Introduction
In one of the most emotional moments of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, ABBA was honored with a spectacular tribute celebrating the 50th anniversary of their groundbreaking win with Waterloo. The special tribute, held during the Grand Final in Malmö, Sweden, brought back memories of the night in 1974 when ABBA burst onto the international stage and changed the history of pop music forever.
While many fans had hoped for a full reunion performance, the show featured a beautiful ABBA-only video segment, highlighting the group’s original footage and remastered audio of Waterloo, allowing audiences to relive the magic in its purest form. This unique approach gave fans around the world the chance to see and hear ABBA just as they were — youthful, vibrant, and full of energy during their iconic Eurovision moment.
Organizers of the event explained their choice, stating: “We wanted to celebrate ABBA by honoring the version of Waterloo that captured the hearts of millions. This was not about impersonators or covers — this was about ABBA, and ABBA only.”
The tribute included restored footage from the 1974 Eurovision stage, featuring Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Frida in their famously colorful costumes, beaming with excitement and delivering one of the most unforgettable performances in the contest’s history. Thanks to modern technology, the performance was presented in high definition with enhanced audio quality, allowing a new generation of Eurovision fans to experience the song in a fresh and dynamic way.
Speaking in a short pre-recorded message, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson expressed their gratitude to Eurovision and their fans. “Eurovision gave us the stage, and Waterloo gave us the world,” Björn said. “Fifty years later, it’s amazing to see how much joy this song still brings.”
Frida Lyngstad added, “This song opened every door for us. It’s wonderful to know it still connects people across generations.”
Agnetha Fältskog, who has remained mostly private in recent years, also shared a brief message: “Waterloo was the beginning of a beautiful journey. Thank you for remembering us after all these years.”
Fans in the audience were seen singing along, some with tears in their eyes, as the Eurovision arena filled with the sound of Waterloo, just like it did half a century ago. Social media platforms quickly exploded with excitement, with hashtags like #ABBAOnly and #Waterloo50 trending globally.
The 2024 tribute was more than just a performance; it was a heartfelt celebration of ABBA’s lasting influence on music, culture, and Eurovision history. Even without a live appearance from the group, the tribute reminded everyone why ABBA remains one of the most beloved pop groups in the world.
As the night ended, one thing was clear: fifty years on, Waterloo still holds a special place in the hearts of fans everywhere, and ABBA’s legacy continues to shine brighter than ever.