Loreen is taking nothing for granted as she prepares to return to the Eurovision stage with her latest hit Tattoo.
The singer – who won the Contest back in 2012 with Euphoria – is once again representing Sweden in Liverpool and is hotly-tipped to snatch the trophy a second time.
Over the years, several artists have had multiple shots at Eurovision success, but in its 67-year history only Ireland’s Johnny Logan has managed to win twice (with What’s Another Year? in 1980 and again in 1987 with Hold Me Now). More recently, Sweden’s 1999 winner Charlotte Perrelli attempted to follow-up Take Me To Your Heaven with Hero in 2008, but she finished in a disappointing 18th place, despite much anticipation surrounding her latest entry.
How does Loreen feel as the show approaches? “One side of me is very excited about the fact that people like what we’ve created, because I honestly didn’t have any expectations walking in,” she insists in RETROPOP’s June 2023 issue. “That’s a dangerous path to be on. I have expectations of myself and I want things to be good and authentic, but for that I need to be very clear about why I’m doing this and not have the ego involved too much.
“So basically, my state of mind is, ‘OK, I’m a servant of art and I’m here for you guys’. That is my role. That is my space. That’s what I’m doing. When you have that way of thinking, it eases you and I love to be in that space. That’s my favourite space to be in.
“I can be in the studio creating for myself – but fuck that, it’s not as fun! If you create something that you know can make the audience feel strengthened or understand their own power, that’s the space I love to be in.”
When it comes to her big return, one thing Loreen is looking forward to most is reconnecting with fans from around the globe and once again being a part of the Eurovision community. “Can you imagine standing there in front of so many people? This is a beautiful community and there are not that many communities like this left where everybody is included,” she beams.
“It’s diverse, you’re loved, the crazier you are the more loved you get – you can be whatever you want, whether it’s religious background, colour, sexuality, whatever. You’re welcome.
“We need to take care of this because the world is upside down and we’re all trying to balance things up, you know? So the way that I balance this thing that’s going on in the world is to be part of this community, Goddamnit!
“Be joyful and happy, because it’s really hard to be prejudiced when you’re in a good space. So I look forward to being part of something that is greater and bigger than myself.”
The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final takes place May 13 in at the Liverpool Arena, following Semi-Finals on May 9 and 11.
Read the full interview in the June 2023 edition of RETROPOP, out now. Order yours or subscribe via our Online Store, use our Store Finder to locate your nearest stockist, or get Digital Copies delivered direct to your devices.
