The 21st Polar Music Prize ceremony, held at Stockholm Concert Hall on August 28, 2012, presented Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit with an intimidating assignment: performing Simon & Garfunkel’s “America” before its songwriter, Paul Simon, and HM King Carl XVI Gustaf. The sisters later described the experience as “terrifying, but amazing,” particularly because their 2011 tribute to Patti Smith had moved her to tears. Accompanied by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Hans Ek, Klara and Johanna Söderberg filled the hall with their beautifully blended harmonies. One viewer described the performance as “not just watching a video… but a spiritual experience.” Polar Music Prize
As the arrangement gathered strength, the cameras repeatedly turned towards Paul Simon, who appeared deeply absorbed in the performance. When the final notes faded, he rose from his seat and enthusiastically applauded the sisters while King Carl XVI Gustaf remained seated beside him. Some online viewers have playfully interpreted the moment as a brush with royal etiquette, but there is no firm evidence that Simon actually broke any protocol. What is certain is that First Aid Kit treasured his reaction, later recalling: “He did give us a standing ovation in the end, so it was a good night.” First Aid Kit interview with Time
First Aid Kit’s restrained delivery brought fresh attention to the emotional power of Simon’s songwriting. Their close harmonies and the gradually expanding orchestral arrangement allowed the song’s feelings of uncertainty, loneliness and longing to emerge naturally. Particularly affecting was the passage containing the words “I’m lost” and “empty and aching,” which seemed to leave the Stockholm audience hanging on every line. One listener later wrote that the song perfectly expressed fears and emotions they had experienced many times, illustrating why “America” continues to connect so strongly with audiences decades after Simon wrote it.
The official performance subsequently attracted millions of views online and became one of First Aid Kit’s most admired covers. The sisters continued performing “America” in concert and explained that their extensive travels across the United States helped them relate personally to the song. In November 2014, they released a studio recording on a special four-track 10-inch vinyl edition for Record Store Day’s Black Friday event. Its accompanying music video documented the sisters’ journeys across America while touring. Their earlier performance for Patti Smith had taken place at the 2011 Polar Music Prize ceremony—one year before the Paul Simon tribute—not at the same ceremony.
The response to “America” added another memorable chapter to First Aid Kit’s growing international career, although it would be misleading to claim that this one performance alone established their reputation. By 2012, the Swedish sisters had already gained considerable attention through their recordings, touring and widely shared covers. Nevertheless, receiving a standing ovation from Paul Simon was a powerful endorsement of their interpretation. Their ability to approach such a cherished song with sensitivity, rather than attempting to imitate the Simon & Garfunkel original, demonstrated why their distinctive harmonies had already earned them such a devoted following.
