As Eurovision takes place in Sweden this weekend, 50 years after ABBA’s triumph, speculation is rife…
The suspense is at its height as the Eurovision 2024 semi-finals begin this Tuesday and the final is scheduled for Saturday evening. But on the sidelines of the competition which is already seeing several favorites compete, another suspense has built up in recent weeks. Because the European Song Contest takes place in Malmö, Sweden, 50 years after the resounding victory of a legendary Swedish group: ABBA.
The Eurovision 2024 final, which will be held this Saturday, May 11, marks 50 years since ABBA’s victory at Eurovision, with their famous song “Waterloo”. At the time, Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid (ABBA), will stand out with a style and looks never seen before. Above all, the song, which tells the story of a romantic capitulation rather than the Napoleonic defeat, will sweep away the Eurovision standards of the time. A rhythmic and disco hit (“europop” to be precise), far from the well-behaved ballads which were the hallmark of the competition until now. First victory for Sweden (24 points at the time), but also first victory for a group (and not a singer), Eurovision 1974 will also mark the birth of their international success.
Swedish singer Loreen’s victory at Eurovision last year, with the song “Tattoo”, therefore came at just the right time. It quickly gave rise to very strong hopes of a reunion of the legendary group. Especially since after forty years of silence and separation, ABBA released a new album, “Voyage”, at the end of 2021. For almost two years, a show made up of digital hologram avatars has also been a hit in London. Building on its success, it has been extended and projects are being studied to export it elsewhere in the world.
So will we see ABBA take the stage in Malmö for Eurovision 2024? Two members of the group have already given their answer and… cut short the dreams of an entire country. Benny Andersson was the first to dampen the hopes of ABBA and Eurovision fans by recently declaring, during an interview with the BBC: “I don’t want it. And if I don’t want it, the others won’t do it. It’s the same for all four. If one says no, then it’s no.” His friend Bjorn Ulvaeus added, still on the BBC, adding: “We can celebrate 50 years of ABBA without being on stage.”
This announcement puts an end to the speculation of fans who already saw a historic moment forming before their eyes for this third edition of Eurovision organized in Sweden. And it seems that the members of ABBA are firm in their decision not to be tempted by such a special reunion. Although tributes to the group are planned, it is now clear that no live appearances from the members are to be expected.