ArtistDirect News
Sanna Nielsen Releases New Single Covering Belinda Carlisles 1987 Hit
Sanna Nielsen has issued a new single, a cover of Belinda Carlisle’s 1987 pop anthem “Heaven Is a Place on Earth.” The release follows her return to Melodifestivalen earlier this year and the two anniversary concerts that marked the 30th year of her career. The single is available on all major streaming services, including Spotify.
Nielsen’s decision to reinterpret Carlisle’s song comes after a decade of reflecting on her musical journey. In a statement, she noted that the original track was a favorite from her childhood and that the new version allows her to revisit that early inspiration on a larger stage. The cover is presented as a personal homage rather than a commercial venture.
The Swedish singer’s career has been closely tied to Melodifestivalen, the national competition that selects Sweden’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. Nielsen first entered the contest in 2001 and returned in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2014. Her 2014 performance of “Undo” earned her the title of Swedish representative, and she finished third at Eurovision in Copenhagen. In 2026, a year after her induction into Melodifestivalen’s Hall of Fame, Nielsen returned to the competition for the eighth time. She reached the final but placed tenth, receiving 33 points from the international jury and public vote.
The 30‑year anniversary celebrations were held in early 2026. Nielsen hosted two concerts that highlighted key moments from her career, from her first televised appearance at age eleven to her most recent chart‑successes. The events were promoted through the Konserthuset Stockholm venue and were part of a broader campaign to honor her longevity in the Swedish music scene.
“Heaven Is a Place on Earth” was originally written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley and released by Belinda Carlisle as the lead single from her second solo album, Heaven on Earth. The track topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart in 1987, and it remains Carlisle’s signature song. In 2015 Carlisle re‑recorded the song as an acoustic ballad for her album Wilder Shores.
Nielsen’s cover follows a trend of contemporary artists revisiting classic pop songs, but it also reflects her personal connection to the material. The single’s release was announced by Warner Music Sweden, and the label confirmed that the track is distributed across all streaming platforms.
The release adds a new entry to Nielsen’s discography, which has included a mix of original pop songs and covers. While the single has not yet charted, its presence on streaming services allows listeners to compare her interpretation with the original. Nielsen’s vocal style, known for its clarity and emotional delivery, offers a fresh take on the 1980s pop classic.
The single’s release coincides with Nielsen’s ongoing public profile. She has continued to host television programs, including Allsång på Skansen, and has remained active in the Swedish music industry. Her participation in Melodifestivalen and her Hall of Fame induction underscore her status as a respected figure in Swedish pop.
At present, the single is available for streaming, and Nielsen’s next public engagement is expected to be a promotional tour in Sweden. No further releases have been announced.
The cover of “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” represents a personal milestone for Nielsen, linking her early musical influences with her current artistic output. It also demonstrates how established artists can revisit classic songs to create new connections with audiences.
Nielsen’s decision to reinterpret Carlisle’s song comes after a decade of reflecting on her musical journey. In a statement, she noted that the original track was a favorite from her childhood and that the new version allows her to revisit that early inspiration on a larger stage. The cover is presented as a personal homage rather than a commercial venture.
The Swedish singer’s career has been closely tied to Melodifestivalen, the national competition that selects Sweden’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. Nielsen first entered the contest in 2001 and returned in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2014. Her 2014 performance of “Undo” earned her the title of Swedish representative, and she finished third at Eurovision in Copenhagen. In 2026, a year after her induction into Melodifestivalen’s Hall of Fame, Nielsen returned to the competition for the eighth time. She reached the final but placed tenth, receiving 33 points from the international jury and public vote.
The 30‑year anniversary celebrations were held in early 2026. Nielsen hosted two concerts that highlighted key moments from her career, from her first televised appearance at age eleven to her most recent chart‑successes. The events were promoted through the Konserthuset Stockholm venue and were part of a broader campaign to honor her longevity in the Swedish music scene.
“Heaven Is a Place on Earth” was originally written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley and released by Belinda Carlisle as the lead single from her second solo album, Heaven on Earth. The track topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart in 1987, and it remains Carlisle’s signature song. In 2015 Carlisle re‑recorded the song as an acoustic ballad for her album Wilder Shores.
Nielsen’s cover follows a trend of contemporary artists revisiting classic pop songs, but it also reflects her personal connection to the material. The single’s release was announced by Warner Music Sweden, and the label confirmed that the track is distributed across all streaming platforms.
The release adds a new entry to Nielsen’s discography, which has included a mix of original pop songs and covers. While the single has not yet charted, its presence on streaming services allows listeners to compare her interpretation with the original. Nielsen’s vocal style, known for its clarity and emotional delivery, offers a fresh take on the 1980s pop classic.
The single’s release coincides with Nielsen’s ongoing public profile. She has continued to host television programs, including Allsång på Skansen, and has remained active in the Swedish music industry. Her participation in Melodifestivalen and her Hall of Fame induction underscore her status as a respected figure in Swedish pop.
At present, the single is available for streaming, and Nielsen’s next public engagement is expected to be a promotional tour in Sweden. No further releases have been announced.
The cover of “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” represents a personal milestone for Nielsen, linking her early musical influences with her current artistic output. It also demonstrates how established artists can revisit classic songs to create new connections with audiences.