Swedish input on Eurovision is much bigger than you may think. Sweden not only presents successful songs during its own performances (more about Swedish Melodifestivalen and the process of choosing Swedish representatives I wrote in this post) but also helps other countries to create catchy pieces.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present 8 Eurovision songs written by Swedes but performed by other countries (random selection and order)!
I’ve been waiting for this night – Donny Montell, Lithuania 2016 (9th place)
Written by Swedish songwriter Jonas Thander (together with Beatrice Robertsson). He collaborated also with artists such as Tailor Swift, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato.
Tick Tock – Mariya Yaremchuk, Ukraine 2014 (6th place)
Song written by Sandra Bjurman who took part in Eurovision Song Contest multiple times (working the oftest with Azerbajdzjan). Mariya Yaremchuk was a co-author of the song.
If love was a crime – Poli Genova, Bulgaria 2016 (4th place)
Song was written by Joacim Persson and the Bulgarian team (Borislav Milanov, Sebastian Arman and Poli Genova). He worked among others with The Jonas Brothers, Ashley Tisdale, Hannah Montana and Zendaya.
In a moment like this – Chaneé & N’evergreen, Denmark 2010 (4th place)
Song written by the team of Thomas G:son, Henrik Sethsoon and Erik Bernholm. Erik Thomas Gustavsson is a Swedish guitar player and songwriter, he has multiple successes in Melodifestivalen and Eurovision eliminations in many other countries. He co-wrote Loreen’s song “Tattoo” for Melodifestivalen 2023 which was chosen to represent Sweden in Eurovision Song Contest.
Fuego – Eleni Foureira, Cyprus 2018 (2nd place)
Authors of the song are Alex P., Geraldo Sandell, Anderz Wrethov, Didrick and Viktor Svensson. Alex P. is Greek-Swedish songwriter who worked with Jennifer Lopez (“Live it up!”), Margaret (“Cool me down”) or Loreen.
Running Scared – Ell & Nikki, Azerbaijan 2011 (1st place)
Duett was written by a team that consisted of Stefan Örn and Sandra Bjurman (mentioned before). Örn co-wrote other Azerbaijan songs during Eurovision (in years 2010 with 5th place, 2012 with 4th place).
A million voices – Polina Gagarina, Russia 2015 (2nd place)
A song created by Gabriel Alares and Joakim Björnberg with the help of Katrina Noorbergen, Leonid Gutkin and Wladimir Matezki.
Flashlight – Kasia Moś, Poland 2017 (22nd place)
Song “Flashlight” didn’t achieve any success on Eurovision, however, it was produced by Swedish producer Rickard Bonde Truumeel – I’m including this song on the list only because of personal matters – I’m from Poland 🙂
Of course, these are not the only songs that meet the criteria of being written by Swedish songwriters but performed by other countries on Eurovision. If you want, we may think of making part 2 in the future! Let us know and… enjoy the upcoming semi-finals!
