Eurovision 2008 - Sweden

Hero
Charlotte Perrelli

Music: Bobby Ljunggren, Fredrik Kempe
Lyrics: Bobby Ljunggren, Fredrik Kempe


History (1956 to 2007):

Sweden's previous appearances: 47 year(s) out of 52
Years participated: 1958-1963; 1965-1969; 1971-1975; 1977-
Best result: 1st (1974, 1984, 1991, 1999)

Sweden is one of Eurovision's most successful and consistent performers. Making its first appearance in 1958, the country had to wait quite a while for its first victory. When Sweden did win, in 1974, it did so in style. The song 'Waterloo' launched ABBA to international stardom, and remains probably the most well-known and popular Eurovision winner. Since then, Sweden's record of success has been second only to Ireland, notching up further winners in 1984 (Herreys with 'Diggi Loo Diggi Ley'), 1991 (Carola) and 1999 (Charlotte Nilsson's 'Take me to your heaven'). All were irritatingly bouncy pop songs, though none have come close to matching the enduring appeal of 'Waterloo'.

In recent years, Sweden has seemed an excellent judge of televoters' taste, boasting a run of top ten finishes stretching from 1998 to 2004 - 6th in 2004, 5th in 2003, 8th in 2002, 5th in 2001, 7th in 2000, 1st in 1999 and 10th in 1998. With a record this consistent, Sweden is nearly always regarded as a serious contender at Eurovision, but a dismal 19th place for Martin Stenmarck's 'Las Vegas' in 2005 - the country had only once finished lower in its 44 previous appearances - meant that the Swedes faced the relative indignity of taking part in the 2006 Semi Final. Normal service soon resumed, however, with Carola - back for a third go - escaping the Semi Final with ease and managing an impressive 5th place for 'Invincible' in the Eurovision Final. As a result, Sweden is guaranteed a place in the 2007 Final.

In 2007 Sweden was represented by the rock band ,,The Ark" finishing 18th.


This year's entry:





My opinion & prediction:

This year Sweden is sending the 1999 ESC winner Charlotte Nilsson, meanwhile she got married and her new name is Charlotte Perrelli. The song is catchy, but not as good as ,,Take me to your heaven”.

My prediction for the Semi Final: 6th to 9th
My prediction for the Final: Definite qualifier; 12th to 15th