Introduction

With the “Melodifestivalen” Sweden probably has the most lavish national selections of the participating countries in the Eurovision Song Contest, which enjoys very high viewing rates. The majority of the songs can be found in the Swedish charts afterwards. In six rounds in different cities and with a “second chance” show the song for the ESC will be chosen. The entire country is following the spectacular and exciting show very closely from week to week. It’s the most important TV event in Sweden and for the Swedish music industry; it has even a higher importance than the Eurovision Song Contest. For the singers, the most important thing is reaching the big final in the Globen arena in Stockholm (the biggest spherical building in Scandinavia).

This year’s winner is Loreen with “Euphoria”. It’s her second try in the Melodifestivalen. With her extravagant look, stage performance, contemporary sound and unique chorus she convinced the Swedes by a storm. The song “Euphoria” has already entered the Swedish single charts on #1 since March 9^th and that’s even before the final took place! Her biggest competitor Danny with “Amazing” came 2^nd. Some elements like the beginning and the rhythm remind a bit of Madonna’s hit “Frozen”. The way she is dancing, full of passion – a bit crazy though, the dark stage and the snow at the end of the song will occur goose bumps. This is truly outstanding.

The funny thing is that the composer Thomas G::son has already another song in this year’s ESC final, the Spanish song “Quédate conmigo”. With Loreen’s song Sweden will be one of the big favourites in Baku. This is probably the most outstanding song and performance of the year. Very good choice Sweden!

History

This year Sweden is attending the Eurovision Song Contest for the 52^nd time. The debut entry “Lilla Stjärna” by Alice Babs made a respectable 4^th place in Hilversum 1958. The big hype for Eurovision is coming from the overwhelming success of ABBA with “Waterloo” in 1974.

After the victory at the ESC, ABBA has become one of the most successful bands of the world, and everything has started with the participation at the ESC. ABBA has already participated in the Swedish national selection one year before with “Ring Ring” and came third. One year later the big success could be made.

A lot of people complained that Swedish entries in the years after, were copies the ABBA style. Sweden has won four times: ABBA with “Waterloo” in 1974, “Diggi-loo Diggy-ley” by the Herrey’s in 1984, “Fångad Av En Stormvind” by Carola in 1991 and “Tusen och en natt” by Charlotte Nilsson in 1999.

There were a lot of other Top 10 songs, which especially were very successful in the Scandinavian countries: “Främling” by Carola Häggkvist in 1983 (3^rd), “En dag” by Tommy Nilsson in 1989 (4^th) and “It hurts” by Lena Philipsson in 2004 (5^th).