1980 Megahit Ballad Covered by the ‘Best Female Actor of All Time' Is Making a Comeback
ABBA's summer-of-1980 megahit "The Winner Takes It All" is experiencing renewed attention, but not in its original format. Instead, it's the cover performed by Meryl Streep in the 2008 jukebox musical Mamma Mia! that is experiencing momentum again.
According to uDiscover Music, "The legendary U.S. actress' recording of ABBA's classic song is now back in vogue due to its use in a poignant TikTok trend in which creators post content reflecting on loss, ranging from losing loved ones to ignominious defeats in sporting events."
Here's a peek at the trend in action here.
@sleepyrigo you're going to have to drag me out of that theater 😂✌️ | #viral#xzyabc#foryoupage#sunriseonthereaping#hamitchabernathy
♬ original sound - sleepyrigo
The film, headlined by the greatest female actor of all time and co-starring Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Christine Baranski, and others, became a full-blown phenomenon in 2008, dominating the box office while turning its soundtrack into a runaway success. Award recognition quickly followed, with the ABBA homage earning nominations everywhere from the Golden Globes and BAFTAs to even the Grammys.
As for the original song, it was released as the lead single from ABBA's seventh studio album, Super Trouper. Recorded as a synth-infused pop ballad, "The Winner Takes It All" topped charts worldwide and peaked in the Top 10 in the U.S. Streep's take on the track is a rawer, more theatrical version - perfectly suited to a trend that calls for emotional lip-syncs, scenarios of heartbreak, and other meaningful shares on social media.
Whatever it takes to discover the magic of ABBA, right?
Related: Grammy-Winning, Soulful Voice Behind Some of Rock's Biggest '80s Hits Turns 79
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 4:59 PM.