Eurovision fans, get ready for a shakeup in how the Grand Final running order is decided! The official Eurovision website announced a brand new “Producer’s Choice” option added to the draw. This marks the first significant change to the running order process in over a decade.
Previously, since 2013, countries drew for a spot in either the first or second half of the final. Producers then determined the specific order within those halves. Now, with “Producer’s Choice,” a country can be placed anywhere in the running order at the producer’s discretion.
This “Producer’s Choice” option is the most likely draw, with 13 of the 26 finalists landing it. Another six countries will perform in the first half, and another six in the second. The host country, Sweden this year, gets a pre-assigned slot (number 1 this time).
The website explains the change as a way for producers to “create the most exciting running order possible” by showcasing each song to its best advantage.
Here’s when countries find out their fate:
- The Big 5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK) learn their placement (first half, second half, or “Producer’s Choice”) on May 4th through a live Reddit AMA.
- The remaining 20 qualifiers will draw theirs live on the official Eurovision TikTok account after the semi-finals on May 7th and 9th.
Once all options are drawn, producers will craft the final running order, which will be revealed early on May 10th.
Eurovision Contest Producer Christer Björkman sees this as a chance to create “an even more thrilling Grand Final.” He explains the aim is “giving all artists a chance to shine” by ensuring a good mix of tempos and creating a better overall flow for viewers.
This new system will be put to the test for the first time at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden.
