Twenty years after their initial burst onto the pop scene, A*Teens have returned with a song aptly titled “Iconic.” But this isn’t simply a nostalgia act; it’s a vibrant re-emergence, fueled by the same creative force behind Loreen’s Eurovision triumph, “Tattoo.” The new single is a captivating blend of sounds – a floor-filling energy reminiscent of Steps, infused with the modern polish of Calvin Harris.
The story of A*Teens began in 1998, a celebration of ABBA’s historic Eurovision win with “Waterloo.” Amit Paul, Dhani Lennevald, Marie Serneholt, and Sara Lumholdt, then teenagers, initially formed as an ABBA tribute, quickly captivating audiences with their covers. Their rendition of “Mamma Mia” soared to number one in their homeland, proving they were more than just a tribute act.
Original hits like “Upside Down,” “Floorfiller,” and “A Perfect Match” followed, propelling them onto world stages. They toured with Britney Spears, conquered South America, and became a defining sound of the early 2000s. But after years of relentless touring and a shifting music landscape, the group took a hiatus in 2006, each member embarking on individual paths.
In 2024, a reunion marked 25 years since their formation, culminating in a performance at Melodifestivalen, Sweden’s Eurovision selection contest. That performance ignited a spark, a rekindled passion for the energy of the stage. The desire to recapture that feeling proved irresistible, leading them back to Melodifestivalen – this time as competitors.
On March 7th, A*Teens will face eleven other artists, vying for the chance to represent Sweden – a nation tied with Ireland for the most Eurovision victories – on the grandest stage of all. The pressure is immense, but the group approaches it with a renewed sense of purpose and joy.
The band reflects on how their artistry has evolved over two decades. Amit Paul emphasizes a newfound maturity and a humbling calm they lacked in their teenage years. They now connect with audiences on a deeper level, channeling energy with a grace born of experience.
Dhani Lennevald explains that revisiting their old music was a celebration, but releasing new material was a different challenge. They sought to define what A*Teens meant today, ultimately finding their answer in the infectious chorus and Swedish ID of “Iconic.” The core DNA of uplifting, feel-good pop remains, but with a sophisticated new edge.
The relationship between the members has deepened over the years. Marie Serneholt describes the reunion as a privilege, a chance to revisit their shared history as adults. Dhani highlights the luxury of returning to something they love, free from the pressures of their initial success.
Sara Lumholdt emphasizes the profound connection they now share, a level of understanding built on years of shared experience. They’ve learned to communicate openly, support each other, and make decisions based on their collective hearts, a dynamic that feels empowering and authentic.
What began as a one-off performance at Melodifestivalen quickly blossomed into a desire for more. A dinner conversation after their 2024 performance proved prophetic, as a record company executive predicted their overwhelming urge to continue. Requests for shows poured in, including opportunities to tour South America, fueling their momentum.
The decision to release new music stemmed from their desire to keep touring. Discussions with LiveNation and their team led them to explore what A*Teens could be in 2024 and beyond. They embraced the challenge, driven by a shared passion and a refusal to be constrained by expectations.
Marie notes that performing now feels different, healthier. They’ve found a distance and perspective that allows them to approach their music with pure joy, unburdened by the need for external validation. They have lives outside of A*Teens, allowing them to return to the music with a renewed sense of freedom.
Amit acknowledges the competitive spirit within the group, but emphasizes their pride in the energy they bring to their performances. Their priority is to support each other and maintain the genuine connection that defines A*Teens. A recent illness affecting Sara only strengthened their bond, highlighting their unwavering commitment to one another.
The group embraces the excitement of potentially representing Sweden at Eurovision 2026, but remains grounded in their core values. They hope to shine a light in a challenging world, bringing joy and showcasing the genuine connection between the four members.
Addressing the current controversies surrounding Eurovision, Amit reflects on the contest’s fundamental purpose: to unite people through music. They believe in the power of music to transcend boundaries and carry a message of hope and togetherness, an ethos they are proud to embody.
