As anticipation builds for the Eurovision final, 16 countries took to the stage in the second semi-final on May 15, with notable performances from Finland’s Erika Vikman, Denmark’s Sissal, and Ireland’s Emmy. A total of 10 acts advanced to the Grand Final, which is scheduled to occur today in Basel, Switzerland.
Earlier, in the first semi-final held on Tuesday, Sweden secured their place in the final, sparking significant online buzz given the nation’s impressive history in the competition. Sweden first made a mark in Eurovision in 1974 when ABBA claimed victory with their iconic song “Waterloo.” This win became a pivotal moment for the band, propelling them into international stardom.
ABBA, composed of Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny, and Anna-Frid, went on to release nine studio albums and achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over 385 million records globally. Interestingly, that night in Brighton also featured Olivia Newton-John, who would later skyrocket to fame through her role in the classic musical film “Grease.” In the 1974 contest, ABBA won with 24 points, while Olivia, representing the UK with “Long Live Love,” finished in a tie for fourth place.
As the Eurovision excitement reaches its peak, fans around the world eagerly await to see which of the competing acts will follow in the footsteps of iconic winners like ABBA. The event continues to celebrate musical diversity and talent, providing a vibrant platform for artists from various backgrounds.
This year’s Eurovision not only honors its rich history but also highlights new talent and the ongoing evolution of the music scene, creating hope for future stars to emerge from the competition.