One of the highlights of the Eurovision Song Contest Final from last night was the program in the intermission: The Swedish Smorgasbord, by Petra Mede, Swedish comedienne, dancer and television host.
This is her presentation of Sweden and Swedes for all those of you who are curious – and Swedes to be entertained. Our relationship to church, the need of consensus – even at the combat zone, the talent of doing compost, Carola and many more goodies at the smorgasbord.
Any surprises?
Enjoy,
Johanna
Yesterday The Eurovision Song Contest 2013 Final was held in Malmo, in Sweden.
What I didn’t know was that the Eurovision was created 57 years ago by a group of broadcasters with the intent to unify Europe after world war II through the power of music. It makes total sense. And today the event is bigger than ever.
The event opened with a newly composed Eurovision Anthem “We Write The Story”, written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. and the Swedish DJ, and record producer Avicii. “We couldn’t get ABBA – but ABA”, as Petra Mede introduced them.
A master piece. Here it is. Enjoy!
Johanna
“We have a choice in everything, we write the story…” – what are you making a choice about today? What is the next chapter in your story?
This upcoming Saturday it is time for the Eurovision Song Contest. Hosted by Sweden, since we won last year, with Euphoria. Growing up, that was big. The dream was to stand on that stage. The event is still big. Living in San Francisco, I have found friends who might be even more excited about it than I was before. Saturday night Pacific Time, the recorded version of the event will be replayed. And strict rules for the guests, to be disconnected during the day, not to reveal any results… That was difficult last year, having a dear excited cousin Anna, who send me a text… EUPHORIA – WE WON!!! 🙂
Today, as a reminder about the event, the winning song Waterloo by ABBA from 1974 was shared (see below). For all ABBA lovers: since last week, there is now ABBA The Museum open in Stockholm. It is part of a larger Swedish Music Hall of Fame.
I am sure it partly covers the impact ABBA has had on it’s fans. I have only in the past two months in San Francisco met one, and heard another, case of women that have learnt Swedish for the only reason that they loved ABBA.
As of me… I was Agneta. And yes, I do have the ABBA music book with me… to San Francisco.
To-de-loo,
Johanna
What has ABBA done for you?
This morning, I was talking to the world. And the world started talking back to me.
Both of us were lonely, a little angry. Both of us looking for a friend.
We were saying how we’d never be alone again.
All I heard was two little words: love, me. Love, me. Love, me.
And that the end of the note, that I wrote to the world:
Can you here me? Are you listening?
Love me.
These are the first lines from one song on the U.S. debut by Swedish singer Anna Bergendahl. On the record label Decca Records website you can read: (more…)
I was listening to the radio the other day and heard them talking about the ongoing series of American Idol. The view numbers are decreasing, and they claimed an American Idol fatigue – the number of artists having performed the same covers starts to be too many. It’s not new any longer.
I know what might be the next big thing. It’s recently been pitched in Sweden. And I won’t say more. Just yet. Can’t wait for it to be created and cross the boarders.
What is similar to American Idol, and is still going strong, is the Eurovision Song Contest. The difference is that the artists participating compete with a new original song, representing their country, voted by the countries and the populations. I wouldn’t say that it is as ingrained in our Swedish culture to watch the national Melodifestivalen, leading up the Eurovision Song Contest Final, as it is to watch Donald Duck 3pm Christmas Eve – but very close.
Here in the U.S., a Norwegian friend hosts an annual party the evening of the final with a replay of the event. Norway won 3 years ago. There are clear and strong instructions to stay out of Social Media and news, so that we don’t know who the winner is… With the new feature of starred Facebook friends, and automatic notifications of their updates on my phone, I didn’t succeed to avoid my cousins shout out real time in Sweden… but it was fun to watch.
There is a sweet rivalry going on in-between Sweden and Norway – but they didn’t deserve to fall that far down the list…
And here is the winning song, “Euphoria” with Loreen from Sweden.
Enjoy,
Johanna
Lyrics: Euphoria
Why, why can’t this moment last forevermore?
Tonight, tonight eternity’s an open door…
No, don’t ever stop doing the things you do.
Don’t go, in every breath I take I’m breathing you…
EuphoriaForever, ’till the end of time
From now on, only you and I
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up
Euphoria An everlasting piece of art
A beating love within my heart
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up
We are here, we’re all alone in our own Universe,
We are free, where everything’s allowed and love comes first,
Forever and ever together, we sail into infinity,
We’re higher and higher and higher, we’re reaching for divinity.
Euphoria
Forever, ’till the end of time
From now on, only you and I
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up
Euphoria
An everlasting piece of art
A beating love within my heart
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up
Forever we sail into infinity,
We’re higher, we’re reaching for divinity…
Euphoria, euphoria
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up
Euphoria….An everlasting piece of art
A beating love within my heart
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up
Euphoria, euphoria
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up
Like what you read? Please leave some love for this blog at ExpatsBlog.com
San Francisco Musician and Composer
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- where it all comes together...
Creating Great Days!
definition of GRIT: firmness of mind or spirit
From the heart of Silicon Valley
Phil Sanderson
WordPress Music Theme
a community for VR developers and enthusiasts
Loving Life Blog 
Recent Comments