This year marks Sweden’s 62nd entry into the Eurovision Song Contest. Throughout the years, Sweden has achieved significant success, particularly in the new millennium. In 1999, Charlotte Nilsson (now Perelli) secured Sweden’s fourth victory in the competition, paving the way for 16 Top 10 songs, including two additional victories. While Ireland currently holds the record for the most ESC victories with 7, Sweden is a close second with 6 wins.

Sweden made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1958 with “Lilla Stjärna” sung by Alice Babs, which earned an impressive 4th place in Hilversum. However, it took some time for Sweden to secure its first victory. In 1974, ABBA surprised Europe with their modern and catchy song “Waterloo,” which still receives airplay on radios around the world today.

Regrettably, the ABBA hype did not immediately take off, but rather started two years later in Sweden and Scandinavia, eventually spreading to other parts of the world. ABBA went on to have a hugely successful global career, achieving numerous #1 hits, even in countries such as the USA, Japan, and Australia.

ABBA’s distinctive musical style has been imitated by many artists, and numerous Swedish entries in the Eurovision Song Contest have echoed the sound of ABBA’s music. This style has also been copied by artists from other countries. Interestingly, not many people are aware that ABBA attempted to enter the ESC with “Ring Ring” in 1973, which only managed to secure 3rd place in the Melodifestivalen.

Following ABBA’s massive success, a new music genre emerged in Sweden, known as “Swedish Schlager.” This style of music has become particularly popular in Sweden, with dedicated “Schlagerkvälls” events held in bars and discotheques where only Swedish Schlager and Eurovision music is played. This is a unique and exciting experience for anyone interested in popular Swedish music. In all Scandinavian countries, there is a great enthusiasm for the Eurovision Song Contest, which is why these countries host extensive pre-selection shows, making it the highlight of the year for many people.

Not only have the winning songs from the Eurovision Song Contest become hits, but even lower ranked songs have managed to make it onto European charts. For instance, Frans with “If I Were Sorry” achieved success despite not winning the competition. Sweden has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest six times, with Stockholm hosting the event three times, Malmö hosting twice, and Gothenburg hosting once.