Latest news with #Eurovision
South Wales Guardian
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Martin Osterdahl steps down as executive supervisor of Eurovision Song Contest
Martin Osterdahl, the executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) and Junior Eurovision Song Contest, was at the helm for the popular singing competition in the years it was held in Rotterdam, Turin, Liverpool, Malmo and Basel. During last year's competition, Mr Osterdahl, who traditionally announces when votes have been counted on finals night, was booed by certain audience members when he began to speak. Although he was present in the arena this year, he did not speak. He said: 'From day one, I was inspired by the contest's unique potential and power to unite people through music – never more so than in 2021, when we brought Eurovision back live to millions around the world amid a global pandemic, demonstrating the resilience and spirit at the heart of our community. 'I am immensely proud of the changes we made to modernise and strengthen the Eurovision Song Contest. 'These include establishing the permanent 'United By Music' slogan for the event, attracting long-term sponsors and brand extension partnerships, and growing engagement and reach on our digital platforms that have brought millions of new fans to the contest. 'The ESC is now an event where hundreds of thousands sign up to buy tickets, a show watched by hundreds of millions, connecting with youth audiences worldwide, and stands as a unique platform for overnight global success for artists and songwriters.' He added that it had been 'the honour of my professional life to steer the world's largest music event, developing the contest as a global super-brand that brings joy to more people than ever before'. The 2021 competition was held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, after the show was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and was won by Italy's Maneskin. A post shared by Eurovision Song Contest (@eurovision) The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) produces the annual singing contest, which this year saw Austria's JJ, real name Johannes Pietsch, crowned the winner with the song Wasted Love. Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: 'On behalf of everyone at the EBU, all our participating broadcasters, partners and the entire Eurovision Song Contest community, I extend my sincere thanks to Martin Osterdahl for his vision, expertise and tireless commitment to the event. 'His steady leadership through some of the contest's most challenging and innovative years has set new standards of excellence. 'As we approach our 70th anniversary next year, Martin is leaving his role having played an integral part in growing the Eurovision Song Contest brand and ensuring its bright future. We thank him for his amazing work and lasting impact on the song contest, and wish him every success.' Mr Green will take on executive supervisor duties on an interim basis, the EBU said.
The Herald Scotland
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
'Her voice is our gift to world' - 10 best gigs in July in Scotland
Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline, July 17 Lulu's career has always been a weird mismatch of hipster moments - the glory of her 1967 hit To Sir With Love, her time recording at Muscle Shoals, teaming up with Bowie - and long stretches of light entertainment-flavoured misfortune; the wavering accent, her Eurovision entry Boom Bang a-Bang and having to welcome the likes of Vince Hill and Roy Castle onto her 1970s TV show It's Lulu (though to be fair she also got to introduce Bill Withers, Roberta Flack and Aretha Franklin too). Her reputation is probably just one well-curated retrospective away from being positively reframed. (If in any doubt take a listen to Where's Eddie on her 1970 album New Routes; the best thing she's ever done?) You can decide between yourselves if her contribution to Take That's Relight My Fire makes the cut. Anyway, at 76, Lulu is currently in the midst of a long farewell tour that sees her turn up in Dunfermline this month. It's a chance to remind ourselves that her voice remains one of Glasgow's great gifts to the world. We should celebrate it more. Read more: Scotland's 10 best summer festivals that are not the Edinburgh Festival Sophie B Hawkins King Tut's, Glasgow, July 2 You couldn't want for a more intimate venue for the American singer-songwriter now celebrating the 30th anniversary of her second album Whaler (actually released in 1994). Hawkins carries the mistaken label of one-hit wonder for the success of her 1992 single Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover, but Whaler was home to Right Beside You which was also a top 20 hit in the UK. I suspect she'll play both on this visit to Glasgow. Alanis Morissette OVO Hydro, Glasgow, July 5 It's not always remarked upon, but while British pop (or to be more specific Britpop) was going all 'we're going to live forever,' in 1995, its North American equivalent was an angrier affair. Grunge hadn't disappeared and the Riot Grrrl movement was still a force, after all. And then Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette announced herself to the world in 1995 with the exhilaratingly ferocious You Oughta Know, the lead single from her multi-million-selling Jagged Little Pill album and one of the great, snarky revenge songs against straying boyfriends. ('And every time I scratch my nails/Down someone else's back, I hope you feel it.') Thankfully, Morissette's life has moved on a bit in the interim, but she comes to Glasgow fresh from Glastonbury with Liz Phair in support. A chance to relive some righteous 1990s feminist anger perhaps. Billie Eilish OVO Hydro, Glasgow, July 7 & July 8 And two days later in the same venue… Eilish is still only 23, but she already has a decade of music-making, three albums and a raft of awards (including a couple of Oscars and nine Grammys) behind her. For someone who has been described as the 'ultimate bedroom artist', concocting her music in the comfy familiarity of her own home, she has proved more than capable of translating the results for an arena audience (in 2022 she became the youngest ever headliner at Glastonbury). This is pop music a quarter of the way through the 21st century. Kendrick Lamar and SZA Hampden Park, Glasgow, July 8 You might say the same of the recordings of Kenrick Lamar, of course. The rapper is taking a break from his ongoing beef with Drake to team up with singer-songwriter SZA - fresh from their Super Bowl appearance together - for a world tour. If you want to get a sense of where black America is right now… Summer Classics: The Scottish Chamber Orchestra The Town House, Hamilton, July 17; Castle Douglas Town Hall, July 18; Ayr Town Hall, July 19 The SCO is on manoeuvres in the west of Scotland in July with performances in Hamilton, Castle Douglas and Ayr. The programme includes Haydn's Symphony No 80 in D Minor, Beethoven's Symphony No 4 in B-Flat and the world premiere of Rewired, a concerto for soprano saxophone and chamber orchestra composed by Jay Capperauld, recent cover star of this very magazine. Lewis Banks is the solo saxophonist for these evenings and the orchestra will be conducted by Jonathan Bloxham. Read more: Death never takes a holiday but you do: 10 best crime novels to pack for summer Colin Steele's STRAMASH Queen's Hall, July 18 Part of the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Colin Steele's supergroup STRAMASH promise a fusion of jazz, folk and classical music in this Edinburgh gig. Steele, who cut his teeth playing with Hue & Cry back in the 1980s, has been one of Scottish jazz's most reliable pleasures; a trumpet player who has explored the music of Miles Davis and the songbooks of Joni Mitchell and Scotland's own Pearlfishers. This should be a good reminder of his musical adventurousness. C Duncan Tolbooth, Stirling, July 19 This special one-off show in Stirling celebrates the 10th anniversary of Architect ('classical meets dreampop,' according to the Guardian in 2015), the Mercury-nominated debut album of the classically trained Glaswegian multi-instrumentalist C Duncan. Any excuse to take in his hazy romanticism should always be seized. Public Image Ltd Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow, July 29 Now, it would seem, permanently estranged from his fellow Sex Pistols (who replaced him with singer Frank Carter on their own recent trip to Glasgow), John Lydon is still touring the world with his other band PiL and still playing the role of the world's most willful contrarian. Lydon has had a rough couple of years, losing his wife Nora and his manager and best friend John 'Rambo Stevens'. But he remains committed to playing live, and onstage he remains the blustering, bolshy presence he's always been. Take that as a threat or a promise. He's right about one thing, though. PiL were always a better band than the Pistols. Teenage Fanclub Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow, July 31 Two nights later (with Anastacia sandwiched in between), it's the turn of Bellshill's favourite sons to play the Bandstand. Teenage Fanclub remain what they have always been: a guitar band with an ear for a hook and an ability to make music that can make you feel happy and sad at the same time. They are soaringly melancholic, if you like. This seems as good a way as any to see out July.
