Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Now and them combined, as they sing in Don't shut me down . Abba is back and what a relief they still sound like themselves and instead of the break of 39 years it could be three years, or nine. But then again, the 1980's sound is back so the timing is perfect - or was it this they were waiting all this time?  Agnetha and Frida may have lost the crystalline edge of their voice but they still are totally recognizable. A bit deeper and huskier but still the voice mix that always made Abba stand out. Despite the comeback the ladies have chosen to stay out of spotlight and leave the talking to Björn and Benny. While the two now released songs ahead of the album Voyage to be released in November 2021 are already storming the global charts it will be interesting to see how this develops. Another album after this one? Or is this is, with the virtual show in London May 2022 and eventual world tour after that. Meanwhile the fandom all over the world has gone crazy and one can pre-order...

Album of the year, or a decade?  No doubt one of the best debut albums ever by anyone if you ask me. If her single releases ( Hei rakas, Tivolit, Frida ) have been just wonderful the album offers still many to come as there are no real fillers.  In many ways the whole BEHM affair reminds me of Chisu when she came out: A female artists who writes her songs and produces herself after writing songs to others and never aiming to become a singer herself. And here we are, only BEHM's debut beats Chisus's debut album in every way, Chisu blossomed only with the following alhums that earned her several awards and the historic, first ever Producer of the Year award for a female artist in Emma awards, the Finnish Grammys. I wouldn't be surprised if BEHM picks up the Newcomer, the Female artist, the song, the album awards at least next spring. The album Draaman kaari viehättää (#1) sold platinum before its release, All the songs entered the top-15 in the streaming charts.  But back ...

  ABBA was so present everywhere I didn't even have to own any ABBA records to listen to them, actually my first one was ABBA Gold . You couldn't avoid them in the late 70's and early 80's before they split up.... and one still remembers all the songs by heart and they are as present as ever....

In 2013 Petra Mede was wearing Jean Paul Gaultier, but this time around she has chosen three Swedish designers to dress her up: Lars Wallin, Ida Lanto and Valerie Aflalo. Expect sparkling chrystals, glitter and jumpsuit!  "It's great to be able to showcase these three designers, they are skilled and dedicated to what they do and their cloathes sparkle - just like they should do in Eurovision! I absolutely love Lars Wallin, who I have worn in many occasions before. His dress for the final is sewn on by body and sparkles so much one would think it's paparazzi's taking photos of me! It's as far from a dull everyday life as it gets!" tells Petra. The first semifinal dress is by Ida Lanto. "It's a micture of classic and modern, very gala and glitter. It's stylish and same time covers up, something very suitable for a mature woman like me". The second semifinal dress is by a new designer for Petra, Valerie Aflalo. "It will be exciti...

I know there's something going on . Anni-Frid Lyngstad aka Frida aka Princess Reuss of Plauen has revealed recently she's working on an autobiography she hopes to release eventually some time in the future. It's time to turn the stone . She sure has stories to tell!  Born as a Norwegian-German warchild she ended up in Swiss alps living in a castle as a real princess. In between we have three marriages, children and step children, losing her daughter, becoming a widow, solo career as a singer, being a member of ABBA, hits and misses. She was the one who enjoyed performing and fame the most out of ABBA members and shone  being favorable for a reunion but today says she's done with music and concentrates on charity affairs and her hobbies, including writing. I can only wish the words will come to her and she gets this project finished soon. Between En ledig dag and Även en blomma there are so many untold stories to tell for sure. 

Now you can. Anni-Frid Lyngstad, aka ABBA-Frida will auction this September 11, 2012 some 70 dresses, accessories and shoes, most of them real designer stuff in Stockholm. Among the goodies the red mink fur she wore in the Chiquitita video. And also a Chanel dress she wore in 2004 when she performed with Deep Purple's John Lord in Cologne in 2004. "They are just dresses she has grown out of and thinks are too pretty to be left hanging in the closet" says her agent Görel Hanser. The fans are already getting excited especially in Germany and the UK and the prices are expected to go very high due the interest.