Agnetha Fältskog Names The Musicians She Disliked Most — And Why
For decades, Agnetha Fältskog, one of the iconic voices of ABBA, has been admired for her powerful yet tender vocals. Her journey through stardom mirrors the struggles and triumphs of other legendary artists from her era, but recently, she’s taken a moment to share something deeply personal and emotional — her thoughts on certain musicians she didn’t get along with. While she’s known for her grace and professionalism, there were some people in the music business that she just couldn’t warm to. But rather than simply listing names or casting judgment, Agnetha took the time to explain why certain musicians rubbed her the wrong way.
Agnetha started off by naming one type of musician that has always bothered her — those who were overly competitive in the music industry. While competition can be healthy, she shared that she was never fond of musicians who were more focused on outdoing others than creating authentic music.
“I’ve always believed in collaboration and the joy of making music together, but some people just wanted to be better than everyone else. I never understood that mentality.”
She didn’t name any specific individuals but emphasized that the driving force of her career has always been about connection, not rivalry.
The next group she spoke about were the musicians who were overly pretentious or carried a sense of superiority, especially in situations where they felt they were more “authentic” than mainstream artists like ABBA.
“I’m a simple person. Music is something I do for love, not status. Those who would look down on others for not fitting their idea of ‘true art’… it’s not for me.”
She mentioned that ABBA’s pop music was often dismissed by the so-called “serious” artists of the time, and she didn’t appreciate those who felt the need to belittle pop music’s power and emotional impact.
Agnetha also confessed her dislike for musicians who treated music purely as a business rather than a form of self-expression. She admitted to feeling disillusioned by some individuals in the industry who prioritized profits over passion.
“Music is an art form, not a transaction. Some artists forget that. They’re more interested in their next record deal than the meaning behind the music. That was never my way.”
She specifically mentioned her discomfort with those who entered the business solely to “cash in” on trends, rather than creating something meaningful or lasting.
Another group of musicians she named were those who used their fame and power to manipulate or control others. Agnetha explained that she had met several people in her career who exploited their status, and it left a sour taste in her mouth.
“There are some people who use fame like a weapon, or to make others feel small. I’ve never understood that. We’re all equal in the music world, and it should stay that way.”
She spoke about how ABBA’s rise to fame was always about the music and the love for their fans, rather than creating a celebrity aura to manipulate public opinion.
Agnetha also expressed frustration with musicians who didn’t show respect to their fellow artists. This could be in the form of ignoring other musicians’ work or not acknowledging the hard work it takes to create something successful.
“It’s important to respect others who are doing the same thing. We’re all in this together, so why not support one another?”
She mentioned that she had worked with people who failed to appreciate the efforts of others, especially in the collaborative environment of the music world.
Agnetha revealed her disdain for musicians who refused to take responsibility for their actions or mistakes. She explained how, over the years, she’d met individuals in the industry who didn’t own up to their mistakes and instead blamed others for their failures.
“We all make mistakes, but it’s how we learn from them that matters. Those who refuse to take responsibility for their actions aren’t true artists, in my opinion.”
Lastly, Agnetha expressed her disappointment in musicians who had lost the joy of making music — those who had been consumed by fame, money, and ego, forgetting why they started making music in the first place.
“Music is a gift. When it stops being about the joy and becomes about everything else, that’s when it’s time to step back.”
She said that for her, ABBA’s music was always about spreading joy — not just performing, but sharing something deeply personal with their fans.
While Agnetha’s words may seem harsh, they come from a place of love and respect for the art of music itself. She’s experienced the pressures and pitfalls of the industry, and while she acknowledges the flaws of some, she still believes in the power of music to connect, heal, and inspire.
It’s clear that Agnetha values authenticity, humility, and genuine connection — not just within the music industry, but in life itself.