Fame

Jessica Andersson and Magnus Bäcklund formed the Swedish pop duo Fame in 2002. The pair met on the TV talent show Fame Factory that year. Andersson had been a photo model and a cabaret singer, while Bäcklund was a trained commercial pilot with musical ambitions. On the show, Bäcklund emerged as the winner and Andersson withdrew to have a baby. Recognizing their chemistry, music manager Bert Karlsson paired them as a duo called Fame. This collaboration combined Andersson’s vibrant stage presence with Bäcklund’s powerful voice, setting the stage for success in Sweden’s pop and schlager music scene.

Melodifestivalen 2003 and Eurovision Breakthrough

Fame quickly gained national attention by entering Melodifestivalen 2003, Sweden’s Eurovision selection contest. They performed the upbeat song “Give Me Your Love,” which won the competition in a landslide victory. The duo scored 240 points, defeating several established Swedish artists. This win earned Fame the honor of representing Sweden at Eurovision 2003 in Riga, Latvia. At the Eurovision Song Contest, Andersson and Bäcklund charmed international audiences with their energetic performance. Give Me Your Love finished in 5th place with 107 points, a strong result that raised the duo’s profile across Europe. This overnight success turned Fame into household names in Sweden, as their catchy pop style and joyful chemistry resonated with the public.

Album Release and Continued Pop Success

Buoyed by Eurovision fame, the duo released their debut album Give Me Your Love in 2003. The album featured a mix of English-language pop tracks and a few Swedish songs, showcasing both members in duets and solo numbers. The title track topped the Swedish charts and went gold in Sweden. Fame followed up with the single “Pop Into My Heart” later in 2003, further cementing their presence on radio. In 2004, they attempted to repeat their Eurovision journey by entering Melodifestivalen 2004 with the ballad “Vindarna vänder oss” (meaning “The Winds Turn Us”). They reached the national final again, finishing in sixth place. Despite not returning to Eurovision, Fame remained very popular. They toured Sweden extensively, performing in 78 concerts during mid-2003 alone, and appeared on major TV entertainment shows like Diggiloo and Allsång på Skansen. Their lively public performances and feel-good pop songs made them a beloved act on the Swedish music circuit.

Later Singles and Notable Performances

Fame continued to release new music through 2005 while maintaining a high profile. They put out Swedish-language singles such as “Gjorda för varann” (“Made for Each Other”) in 2005, as well as the uptempo track “All in the Game”. In a notable achievement, “All in the Game” was selected as Sweden’s official song for the 2006 Winter Olympics. The duo performed this inspirational anthem to rally the national team and fans, and the single achieved strong sales. By this time, Fame had released one full-length album and several hit singles, blending classic schlager with contemporary pop. Their consistent presence at high-profile events and on the charts from 2003 to 2006 demonstrated the duo’s enduring appeal in Sweden’s pop music scenewestcoast.dk.

Breakup and Solo Careers

In late 2006, after four years of collaboration, Fame officially disbanded and the members amicably went their separate ways. Both Andersson and Bäcklund were eager to pursue individual paths. That same year, each artist entered Melodifestivalen as a solo act. Magnus Bäcklund competed with the song “The Name of Love,” advancing through the Second Chance round to the Melodifestivalen final where he placed fifth. Jessica Andersson performed the pop song “Kalla nätter” (“Cold Nights”) in Melodifestivalen 2006, though she was eliminated in the semifinal. Following these efforts, Andersson focused on building a solo career in pop music. She became a frequent finalist in Melodifestivalen over the years (participating six more times by 2021) and released several solo albums. Her albums such as Wake Up (2009) and 40.14.4 (2013) showcased her growth as a singer. Bäcklund also remained in the music industry, releasing a solo album in 2006 and touring as a vocalist. While he did not attain the same chart-topping success as in the Fame days, he continued to perform in concerts and stage shows across Sweden. Both artists fondly acknowledge their time as Fame, crediting it for launching their careers.

Reunion and Current Activities

Even after the split, Fame’s legacy endured through their hit songs, which are still fondly remembered by Eurovision fans. In subsequent years, the duo occasionally appeared together at nostalgia events, keeping the Fame spirit alive. In January 2025, Andersson and Bäcklund delighted fans by reuniting as Fame to release a new single titled “Survivors”. This track, their first new music in nearly 19 years, is a classic Swedish pop anthem co-written by veteran Eurovision songwriter Thomas G:son.