Sweden's previous appearances: 46 year(s) out of 51 [note] Years participated: 1958-1963; 1965-1969; 1971-1975; 1977- [note] 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. Get 'The Eurovision Song Contest: The Offical History' at Amazon.co.uk
Position in Semi Final draw: N/A Position in Final draw: 12
What I said prior to the Semi Final: "Glam rock band The Ark's victory in Sweden's Melodifestivalen was little surprise to anybody, having been considered the favourites right from the beginning. It was probably a good choice too - 'The worrying kind' is a strong song (even if I can't help myself singing 'Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)' over the chorus), with a refreshingly different sound from the archetypal Swedish entry and a visually memorable performance. I have to admit to not being particularly impressed with the lead singer's live vocals at the Melodifestivalen semi final and final though."
My prediction for Semi Final: N/A My prediction for Final: 17th to 19th What I predicted prior to the Semi Final: "Among some strong contenders, I'm not convinced that the Swedish entry will necessarily do very well - it's good, but is it good enough? A placing in the mid to low teens would seem entirely possible." Want an alternative prediction? See Simon Hylands' 'Je t'adore, Eurovision!' site
In the run up to the Contest, 1,274 visitors to this site awarded points to their favourite songs in the Soult.com Eurovision Jury Vote 2007, voting as a representative of their own country's 'jury'. The votes awarded by representatives of each country were totalled, with each of the 42 participating countries (plus the 'Rest of the World') then awarding points - 12, 10, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 - based on the overall voting preference of its representatives. The points awarded to the entry from Sweden are shown in the tables below: