Greece, Yianna Terzi, 2

What a rollercoaster! After initially calling for songs with a ‘Greek sound’, and selecting five artists to take part in a national final, Greece proceeded to disqualify two of the five acts for not meeting that criteria.

And today, with the national final supposed to take place on 22nd February with the remaining three acts, Greek broadcaster ERT decided to disqualify another two acts. This leaves Yianna Terzi as the last woman standing, and she has now been internally picked to represent Greece at Eurovision 2018 with her song “Óneiró mou” (“My Dream”).

Yianna Terzi – “Óneiró mou” (“My Dream”)

So what actually led to these latest disqualifications? In an official statement ERT explains that the three national finalists and their record companies – Areti Ketme (Spicy Music), Chorostalites (Spider Music) and Yianna Terzi (Panik Entertainment Group) – held meetings with the broadcaster to agree the terms of their participation in the national final.

It was subsequently agreed that each record company must provide a €20,000 guarantee of their participation (reduced from an initial request of €90,000 after objections by the record companies). The deadline for this sum was set for 12th February, and later extended to 15th February at the record companies’ request.

However, by this morning, only Panik Entertainment Group had paid this sum and submitted the signed contract. Therefore, ERT subsequently disqualified the other two record companies and their participants for missing the deadline.

At the end of it all, Yianna stands tall and will be off to Lisbon in May to fly the flag for Greece.

A mid-tempo ballad with ethnic Greek elements and a polyphonic chorus, “Óneiró mou” combines both a traditional orchestral sound with modern production. Yianna co-wrote the lyrics and music of the song with Aris Kalimeris, who notably was the lyricist of Moldova’s 2009 Eurovision entry “Hora din Moldova” by Nelly Ciobanu.

Areti Ketme and Chorostalites release potential national final entries

Before the official announcement of their disqualification this morning, both Areti Ketme and Chorostalites released their proposed national final entries last night, along with a statement each.

Areti’s song “Don’t Forget The Sun” is a traditional Greek ballad, with added English backing vocals.

In a statement on Facebook, she claims that her record company Spicy Music only learned at the last minute about the guarantee and economic terms needed, while one company (implying Panik) were prepared for this in advance.

She’s not giving up though, and says she will try again in the future to represent Greece at Eurovision, but wishes Yiana all the best for the 2018 contest.

?????? ???????? ?? ??????? ????? ????????? ??????? ?? ??????? ??? ?? ????????? ?????? ????????? ?????? ??? ???…

Posted by ????? ?????? / Areti Ketime on Thursday, February 15, 2018

Chorostalites’ song “Apó tin Thráki os tin Kríti” (“From Thrace to Crete”) is the most up-tempo of the three, with heavy use of traditional instruments and a one-minute instrumental section.

Posting on Facebook the group thank those who worked on the song, but feel ignored by ERT. They say ERT has ignored both the record company, who had signed the contract but requested an extension to the payment deadline beyond two and a half days, as well as the artists who contacted them.

Listen to their song and read their statement here.

Who is Yianna Terzi?

Yianna Terzi is the daughter of acclaimed Greek singer Paschalis Terzis. She launched her solo career in 2005 and was especially active in the 2000s. She is best known for her singles “Tetoia Gynaika” (“Such a woman”) and “Pou kai Pou” (“Now and then”). She has two albums under her belt, under the name Gianna Terzi.

Five years ago she relocated from Greece to the United States in order to develop her music career. She released her first English-language single “Love Is Your Name” under the name Yianna in 2012, which started bubbling in the underground clubs of New York City.

https://youtu.be/KRVo56yZaQE

But she’s kept her Greek roots, and is now ready to represent her native country at Eurovision 2018 in Lisbon. She’ll be aiming to bring Greece back to the left hand side of the scoreboard, after Demy finished in 19th place with pop-banger “This Is Love” in 2017.

What do you think of Yianna’s song “Óneiró mou”? Did you prefer either of the other two potential national finalists? How do you think Yianna will do in Lisbon? Leave all your comments down below!

