She is a veteran in the Melodifestivalen, and this year she returns with a co-written song for her daughter Josefin, will be competing on February 23rd for a place in the Grand Final
ORLA: Who is Ann-Louise for the world of music?
ALH: Ann-Louise is well known in Scandinavia. Has performed a lot in Germany in the 60th and released records in the following countries: Sweden,Norway,Denmark,Germany and even recorded in spanish and italian a long time ago. She almost started a career in USA in the late 80th but when she told the record company (CBS) that she was not prepared to move to the USA, they instead chose another singer to release. His name: Julio Iglesias!! Haha.
ORLA: What emotion/feeling define the art of music for you?
ALH: It is important for me to sing “in tune”. I practice every day in order to stay friend with my vocal cords.
ORLA: You became famous in 1960 with “Är du ensam i kväll?” a Swedish version of Elvis Presley’s “Are you alone tonight?”, What do you remember about your beginnings?
ALH: Correct. I also became no 1 on the very first Svensktoppen 1962 and have up till today had 50 songs on the Svensktoppen charts!! which is a record for female singer.
ORLA: What has been the most difficult for you to remain in the world of music?
ALH: It has not been so difficult. It is now 60 years since my first performance on stage and I am still performing.
ORLA: We would love to know more about your dreams and aspirations: What do you think have been your greatest achievements.
ALH: My aspirations are many, but above all I want everyone to discover that my daughter Josefin Glenmark is a very good singer/songwriter.
ORLA: You have a record in the Melodifestivalen, this year you complete your 14th participation, What makes you feel the Melodifestivalen?
ALH: Correct. It is the 14th song I perform in Melodifestival history.
ORLA: How have you experienced the evolution of this Swedish festival over the years?
ALH: In the beginning the singers were asked to take part and were given a song to perform – totally different from today. We also had a fantastic big band for accompaniment. Fantastic with live orchestra!!
ORLA: Of your thirteen participations, which one have been your favorite?
ALH: I liked the song” I Annorlunda Land”, 1974 – the year ABBA won.
ORLA: How the 2019 chance came to your life?
ALH: I have been asked to take part a few times over the years and this year I accepted the offer, thanks to my daughter Josefin – one of the composers!!
ORLA: The song for 2019 is called “Kärleken finns kvar”, what is the story and message behind the lyrics?
ALH: The lyrics is about: Love is there always and rests although friends and relatives have passed away lately. Memories of our loved ones never die.
Once again, thank you very much for your time and we hope that you have the support you deserve to win the Melodifestivalen.