The track "This Is My Life" earned 214 points at the 2010 Melodifestivalen final, securing Anna Bergendahl a position as Sweden’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo. This victory marked a notable turning point in a career that began in television talent competitions and evolved into a sustained output of pop singles and studio albums.
Early Career and Television Appearances
Born on 11 December 1991 in Hägerstens församling, Bergendahl spent her youth in Nyköping and Katrineholm. Her first public performance occurred at a cathedral in York at age eight. In 2004, she appeared in the TV4 program Super Troupers. Later, she auditioned for Idol 2008 by performing Bonnie Raitt’s "Have a Heart." Her tenure on the show included renditions of "Mamma Mia," "Stad i ljus," and "The Best," eventually ending with a fifth-place finish.
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In 2009, Bergendahl signed with Lionheart Records following an invitation from Kristian Lagerström and Bobby Ljunggren to record for the 2010 Melodifestivalen. Her win with "This Is My Life" established her as a significant figure in Swedish pop. While the ballad became the 50th Swedish entry for Eurovision, she finished 11th in the second semi-final with 62 points, missing qualification for the final by five points.
Musical Evolution and Education
Following her Eurovision participation, Bergendahl performed at Allsång på Skansen and Sommarkrysset before releasing her debut album in April 2010. Her discography continued with the 2012 release "Something to Believe In," featuring the single "Live and Let Go." Beyond her musical pursuits, she attended Örebro University and qualified as a physician.
Continued Melodifestivalen Participation
Bergendahl returned to the Melodifestivalen stage multiple times in subsequent years. She performed "Ashes to Ashes" in 2019 and "Kingdom Come" in 2020, the latter reaching third place and achieving platinum status. She also released the EP "Vera" in 2020, consisting of five self-written tracks. Her later projects include "It Never Snows in California," "Thelma and Louise," and the 2021 track "Grain of Trust," co-written with Peter Kvint. Her final Melodifestivalen entry to date was "Higher Power" in 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 11 December 1991, Hägerstens församling
- Citizenship: Sweden
- Education: Örebro University
- Profession: Singer and physician
- Major Competition: Eurovision Song Contest 2010
- Notable Works: This Is My Life, Ashes to Ashes, Kingdom Come
- Language proficiency: English and Swedish
Questions readers ask
Did Anna Bergendahl win the Eurovision Song Contest?
No. She represented Sweden in 2010 but did not qualify for the final, placing 11th in the second semi-final.
What is her primary occupation besides music?
She is a qualified physician and received her education at Örebro University.
