Who is Loreen? Meet Sweden’s Eurovision 2023 representative

Loreen, the Swedish star who won Eurovision 2012 with her hit song “Euphoria,” is returning to the competition in 2023 with her new song, “Tattoo”. After a successful career since her victory, Loreen is representing Sweden again in the 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place in the city of Liverpool.

Get to know Loreen Talhaoui

Lorine Zineb Noka Talhaoui, known artistically as Loreen, was born on October 16, 1983, in Stockholm, Sweden. Of Moroccan Berber descent, the singer and songwriter first became known to the public in 2004 by participating in the first edition of Swedish Idol, where she finished in fourth place.

After her stint on Idol, Loreen took a break from music and worked as a producer and director of reality TV shows on Swedish television. However, she returned to music in 2011 by participating in Melodifestivalen with the song “My Heart is Refusing Me,” which became a hit in Sweden.

But it was a year later, in 2012, when Loreen rose to international fame with her song “Euphoria”. Composed by Thomas G:son and Peter Boström, the song became the Swedish representative at that year’s Eurovision Song Contest thanks to the combination of support from the international jury and the Swedish public, as it was selected in their Melodifestivalen, which set records with 670,551 phone calls. In the contest, with a record score of 372 points, Loreen became the winner.

The success of “Euphoria” didn’t stay at the contest, but spread throughout Europe, becoming a huge hit in countries like Germany, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Spain.

After this success, Loreen released her debut album, “Heal,” which included “Euphoria” and other songs related to her participation in the “Melodifestivalen” and Eurovision. The album was certified platinum in Sweden and was well-received in the rest of Europe.

“Tattoo”: A powerful and emotional song with a deep message

“Tattoo” was selected as Sweden’s representative at Eurovision 2023 after winning the “Melodifestivalen,” the Swedish national competition that chooses the country’s representative at the festival. “Tattoo” is an emotional and powerful song that combines elements of pop, electronic, and ethnic sounds, highlighting Loreen’s passionate voice and characteristic style.

Composed by Loreen herself along with Moh Denebi and Peter Boström, “Tattoo” is about overcoming adversity and finding inner strength in difficult moments. The song, which has a polished and modern production, has been enthusiastically received by both the singer’s fans and the Eurovision community.

Meaning of “Tattoo”

The lyrics of “Tattoo” talk about the strength and resilience that we all carry within us, and how we must confront our fears and fight for our dreams. Through her verses, Loreen invites us to free ourselves from the chains that bind us and leave an indelible mark on the world, like a tattoo on our skin.

In a verse of the song, Loreen sings: “No matter what happens, our footprints will never fade away, like a tattoo on our skin”. This phrase symbolizes the importance of leaving a legacy and how our actions can impact the lives of others, even long after we are gone.

Uncertainty and expectations surrounding the staging of “Tattoo”

Despite the final staging of “Tattoo” remaining a mystery, Loreen has shared some clues about what viewers can expect on the Eurovision stage in Liverpool. In the singer’s own words, her goal is to create a “safe space” for the audience, where emotions such as strength, hope, light, and joy are conveyed through an organic and natural environment.

Loreen has emphasized that she wants to connect with the audience and evoke these emotions in them, as each individual possesses that inner strength and power. The staging of “Tattoo” will feature an emotional journey that ranges from sensitivity to power, reflecting the capacity for resilience and overcoming that we all carry within us.

However, some media outlets have reported some uncertainty about the feasibility of Loreen’s proposed staging, as it could be too heavy for the stage and could create an unequal situation for the rest of the participants. Nevertheless, it is expected that the singer’s production team and event organizers will work together to deliver an unforgettable performance that highlights the strength of the message of “Tattoo.”

“Tattoo” – Loreen Lyrics

The History of Sweden in Eurovision

Sweden’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has been highly successful since their debut in 1958. This Scandinavian country has established itself as a powerhouse in the history of the contest, with six victories and numerous top placements. The selection of Swedish representatives is done through the popular pre-selection competition Melodifestivalen, which attracts millions of viewers both in Sweden and abroad. Swedish musical talent has been recognized internationally thanks to their excellent performances in the contest, with ABBA, winners in 1974, being the most prominent example.

One of the keys to Sweden’s success in Eurovision is the format of Melodifestivalen, a six-week event that involves established and emerging artists. This competition, which is considered one of the most important in Europe, gives them the opportunity to present their proposals to a diverse and demanding audience. Thanks to this selection process, Sweden has managed to position itself as one of the most successful countries in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest, surpassed only by Ireland in terms of the number of victories.

In addition to the six victories, Sweden has an impressive record in the Eurovision Song Contest, having reached the top 10 in more than half of their participations. With artists like Måns Zelmerlöw, winner in 2015 with “Heroes,” Sweden has shown its ability to be at the forefront of musical trends and offer exciting performances. In summary, Sweden’s history in Eurovision is a clear example of how dedication, talent, and innovation can lead a country to triumph on the international stage.