Leader Live
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Martin Osterdahl steps down as executive supervisor of Eurovision Song Contest
Martin Osterdahl, the executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) and Junior Eurovision Song Contest, was at the helm for the popular singing competition in the years it was held in Rotterdam, Turin, Liverpool, Malmo and Basel. During last year's competition, Mr Osterdahl, who traditionally announces when votes have been counted on finals night, was booed by certain audience members when he began to speak. Although he was present in the arena this year, he did not speak. He said: 'From day one, I was inspired by the contest's unique potential and power to unite people through music – never more so than in 2021, when we brought Eurovision back live to millions around the world amid a global pandemic, demonstrating the resilience and spirit at the heart of our community. 'I am immensely proud of the changes we made to modernise and strengthen the Eurovision Song Contest. 'These include establishing the permanent 'United By Music' slogan for the event, attracting long-term sponsors and brand extension partnerships, and growing engagement and reach on our digital platforms that have brought millions of new fans to the contest. 'The ESC is now an event where hundreds of thousands sign up to buy tickets, a show watched by hundreds of millions, connecting with youth audiences worldwide, and stands as a unique platform for overnight global success for artists and songwriters.' He added that it had been 'the honour of my professional life to steer the world's largest music event, developing the contest as a global super-brand that brings joy to more people than ever before'. The 2021 competition was held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, after the show was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and was won by Italy's Maneskin. A post shared by Eurovision Song Contest (@eurovision) The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) produces the annual singing contest, which this year saw Austria's JJ, real name Johannes Pietsch, crowned the winner with the song Wasted Love. Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: 'On behalf of everyone at the EBU, all our participating broadcasters, partners and the entire Eurovision Song Contest community, I extend my sincere thanks to Martin Osterdahl for his vision, expertise and tireless commitment to the event. 'His steady leadership through some of the contest's most challenging and innovative years has set new standards of excellence. 'As we approach our 70th anniversary next year, Martin is leaving his role having played an integral part in growing the Eurovision Song Contest brand and ensuring its bright future. We thank him for his amazing work and lasting impact on the song contest, and wish him every success.' Mr Green will take on executive supervisor duties on an interim basis, the EBU said.
The Journal
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Eurovision boss Martin Österdahl to step down after overseeing recent controversial contests
EUROVISION SUPREMO MARTIN Österdahl is stepping down from his role after five years. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that the song contest's Executive Supervisor will leave his position this summer. It comes after Österdahl bore the brunt of criticism for the controversies that plagued the competition in Malmö last year , which was marked by protests and backlash as a result of Israel's inclusion. The EBU said Österdahl has managed 'a period of remarkable innovation and resilience in the Contest's history', including the staging of Eurovision in Rotterdam during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 and the hosting of the contest in Liverpool in 2023 on behalf of Ukraine who won the previous year. 'Under his leadership, the Eurovision Song Contest has implemented changes to modernize the Contest and extend its reach – including advancing digital engagement and deepening its commitment to inclusivity and creativity across Europe and beyond – ensuring the event has continued to grow in popularity and relevance.' Österdahl was the face of the EBU, which oversees the annual music contest. During the live broadcast, the presenters will go to him to confirm that the public voting results have been verified, with him then delivering the signature line 'you're good to go'. In Malmö last year, contestants accused the Israeli delegation of filming them and posting clips on social media without their permission in the days before the final. Advertisement The Israeli national broadcaster later claimed that its team at the contest had been subjected to 'an unprecedented display of hatred' from other delegations and entrants. The Dutch act Joost Klein was expelled from the contest, after a female camera operator accused him of threatening behaviour during rehearsals. Swedish prosecutors said later that there was no case for him to answer and no proof the gesture he had made towards the staff member 'was capable of causing serious fear'. Österdahl was loudly booed several times during the live broadcast of the final. New guidelines were introduced for this year's contest in a bid to avoid the controversy seen in Malmö. However, Israel's inclusion was still a source