While many ABBA fans were on the edge of their seats waiting to see if the Swedish pop supergroup would reunite on the Eurovision stage, the band’s virtual “Abbatars” performed instead. Hosts Malin Åkerman and Petra Mede teased a performance from a Swedish super pop group “beginning with an A,” before introducing the popular pop trio Alcazar, who performed their hit “Crying at the Discoteque.” Fans instantly complained, feeling duped by the gag, especially since ABBA themselves had posted a TikTok just days prior, teasing a potential Eurovision performance.
The Abbatars were projected onto the stage, marking 50 years since the lyrca-clad foursome arrived at Brighton Dome and won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with their track “Waterloo,” catapulting them to international pop stardom. Despite the fact the band hasn’t performed live together since 1982, the hosts and ABBA indulged fans with hints of a surprise performance at this year’s competition.
Earlier this week, the group shared a five-second video on TikTok, featuring old footage of themselves hidden behind shrubbery, set to the voice of Kim Kardashian, asking if their fans missed them. Many viewers felt manipulated by the relentless teasing; one remarked about their racing heart, convinced ABBA was about to appear. “My heart!” exclaimed one viewer, with another adding, “No way they made me think ABBA was going to perform.” Others expressed skepticism about the projected images of the band, with one noting, “This ABBA AI is possibly the weirdest, creepiest thing I’ve ever seen.” Yet, another fan praised their classic hit, stating, “Let’s be honest. ‘Waterloo’ blows every one of tonight’s songs out of the water; it still resonates, 50 years on.”
Celebrations for ABBA’s 50th anniversary included social media posts reflecting on their historical win at the Eurovision accolade. They nostalgically wrote on Instagram, “It’s slightly dizzying and deeply humbling to think millions of you who saw us for the first time at the Eurovision final 1974 have passed our music on not only to one generation, but to several.”
ABBA's music has transcended generations, giving rise to musicals, theater productions, immersive experiences, films, and themed nightclub events around the world. The band's enduring legacy is highlighted by seven studio albums and by their cultural impact, which includes classic songs like “S.O.S,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and “Mamma Mia.”
Transitioning from the Eurovision event, ABBA tribute performances have gained momentum, providing fans with live experiences reminiscent of the original band’s glory days. One recent performance was lauded by attendees as the best tribute show encountered, demonstrating the high standards expected by ABBA fans. Audience members noted the show included two brilliant singers and two excellent musicians, with constant set and costume changes, matching the original choreography with astounding accuracy.
“It’s got everything,” one viewer exclaimed, as the dynamic atmosphere unfolded with rear screen projections detailing song names and lyrics, vintage album covers, and footage chronicling ABBA's incredible career. The night was particularly vibrant, filled with glam rock spirit as many attendees donned ABBA-themed attire, reminiscent of the colorful styles from the band’s heyday.
The Theatre Royal buzzed with excitement, especially as audience members sang along with beloved tracks like “Waterloo,” danced to “Honey Honey,” and relived the hits of ABBA. The performance highlighted the essence of ABBA's success, which continues to echo today.
ABBA, formed by two married couples—Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus, alongside Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad—rose to global fame between 1974 and 1982. Their music melded glam rock with intoxicately catchy tunes, which remain timeless, leading to enduring popularity across multiple generations.
From the original Eurovision stage to sold-out theatres and mega musicals, ABBA’s story is one of both joy and complexity, encapsulated beautifully by tribute performances. Reflecting back, audiences often marvel at how the band, Sweden’s second largest export after Volvo, captured hearts and changed the music industry forever.
The success of their resurrection, both live and virtually through diverse shows, highlights why ABBA’s music remains alive amid modernity, welcoming new fans and connecting with longtime supporters. ABBA undoubtedly proves music knows no bounds of time or format, creating shared experiences celebrating the allure of nostalgia.
