Results tagged “Lill Lindfors” from Boom Bang a Blog

They had waited for a win since their first appearance in 1960. They had scored nul points in 1963, 1978 and 1981, three of the six occasions they had finished bottom of the scoreboard. They were destined to be the Contest's eternal no-hopers. Then, in 1985, twenty-five years after their first appearance, something amazing happened. Norway won the Eurovision Song Contest.

...well, goodness gracious me, that's exactly what somebody did do in 1973.

We can't find the story that goes with this magazine cover, but as you can see, it's the ever popular Scandinavian periodical Allers (it's still going strong today). In this edition, dated April 29, 1973, Sweden's 1966 runner-up, Lill Lindfors and Anni-Frid of the as-yet-to-be-called-that ABBA were asked by the team behind the staple read for Swedish housewives of the era, to come up with some lovely outfits for just 300 Swedish kroner. Boom Bang a Blog is not entirely sure if that was a lot of money or not in Sweden in 1973, but it works out in today's money at about £25 and five pee.

As there appears to be no link to the article from the cover, it's not clear who won, but our money is on Anna-Frid. Anyone who witnessed what she turned up on stage wearing as ABBA hit its international peak must realise what a slave to trends our Frida was (ahem).

The very serious-looking lady pictured below Lill Lindfors on this particular cover of Allers didn't appear to be taking part in any sort of fashion challenge, though. In fact, Boom Bang a Blog's internet-based research indicate Estelle Bernadotte is linked with Swedish aristocracy, so could probably afford to spend a lot more than 300 kroner on a frock and a handbag in Scandinavia's mid-70s equivalent of Primark.

Winner 1966: Udo Jurgens performs Merci, Cherie for Austria

The result of the 1966 Contest sticks out like a sore thumb compared to all its other sixties counterparts.

All of the nations who otherwise dominated in the Contest's first full decade did either badly or mediocre-ly at the Villa Louvigny, the venue for the 1962 event. Italy was last with its only nul points to date, France scored just one point to finish 16th, two-times winners and reigning champ Luxembourg was 10th and the UK a dismal ninth - which could have been an even lowlier 14th/15th were it none for the final vote of the night. Switzerland was the only country with a respectable record to do respectably - finishing sixth.

But the winner was a man who proved that if at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again...