As the 2024 contest in Malmo looms nearer and nearer, what better time to explore Sweden’s past efforts with hosting. Especially given Sweden’s consistency in being one of the few countries to have hosted in both the classic and contemporary eras of Eurovision.
1975 – Stockholm
In 1974, the Swedish band Abba competed for the country with the now instantly recognizable “Waterloo”, catapulting the band into international fame, leaving many to regard them as one of the best Eurovision success stories. Despite some countries hosting when they hadn’t won the previous years contest (for example the UK hosting multiple times during this time when winning countries declined due to financial reasons) Sweden agreed to host the 20th edition after winning.
Although this contest is not known for anything particularly memorable, it is regarded as a very pivotal edition of the contest in some ways. Namely the voting changes, as this was the first time that the voting structure that fans have come to adore as a staple of the contest began. Yes, it was on it’s 20th edition of the contest that the infamous “Douze points”, and with it the standard voting procedure of countries delegating out 12, 10, 8-1 points to their favorite songs started. Sweden can be credited with hosting this contest that established these rules that would remain, albeit with changes, to the present day.
1985 – Gothenburg
Coincidentally, 10 years after Sweden’s first time hosting, they were granted the honor once again after winning the 1984 contest with the song ‘Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley’ by the Swedish trio Herreys. Sweden’s commitment to providing a quality show can be evidenced in the stadium they held the contest within. At the time of the contest, the Scandinavium located in Sweden’s second largest city, was the largest indoor venue in the world, and the largest venue to host the contest up until the contest held in 2000 (a record ironically broken by Sweden themselves)
Regarding the contest itself, it was hosted by previous participant Lill Lindfors. Lindfors’ hosting is still regarded highly by many fans, due to an on stage gag performed by Lindfors prior to starting the voting sequence. Lindfors appeared to have a wardrobe malfunction in which her skirt separated from her outfit, which paired with her reaction made for a shocking moment. However she then proceeded to unfasten her outfit revealing a gown, leaving the audience very entertained. See below a video posted by the official Eurovision Youtube account crediting Lindfors as the most popular presenter of the 1980s (also with the aforementioned ‘wardrobe malfunction’ included)
1992 – Malmö
Following Carola coming out on top in a highly contested battle with France’s Aninia in the 1991 contest, Sweden were provided the opportunity once again to host.
Swedish broadcaster SVT again created a strong edition of the contest, with the participant number of 23 being the highest for any edition up until this point. Alongside this, a key note to
