A Magical Reunion: Frida and Benny Bring Real Moments to ABBA Voyage’s 3rd Anniversary
On a starry night in late May, the ABBA Arena in London—home to the sensational ABBA Voyage virtual concert—became a place where nostalgia, innovation, and genuine connection collided. The occasion? The third anniversary of the groundbreaking digital residency—a milestone not only for a show that began in 2022 but also for fans who have yearned for real-life glimpses of the legendary pop icons behind the holograms.
For three years, audiences have been mesmerized by the ABBAtars, motion-captured, ultra-realistic digital avatars of Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Frida, performing in their late-1970s prime. Paired with a live 10-piece band and sprawling LED visuals, the show has become a technological marvel and a cultural phenomenon. But on this night, the virtual and the real merged in a way few could have anticipated—thanks to a surprise that swept through the arena like a wave. Wikipedia+13The Sun+13YouTube+13Wikipedia
As fans settled into their seats, not knowing what to expect, a hush fell over the crowd as Anni-Frid “Frida” Lyngstad and Benny Andersson—longtime creative partners and former spouses—took their places in the audience balcony, causing a surge of applause and joyful gasps. It was more than a cameo; it was a heartfelt acknowledgment of everything the residency has meant to both fans and artists.
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Just before the show began, Frida leaned forward and, microphone in hand, addressed the crowd: “Thank you for all your support over the years. It’s hard to imagine it’s 50 years…” she began, her voice skimming between gratitude and wonder. “I’m turning 80 this year!” The crowd roared in response. Benny, with a trademark mischievous smile, shared a brief quip: “Two guys come into a bar…”—a charming moment that bridged decades and reminded everyone why ABBA’s warmth endures. thepinknews.com+2LondonWorld+2
Then, magic truly swept through the arena. As the avatars performed their new songs—Super Trouper, The Name of the Game, Money, Money, Money among them—Benny quietly made his way to a grand piano on stage. Without warning, Frida approached the mic, and the music shifted from holographic spectacle to deeply human moment. She began to sing—her voice rich, resonant, carrying emotional depth far beyond technology’s reach—while Benny accompanied her with delicate piano chords. The audience erupted, caught between emotional wonder and disbelief. thepinknews.com+3LondonWorld+3abbaontv.com+3
For fans who have cherished ABBA since the 1970s, that was perhaps the most moving communion they could have hoped for. Frida’s voice, timeless and expressive, reminded everyone why they fell in love with ABBA in the first place. It wasn’t merely a performance—it was a gesture of reunion, of acknowledgment for decades of devotion. Wikipedia+11Oldies But Goodies+11DoYouRemember?+11
Media outlets were quick to capture the moment’s grandeur. One report described it: “The sight of Frida and Benny on stage together again was nothing short of magical,” especially as she delivered a heartfelt rendition of “The Winner Takes It All.” Fans found themselves misty-eyed as the richness of that falsetto-drenched melody cut through the glittering stage lights. Oldies But Goodies+2thepinknews.com+2
The significance of this moment extends beyond nostalgia. Since its inception, ABBA Voyage has shattered expectations, blending digital artistry with human emotion to immortalize an era. Yet, even as the ABBAtars continue to dazzle audiences through January 2026 (and likely beyond), moments like this remind us that the heart of ABBA remains human and deeply felt. Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+5The Sun+5
As the evening came to a close, Frida and Benny waved to the audience—real people, connected through a shared history of music, memory, and innovation. The third anniversary of ABBA Voyage was not just a celebration of a show, but of a legacy refreshed, a reunion rekindled, and a love affair with music that still stands strong.
