Works
In previous years, qualifying countries from the Semi-Finals and the Big 5 would randomly select which half of the Grand Final they would perform in. The show producers then decided where within the First Half (songs 1 to 13) or Second Half (songs 14 to 26) of the Grand Final those acts would perform. However, this year, things are taking a different turn.
Artists’ Options: 25 out of the 26 artists in the Grand Final (Sweden already holds position 1) will have the opportunity to choose from three options:
- First Half (6 places)
- Second Half (6 places)
- Producer’s Choice (13 places)
Producer’s Choice: If an artist selects “Producer’s Choice” during the random draw, the show producers gain the flexibility to place that song anywhere in either the First or Second Half of the running order.
Why the Change?
The decision to introduce the “Producer’s Choice” category aims to enhance the overall show experience. Christer Björkman, this year’s Contest Producer, explains the rationale behind 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, we sometimes saw many ballads clustered together or favorites performing in the same half. Adding the flexibility of Producer’s Choice allows me to create an even better flow of different tempos and an even more thrilling Grand Final.”
Mixed Feedback from Fans
As with any significant alteration, opinions among fans are diverse. Here’s a glimpse of the feedback:
Unhappy OGAE Clubs: Some fans, particularly members of OGAE clubs, express dissatisfaction with the change. They worry that it might lead to favoritism or unfair advantages for certain acts.
Producers’ Advantage: On the other hand, some supporters believe that giving producers more control over the running order ensures a dynamic and captivating show. It allows them to strategically position songs for maximum impact.
Corruption Concerns: A third group raises concerns about potential corruption. With great power comes great responsibility, and critics fear that the “Producer’s Choice” could be misused.
What’s Next?
The Big 5 countries will make their choices (First Half, Second Half, or Producer’s Choice) after their second rehearsal on Saturday, May 4, during a live Reddit AMA. Additionally, each of the 10 qualifiers from the First Semi-Final on Tuesday, May 7, will draw one of these three options immediately after the show, live on the Official Eurovision Song Contest TikTok channel.
As the Eurovision community eagerly awaits the Grand Final, the debate continues: Is the “Producer’s Choice” a stroke of genius or a potential pitfall? Only time will tell as the curtain rises on the Malmö Arena stage.
Stay tuned for more updates and let us know your thoughts in the comments below
