ABBA’s Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus have opened up about the challenges of balancing parenthood and superstardom in the new CW documentary “ABBA: AGAINST THE ODDS”. The documentary, which premiered on May 11, delves into the couple’s experiences as parents while being part of one of the biggest bands in the world.
After winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, Fältskog and Ulvaeus returned home to their baby daughter Linda, who did not recognize them after being away for a while due to their busy schedules. The couple, who started dating in 1969 and got married in 1971, had two children together before ultimately divorcing in 1980.
In the documentary, Fältskog shared that the early years of parenthood were difficult for her, especially as their career took off at the same time as they started a family. She mentioned that winning Eurovision with their famous song “Waterloo” happened when Linda was just one year old, adding to the challenges of juggling motherhood and fame.
The documentary also explores how the couple had to travel separately at times to accommodate their parental responsibilities, with one incident mentioned where Fältskog was already in Warsaw while the rest of ABBA was flying there. Fältskog also admitted to developing a fear of flying, which she attributed to being a parent and the worries that come with it.
Additionally, the documentary sheds light on the making of ABBA’s hit song “The Winner Takes It All”, which was written after Fältskog and Ulvaeus’ divorce. The emotional track reflected the end of their marriage and the challenges they faced, as well as the eventual breakup of the band’s other members.
“ABBA: AGAINST THE ODDS” provides a comprehensive look at the iconic band’s journey, including their struggles with parenthood, fame, and relationships. The documentary, directed by James Rogan, delves into the personal lives of the ABBA members and the impact their careers had on their family dynamics.