At number 37, Eurovision royalty Carola returns to our ESC Top 100 countdown, with her first entry for Sweden, “Främling.”
The 1983 Eurovision Song Contest had some big numbers for song quality (despite not being the best-hosted show – sorry, Germany). Carola was one of its breakout stars, and why not: She is, after all, a Gold Tier member of this Top 100 list. (For those of you who have not read the rest of the countdown articles, that means a performer is on this list three times.)
Let’s state the obvious once again: Carola is Eurovision royalty. She appeared in the contest in three different decades, won one of them, and otherwise did well each time. Her winning song is further up on the list, which means we consider this to be her second-best effort.
“Främling,” or should I say Stranger, is a story of secrets and hidden intentions – a boundary that Carola would like to bridge with this stranger and fall in love with them.
Vital Information: “Främling”
| Song | Främling |
| English Translation | Stranger |
| Performed By | Carola Häggkvist |
| Written By | Lasse Holm & Monica Forsberg |
| Country | Sweden |
| Year | 1983 |
| Language Performed In | Swedish |
| How It Fared | 3rd place (126 points) |
| Was It Fair? | Yes – 1983 was top-heavy |
What I Liked
This is even still the case today, but Carola set the bar back in 1983 with being an energetic performer. She certainly did not carry herself as a teenager, rather as an experienced stage performer. Her vocals were great – no notes.
One thing I just hate when I’m watching a performance is when it’s a monotone piece or when it stays in one gear the whole time. What, you think Carola did that? Of course not. She went up there and got those big notes, and it was a killer live performance that kept you invested the entire time. Thank the deity of your choosing that she came back a few more times.
Other Facts
- Carola was just 16 years old when she performed “Främling,” and the song was a major hit that launched her singing career, which continues today. As of 2024, she is still bringing the house down performing this song and others. She performed this song at Norway’s national final, Melodi Grand Prix, in 2024, as well as her winning song, “Fångad av en stormvind.”
- She would be back in the contest in 1991 and 2006 (“Invincible”), winning in 1991.
- Though Carola did not win in 1983, Sweden would win the following year.
- Carola performed early in this grand final, in fourth position.
Don’t Be a “Främling”
Stick around The Euro Yard, and don’t forget to watch the 1983 performance on YouTube.
