Martin Österdahl will step down as executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest this summer. The 51-year-old Swede was the face of the song contest for many years, but already faded into the background last year after criticism of the Song Contest in Malmö.
Song Contest organizer European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced Österdahl’s departure.
After the edition in Malmö last year, Österdahl disappeared into the background after coming under fire. Several delegations then complained about an unsafe atmosphere behind the scenes. In addition, he was booed during rehearsals and live broadcasts because many people held him, as executive supervisor of the festival, responsible for the disqualification of Joost Klein.
After that, the EBU created the new position of Song Contest director. Briton Martin Green, who was to supervise Österdahl’s work, holds that position.
“As my involvement with the Eurovision Song Contest spans almost twenty years in total, I consider it the honor of my professional life to have been able to lead the world’s largest music event,” Österdahl said in a statement.
“It has grown into a global super brand that brings more joy to more people than ever before. I am very grateful to the entire Eurovision community for their passion and support.”
Green thanks Österdahl for his efforts. “His steady leadership during some of the most challenging and innovative years in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest has raised the bar for excellence. We thank him for his great work and lasting impact, and wish him every success.”