Welcome to our new ‘Week In Review’ series where we invite a guest from the world of Eurovision to chat about the news, selection shows, and everything having to do with our favourite music competition!

A dedicated Eurovision enthusiast and host of the 12p Podcast, Karin Björklund has been immersed in the world of Eurovision for years. Her passion for the contest goes beyond just the music—she sees it as a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. And we couldn’t be more happy to have her over for a little week in review.

Karin shared her insights into the latest Eurovision season, her love for national selections, and why authenticity is more important than ever.

“I love how Eurovision constantly evolves. This year, we’re seeing more countries embrace their own languages, which is fantastic! Music is universal—you don’t need to understand every word to feel the emotion.”

— Karin Björklund

Karin, who has followed the contest closely since childhood, is particularly excited about how national selections like Melodifestivalen and UMK have grown in popularity. As someone who appreciates the nuances of different styles, she enjoys analyzing performances, staging, and the ever-changing trends within the competition.

“It’s fascinating to see how each country approaches the contest. Sweden has perfected the polished pop formula, while Finland brings boldness and edge. It’s refreshing to see more risk-taking and genre diversity this year.”

— Karin Björklund

Having attended Eurovision events across Europe, Karin recalls her emotional experience in Malmö during Eurovision 2024. She emphasizes the importance of appreciating the contest for what it is—a global stage for artists to share their stories.

“It’s easy to get caught up in fan debates, but at the end of the day, Eurovision is about joy and celebration. Seeing an artist give their all on stage, no matter the result, is what makes it special.”

— Karin Björklund

When asked about her thoughts on the odds and potential winners this year, Karin remains diplomatic but hints at an exciting battle between powerhouse nations.

“There’s no clear winner yet, which makes things even more thrilling! Sweden, Finland, and a few surprise contenders are bringing something fresh to the table. I just hope people vote with their hearts rather than expectations.”

— Karin Björklund

As Eurovision continues to embrace diversity, Karin hopes to see even more unique entries in the years to come. Her advice for fans? Enjoy the ride and appreciate the magic of music.

“Eurovision is about embracing different cultures and sounds. Whether it’s a power ballad or a folk-inspired dance track, every song has its place on the Eurovision stage.”

— Karin Björklund

Be sure to check out our full episode with Karin Björklund from 12p Podcast in the latest episode of Building Bridges! We discuss her favorite Eurovision memories, what makes a winning entry, and why 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year.

What are your thoughts on the episode with Karin? Let us know in the comments and join the conversation on social media @buildingbridgespod!