2023 in review: How the Swedish Loreen won Eurovision a historic second time

The Swedish singer Loreen caused a historic sensation at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest: she is the second contestant in the event's history to win the song festival twice.

Sweden's song 'Tattoo' was the professional juries' favorite with 340 points. Then, in a thriller of a popular vote count, Loreen nearly got the most popular votes as well.

The public vote almost cost Loreen the victory. Finland’s Kaarija with his catchy song 'Cha Cha Cha' got 376 points in the public vote, leading him to the top of the ranking with 526 points... for a few minutes.

In the end, though, Loreen got 243 points from the international public, which helped her win the contest convincingly with 583 points.

Loreen's performance stood out because of an impressive set of LED screens that she danced 'in between.'

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / Eurovision.tv

The excitement about her big Eurovision appearance was audible in Loreen's voice. Her live performance sounded slightly less steady than her studio recording. But it didn't matter, because the audience knew her already and the message arrived loud and clear.

Previously, Loreen had already shot to fame after she won the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with her song 'Euphoria.'

'Euphoria' was a huge hit all over Europe and beyond, reaching number one in several countries. In fact, it is one of the most successful songs Eurovision has produced in recent years.

But, who knows, 'Tattoo' may even beat the success of 'Euphoria'! Before the start of the grand final on May 13, 2023, Spotify already reported 58 million streams for the song.

So, who is this Eurovision legend? Loreen is a Swedish singer and producer with Moroccan-Berber roots. Her parents divorced when she was six, and from then on she lived with her mother and five siblings. She has always loved sounds and music and likes to experiment with music and develop her own style.

Loreen started her career in 2004 when she took part in the Swedish TV show 'Idol' and placed fourth. Her first single 'Snake' (featuring Rob'n'Raz) came out in 2005, while Loreen also worked as a TV host. Behind the scenes, the artist was a segment producer and director for several Swedish reality shows.

In 2011, Loreen entered the Swedish preliminary round for the Eurovision Song Contest, the 'Melodifestivalen,' with her song 'My Heart Is Refusing Me.' Although she wouldn't win the contest, her song became a top 10 hit in Sweden.

Loreen again took part in Melodifestivalen 2012. This time, her song 'Euphoria' took her to first place with a record number of points. The competition was fierce, as Sweden always provides excellent Eurovision candidates. Behind Ireland with 7 victories, Sweden is the country that has won Eurovision the most times (6).

On the big night, the finals of the international song contest, Loreen's 'Euphoria' received one of the highest scores ever with 372 points. (Russia came in second with 259 points for the six grannies named Buranovskiye Babushki). Loreen was the new Eurovision Queen.

Photo: Eurovision.tv

Loreen released her first album 'Heal' in 2012. The song 'Euphoria' was a big hit everywhere and the album had great reviews and sales numbers, too. The critics praised Loreen's voice, lyrics, and production.

Beyond her music, Loreen wants to improve the world by standing up for various charities. She speaks out on human rights, refugees, animal rights, and climate action.

The Swedish Eurovision champion visits refugee camps, performs for Amnesty International and Greenpeace, and works with UNICEF and WWF. Most recently, she performed at a live fundraising gala to support Ukraine after the 2022 Russian invasion.

Photo: Charli Ljung / Eurovision.tv

Her activist nature was also seen in another participation in Melodifestivalen in 2017. Trying to return to Eurovision, she performed the song 'Statements' about freedom and rebellion. Loreen didn't make it to first place even though she was one of the favorites. But she didn't give up.

Loreen wanted to take a new direction with her music and make her own voice heard. She also had personal issues that prevented her from being herself: she felt trapped by the expectations and the pressure of the music business. So she decided to switch record labels and made her new album with BMG: 'Ride' in 2017.

After releasing 'Ride' in 2017, Loreen remained active in the music world. She released several singles and performed at various festivals and events. Loreen also participated in the eleventh season of 'Så mycket bättre,' a Swedish talent show for singers.

After much hard work, the singer once again has the honor of representing Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest of 2023. She won the Melodifestivalen with her song 'Tattoo.'

Loreen's song is based on her own search for her own identity. It is an ode to self-expression and freedom. Swedish critics and audiences have praised her unique voice and artistic vision in the performance.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / Eurovision.tv

'Tattoo' expresses a desire for love and connection with lines like "No I don't care about them all / Cause all I want is to be loved." In addition, it is about saying goodbye and hoping to meet again: "I don't wanna go / But baby, we both know / This isn't our time / It's time to say goodbye / Until we meet again / 'Cause this isn't the end."

Loreen belongs to the select group of artists who have participated in Eurovision several times.

Johnny Logan from Ireland used to be the only artist to have won the Eurovision Song Contest more than once, namely in 1980 with 'What's Another Year' and in 1987 with 'Hold Me Now'.

Loreen has now matched the Irish star with her historic second win. The world is at her feet!