Last night the Wiwi Jury—our in-house panel of musical unprofessionals—downloaded a lot of Greek pop music and then headed to Sweden to review Helena Paparizou’s Melodifestivalen entry “Survivor.” Did she transcend borders with her song about perseverance? Or did we need to persevere to get through this song? Read on to find out.

Franceska: Ah, yes, the queen has arrived, and with Melodifestivalen’s best song. She dominates the vocals, and the chorus is amazing. Her anthem of personal victory is beyond compare. The song contains some inspirational rhetoric about overcoming difficulties, which Helena has definitely done. All hail Helena!

Score: 10/10

Angus: For me ‘Survivor’ shows off the worst aspects of pre-recorded backing vocals. Helena has a powerful voice but it’s shrouded beneath the thumping background effect. Sanna has exactly the same thing but you can at least hear Sanna singing at some points. That being said ‘Survivor’ is a much stronger song than ‘Undo’. It’s more powerful and more deliberate. It’d also be sure to make it out of the Semi-Final, whereas ‘Undo’ will suffer from similarities to songs that the Ex-Soviets are sure to outsource from Sweden. With Helena being handed Loreen’s old spot I think we might be in for a late upset for Sanna…

Score9.75/10

Padraig: I’ve had an epiphany to equal that one in the bible where yer man realised the thing about, err, the other thing… ah you know what I mean. I have despised Helena for many years, solely due to her 2005 victory with the absolutely awful “My Number One” (yuck). So when I heard she was taking part in Melfest I wasn’t overly hopeful. But then Ms Paparizou pulled out “Survivor”. She’s put me back in my box and danced atop the lid, ensuring I stay there. Needless to say, if she wins Eurovision 2014, I won’t object.

Score: 9/10

Zach: I’ll admit, when I saw Helena would be competing in Melodifestivalen I immediately wanted her to do well. But I can honestly say, she deserves to do well, bias or no bias. The song is catchy, probably the catchiest in the whole final. Her vocals are strong, the song leaves an impact, and frankly, I like it more than her Eurovision songs. She has style, she has sass, it shows that she knows how to command a stage. I wish she moved around a bit more, but that’s not a make or break thing really. And above all else, it will have mass appeal in Europe, whether you think Sweden will like it or not. The international juries will prove this point I feel. It might even give her enough leeway to win even if she doesn’t win the televote.

Score: 9.5/10

Helena-Paparizou-2014-02

Deban: Back in 2001 as one half of Antique, Helena Paparizou came third in Eurovision with “Die For You”. She made a second appearance as a solo star in 2005, and won the contest with “My Number One”. Later that year, she was congratulated in Copenhagen for having one of the most memorable performances in the history of the contest. Great accolades to build on. But what does my girl do next? She switches her national flag, and makes a desperate comeback, with one of the most auto-tuned performances in Melodifestivalen. Even her hand gestures are trying too hard! Flashback: Dana International remains a laughing stock for not advancing to the finals in Dusseldorf. However, people forget to credit Dana for her landslide 2011 Kdam victory. Helena won’t even come close to that. Mark my words, this isn’t going through.

Score: 2.5/10

Anthony: A “Survivor” of this year’s Andra Chansen and one step away from representing her country (yes, she was born and raised in Sweden and not Greece). Fans of Helena will know that she’s capable of pulling off live performances superbly. The power ballad entry is a far cry from the “My Number One” entry that secured Greece’s first (and only) Eurovision victory in 2005. However, I have mixed feelings about Helena’s possible return. While it’d be great to see her back, part of me fears the high expectations could get the better of her in 2014.

Score: 8/10

James: I oddly like this one, though of course it is a mainstream favourite and I am known for liking a lot of the alternatives in any national final. Helena has got a lot going for her – prior Eurovision experience, general singing experience, a fantastic voice and enough money to publicise herself. Overall, the song is pretty typical in that there is general attitude that she radiates effortlessly – an instant vote winner for Eurovision viewers who like a queen. But I think if you listen to the music and the melodies, it’s actually not that bad. It’s rather well written and scored. I am just not offended by this and, like with a few others, I would not be offended whatsoever if it wins. Why not? Though, the Greeks may wish that she’d have represented them again … or maybe not, financially speaking.

Score: 7/10

HELENA PAPARIZOU MELODIFESTIVALEN 2014

Patrick: There it is – my favourite song of Melodifestivalen 2014. Y’all know she is the girl from 2001 & 2005 but now she is the Diva of Sweden. Before Melodifestivalen Sweden didn’t know her name and now she’s really popular there. “My number one” was amazing but “Survivor” is way better. Look at Helena. I mean you have only look to her face and you will fall in love. The mystical Greek look, her wavy hair and her strong voice… I’m really in love with her and her song. I totally feel the heart and soul, the story and the strength. When I heard it the first time I knew it was a winning song and now I hope my prediction will come true. Kali tihi Helena!

 Score: 10/10

Ramadan: The song is amazing. Smash hit! Love it, love it, love it! The more I listen to it the more I love it, and the more I believe it would do really well at Eurovision. Although this is the best song in Melodifestivalen 2014, Sweden doesn’t always pick the best song. I’m predicting second or third place for Helena, the woman who deserves to win it all.

