Last Saturday Helena Paparizou, the Queen of Eurovision 2005 and a musical icon in both in Greece and Sweden, gave an elegant performance of “Survivor” that was infused with elements of dance, rock, and diva. Melodifestivalen viewers enjoyed it enough to give her a second chance. But amid all the hype and expectation, it’s easy to forget the young woman who first appeared at Eurovision more than a decade ago. Let’s travel back to the beginning….

Eurovision 2001

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Copenhagen 2001

 

In 2001 Helena performed the song “Die For You” with the group Antique. They finished 3rd at the Parken Arena, igniting Greece’s interest in Eurovision for the first time. That passion is still present in the number of relevant web-sites, forums and groups created by EuroFans. Wearing a white jumpsuit that exposed her back, Helena attracted attention for her distinct look. When the camera zoomed in on her beautiful face it was pure heaven. Like a prima ballerina, she also paid, and pays, special importance to her hand movements.

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Eurovision 2005

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Kiev 2005

It was finally time for Greece to win the contest. The Greek broadcaster selected Helena internally and staged a national final to choose her song. She sang 3 numbers and “My Number One” won by a huge margin. With “My Number One”, she became Europe’s number one. Her performance was sexier and more feminine than in 2001. What stayed the same? Those hand movements and that stunning face.

Melodifestivalen 2014

 

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Melodifestivalen – Malmo 2014

Now she’s hoping to sing in Copenhagen, just like she did 13 years ago. But first she will have to compete at Melodifestivalen 2014, and procceed to the final after being relegated to the “Andra Chansen”. During the first semi-final she looked strong and sophisticated. Dressed in all black, her performance hinted at mourning. This was a very emotional song for her, following her break-up with Tony Mavridis, who was by her side in 2001 and 2005. Thankfully she is now in a perfect relationship with Andreas Kapsalis, whom she plans to marry. Will it be third time lucky for Helena?

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Billy Xifaras contributed this report from Greece. Follow him on Twitter at @bill_xifaras. You can also keep up-to-date on the latest Eurovision news and liking our Facebook page.

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stathis
stathis
10 years ago

One of the best ESC participants and winners in Eurovision the decade of 00’s.”Die for you” was the real winning song of ESC 2001 as it had the most commercial success this year.”My number one” was a deserved winning song.The greek lyra and Helena’s excellent performance made this participation as memorable until now.
“Survivor” is different song that we have used to listen from Helena.Strong melody and excellent vocals.It deserves to be in the final.Good luck Helena

Alex
Alex
10 years ago

I think Survivor is too good for Melodifestivalen and it’s a grower. I love it because it has a special message and the music is haunting and dark. Helena’s voice is incredible, she gave a flawless vocal performance last Saturday. I hope she will reach the final although i think it’s kinda impossible. ?

Alex
Alex
10 years ago

My Number One has grown on me over time. I probably would’ve preferred to have seen Chiara win in 2005, but she had a lousy draw. This is my first time listening to Die for You – nice vocals, and a nice use of the same chords as the ones in “I Will Survive” 🙂 I thought her performance of Survivor was phenomenal. Her vocals were really strong and it sounded really good. The only awkward thing was that there were tons of backup vocals, but she was the only one on stage. Might wanna change that. I really hope… Read more »

Arianna
10 years ago

Through a wrong song download on an old-school p2p programme, I ended up downloading Die For You in 2001. Fell in love with Antique and Helena’s voice :D! Their tunes are still summer hits for me. She’s had a great Eurovision journey so far and I think it would be so odd if she ended up in Copenhagen again!

DS
DS
10 years ago

Very good songs and entries all 3 of them; in their respective fields. Survivor is probably the strongest of the 3 songs, with Die For You being a close second. She has such strong Euro-entries that her winning song is apparently her weakest one which clearly makes her the one and only Queen of Eurovision!

D
D
10 years ago

I liked “Die For You”, “My Number One” was ok but didn’t deserve to win, and “Survivor” is not good at all. To be honest, Helena is one of my least favourite winners of the 21st century and I don’t know why people obsess over her so much. I don’t think she’ll get out of the second chance round and will probably lose one of the duels.

Charles
Charles
10 years ago

@beccaboo1212: She has won already once … why should be third time lucky?

Greece owns everything to her in terms of Eurovision interest, I’m just sorry I’m not into her singing and musical style. Nonetheless congrats to her …

Giorgos
10 years ago

All her songs are awesome.But Number One has a special place in my heart.Survivor will win Melodifestivalen you will see it.

Petar
Petar
10 years ago

1. Die For You for her best song in Eurovision
2. Survivor for me better song than her My Number One
3. My Number One

Evridiki
Evridiki
10 years ago

She is great and nothing else matters 😉 Even that melodifestivalen…

beccaboo1212
10 years ago

“Will it be the thirds time lucky for Helena?”
I hope so 🙂