of contention for many amid the ongoing war in Gaza, with many calling for the competition to be boycotted. Israel ranked 14th after the jury vote and ended up coming second to Austria after the audience votes were included. The EBU later said it would look at 'the promotion of acts by their delegations and associated parties', after an independent news branch of the EBU published a report which found that an Israeli government agency paid for adverts targeting the Eurovision public vote. Here at home, RTÉ also 'requested a breakdown in voting numbers from the EBU' , which is essentially an alliance of public service media organisations whose countries are within the European Broadcasting Area. Related Reads RTÉ asks EBU for breakdown of Eurovision televote amid disquiet over Israel placing Spain's prime minister says Israel should be excluded from Eurovision due to 'double standards' Austria's JJ has won the Eurovision final, with Israel finishing second In a statement, Österdahl said he is 'immensely proud of the changes we made to modernise and strengthen the Eurovision Song Contest'. 'The ESC is now an event where hundreds of thousands sign up to buy tickets, a show watched by hundreds of millions, connecting with youth audiences worldwide, and stands as a unique platform for overnight global success for artists and songwriters,' he said. 'As my overall involvement with the ESC is now approaching a period of twenty years in total, it has been the honour of my professional life to steer the world's largest music event, developing the Contest as a global super brand that brings joy to more people than ever before. 'I am deeply grateful to the entire ESC community and particularly to the ESC Core Team, participating broadcasters, artists, and fans for their passion and support.' The EBU said Martin Green, the director of Eurovision Song Contest, will fill Österdahl's role on an interim basis until a permanent replacement can be found. Green was appointed to the new director role last year having previously been the executive producer for the 2023 contest in Liverpool, as well as London's 2012 Olympic Games. 'Further announcements regarding the future structure of the Eurovision Song Contest team will be made in due course,' the EBU added. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Eurovision Song Contest boss Martin Österdahl stepping down after five years
The boss of the Eurovision Song Contest is stepping down after five years in the role, the European Broadcasting Union has announced. Martin Österdahl, the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) and Junior Eurovision Song Contest, was at the helm of the competition in the years it was held in Rotterdam, Turin, Liverpool, Malmö, and, most recently, Basel. During last year's competition in Malmö, Österdahl, who traditionally announces when votes have been counted on finals night, was booed by certain audience members when he began to speak. Although he was present in the arena this year, he did not speak. In a statement announcing his departure, Österdahl said: "From day one, I was inspired by the contest's unique potential and power to unite people through music - never more so than in 2021, when we brought Eurovision back live to millions around the world amid a global pandemic, demonstrating the resilience and spirit at the heart of our community. "I am immensely proud of the changes we made to modernise and strengthen the Eurovision Song Contest. "These include establishing the permanent 'United by Music' slogan for the event, attracting long-term sponsors and brand extension partnerships, and growing engagement and reach on our digital platforms that have brought millions of new fans to the contest. "The ESC is now an event where hundreds of thousands sign up to buy tickets, a show watched by hundreds of millions, connecting with youth audiences worldwide, and stands as a unique platform for overnight global success for artists and songwriters." He added that it had been "the honour of my professional life to steer the world's largest music event, developing the contest as a global super-brand that brings joy to more people than ever before". The 2021 competition was held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, after the show was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and was won by Italy's Måneskin. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) produces the annual singing contest, which this year saw Austria's JJ, real name Johannes Pietsch, crowned the winner with the song Wasted Love. Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: "On behalf of everyone at the EBU, all our participating broadcasters, partners, and the entire Eurovision Song Contest community, I extend my sincere thanks to Martin Österdahl for his vision, expertise, and tireless commitment to the event. "His steady leadership through some of the contest's most challenging and innovative years has set new standards of excellence. "As we approach our 70th anniversary next year, Martin is leaving his role having played an integral part in growing the Eurovision Song Contest brand and ensuring its bright future. We thank him for his amazing work and lasting impact on the song contest and wish him every success." Green will take on executive supervisor duties on an interim basis, the EBU said.
