The duo just claimed the top spot at Melodifestivalen, meaning they'll be repping Sweden when Europe's favourite song contest comes to Malmö in May
Loreens's epic victory last year secured Sweden's position as host for the 2024 Eurovision which, as fate would have it, marks the 50th anniversary of Abba's historic 'Waterloo' win in 1974. And last night's gripping win from Marcus & Martinus at Melodifestivalen settled the matter of who would be representing Sweden on home turf in Malmö come May.
If the 22-year-old Norwegian twins looks familiar, it's because this was not their first Melodifestivalen rodeo. Marcus & Martinus (who sometimes go by M&M) competed last year with the entry 'Air' which finished second to Loreen's stirring 'Tattoo'. Prior to this, the pop duo have been building a name for themselves across Europe over the course of the last decade – including a supporting slot for Jason Derulo in 2018 and a performance at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in 2016.
Marcus & Martinus stole the hearts of the crowd and jury alike with their performance of 'Unforgettable' last night. Photo: Getty
Serenading a crowd of almost 30,000 at Stockholm's Friends Arena last night, Marcus & Martinus's “Matrix-inspired” performance of 'Unforgettable' brought the house down and scooped them a clear win: 92 points from the Swedish voters and 85 points from the jury.
According to the Melodifestivalen record books, it's not the first time a Norwegian artist has won – but it is a first for a foreign group act. “I'm so happy, thank you so much Sweden for voting!” Marcus said through tears immediately following the announcement. “The fact that the international jury voted for us bodes well for the coming Eurovision, but also that Sweden wants us to represent them,” Martinus chimed in, adding: “We are so grateful and we will make Sweden proud."
Photo: Getty