Pernilla Wahlgren and Christian Bauer recently celebrated their love with two weddings, marking significant moments filled with joy and sorrow. The couple, who tied the knot on December 2, 2023, at Lidingö church, had their first ceremony as a heartfelt nod to her father, Hans Wahlgren, who was battling cancer. He could attend the wedding, which was particularly meaningful before passing away on May 10, 2023.
Following their initial wedding, Pernilla and Christian hosted their second wedding celebration three months later, inviting numerous family and friends for festivities spanning three days. Since then, the couple has enjoyed their honeymoon, enjoying tropical getaways to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Wahlgren, now going by Pernilla Wahlgren Bauer, shared with Amelia her reasoning behind this name change. "Bauer becomes my actual last name, and Wahlgren will be my middle name. It’s such a nice gesture, and my husband was so happy. During the honeymoon, I noticed everyone wrote 'Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Bauer.' It seems like people naturally assume newlyweds use the husband's name. While it simplifies everything, especially for reservations abroad, 'Wahlgren' has its charm too," she explained. The name change is practical for travel, but she clarified it won't be how she introduces herself publicly.
Though she has enjoyed these romantic milestones, Pernilla recently revealed another unexpected twist: she opted to take off her wedding ring after losing the diamond during one of her performances. "I actually don’t wear my wedding ring because the diamond accidentally fell out on stage. I thought it was gone forever, but I called our costume girl, and she ran out on stage to search for it. Amazingly, she found it right there after the show! It would have been quite disappointing to lose it due to its sentimental value," Pernilla recounted with relief.
While these personal events unfolded, Pernilla is poised to bring holiday cheer to viewers on December 23, 2023, with the winter edition of Allsång på Skansen. This show, which will air just before Christmas, pairs her with well-known artists like the popular Norwegian duo, Marcus and Martinus. "Skansen is truly the perfect location for Christmas because many, including myself, traditionally visit the Christmas market there every year. Singing together during the holidays feels incredibly right, and I am thrilled to spearhead such a festive event," she said.
Filming of the holiday special took place earlier, on December 3, 2023, and Wahlgren expressed her excitement about contributing to the show’s content. "Of course, I have some input on the desired elements. It should be broad and enjoyable; everyone should feel connected to Allsång på Skansen. I even requested Carola to be part of this amazing lineup. She embodies the Christmas spirit just as much as Kalle Anka and Santa Claus do!"
Pernilla added humorously about managing the chilly weather on set, considering she had recently injured her foot. "It was really cold, I’ll say! I had to wear heat packs, and when I made my entrance on the show, the first thing to happen was my heat pack falling out. Plenty of laughs followed, even if my fingers were quite cold!"
Despite her efforts, Wahlgren acknowledges the competitive nature of the holiday programming. Her Allsång special will air simultaneously with Lotta Engberg’s Bingolotto, which traditionally garners large audiences. "Yes, people have their traditions, and I can’t compete with the actual 'Bingolotto' gameplay. But I believe we can offer fantastic entertainment steeped with talented artists," she noted.
Although she is aware of the competition from Engberg’s long-standing show, Wahlgren remains optimistic about what she hopes will become a beloved new holiday tradition. "I understand why people might stick to their routines with Lotta. We’ve been entertainers for so long, perhaps the competition doesn’t feel as intense between us. I haven't spoken with her about it yet, but we are humble artists working together toward the entertainment everyone loves. It's exciting either way!"
With her holidays and endeavors close at hand, Pernilla chooses to navigate her married life and exciting new projects with grace and laughter, ensuring fans have plenty to celebrate this season.
