Introduction
ABBA Eurovision Tribute 2024: Waterloo Returns to the Spotlight
Fifty years after a song changed everything, ABBA once again stood at the center of the world’s stage. At the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, the iconic Swedish group was honored with a breathtaking tribute to their breakthrough hit “Waterloo”—the very song that won them the contest in 1974 and launched them into global superstardom.
The tribute, titled “ABBA Only,” was a celebration of one of the most influential acts in popular music. Fans from across Europe and beyond tuned in not only for the contest itself but for this once-in-a-lifetime salute to a band whose legacy continues to transcend generations. The atmosphere in Malmö, Sweden—fittingly the host nation for this year’s contest—was electric, with anticipation building from the moment the tribute was announced.
As the lights dimmed and the opening notes of “Waterloo” rang out, the arena erupted in applause. A dazzling stage display recreated the glitter, color, and excitement of the 1970s while weaving in modern visuals and cutting-edge technology. While the original members of ABBA did not perform live, their presence was felt throughout the tribute: archival footage, holographic recreations, and a heartfelt video message blended seamlessly to create a performance that felt timeless.
Audiences were treated to rare behind-the-scenes clips of ABBA’s original Eurovision victory, intercut with the tribute performance. Seeing Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad as their younger selves accepting the trophy in Brighton back in 1974 reminded everyone of just how far the group’s influence has reached since that night.
The centerpiece of the tribute came with a full-throttle rendition of “Waterloo,” delivered by a live orchestra and chorus, paired with giant LED displays showing moments from ABBA’s career: the Voyage project in London, their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and their countless chart-topping hits. Fans in the crowd waved flags, sang along, and shed tears of joy as the familiar chorus echoed through the arena.
The segment was capped with a recorded message from Benny and Björn, thanking Eurovision for giving ABBA their start and reflecting on how one song opened the door to everything that followed. Agnetha and Anni-Frid also offered heartfelt words to the fans, expressing gratitude for the love that has carried the group’s music for half a century. “It all began with Waterloo,” Anni-Frid said, her voice filled with emotion. “And it still brings people together today.”
The 2024 tribute was more than nostalgia—it was a reminder of Eurovision’s power to shape musical history and of ABBA’s unique ability to connect across borders and generations. Younger fans discovered the magic of “Waterloo” anew, while longtime followers relived the excitement of the band’s very first triumph.
As the performance ended, the audience rose in unison, applauding not just a song, but a legacy. Fifty years after conquering Eurovision, ABBA remains what they have always been: a phenomenon, a family, and a soundtrack to millions of lives.