The Unforgettables, part 2: Måns Zelmerlöw
20 July 2018 at 16:47 CESTWhen Måns participates in 2015 the pressure is on, as fellow Swedes ABBA, the Herreys, Carola, Charlotte Nilsson and Loreen have won the Eurovision Song Contest before and conquered the hearts of viewers around the world.
Heroes is a culmination of a long period of reinvention for the then 28-year old musician Måns Zelmerlöw and his lurking desire to entertain. The song blends organic musicianship with an electronic influence and a touch of the personality that helped him become successful in Sweden. In 2015 we spoke with Måns, prior to his win: "The message of the song is about being hopeful and powerful. I hope it's something most people haven't seen before and something that impresses."
Third time's a charm
When Måns participates in 2007 in Melodifestivalen, Swedens national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song Cara Mia, he finishes third. Two years later, in 2009, he participates again with the song Hope And Glory, and places third again. But third time's a charm, as he participates again in 2015 with the song Heroes. And the rest... is history.
At Eurovision, Måns places first in the second Semi-Final scoring 217 points and continues his victory in the Grand Final scoring an impressive 365 points. During the winners press conference, he said: "I thought Russia or Italy would win it. But then I did it, and I was so happy. My feelings are now all over the place. I am so proud, so excited, so full of joy."
Life after Eurovision
Eurovision does not stop there for Måns, because in 2016 he returns to the stage! Together with Petra Mede, he hosts the contest in 2016 in Stockholm. Petra is no stranger to the contest either, as she hosted the show in 2013 and earlier in 2015, she presented Eurovision's Greatest Hits alongside Graham Norton.
During the 2016 contest, Petra and Måns perform their memorable song Love Love Peace Peace, a step-by-step guide to winning the Eurovision Song Contest.
Måns' life at Eurovision continues in 2017, he is on board as a commentator for Swedish broadcaster SVT together with Edward Af Sillén. But he also returns to the screen, for a video where he teaches Oleksandr Skichko, Volodymyr Ostapchuk & Timur Miroshnychenko how to be the perfect hosts.
What's next?
On the 7th of February, Måns hosts You Decide, the United Kingdom's national selection for Eurovision 2018, and he becomes a father at the end of May! His wife Ciara Janson gave birth to a baby-boy named Albert Ossian Zelmerlöw. Måns' seems to be fully enjoying the family life.
Is Heroes your favourite Swedish Eurovision track? Let us know in the comments!