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Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago

English Lyrics for Oneiro Mou / My Dream 1st Stanza (Greece/Country): If you’ll explore my deep sea, you’ll make my dream come true. And if you look into my heart, I’ll take you into my arms. Chorus (Greeks/Citizens): How do you want me to tell you that I would die for you? I would give my life for you! The end and the beginning, you’re everything to me. No matter how much would I suffer, I wouldn’t erase you off the map. I would give my life for you! The end and the beginning, you’re everything to me. 2nd Stanza… Read more »

Jane
Jane
6 years ago

????? ???????? Water f?iry ??? ???????? ?? ?????????? ?? ???? If you accidentally get into my depts ??? ?? ?? ???????? ??????? ???? ?? ??? You will relive my father in a dream ??? ????? ?? ?? ????????? ????? ???? If you want to exam my heart ??? ?? ?? ?? ???????? ????? ?????? I will give you my scans ?????? / ref. ???? ?? ?? ????? How can I tell you ???? ?? ??? ????????? ?????, ???? ??? ?? ????????? ? as if I were a mother’s shadow or his methionate ***? ??? ?? ???? ????? ????????? She spent… Read more »

stamos
stamos
6 years ago

Yianna Terzi “oneiro mou” eurovison 2018 vocal sneak peek https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96skyzyniog

Mario c
Mario c
6 years ago

Great songs from Greece! Please read my review here:
https://marioeurovision2018.wordpress.com/

Rob
Rob
6 years ago

Reminds me of Ukraine 2016 and Portugal 2017. Why not Greece 2018? I love the language and how all these voices sound together!
Really curious about how will this entry be live…

Ern
Ern
6 years ago

Wow! I remember “Love Is Your Name” … never realized the Yianna who sang it is Yianna Terzi.

Great song from Greece this year!

The analysis is spot-on. The live performance will make or break this.

Irina
Irina
6 years ago

Such a beautiful melodic Greek song! Combines modern sounds with traditional elements in a beautiful way. I think the live version will be so much better. Greek is such a beautiful language, even though i don’t understand anything, i am feeling it.

Well done Greece, welcome to my Top5 <3

Ffs
Ffs
6 years ago

Boring as sh1t but then again we’ve seen boring crap winning the whole thing so nothing is impossible …

Max
Max
6 years ago

Despite the overall bad impression of the selection process (if we can trust all the reports) the outcome is still overwhelming. What a tasteful, sophisticated entry! The arrangement creates a dramatic setting and atmosphere. The lyrics seem believable. I hope Yianna is capable to sing this live. If the performance is even a bit as captivating as the song, this act has a chance to place high in the contest. Thank you, Greece! I’m very impressed!

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago

Atmospheric, dark, epic, emotional, mystical, traditional and crescendo-ing (in the second half) and a prayer from the depths of the soul from a voice to be heard in the background at the end of the song! What more would anyone need in just three minutes? Now, of course, the staging and the live performance will be crucial. The singer already said that it wants to keep it simple, but that was meant for the Greek final. We shall see how will it be conceived for the Great Final in Lisbon …

Camilla
Camilla
6 years ago

I really like the Greek entry this year, just beautiful, epic, esoteric. In my top 5 for sure.

RealMusicLover
RealMusicLover
6 years ago

Congrats for having a song in Greek. That alone is worthy of my praise and I hope it does fine, especially because it is not a song made out from a machine somewhere in Sweden. It’s a good atmospheric song and the singer seems to be good. It is a bit flat, though, because it lacks a cescendo. But it might be still improved.

Vasilios
Vasilios
6 years ago

As a greek I would like to thank you for all your bad comments. We really appreciate it when you call us poor and unorganised. It is something that someone expects from his civilised european friends. I hope you win the contest. Kisses

jim
jim
6 years ago

i like this sort of ambient atmospheric sound , but overall the song is flat and monotonus, i dont see it doing very well

brennan
brennan
6 years ago

oh man i love this almost as much as Mercy
there isn’t a single greek entry that i’ve liked since the 70’s, so… wow
earnest, unapologetically greek, sounds really natural, a little traditional, <33333
this is THE ethnoballad of the year

Daniel
Daniel
6 years ago

Dreadful!
But at least Greece gave the world a new selection method: disqualify all entries but one, and that is your winner XD

1/10 for Greece and that is a lot more than they deserve for sending this piece of sh*t

????????????
????????????
6 years ago
Reply to  Daniel

The other 2 songs were not disqualified…they didn’t pay the money that were needed..it is good to think what you write before you write it…

M
M
6 years ago

Unlike other songs I’ve heard so far, this one somehow has a true soul. Epic, intense.

