Swedish pop supergroup ABBA is one of the best-selling music artists in history. They formed in 1972 and were active until 1982. Throughout that decade, they released eight albums, including some of their most iconic ones, like Waterloo, Super Trouper, Voulez-Vous, and more. After years of dormancy, ABBA made their comeback in 2016, followed by the release of their ninth full-length album, Voyage, in 2021.
ABBA’s lineup consists of Agnetha Fältskog, Anni-Frid “Frida” Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. The CW channel recently aired a documentary titled ABBA: Against the Odds, delving into the supergroup’s journey and legacy. Their rise to stardom began after their Eurovision Song Contest victory in 1974, and this year, they celebrated this milestone’s 50th anniversary. In the documentary, Fältskog opened up about the remarks she faced in her rise to fame and the struggle to keep up with it.
According to People Magazine, in 1977, ABBA’s popularity reached new heights. They were touring Australia, and fans across the country were ecstatic about their arrival. However, this proved to be an overwhelming experience for the group. The Australian media objectified Agnetha Fältskog, which frustrated the singer immensely. In the documentary, she said, “After a while, it’s not funny anymore.”
One of the most humiliating instances of objectification was when an Australian journalist asked Fältskog about her body parts. He asked, “I read somewhere that you are the proud owner of an award which declares you as the lady with the sexiest bottom. Is that true?”
ABBA: Against the Odds is directed by James Rogan. The synopsis on IMDb reads, “To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Swedish group winning the Eurovision Song Contest.”
How did Agnetha Fältskog struggle with fame?
The documentary features interviews with several individuals who worked closely with ABBA. This includes Australian writer Germaine Greer and the supergroup’s costume and makeup artist, Ingmarie Halling.
Germaine Greer, who wrote The Female Eunuch, said she was not surprised by the journalist’s inappropriate comment. She added that although Fältskog was a renowned singer, she did not receive a question about her profession. Greer said, “It’s completely unsurprising. They are not going to ask Agnetha about the music.” Meanwhile, Ingmarie Halling said that comments like these make a person feel small and unworthy. Halling stated, “I think it was unworthy for any person to be talked about as a body part.”
In ABBA: Against the Odds, the now 74-year-old Agnetha Fältskog also spoke candidly about her struggle with popularity. She reportedly had two children with group member Björn Ulvaeus – Linda Elin and Peter Christian. Fältskog recalled how it would sadden her to stay away from her daughter while on tour. Furthermore, she constantly found herself caught between her personal and professional life because both needed her constant attention. Fältskog said, “It’s hard work and you always get back to bed conscious that she wants me and ABBA wants me and it’s very hard to do it all.”
Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus were married from 1971 until their divorce in 1980.
