Roxette's Iconic Ballad 'It Must Have Been Love' Soars to Billion YouTube Views!
Roxette's timeless ballad "It Must Have Been Love" has officially joined YouTube's Billion Views Club, nearly 40 years after its release. The song, famously featured in "Pretty Woman," showcases the powerful vocals of the late Marie Fredriksson and continues to captivate audiences worldwide as the band's legacy endures.
Almost four decades after its initial release, Roxette's iconic power ballad "It Must Have Been Love" has achieved a monumental milestone by joining YouTube's exclusive Billion Views Club. The official music video for the Swedish pop duo's first song to reach this threshold, marking a significant moment in the band's enduring legacy.
Originally released in 1987, the song gained widespread international acclaim after a version was prominently featured in the 1990 romantic comedy "Pretty Woman." It played a pivotal emotional role near the film's conclusion, with movie-goers instantly captivated by its powerful melody and the transcendent vocals of the late singer Marie Fredriksson. Her performance struck a perfect balance of melodrama and restraint, cementing the song's status as a classic.
Commercially, "It Must Have Been Love" was a massive success, spending two weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. Hot 100 chart in 1990 and remaining on the chart for 25 weeks. It was one of Roxette's four chart-toppers in the United States and their only single to hold the No. 1 spot for multiple weeks. Across the Atlantic, the single peaked at No. 3 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, staying in the top ranks for 14 weeks.
Marie Fredriksson's illustrious career with Roxette saw her make 12 appearances on the Hot 100 and secure three titles on the Billboard 200. Tragically, Fredriksson faced significant health challenges, being diagnosed with a severe brain tumor in 2002. She underwent aggressive treatment, which had a profound toll on her health, reportedly leaving her nearly blind in one eye and with limited hearing. Despite these adversities, she courageously returned to the stage for a Roxette comeback tour in 2009. However, on doctors' advice, she ceased live performances in 2016 and ultimately passed away in 2019 after a 17-year battle with cancer.
Roxette continues to celebrate their musical heritage, with a "Live – Back Again! 2026" tour currently underway in Europe. This tour commemorates the 40th anniversary of their debut album and features founder and main songwriter Per Gessle, alongside Swedish star Lena Philipsson taking on the female lead vocals, honouring the band's rich history and looking to its future.