STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – Christer Björkman, Sweden’s representative at the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest, Melodifestivalen supervisor and the producer of the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest has said he has a busy year ahead as Sweden gears up to host yet another Eurovision show in Stockholm in May 2016.
Björkman says Stockholm was chosen as next year’s host city after it delivered an excellent proposal which “blew the committee away”, adding that the selection has been greeted positively by the public. The singer, turned producer, says organising next year’s event will be exciting and fun, noting that Sweden is now only one victory away from record holders Ireland, which have been victorious on seven occasions.
Björkman admits he was not entirely sure Måns would win Eurovision. During the voting sequence he became worried after it was apparent that Italy was falling behind and Russia was surging. However, he was given a confidence-booster after he saw countries, which do not historically vote for Sweden, give high points to the country.
Preparations are already underway for next year’s show with public broadcaster SVT in the process of putting together a core team. The creative process for the show will begin after the summer.
Björkman notes that Sweden’s recent experience in hosting Eurovision, just two years ago, puts him and his team in a good position as they already know what are the priorities and what can wait. The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Stockholm’s Globe Arena on May 10 through to 14.