Polyna
Polyna
6 years ago

To do justice to Gianna, her song is much better than the one that Greece sent in 2002…

(to remind you all of the glorious trainwreck that was the Greek song of 2002: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEkSRJmRswc)

Pluma
Pluma
6 years ago

One of the best Greek entries of the last years and to be honest I don t give a s…t about has happend to the national final, which I think at the end was for good, Buena suerte Grecia

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

The Greek economy strikes again.
Congratulations on paying the fee, I guess?

ari
ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

do you even know what you are writing?
are you trying to be funny?

Fabio
Fabio
6 years ago

Do you know when the video clip will be released? In my top 10 btw

Gregor
Gregor
6 years ago

It is soo good. I ve already listened to it 7 times and it’s still growing on me. Good job from a beautiful country ?

Mediteranee
Mediteranee
6 years ago
Reply to  Gregor

Totally agree. Nice elements

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

I find it a rather uninteresting song. Not bad, not good either… it’s just there. Unremarkable.

Ron
Ron
6 years ago

I’m sorry but after 2013 Greece has really dropped the ball. 2014 was a good song with terrible live singing; 2015 was nothing special/boring; 2016 was absolutely awful hence their non-qualification and 2017 was just weak. This might actually not qualify.

azaad
azaad
6 years ago
Reply to  Ron

If they qualified last year they should this year. Oneiro Mou isn’t great, but it FAR outclasses This is Love

Lourdes
Lourdes
6 years ago

It sounds like a thousand other greek songs. A bit flat and I don’t think it’s going to stand out.

ari
ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

the thing is that “thousands other greek songs” does not sound like this
have you even listened to greek music?

Kounis
Kounis
6 years ago

The lyrics are a dialogue between Greece and Greeks. Beautiful song, powerful emotions…

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

Very pleased with this song. Hope it does well, although I’m not as gung-ho about it making the final as other songs. Anything that can remind me of the peak period for Greek Eurovision songs (basically every song from 1991-97 was great – yes, even Dili Dili).

Siranush
Siranush
6 years ago

The only song that sounds like a winner so far! I love everything about it!! Love ya, Hunastan!

Benny
Benny
6 years ago

It’s a decent, but not really a memorable song. It could pass unnoticed.

Bravisssimo
Bravisssimo
6 years ago

Dont worry, they will change the singer and song until March, because they know, this is weak. Everything is about money and if the other contestants will pay, they will create national final again LOL

George
George
6 years ago
Reply to  Bravisssimo

Disrespectful AND low sense of humour. You are not to lose, honey.

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

Sorry, I find it terrible. It will certainly flop like the ‘Maltese my dream’.

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

Sorry, only unrefined or (notice that I didn’t write “and”) anti-Hellenic people could find this song “terrible”.

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

I can assure you that I am not anti-Hellenic. One of my all time favourite ESC songs in Greece 1991, Anixi, other is Cyprus 1997, Mana Mou. This song, on the contrary, is a monotone snoozefest.

NickC
NickC
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

And only unrefined people would not respect other people’s opinions…

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

@NickC, dear, I specifically mentioned in my previous reply that I didn’t write “and”, but “or”. I was, actually, more inclined to believe in the “unrefined” option, which I maintain, despite any of your “counterarguments” or self-reliance. Now, seriously, “terrible”? I didn’t ask you or anyone else to say that it’s their favorite song, but either would anyone who has a bit of refined taste in music to label this song as you did.

Nickc
Nickc
6 years ago

Do not be shocked if you find out that the majority of European music professionals and telecommuters are unrefined too…

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

One of my best friends is Greek and he always tells me that when Greeks can’t come up with an argument, they just call the other person anti-Greek haha! So don’t worry.

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago

@Polegend Godgarina, and what “argument” did you bring here, honey, except your opinion? …

Polyna
Polyna
6 years ago

> anti-Hellenic people could find this song “terrible”.

And I guess everyone who doesn’t like the song is a resident of Skopje.

