Johnny Logan Joins Lordi Eurovision Swap on 20th Anniversary
Johnny Logan, Lordi and Noora Louhimo have turned lordi eurovision into a two-song swap, with new versions of “Hard Rock Hallelujah” and “Hold Me Now” built for Lordi’s 20th anniversary victory. Logan is issuing a pop-rock take on Lordi’s 2006 winning song, while Lordi is answering with a metal version of Logan’s 1987 winner.
Logan and Lordi trade songs
The project starts with Logan’s recording of “Hard Rock Hallelujah” in Copenhagen and Lordi’s rework of “Hold Me Now,” which now includes Louhimo. Logan said, “The meeting was scheduled for 15 minutes and then lasted over an hour. We immediately hit it off.” He also said, “When I heard Lordi’s demo of their winning song tailored to me, I knew right away that I wanted to do it.”
Lordi said the goal was broader than a simple duet. “We really wanted to do something special to celebrate Lordi’s 20th anniversary of Eurovision victory as well as the 70th anniversary of the whole Eurovision itself,” he said. He added, “I rearranged, and also recomposed, ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’ in the style of what I thought would fit Johnny Logan.”
Noora Louhimo adds extra kick
Louhimo’s role makes the swap more than a nostalgia exercise. Lordi said, “I knew we needed some extra kick to the song.” Louhimo, who left Battle Beast in December 2025 to pursue a solo career, said, “I am so excited about our collaboration and this new friendship we have created with Lordi in the past few months.”
She also called the release a line in her own career move: “I love ESC, I love our version and I’m so happy this will be my first release continuing my career as a full-time solo artist.” That gives the project a second function: it is not just a tribute to a 20-year-old Eurovision win, but also a first solo-era release for a singer already tied to the metal side of the contest.
Eurovision year, limited stage time
Logan’s 1980, 1987 and 1992 wins make him the most decorated name in the collaboration, but this year he cannot appear live at Eurovision because of the ESC boycott supported by Ireland. He said, “I would have loved to present the project live as well, but under the current circumstances that’s not possible.”
That leaves Lordi on stage at this year’s competition while the recorded project carries the story. Logan said, “I’m very happy for Lordi that they are taking part in this special year concerning their anniversary.” After hearing the finished swap, he added, “‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’ had incredible energy from the very first moment” and “Lordi and Noora Louhimo have completely made ‘Hold Me Now’ their own.” For listeners, the release is the point: two Eurovision winners are being recut for a milestone year, not just repackaged for the catalog.
