'Abba was somewhat of a dirty word': How the pop band's 1974 Eurovision win divided Sweden

Abba's triumph at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 marked a significant milestone in the band's career. The upcoming Eurovision event in Sweden is poised to celebrate Abba's enduring legacy in the music industry. While the band members have not performed together for several decades, there is anticipation surrounding the possibility of their appearance at the event. Despite the initial challenges they encountered after their Eurovision win, Abba went on to achieve unprecedented success, selling 385 million records and solidifying their position as one of the most successful bands of all time. However, a new documentary sheds light on the complexities of their victory and the obstacles they faced in gaining credibility as musicians. Prior to forming Abba, the band members pursued individual musical endeavors, and Eurovision served as their gateway to international recognition. Nevertheless, their win also sparked criticism and resistance, particularly in their native Sweden, where their commercialized image and music style were met with skepticism. Despite these hurdles, Abba's music transcended boundaries and eventually garnered acclaim for its songwriting prowess and influence on the pop music landscape.