Had a difficult time with the ESC audience: Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski.Image: keystone
ESC
Despite criticism being taken to heart, there is also criticism of the two moderators at the ESC finale. Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski just can’t seem to please the ESC audience.
May 17, 2026, 06:14May 17, 2026, 06:14
At the Eurovision Song Contest, the focus is actually on the musicians and their countries. But not only the artists, but also the presenters are under close observation by the ESC audience. Last year, the Swiss trio around Hazel Brugger, Sandra Studer and Michelle Hunziker received top marks. Especially the performance of the mini musical Made in Switzerland by Brugger and Studer in the semi-finals, flanked by the Swedish presenter Petra Mede, was celebrated at home and abroad.
This year’s Austrian moderation duo had a much more difficult time with the audience. Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski were already criticized in the first semi-final, which took place on Tuesday. The Watson ESC expert trio also loved their performance a bit “old-fashioned”. Two days later, more voices followed that expressed little enthusiasm for the duo. Now one of the accusations: The “Let’s Dance” presenter and the actor would take up too much space.
This is how the duo showed themselves in the second semi-final.Image: keystone
The moderator duo seemed to have taken this criticism to heart. Because in the finale on Saturday evening, the two of them stay in the background. Swarovski and Ostrowski only appeared on stage twelve minutes after the start of the show. Enough to avoid negative comments this time?
Not in the slightest: This time, viewers criticized the presenters’ choice of outfit. Victoria Swarovski chose a glittery dress in dark green, Michael Ostrowski a shiny suit in blue. “Aladdin wants his outfit back,” someone commented on X. “Why is the Austrian presenter dressed in this type of pajamas?” asked another.
Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski during the ESC final.Image: keystone
Swarovski made it clear on stage that the critical comments were certainly keeping the moderators busy. After Albania’s performance she said: “What a great start! We heard the first five songs of this grand finale, and that was just a small foretaste of how varied this evening will be.” Then she talked about what she and her colleague do when they aren’t in front of the cameras:
“We sit backstage, stare at our cell phones and check your social media posts.”
Ostrowski added: “We really do, yes. Millions of you share your thoughts, and I even got some great fashion tips. And thank you for all the compliments,” the 53-year-old tried to take the criticism humorously. “This is the Eurovision Song Contest, it’s just part of the tradition,” says Swarovski.
A few days ago, the two were asked about the criticism online. At that time, Victoria Swarovski said: “I didn’t even see that.” And further: “There will always be someone who complains.” Michael Ostrowski also explained how he deals with negative comments: “I ignore them.” (con/t-online)