Photos from the "Mississippi Celebrates a 50 Year Grammy Legacy" gala in Jackson, Mississippi 1. Carola and James Burton on stage 2. Carola with Elvis' guitarist James Burton 3. Carola with legendary rocker Jerry Lee Lewis Photo 1-2: Pontus Höök / Aftonbladet Photo 3: Expressen

Carola was a success at the "Mississippi Celebrates a 50 Year Grammy Legacy" gala in Jackson Mississippi on Thursday night where she performed "If I Can Dream" and "Walk a Mile In My Shoes" with Elvis' legendary guitarist James Burton. Burton says the following to Aftonbladet:

"It's an amazing experience to play with Carola. She is a fantastic singer, has a wonderful personality and has an incredible carisma (...) if Elvis would have been with us, he would have been mighty proud and touched."

Carola says that Burton asked her to accompany him on a tour of Japan and that they discussed him being a part of her 25th anniversary next year.

(Translation by Carola International)

Link: Read the article in Aftonbladet
Link: Read the article in Expressen / GT
Link: Read another article in Expressen / GT

Tomas Andersson Wij's cover version of Carola's "Evighet" drops out from Tracks after four weeks on the week.

The local TV-station WLBT3 has a short report on the "Mississippi Celebrates a 50 Year Grammy Legacy" gala on their website. Even if Carola is not featured or mentioned in this clip, you can see some of the other artists scheduled to perform and the location of the concert.

Video: WLBT3's news report

Other news articles:
Link: Article on WLBT3's website
Link: Article on WAPT16's website
Link: Article in Clarion Ledger

Göran Holmquist writes a small anecdote in Helsingborgs dagblad about how the American guitarist James Burton was asked to play with Carola on the concert in Jackson, Mississippi tonight.

"Today Carola participates in a concert in Jackson. She will be accompanied by Elvis' favorit guitarist. Our song bird is a part of the state of Mississippi's campaign 'Birthplace of America's Music'. (...)

Carola is the only artist with no connection to Mississippi. But through her gospel she is considered doing music that has its origin in the region. It is claimed that she has had international success with music by Elvis Presley. There are some with a more given connection to Elvis.

Last week, James Burton and his wife Louise ate breakfast at Denny's on Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. His cell phone rang; Carola's Swedish agent asked if he wanted to play guitar during her performance.
- Who is Carola, James asked.
I, who was sharing their table, explained that she is a charismatic Swedish singer.
- Like Elivs, Louise asked.
- Uh well, somewhat, I said. She sings 'If I Can Dream' and other songs.
- That song is just ok, the guitar legend said, throwing out his hands.
- To much strings, not much for me to do.
He's allowed to say it, after hundreds of concerts and recordings with Elvis. Anyhow, the kind Southern gentleman agreed to play with Carola."

(Translation by Carola International)

Link: Read the article in Helsingborgs Dagblad

On Thursday night, April 26, Carola performs at the "Grammy Legacy" gala in Jackson, Mississipi. The following Saturday, April 28, she is scheduled to perform at the Norwegian church in New Orleans. She will sing together with Theresa Andersson from Gotland, Sweden who has lived in New Orleans for 17 years, and the guitarist John Fohl.

The Swedes living in New Orleans will show Carola the city that was damaged from the flooding a few years ago, and try to get her into the local Jazz Festivals.

Link: Read the article in Dagens Nyheter

Carola's "Kärleksvals" from her 2005 album "Störst av allt" is featured on "En bukett med blommor - 40 älskade sånger" - a compilation album that was released in the of March. The double album also includes songs from Peter Jöback, CajsaStina Åkerström, Björn Skifs, Tommy Körberg, Sanna Nielsen, etc. The album is currently at no 3 on the Swedish album charts for compilations. Link: Buy the album

(On request by Piteåtidningen the images have been removed)

Anders Sandlund from Piteåtidningen gives Carola's concert a mixed review, on one hand he is dissatisfied with the playlist and the tempo, but on the other hand he says that Carola's voice can stop time and ends by saying "there's only one Carola".

"No direction. No script to talk about. And then let Carola loose on stage. Take it away!

Thats my main impression of the concert in Piteå on Saturday night.

The voice is almost restored and when her chin is vibrating while singing, in classic Carola-style, time stands still. The concert, though, at times seem like an eternity."

Translation by Carola International

Link: Read the review in Piteåtidningen

(On request by Piteåtidningen the images have been removed)

In an interview with Magnus Borg from Piteåtidningen, Carola talks about the media frenzy regarding her voice, her 25th anniversary since "Främling" and about the upcoming Christmas album:

"We live in Jerusalem while we are recording. It is amazing to be there and experience the history. It is much calmer there than what is reported in media, at least around Jerusalem. Sure, there is a conflict and chaos in certain parts of the country. I am not afraid but careful. There are risks and dangers everyday."

