The running order of the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Malmö, Sweden, will be determined by the show's producers, injecting an additional element of variety into the shows.

 The decision was taken by the contest's governing body and approved by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

 Traditionally, the order in which artists perform for the two semi-finals and final is decided by draw. However from 2013, the running order of all three shows will be established by new procedures.

 As before, the particular semi-final in which a country participates will be determined by a draw that traditionally takes place late January. Countries are divided into pools based on historical voting patterns.

However, in a new twist, the show's producers will determine the exact running order of the semi-finals.

The running order for the final will be determined by the same method: the producers of the show will determine the performance order, with the exception of the host country's position, which will be determined by draw.

ESC Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand said the change adds fresh spice to the format: "We want to make great television, not only for our viewers, but also for the participants. Allowing the producers to determine the running order builds excitement and allows contestants to shine, rather than be surrounded by entries of similar style or tempo."

To assure a fair distribution and availability of tickets to neighbouring countries, organizers have also decided that Denmark and Norway will perform in different semi-finals.

A draw at EBU headquarters in Geneva has established that Denmark will participate in the first semi-final; Norway will perform in the second. The semi-finals are scheduled to take place on May 14 & 16, while the final will take place on May 18.

For further information about the ESC visit: http://www.eurovision.tv/page/malmo-2013