When the Eurovision Song Contest is held in Sweden next year, ABBA will not be there.
The Swedish cult group ABBA will not perform on stage at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in their home country. In a “Newsnight” interview, band members Benny Andersson (76) and Björn Ulvaeus (78) gave a clear rejection of speculation about a comeback with their colleagues Agnetha Fältskog (73) and Anni-Frid Lyngstad (77).
Benny Andersson: “I don’t want to”
Singer Loreen’s (39) victory immediately sparked rumors of an ABBA reunion. Because 2024 will also mark the 50th anniversary of her “Waterloo” triumph at ESC 1974. The group brought the music competition to Sweden for the first time. A reunion at the ESC next year would therefore be perfect for many fans. But the singers now emphasized that they don’t think much of it. “I don’t want to,” said Benny Andersson. “And if I don’t want to, the others won’t either. It’s the same for all four of us – someone says ‘no’ – it’s a no.” Björn Ulvaeus added: “We can celebrate 50 years of ABBA without being on stage.” Both also dismissed the idea that they could compose the host country’s entry.
The singers had previously vowed never to tour again and are said to have turned down a $1 billion offer for 100 shows at the turn of the millennium.
Björn Ulvaeus advises Germany to use Schlager again
Sweden will host the ESC 2024 for the seventh time. In the Spotify podcast “Quality Time with Riccardo & Anke” by Riccardo Simonetti (30) and Anke Engelke (57), Björn Ulvaeus described it as a “wonderful story” a few days ago. He was still mysterious about an ABBA comeback for one night: “You never know.” He found clearer words for Germany. His tip for achieving better rankings in the future: “Under certain circumstances, Germany should go back to its roots instead of trying to imitate something that the others are doing. When ‘A Bit Peace’ won, it was a piece of pure German hit – and it worked!” The German entry Lord of the Lost ended up last this year with just 18 points.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
