'I worked at Eurovision Song Contest and here's what fans don't see on camera'

Irish Daily Mirror

16-05-2025

As Eurovision week reaches its climax ahead of the 2025 Grand Final in Basel this Saturday, a former volunteer has lifted the lid on what goes on behind the scenes of the competition.
Annika Mohlin, a 53 year old Eurovision superfan and leadership coach, jumped at the chance to volunteer when the contest came to her hometown of Malmö, Sweden in 2024.
She was delighted to be selected for the commentator service team, where she played a vital role in supporting commentators throughout the event.
In an interview with Betway, Annika offered a rare insight into the backstage world of Eurovision, revealing how she helped ensure hosts like Graham Norton had everything they needed during live shows and recalling the tense atmosphere when the Netherlands were disqualified in 2024.
When asked about the pre-show preparations, Annika explained that there's plenty of activity behind the scenes. She said: "I was put on the commentator service team, which was part of the backstage team. I think there were 10 or 12 of us working as commentator hosts, which technically means we were staffing the floor of the arena where the competition was held, where all the commentators sat and did their work," reports the Express.
"So, there were a lot of booths where each country had their space. They were quite small, so that's where they sat and commentated on the live shows.
"Our role was to provide them with anything they needed."
Delving into her role, the insider recounted her experience at Eurovision, detailing the responsibilities that came with the job, "So, making sure that there was coffee, refreshments, fruits, biscuits, and that it looked nice and clean. Another part of the role was to assist at the briefings."
Revealing the preparation that goes on behind the scenes, she said, "Ahead of every show, they all went to a big briefing where the television company went through what was going to happen. So, we organised the area with all the different briefing packs, everything they needed for those."
Discussing any high-pressure moments, she recalled, "The only thing that was a bit tense was when the Netherlands were disqualified. I think there were some question marks around that at the time. We weren't massively involved in it at all."
She added, regarding the disqualification, "We were just told they weren't going to be performing. It was more of a fact, and everyone was informed, and everyone moved on and kept going as there was no time to stop."
Looking ahead, the scoop has been confirmed that Remember Monday will fly the flag for the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest. In addition, beloved presenter Graham Norton is set to return with his wit and charm to give the running commentary for UK viewers tuning in to the spectacle.