In 2021, Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA, and the British actor Ian McKellen, starred in a curious gag in which they knitted Christmas clothes together, such as hats or sweaters. In 2022, Björn and Ian sat together on the sofa again to knit and wish their followers Christmas wishes.
About to become a Christmas tradition, like Mariah Carey’s song, Björn and Ian have reunited in 2023. And this time, they have received an unexpected call, that of Kylie Minogue.
Kylie calls Björn to ask a favor. «I’m in Las Vegas, it’s Christmas… Could you improvise something for the band, the dancers and me? What you’ve been doing lately is amazing.” Björn tells Kylie that he can’t talk and promises that she will call him later.
On social networks, ABBA has announced that “a special order has arrived this year for our famous weaving duo. “Who would say no to Kylie Minogue?” Neither Kylie nor ABBA confirm the exact reason for this Christmas collaboration. In the video, Björn explains to Ian that Kylie called him to “do something for the premiere of her show in Las Vegas,” even though the show opened weeks ago. Björn announces that he will travel to Las Vegas to help Kylie and asks Ian to accompany him, and he happily accepts.
Of course, Kylie Minogue has her history with ABBA, as in 2000 she sang ‘Dancing Queen’ during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Sydney. In 2009, Kylie appeared as a guest artist at the ABBA tribute concert held in London, and she sang ABBA’s ‘When All is Said and Done’ accompanied by Benny Andersson. In addition, there is a photo of Kylie and Anni-Frid Lyngstad together and holding hands, as they both met years ago.
‘Voyage’, ABBA’s last studio album, was released in 2021, 40 years after the last one. ‘Voyage’ contained a Christmas song, ‘Little Things’, which was released as a single in December of that year. In May 2022, the spectacular ABBA concert starring digital avatars premiered.
A special request has come in this year for our famous knitting duo, Björn and @IanMcKellen! Who could say no to @Minogue Kylie? pic.twitter.com/pw6etzAdNb
— ABBA Voyage (@ABBAVoyage) November 24, 2023