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago
Reply to  Polyna

@ Polyna, no, not everyone who doesn’t like this song must be a resident of Skopje, but your irony involving the issue, while also not liking the song (at all) might tell more about you than one would imagine … and that’s not necessarily that you would be a resident of Skopje: 1. anti-Hellenic (not necessarily, but maybe) 2. unrefined (definitely) Now, just tell us what kind of a song would you like to hear from Greece? When it’s not traditional, those like you complain about that; when it’s totally modern and decent enough, it becomes “generic”, though it wouldn’t… Read more »

Polyna
Polyna
6 years ago

> Now, just tell us what kind of a song would you like to hear from Greece?

A good one.

> When it’s not traditional, those like you complain about that; when it’s totally modern and decent enough, it becomes “generic”, though it wouldn’t be so, but quite a “hit”, if it would be from Sweden.

Malakia.

Especially the last statement, as I constantly criticise the fetishisation of Swedish music.

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago

Something like 2013 or 2014 maybe.

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

“My number one” was fine. Also did “This is our Night”

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

What I expect from Greece is quality, I do not care traditional or modern. Koza Mostra was original, a very high quality entry, and expected it ended up in Top 10. Now, if you stop calling people names, and take a step back, you will realize that your love towards this dreadful song comes from your chauvenistic pride, and from your love of your country- I respect that. But as someone who has been watching and following Eurovision since 1982, I am happy to bet with you or anyone else that not in a million years this will qualify.

Nash
Nash
6 years ago

This song is so beautiful. I’ve been listening to it all day. I didn’t follow the ERT scandal so I am not sure what is this all about. However, this has to be my favorite Greek song since Paparizou as I felt Greece was being cheesy last few years. So mysterious, deep, just something so special about it, has possibilities for good staging and OMG that Greek language really adds flavor to it. Well done!!! Can’t wait to hear it in Lisbon.

Pluma
Pluma
6 years ago
Reply to  Nash

Í bet u hun, bit only gonna qualify but gonna finish hi in top 10, creating a from Spain

Eve
Eve
6 years ago

It’s decent entry, but nothing special.. sad for Areti, I think she’s better singer..

ari
ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Eve

but her song was bad.

Yannis
Yannis
6 years ago

So disappointed with the way ERT dealt with the selection. Especially for the artists that didn’t have the opportunity to present their work and judge by the Greek public who pay the salaries of ERT staff

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago
Reply to  Yannis

It shouldn’t be about who would be a “better singer”, since Yianna is a very good one, too, but about which song is most suited for the Eurovision. Areti’s song doesn’t manage to blend as intelligently the Greek vibes with the modern sounds as Yianna’s does, so, that’s why I think that Yianna’s song is “better” for the Eurovision.

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago
Reply to  Yannis

P.S.: It shouldn’t be either about who’s the “cutest doll” Greeks are more emotionally bonded with. This is a song contest …

Marko
Marko
6 years ago

This song is pure calss! I enjoyed it very much.
But there’s a huge problem – I’ve listened to it once about 4 hours ago and can’t remeber a single tune. They should def create a memorable staging for May.

Benny
Benny
6 years ago

I’m not thrilled with this song. I’m not even sure if it is going to qualify.

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago
Reply to  Benny

Name me just one other song in the history of the Eurovision which was atmospheric and even epic. And I’m not referring to very good ballads, like Nocturne, some even with an ethnic sound, like “Lane moje”.

Daniel_2017
Daniel_2017
6 years ago

Well done, Greece! National selection drama aside, this is an absolutely beautiful song and the best Greek entry in ages! My new number one, I can’t get enough of it!

up!
up!
6 years ago

Mmh, I don’t like it… it may have some modern moments and it’s in Greek – which gives it an automatical plus for me -, but that doesn’t lift it up… actually, this screams for a remix, underline it with some drums and it might make more of an impact!

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago
Reply to  up!

So, you’re basically asking for a dance tune. It might come (a remix), but if it would’ve been the official variant of the song in the contest, you would’ve screamed for this one (which isn’t actually a ballad, but the only blend of atmospheric and epic song in the whole history of the Eurovision I can remember about).

up!
up!
6 years ago

Ballad? When did I use the word ‘ballad’?
Anyway, what I tried to say is that a dance version of this particular entry would suit it more IMO. I wouldn’t have “screamed” for this because I’m definitely not the by-any-means-it-has-to-be-uptempo guy, but I guess in this case, I would have liked it better. This song – for ME, so MY personal opinion – feels like a 3 minutes build-up to something which is never delivered…
But I’m really happy for you that you like it so much!

