Editorials & Opinion

Xtra’s Pick of the Comebacks: 1970s

In a week celebrating Eurovision comebacks, Simon delves into the dusty 1970s archives to relive a Norwegian dynasty that never quite got to grips with the contest.

Norway 1976: Anne Karine Strøm – Mata Hari (18th place)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r_Ev4-BVgQ
In 1973, the four member of the Bendik Singers swooped, bopped and swung their way to a respectable seventh place with “It’s just a game“. Thankfully for them it is, as follow-up attempts hit rock bottom, with only one song finishing below them in the space of three years.
After a reasonably successful 1973, Anne-Krine Strøm (the blonde one) won the ticket to represent Norway as a solo singer in 1974. She picked the other three-quarters of the Bendik Singers as her backing vocalists. Despite their best ooo-ing, Anne-Karine’s “The first day of love” ended the night in last place.
Red-haired Bendik Singer, Ellen wasn’t put off though. She was back as a solo singer the following year, but only Turkey’s ill-fated debut saved “Touch my life with summer” from propping up the table.
Somehow, Norway was sure Europe needed more Bendik action, and Anne-Karine was back in 1976 with “Mata Hari”. Here we have ill-advised costumery, nonsensical lyrics, and curious misappropriation of a historical figure. As we know, all of these go down brilliantly at Eurovision. Last place.
At this point after a reign of 4 years, the four members of the Bendik Singers realised the best strategy; stop.

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