Carola also reveals one song that will be on the Christmas album, it is called "Mariavisan" with lyrics by a grandchild of Lina Sandell.

Translation by Carola International

Link: Read the interview in Piteåtidningen

Carola with the Finnish group Lordi in Athens, Greece in May 2006 Photo: Sven Lindwall / Expressen

Carola reveals to Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat, that she has an idea for a collaboration with the Finnish rockers Lordi, who wont the the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with "Hard Rock Hallelujah".

"I have a plan that I want to discuss with them. I would like to collaborate with Lordi, and have planned to contact them."

"I want to show that they don't scare me, and that I am no diva. I fully understand that the masks they are wearing are nothing but an image."

Translation by Carola International

Link: Read the article in Ilta-Sanomat

Carola's two companies, Carola Musikproduktion AB and Maj Show AB are doing well. Below you can see recently published information from the Swedish Bolagsverket.

Company name: Carola Musikproduktion AB
Turn arournd : 5 190 809 kr
Profit: 1 042 005 kr
Return on stocks : 300 000 kr

Company name: Maj Show AB
Turn around : –
Profit: 1 564 659 kr
Return on stocks : 120 000 kr

Link: Article in Aftonbladet

In a press release from Marsha Barbour, the wife of the governor of Mississippi, USA, Carola is listed as one of the perfomers at the "Mississippi Celebrates a 50 year Grammy Legacy" star-studdy gala that will take place in the city Jackson on April 26. Other artists scheduled to perform include Jerry Lee Lewis, The Williams Brothers (that recorded "Bridge of Love" with Carola, and toured with her in 2005), and country singer Marty Stuart.

This is Carola's biography included in the press release:

"With the exception of Carola, all of the headline artists set to perform at the event were born in or are long-term residents of Mississippi. Carola’s involvement reflects the far-reaching impact of Mississippi music and the fact that she has enjoyed international success with hits songs associated with Elvis Presley. Born Carola Maria Häggkvist, but professionally known only by her first name, she represented Sweden three times in the Eurovision song contest, most recently just last year, and enjoyed tremendous chart success with an Elvis Presley medley. She is one of Sweden’s top musical exports since the advent of ABBA."

The gala will take place at the Marriott Hotel Ballroom in Jackson, preceded by a reception at the Governor's Mansion, hosted by Governor Barbour and First Lady Marsha Barbour.

For tickets, call 601-576-2020 (from US) or +1 601-576-2020 (international).

Link: The press release on Marsha Barbour's website

Expressen has asked a number of Swedish artists related to the Swedish Song Contest what they think about The Ark's chances in the Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki in May. This is how Carola answered the questions:

Q: What is your thoughts on The Ark's winning song?
A: As soon as you hear "The Worrying Kind" you get happy. You feel it in from the very first second of the song. Maybe it's because it has a similar intro as Abba's winning song.

Q: What are The Ark's chances in Helsinki?
A: I believe they have really good chances. The song appeals both to younger and older audiences, and the band performs it in a playful, convincing, and nonchalant way.

Q: What do you think about The Ark's style and image?
A: Simply modern attitude! Guys with lust for life that want to break boundaries. That requires both hearts and brains

Translation by Carola International

Link: Read the article in Expressen

Photos: Tommy Söderlund / Hela Gotland

The local newspaper Hela Gotland writes about Carola's concert on Saturday night:

Carola started the show with all her biggest hits, "Tommy tycker om mig", "Jag ger allt", "Främling", "Sanna vänner", "Fångad av en stormvind" and all the others. She walked through the audience, all the way back to the last row, up to where the people in wheel chairs were sitting, and back up to the stage. She walked back and forth between the rows and talked to her audience (...) Carola slowed down the pace with some of her own songs and the arena calmed down. Among other songs, Carola sang "Allt kommer bli bra, mamma", a song she wrote a few days after her mother passed away."

Translation by Carola International

Link: Read the article in Hela Gotland

Carola on Stage at Wisby Strand in Visby last night Photo: Tobias Wallström / Hela Gotland

Last night, Carola resumed her tour with a concert at the newly opened arena Wisby Strand in Visby. The concert was sold out and was, according to the local newspaper Hela Gotland, a great success with people standing in their seats.

Link: Read the article in Hela Gotland

Carola with producer Erik Hillestad in Bethlehem in March 2007 Photo: Torjus Vierli

In November this year, Carola will release a new Christmas album (working title: "Jul i Betlehem 2") recorded in the Nativity Church in Bethlehem, Israel. In March she and producer Erik Hillestad visited the city to begin working on the album with pianist Torjus Vierli. So far, work has begun on five songs, by recording vocals, concert piano, and the middle-eastern instrument oud.

