Will ABBA perform at Eurovision 2024? Rumours explained

After Loreen won the Eurovision last year, fans started to speculate if ABBA would show up unexpectedly or if there would be any references to the band during the competition.

Will ABBA take to the stage for Eurovision this year? Here's all the information we currently possess.

ABBA is showcasing their talent at the Eurovision Song Contest. The performance is captured in a photograph taken by Olle Lindeborg, which can be viewed via Getty Images.

Regrettably, it appears that ABBA won't be giving a performance at Eurovision in the present year.

Benny Andersson expressed to the BBC in 2023 that he has no interest in participating. He also believes that if he declines, the other members will do the same. This attitude applies to all four members since if one says no, it is a unanimous decision.

Bjorn Ulvaeus stated that it is possible to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ABBA's existence without having to perform live on stage.

Despite this, ABBA references may still be included in the Eurovision show. Martin Österdahl, the executive supervisor of the event, informed Deadline that they plan to acknowledge the anniversary of the iconic band during the contest.

In his interview, he said: "We have Sweden achieving their seventh victory, which puts them on par with Ireland's all-time record. Loreen is also a champion and is the only double winner of this competition. Furthermore, there's a group named ABBA who claimed the top spot 50 years ago with their song, Waterloo. We intend to pay tribute to all these exceptional achievements."

It's unclear what might happen, but someone who knows about Eurovision shared with Deadline that the tribute would be innovative and unique, unlike anything seen on television before.

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There has been a lot of negative feedback towards the Eurovision Song Contest's choice to include Israel in this year's contest, given the ongoing events in Gaza and the Middle East. Many supporters and individuals in the music industry have voiced their support for a boycott of the event.

The head of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Noel Curran, who is responsible for the Eurovision event, expressed his sympathy regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He acknowledged people's concerns and strong opinions about the situation. The suffering that all those impacted by the war are experiencing deeply affects him, and he recognizes the gravity of the situation.

Nevertheless, the Eurovision Song Contest is a music event that does not involve any political affiliations. It is simply a competition amongst public service broadcasters who belong to the EBU. It is not a battle between governments.

Our organization is led by its members, and the people in charge of running it - the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group and the Executive Board - looked over the list of who will be participating in the contest in 2024. They decided that the Israeli television station KAN has followed all the rules and is allowed to compete, just like they have for the past 50 years.

The performers involved in the competition this year have received criticism for not declining to participate in the event. One of the artists, Olly Alexander from the UK, joined a group of contestants in a collective statement where they shared that they strongly oppose staying quiet about the issue.

The statement said that it is crucial for us to show support for people who are suppressed, and express our sincere desire for peace. Additionally, we want an end to the war as soon as possible, and we hope that all hostages will be safe. We are together in opposing any kind of hatred, such as anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

We have a strong conviction in the ability of music to unite people. It has the potential to help people look beyond their differences and establish significant conversations and relationships. We believe that it is our responsibility to form and maintain this environment, aiming for it to encourage more compassion and understanding.

The big finale of the Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcasted on Saturday, May 11th at 8:00 pm on various BBC channels, including BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Sounds.

You can also take a look at the complete roster of victorious Eurovision candidates and tally up how many instances the UK emerged triumphant in Eurovision.

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