Sanna Nielsen Releases Cover of Belinda Carlisles 1987 Hit as Part of 30th-Year Celebration

On 26 June 2026, Swedish pop icon Sanna Nielsen dropped a new single that doubles as a milestone marker: a fresh rendition of Belinda Carlisle’s 1987 chart‑topping anthem “Heaven Is A Place On Earth.” The track arrives amid a year‑long celebration of Nielsen’s 30‑year career, following her recent return to Melodifestivalen earlier in the year.

Nielsen’s journey through the Swedish music scene began in 2001 when she first entered Melodifestivalen. Over the next decade she appeared seven times before finally clinching the competition in 2014 with “Undo.” That win earned her the chance to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen, where she finished third. A year after being inducted into Melodifestivalen’s Hall of Fame, Nielsen stepped back onto the final stage in 2026 for the eighth time, placing 10th and earning 33 points from the International Jury and the Public Vote.

The new single is a reinterpretation of Carlisle’s 1987 hit, which reached number one in both the United States and the United Kingdom. In a statement, Nielsen reflected on the song’s impact on her formative years: “I was overjoyed when the song came out on the MR Music albums and also had a sing‑back version of it so I could sing it to just the music. Now I have my own version, a few decades later and the little girl in me couldn’t be happier to take the song out of the pink girl’s room to other beautiful stages around the country.” The cover blends that personal nostalgia with a contemporary pop arrangement.

Warner Music Sweden announced the release through its official channels, and the single is immediately available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify. The release image was credited to photographer Eva Edsjö.

Cover releases are a common strategy for artists marking anniversaries, allowing them to revisit formative tracks with modern production techniques. Nielsen’s choice of a 1980s pop classic fits the nostalgic tone of her anniversary concerts earlier this year, which highlighted her 30‑year tenure. The move also positions the single within the broader context of Swedish pop’s international reach, as Melodifestivalen continues to serve as a launchpad for artists on the global stage.

No additional promotional activities or live performances have been announced for the single at this time. The track remains available on streaming services, and Nielsen’s next public appearances are expected to coincide with her ongoing tour schedule.

In short, Sanna Nielsen’s cover of “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” marks a personal and professional milestone. Issued by Warner Music Sweden and streamed on Spotify, the release underscores her 30‑year celebration and her continued presence in Sweden’s music scene.