To the Norwegian newspaper Vårt Land, Erik Hillestad says this about the album:

"Even if the album will be a continuation of the previous, the intention is to give it more of the colors of Behtlehem. Last time we had a Scandinavian band. Now we have some local musicians as well. That will give an oriental touch."

Translation by Carola International

Information:
Producer: Erik Hillestad
Label: Kirkelig Kulturverksted
Release date: November 2007

Musicians (not complete list):
Piano / arrangements: Torjus Vierli
Drums: Rune Andersen
Bass: Jonny Sjo
Oud: Issa Mura

Link: Kristelig Kulturverksted
Link: Read the article in Vårt Land

Carola International has been nominated for the Eurowebby Award 2007, in the category "Artist's Site". The other nominees are Kenan Dogulu (kenandogulu.com.tr), Anonymous (eurovisionandorra.ad), Olivia Lewis (olivialewis.net), and Anna Vissi (annavissi.net) "This year over 7,500 Eurovision website fans have made their thoughts known and nominated a whole range of sites from here, there and everywhere." Please take a minute to go the Eurowebby's website and vote for Carola International. Link: Vote for Carola International

The Finnish clothing line Limbo has designed a collection of t-shirts, bags, and speedos (!) in reference to the Eurovision Song Contest that will take place in Helsinki in May. "Eurovision Queens" is the name of the collection that features some of the most famous female icons from ESC's past.

Carola is portrayed with a halo, wearing a crown of thorns with the tagline "Holy Carola"...

This is what Limbo writes about the collection on their website:

"This spanking collection includes everything a true fan would ever need: T-shirts, bags, speedos and accessories. The ironic prints salute the classiest icons through out the Eurovision history, not forgetting the rising stars of 2007. Eurovision Queen-collection will be available in the end of April 2007. Get your gear from Limbo and be ready for the hottest ESC ever!"

The prints are designed by Markku Kopra and Hanna Kopra.

Video: Watch newsclip from MTV3 (Finland)
Link: Limbo's website

Thanks to Daniel for the information
Photos from MTV3

During the ongoing tour, Carola has performed a new song (as we reported on February 3) by Beatrice Ericsson called "Starting All Over".

If you are curious about this new song (that might be included on the upcoming pop album) you can read the lyrics by clicking the link below.

Link: Download the lyrics

Carola is looking gorgeous on the cover on the new issue of Plaza Kvinna (in stores tomorrow), and Carola International can today publish an excerpt from the the article in the magazine.

This is how the author Elin Liljeros ends her interview with Carola:

"I have just said goodbye to Sweden's own Madonna. And realized that even a star can have cloudy days. But Carola knows how to make the rays of light cut through any clouds. And that's what makes her into who she is: A phenomena, a woman with a messge, a role model... But first and foremost a breathing human being. And in spite of the clouds that appear from time to time, she has proven that she will make it through anything. And her name will be on everyman's lips. Probably in all eternity."

(Translation by Carola International)

Link: Plaza Kvinna's website

These photos (from carola.com) were taken during Carola's recent trip to Bethlehem for her first recordings for the upcoming Christmas album (working title: "Jul i Betlehem 2") with producer Erik Hillestad.

Photos by Torjus Vierli

The planned recording of a duet with Serbian singer Zeljko Joksimovic has been pushed back a number of times...

Carola International first reported about this duet in May 2006. In the beginning of this year it was reported that the recording would happen by the end of January. Now Zeljko tells a Serbian newspaper that the recording will take place on April 20.

On April 28, Zeljko will perform a concert on Belgrade Arena (with the capacity of 20.000 people). Will Carola be there to promote the new song..?

Thanks to Nikola for the information

Carola and her son Amadeus attended the opening of the new movie "Wild Hogs" (starring John Travolta and Tim Allen) on Monday April 2.

Photo from sthlmsfinest.se

Link: Sthlms Finest's website

In an interview in the April 11 issue of the Swedish magazine Plaza Kvinna, Carola confirms that she is currently working on two albums; a Christmas album (to be recorded in Bethlehem) and a new pop album.

"I believe it's the combination that makes a good soup, not only slat, but also pepper and other ingredients. I am very happy to work on so many different projects"

(Translation by Carola International)

Link: Preview the interview in Expressen
Link: Plaza Kvinna's website

These are photos taken by Camilla Lereggen at Carola's concert at Hotell Södra Berget in Sundsvall March 17 and 18.

Thanks to Camilla Lereggen for the photos