Christer Björkman is probably best-known by Eurovision fans as the man behind the popular Sweden National Final Melodifestivalen and not as a competing artist representing Sweden in 1992 when he finished second to last back when he was known as “the singing hairdresser.” His placing was one of Sweden’s worst finishes in recent Eurovision history.
Ten years after his participation in Eurovision, he made his comeback and was named as the supervisor for Medlodifestivalen. During his tenure as supervisor of Melodifestivalen, he has made numerous lasting changes to Sweden’s national selection. From the introduction of the Semi-Final rounds, making the show a travelling show (with each heat being hosted in a different city around Sweden), and the inclusion of an international jury, Christer Björkman has evolved to the show that many Eurofans enjoy every February and March.
Of course when it was Sweden’s time to host the contest, Björkman was a producer for both the 2013 and 2016 editions.
In 2017, he released an autobiography titled Generalen (translation: The General), where Björkman talked about his own Eurovision experience and then taking on Melodifestivalen and his relationship with the broadcaster SVT.
Björkman is also busy working on the US-spinoff of Eurovision, the American Song Contest along with some other Eurovision/Melodifestivalen veterans. Melodifestivalen 2021, marks the last year with Christer Björkman’s involvement with the national selection, his twentieth season. He will be the main host for all six shows this year.