It’s all about the Eurovision!

It’s all about the Eurovision!

Most Swedes love the Eurovision, I am one of them! As a country we have a great record in the competition, winning a total of six times:

1974 – Abba – Waterloo

1984 – The Herreys – Diggi-loo Diggi-ley

1991 – Carola – Fangad av en Stormvind

1999 – Charlotte Nilsson – Take Me to Your Heaven

2012 – Loreen – Euphoria

2015 – Mans Zelmerlov – Heroes

As my Sweetheart noted at our last victory;

Sweetheart: ‘You would have thought you’d won the World Cup’

We are Eurovision fans!

Me: ‘This is way bigger than the World Cup, it’s the Eurovision!’ (At this stage I was dancing around the living room in a delirious state wearing flowers in my hair).

The Swedes spend six weeks of Saturday nights gathering to watch Melodifestivalen, the competition to chose who will represent the country. Well-known Swedish stars apply and most songs which take part in the competition are guaranteed chart success.

As a result, no visit to Sweden is complete without some Eurovision fun! During the Summer the artists who took part in the Swedish competition tour up and down the country and attending one of their shows is a must. People know the lyrics and the atmosphere tend to be great.

Singing Eurovision stuff whilst waiting for Eric Saade…

On my most recent visit I went to see Eric Saade, who represented Sweden in 2011 with the song Popular (he came third). His live show was amazing! Full of energy, dance routines and catchy tunes (did I mention I’m an indie kid….).

So next time you head to Sweden, make sure to familiarise yourself with the Eurovision. If nothing else it is likely to be a conversation starter with most Swedes.