Hollywood actress Malin Akerman says hosting the Eurovision Song Contest is a “dream come true”

Hollywood star Malin Akerman will co-host the Eurovision Song Contest when the music event returns to Sweden in May.

The Stockholm-born actress, known for the romantic comedies “27 Dresses” and “The Proposal” as well as the drama series “Billions” and the superhero film “Watchmen”, will host the 68th edition of the music competition in Malmö together with Petra Mede.

Akerman, 45, told Eurovision.tv: “I can’t really describe my feelings about it.

“I’m very excited and a little bit nervous, but in a good way. I’ve always loved the Eurovision Song Contest and to be part of this fantastic show together with Petra is a dream come true.”

“Plus, Petra is one of the funniest women I’ve ever met.”

Akerman is also a musician through her work with the alternative rock band The Petalstones and has appeared on the American version of The Masked Singer.

The actress has also appeared in the comedy shows “Dollface” and “Trophy Wife,” the horror film “The Final Girls,” and the film “Wanderlust,” starring Jennifer Aniston.

Swedish comedian Mede hosted the song contest alone in 2013 and with pop singer Mans Zelmerlow in 2016, when both sang “Love, Love, Peace, Peace.”

She said: “Imagine getting the chance to host the Eurovision Song Contest again. It’s an incredible honour.”

“After hosting it first alone and then together with the wonderful Mans Zelmerlow at my side, I am now really looking forward to working with Malin.

“We don’t know each other from before, but we’ve met a few times now and I’m already completely convinced. It will be a pleasure to work with her.”

Mede also hosts the Melodifestivalen, which selects Sweden’s Eurovision Song Contest entrant, the Gaygalan Awards, the country’s LGBT film awards ceremony, and the Guldbagge Awards.

The Eurovision Song Contest takes place in May after Swedish singer Loreen won last year’s show in Liverpool. This brings Sweden’s total of seven wins, level with Ireland.

In May 2023, the United Kingdom, with London singer Mae Muller, came second to last after taking over hosting the ceremony as Ukraine was unable to do so due to the conflict.

This year, Years and Years lead singer and It’s a Sin actor Olly Alexander will be the British entrant.

The first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place on May 7th and the second semi-final on May 9th. The grand final will take place on May 11th.