This article was originally published in English
The four singers were honored for “their outstanding achievements in Swedish and international music”.
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Sweden said “thanks for the music” to its most famous pop exports, ABBAhonoring the group with one of the country’s most prestigious awards, the Order of Vasa.
This is the first time it has been awarded in almost half a century, in recognition of “ABBA’s outstanding achievements in Swedish and international music“.
The group, consisting of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, rose to international fame in winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with her infectious love song “Waterloo.”
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Victory at Eurovision made ABBA a pop giant and the most successful group in the pan-continental music competition. ABBA’s melodic disco pop has sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide. Musical comedy “Mamma Mia!” based on his songs is 25 years old and gave rise to two films.
Although the Swedish band members haven’t performed together in four decades, they released a comeback album, “Journey“, in 2021 and, a year later, the “ABBA-tars“digital has opened its doors in London.
Royal recognition as “Commander First Class” is one of several Swedish orders, including the Royal Order of Seraphim, awarded to foreign heads of state and kings, and the Royal Order of the North Star , which is assigned to foreign citizens and stateless persons.
The Royal Order of Vasa, which is awarded in recognition of personal efforts for Sweden or for Swedish interests, as well as the successful fulfillment of public functions and missions, remained dormant until the end of 2022, when it was reactivated after regulations opened royal orders to Swedish citizens again.
At the beginning of the year, the candidates were nominated by the public, the Swedish government and King Carl XVI Gustaf approved the nominations, which included the four members of ABBA.
This year’s Eurovision coincidentally took place in Sweden and was won by the Swiss singer Nemowith “The Code,” an operatic pop-rap ode about the singer’s journey toward embracing a non-binary identity.
Additional sources • adaptation: Serge Duchêne
