Greece Announces Six Finalists for Eurovision 2011

Perennial Eurovision contender Greece has named the finalists for this year’s Greek selection contest, which will take place at the end of February.

ERT, the Greek National Broadcaster, said its choices reflect a desire to showcase new talent, rather than celebrating established acts like Sakis Rouvas (2009) and Giorgos Alkaios (2010). Here’s a look at this year’s contestants with videos of recent performances.

1. Kokkina Halia, a rock group that placed second on the first season of Greece’s X-Factor.

2. Valando Tryfonos, a Cypriot who won last year’s Greek Idol contest.

3. Nikki Ponte, a Greek-Canadian who competed on the third season of X-Factor.

4. Antigoni Psixrami, also a contestant from Greek Idol 2010, is rumored to be entering with a song by Dimitri Kontopoulos. According to the Oiko Times, that song is entitled “It’s All Greek to Me.”

5. Loukas Giorkas, a Cypriot who won the first season of X-Factor.

6. Trihmitonio, a Cypriot band who placed third on X-Factor.