Constantinos Lapiotis
Constantinos Lapiotis
6 years ago

?? Eaftosmou Krymmenos. ?????? ?? ??????? ?? ???? ??????? ??? ???? ?? ????? ??? ??? ????????; ??????? ?????????? ??????.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

What a drama! Honestly, I was tired of all these negotiations and obstacles in our national selection. ERT wasn’t organised at all and they didn’t have any plan. Sad for the other 2 contestants who spent time and money to submit their entry and at the end they were out of the game. If they wanted Yianna they would have picked her internally. About the song, I didn’t have high expectations. However, I have to say I like “Oneiro mou”. It’s modern, yet it has a traditional element. The chorus is really good. I think she can get the message… Read more »

oli
oli
6 years ago

I love this song. it’s just beautiful and greek and honest and beautiful. I don’t even care if this goes to the final. This is the kind of songs I LIVE for and I am eurofan because. Love it

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Don’t like it, sorry.

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

You’re free not to like it. I actually like it very much!

Rory
Rory
6 years ago

Such a non-event song.

Greece, why so…negative? Thought u were stronger, but nope.

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago
Reply to  Rory

Name me just one other song in the whole history of the Eurovision which was a blend of atmospheric and epic tune and I’m not referring to very beautiful ballads, like “Nocturne”, some even with an ethnic sound, like “Lane moje”.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Sis it’s a blatant way to copy last year’s winning formula, and it ALWAYS backfires. ERT was completely wrong.

Escesc
Escesc
6 years ago

NEED TO change the national broadcaster next year. ERT is like France committe before 2016 (When Amir have good song? full support of broadcaster and team who know how to make a good national final or internal selection)

Azaad
Azaad
6 years ago

For such a hot mess of a national final they managed to get a good song out of it. Not amazing, but their best entry since 2013 in my opinion.

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

It’s the only song in the whole history of the Eurovision which is a blend of atmospheric and epic tune. That’s what matters and to me, that’s amazing enough. While some cannot feel and live the mystical traditional vibes, others can.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago

Unfortunately, this is going nowhere. However, I still prefer it a lot over all those ridiculously overhyped Greek entries that had bags of money thrown at them. Certainly better than last year’s atrocious act. That being said, in a good Eurovision line-up, this one would probably not make the final. We’ll see.

Polyna
Polyna
6 years ago

> Spicy Music only learned at the last minute about the guarantee and economic terms needed, while one company (implying Panik) were prepared for this in advance

Conspiracy theory: Yianna representing Greece was decided in advance, and the supposed “national final” was only announced to prevent complaints about ERT again selecting internally somebody who’s somebody’s father’s brother’s nephew’s cousin.

> under the name Gianna Terzi

‘Yianna’ and ‘Gianna’ are just different transcriptions of the same Greek name, the first is only more phonetic.

About the song: not embarassing. Not a qualifier either.

Polyna
Polyna
6 years ago
Reply to  Polyna

Oh god, and I’ve just also realised this: Panik Records were also the record label behind Demy’s “This Is Love”. This really smells fishy.

Branko
Branko
6 years ago
Reply to  Polyna

Isn’t PanikRecords also the record label of Greek Eurovision entries in 2013 and 2014?

Eaftosmou Krymmenos
Eaftosmou Krymmenos
6 years ago
Reply to  Polyna

It’s incredible how malicious you can be, honey …

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
6 years ago

I kinda like the song. My favorite greek song in years yes

Efraim
Efraim
6 years ago

I actually like the song, and really hope that the shadow of this mess of a selection process won’t hinder its chances.

Étoile
Étoile
6 years ago

What a beautiful song sang in a beautiful language. So happy for this decision. I really love it. Also compared to your song last year it’s a million times better. Good choice and good luck to Greece. <3

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago

What a mess they did with this national selection…

But the song is a pleasant surprise. It’s somewhere between modern and classic, it has an ethnic vibe and the final product is quite ellegant if not exactly original. It’s not that memorable, so the running order and the staging will probably decide its faith on the semifinal. Considering all the confusion they made, Greece has a better song than the expected this year.

Leo M
Leo M
6 years ago

I like the drama and the Greek elements but I was left wanting more. The song doesn’t really go anywhere. However, I do feel they could have fantastic staging to help elevate it.