Sweden's Tradition of Song

Swedish culture is awash in song. Children usually learn an instrument when they're small, or at least try. Singing in a choir is a near national pastime with one of every seven people involved at some point. Music is an integral part of almost every holiday and celebration. And many of the biggest TV shows revolve around music (Så Ska Det Låta, Allsång på Skansen, Maestro, Så Mycket Bättre, Melodifestivalen....)

Rodrigo Rivas Ruiz/imagebank.sweden.se

In a country the size of California, the industry is booming. More people work in the music industry than in the automobile industry. It's not just within the country, but also outside its borders too. Some of the biggest International acts get help from Swedish songwriters and producers.

American Artists who've worked with Swedish songwriters and producers include Christina Aguilera, Brittney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Kesha, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Cyndi Lauper, Kelis, Janet Jackson, Santana, LeeAnn Rimes, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, Pink, etc.

You'll notice the above list is dominated by pop acts. Swedes excel in the genre and are often asked to write original material for other projects too, such as Glee and American Idol.

With so many talented singers, songwriters, and producers to pull from, it's no wonder Sweden's Eurovision qualifier developed into such a large production.