Sweden's Swedish-language success at Eurovision

Today, June 6, is Sveriges nationaldag - Sweden’s National Day - and while the Nordic nation celebrates Gustav Vasa becoming king in 1523, we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate something with far more glitz and glam: Sweden’s Swedish-language success at Eurovision.

Whilst Sweden is known for its slick English-language pop packages (like from recent winners Loreen and Måns) some of their most iconic entries - including two winners - have been sung in their native tongue.

Given Eurovision 2025 was a record-breaking year where over half the entries were sung in national languages (and with Sweden itself returning to its mother tongue for the first time in over two decades), let’s take a look at the times Sweden hit the right notes singing in Swedish.

2025: Kaj - Bara Bada Bastu

Result: 4th place

In 2025, Kaj brought Swedish back to the Eurovision stage for the first time in 27 years. Bara Bada Bastu was a playful ode to a national pastime, with support from music-loving sauna fans quickly entrenching Kaj as favourites to take out the competition.

With simple but effective staging, Kaj ultimately earned Sweden a strong 4th place, and reminded Europe that the Swedish language can still pack a powerful punch at Eurovision.

1998: Jill Johnson - Kärleken är

Result: 10th place

When Jill Johnson sang Kärleken är (‘Love Is’) at Eurovision 1998, nobody knew that this would be the last Swedish-language entry before the country switched exclusively to English (until Kaj returned Swedish to the stage in 2025).

Though her sweet ballad earned her a solid 10th place, it marked the end of an important chapter in Sweden’s Eurovision story - bringing to a close a 22-year-run of sending Swedish-language songs to the main stage.

1991: Carola’s - Fångad av en stormvind

Result: 1st place

1991's Fångad av en stormvind (Captured by a Love Storm) combined Carola's distinctive vocals and energetic stage presence to make a perfect mix of classic schlager and pure Eurovision fun. It’s a song still loved by the fandom today, and it showed how powerful a Swedish-language entry could be

Despite tying with France on 146 points each, Carola clinched the win on a tie-break count back. Despite both France and Sweden receiving the same number of 12 point sets, Carola received more 10 point votes which secured her the victory.

1984: Herreys - Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley

Result: 1st place

Three brothers in gold boots, white pants and popped collars singing about magical shoes? It sounds like pure Eurovision, and it was. Herreys’ Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley may not make much lyrical sense - even in Swedish - but the joy, energy and choreography sealed the deal, securing Sweden it's first ever Eurovision win with a song performed in Swedish.

It became a beloved oddball classic, and showed that language isn't a barrier when you bring plenty of sparkle and charisma to the stage.

What next for Sweden?

Given the sheer number of native-language songs performed at Eurovision this year, is it time for Sweden to seriously consider a new era of sharing Swedish on the Eurovision stage?

Kaj’s top 5 result may create a spark where Swedish is no longer sidelined, but embraced. The nation has proved time and time again that their native language can resonate across Europe and secure strong results with the public and juries alike.

Will 2026 bring another Swedish-language track? We’ll have to wait and see.

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