On a spring evening in 1974, the Brighton Dome played host to the iconic Eurovision Song Contest. The UK, a country with a history of Eurovision success, was riding high on the hope that Olivia Newton-John and her song “Long Live Love” would secure their third victory. Meanwhile, a little-known Swedish band called ABBA took to the stage with a catchy tune titled “Waterloo.” Little did anyone know, history was about to be made.
ABBA's performance of 'Waterloo' at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest
ABBA’s performance was electrifying, their energy infectious, and their song undeniably catchy. “Waterloo” swept the competition, securing ABBA’s place in music history and becoming a global phenomenon. However, one particular detail from that night continues to raise eyebrows even decades later: the UK jury’s decision to award ABBA a resounding ‘nul points’.
The ‘Nul Points’ Mystery: Strategic Voting or a Case of Sour Grapes?
The UK’s decision to give ABBA zero points seemed particularly perplexing given the band’s eventual success. In recent years, ABBA’s songwriter Björn Ulvaeus shed light on the incident, speculating that the UK jury might have seen the Swedish band as a potential threat.
In an interview with the BBC, Ulvaeus stated, “It certainly could have been. Because the Brits were the first ones to embrace us after winning, so the jury could have been as cunning as that – [it’s] very likely, actually. Because it’s kind of strange they would give us zero points. It sounds like they were trying to do something cunning.”
Björn Ulvaeus ponders the UK's 'nul points' for ABBA at Eurovision
Ulvaeus’ theory suggests that the UK jury might have employed a strategic voting tactic, hoping to minimize ABBA’s chances of winning. Whether or not this was the case remains a subject of debate. However, it highlights the competitive nature of Eurovision and the lengths to which some juries might go to secure a victory for their country.
Adding another layer to the story, Ulvaeus recounted a conversation with his bandmate Anni-Frid Lyngstad, who was close friends with Olivia Newton-John. “Frida is a good friend with Olivia. She says that Olivia knew that we would win,” Ulvaeus shared.
ABBA’s Meteoric Rise: From Eurovision Underdogs to Global Superstars
Regardless of the reasons behind the UK’s ‘nul points’, ABBA’s victory at Eurovision 1974 catapulted them to international stardom.
“We certainly talked that night, but I don’t remember that, it was such chaos I hardly remember anything other than waking up the next day and finding myself and us being all over the globe suddenly,” Ulvaeus recalled. “[We had] gone overnight from this obscure Swedish band to world fame… so unreal.”
Their music dominated the charts, their unique sound captivating audiences worldwide. ABBA became synonymous with catchy melodies, elaborate costumes, and a stage presence that was both captivating and joyful.
ABBA celebrates their Eurovision victory
The ‘nul points’ from the UK jury became a footnote in ABBA’s remarkable journey, a testament to their undeniable talent and the enduring power of their music. The band’s legacy extends far beyond that one Eurovision night, solidifying their place as one of the most successful musical acts of all time. Their songs continue to resonate with generations, proving that even a score of ‘nul points’ couldn’t stop the force that is ABBA.
