ICONIC EUROVISION MOMENT
ABBA at Eurovision 1974
On 6 April 1974, ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton with “Waterloo”. It was Sweden's first victory and the international breakthrough for a group that would become one of pop music's biggest acts.
The 1974 result
ABBA scored 24 points. Italy's Gigliola Cinquetti finished second with 18 and the Netherlands placed third with 15.
Sweden's first Eurovision win
Sweden had entered Eurovision in 1958 and waited 16 years for its first victory. “Waterloo” began the winning history that later turned Sweden into one of the Contest's most successful countries.
Why ABBA could sing “Waterloo” in English
The EBU had relaxed the rule requiring countries to sing in one of their national languages in 1973. That short window allowed Sweden to perform “Waterloo” in English in Brighton. The national-language requirement returned in 1977 and remained until it was removed again for Eurovision 1999.
A different voting system
The familiar 12-point scale was not used in Brighton. Each participating country had a 10-person jury and each juror awarded one point to a favourite song. ABBA's total of 24 therefore cannot be compared directly with modern Eurovision totals.
From Brighton to the global charts
“Waterloo” went on to top charts across Europe and reached the Top 10 in markets including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Eurovision became the launchpad for ABBA's international career.
ABBA almost chose another song
The group had considered “Hasta Mañana”, believing its slower style might fit Eurovision better. They ultimately entered the more energetic “Waterloo”, first winning Melodifestivalen and then the Contest in Brighton.