Tattoo (song)

“Tattoo” was written by Loreen, Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt, Cazzi Opeia, Peter Boström, and Thomas G:son, with production by Boström and Thörnfeldt. The song blends electropop and dance-pop with a dark, atmospheric production, featuring a prominent synth riff and Loreen's powerful vocal delivery. Lyrically, it explores themes of enduring love and commitment, with the metaphor of a tattoo symbolizing permanence. The song was released on 25 February 2023 by Universal Music Sweden and quickly became a favorite in the Eurovision betting odds.

At Eurovision, “Tattoo” won the second semi-final and then the grand final on 13 May 2023 at the Liverpool Arena, hosted on behalf of Ukraine. It received 583 points, including 340 from the juries and 243 from the televote, finishing ahead of Finland's “Cha Cha Cha” by 57 points. Loreen became the second performer to win Eurovision twice, after Johnny Logan, and the first woman to do so. The victory gave Sweden its seventh win, equaling Ireland's record, and secured the right to host the 2024 contest in Malmö.

“Tattoo” topped the Swedish Singles Chart for eight consecutive weeks and reached the top ten in over 20 countries, including number one in Finland, Iceland, and Poland. It also charted in the United Kingdom at number two, becoming Loreen's highest-charting single there. Critics praised the song's production and Loreen's stage presence, though some noted its similarity to her 2012 winner “Euphoria.” The song received a platinum certification in Sweden and was streamed over 100 million times on Spotify within months.

“Tattoo” was originally written for the Swedish singer Molly Sandén, but she declined it, and the song was then offered to Loreen. The song's demo was leaked online in 2022, but the final version featured a different chorus. Loreen's Eurovision performance included a sand-filled stage and a choreography that she co-created with her team, which was widely analyzed for its symbolism of rebirth. The song also sparked a minor controversy when some fans noted that its melody resembled “Euphoria,” but Loreen dismissed the comparisons as “a compliment.” Additionally, “Tattoo” was the first Eurovision winning song to be released in a Dolby Atmos mix.

Eurovision Song Contest

An annual international song competition organized by the European Broadcasting Union.

Televote

The public vote in Eurovision, where viewers cast votes for their favorite songs.

Jury

A panel of music professionals in each participating country that awards points in Eurovision.