ABBA Felt They Needed to Wear ‘Outrageous’ Outfits to ‘Be Seen’ — and It Ended Up Backfiring, New Doc Reveals

The “Mamma Mia” singers, who won Eurovision Song Contest in 1974, were also accused of “selling out”

While ABBA is beloved for their catchy tunes and flashy outfits, there was a point in their career where they criticized for it.

In ABBA: AGAINST THE ODDS, a documentary on the Swedish band that premiered on Saturday, May 11, the band opens up about the backlash they faced as they tried to make a name for themselves after winning Eurovision Song Contest in 1974.

“ABBA was seen as total outsiders. A lot of [the press] seemed to turn on the band,” a narrator says, adding that they would call the band “tacky.”

“On first seeing ABBA, you know, I must admit I wasn’t sold on the fashion at the time. I found it a bit cringey seeing the outfits that they all wore,” Judd Lander of Epic Records adds. “I think the outfits were the contributor that made them look a little bit cheesy.”