Score: 10/10

Sami: As much as I love Helena, “My Number One” and “Die for you”, I was a little dissapointed when I heard “Survivor” for the first time. But at Andra Chansen everything changed. I love the new, mature style of Helena—and what a voice she has. Sadly, I think that Swedes will vote more for Sanna, but Helena has a song that is a thousand times better. The performance is so beautiful and powerful. I also love the lyrics. Helena is true survivor.

Score: 9/10

Wiwi Jury Verdict: 8.48/10

Final ranking: #1 of 10

See our latest #melfest reviews and rankings on the Wiwi Jury page, and then vote for your favourite in our #melfest poll.

You can keep up-to-date with the latest Eurovision news and gossip by following the team on Twitter @wiwibloggs and by liking our Facebook page.

32 Comments
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Gregoire
Gregoire
10 years ago

Sorry, but few years ago( in 2006 I think) Sweden voted for Carola to participate again at Eurovision Song Contest with a fairly inadequate song. Helena Paparizou must have the chance with “Survivor” which meets Eurovision standards!

Alex
Alex
10 years ago

Above-average song, but where this entry really shines is in the confident, strong performance.

If Sweden sends this, they’ll get both the Greek diaspora votes and the Scandinavian votes. That’s quite a powerful voting bloc, haha.

EUROFAN MEXICO
10 years ago

SHE HAD HISYORY AND I LOVE THAT BUNT NOW SHE PUT THIS IN RISK, BECAREFUL HELENA.

D
D
10 years ago

If “Survivor” was sung by Ellen Benediktson and Helena sang “Songbird” everyone would be obsessing over “Songbird”, not “Survivor”. You’re not in love with the song you’re in love with Helena, and anyways, she’s almost definitely not gonna win.

bav
bav
10 years ago

The Baseballs – “Goodbye Peggy Sue” is one good song from Germany.

J
J
10 years ago

what kind of delusion.

i love helena and antique and so many of her songs. and still, this song sucks so hard. im happy she got to final because its, you know, its her! but this deserves 8th, 7th place. there is NO WAY we will pick something as bland as this.

DS
DS
10 years ago

@Patrick: Helena was a very popular act in Sweden with her group Antique during the 1999-2003 period and then again as a solo act between 2005-2007, Sweden didn’t get to know her through Melodifestivalen 2014, she has scored many platinum and gold singles in Sweden both as Antique and as a solo act. A quick visit on sverigetopplistan.se will convince you. 😉 She was just pretty much forgotten or only remembered for her past glories until she showed up in Mello this year – that’s true.

Thiefo
Thiefo
10 years ago

Overrated or not, outdated or not, typical and predictable or not, mainstream favourite or not, I don’t care about any of that. I personally love it, my favourite to win and even if it doesn’t win, I’ll still love it 🙂

Good luck to Helena! It will be a tough final because there are so many strong songs with a lot of passionate supporters each, and I believe any of them can give a big surprise. Let’s see if Helena can be the second Andra Chansen song to win MF in history…

Easpag
Easpag
10 years ago

My favourite of the lot, but far from my favourite overall. Top 10 finish in Copenhagen, at a stretch.

I see this as a three way race between Helena, Sanna, and Ace. Helena has the best song, Ace has the catchiest song, and Sanna has the backing of the bookies.

MK
MK
10 years ago

No, very outdated, this song. Prediction: this is not going to win MelFest.

T
T
10 years ago

Patrick: ”Before Melodifestivalen Sweden didn’t know her name and now she’s really popular there.”

Not really. Practically everyone here knew who she was but she has been gone from Sweden since 2006. She was HUGE here after her victory in 2005 and My Number One was really popular here weeks before Eurovision. Let’s not forget that Antique was really popular here too.

Armond
Armond
10 years ago

I don’t care what others think. I’m absolutely in love with this song. I’ve played it a thousand times since I’ve downloaded it. Helena is so committed to what she sings. That is what makes her stand out. If she wins MF she can win ESC hands down.

jeppe
jeppe
10 years ago

@Dhani. Now i also hope it wins so i,m proven right 🙂 to bad for sweden thoug loosing out on a final.

Dhani
Dhani
10 years ago

@Jeppe It didn’t get through because some of people in sweden are tone deaf… And because Yohio bought votes and has a lot of stupid teenage girls voting for him no matter how bad the song is.
I really hope that Helena will win now so you can be proven wrong. Cause it IS an amazing song which can make the top 10 in ESC. And also top 5. And maybe win. It is powerful, catchy and Helena is beautiful and has a great voice. Plus she will for sure get 12 points from Greece.

Dhani
Dhani
10 years ago

It didn’t get through because some of people in sweden are tone deaf… And because Yohio bought votes and has a lot of stupid teenage girls voting for him no matter how bad the song is.
I really hope that Helena will win now so you can be proven wrong. Cause it IS an amazing song which can make the top 10 in ESC. And also top 5. And maybe win. It is powerful, catchy and Helena is beautiful and has a great voice. Plus she will for sure get 12 points from Greece.

Dar
Dar
10 years ago

Dhani you need to sit down and fucking calm down…

I like survivor! However her styling is as bad as Sanna…
Sanna ftw .. Helena and ellen runner ups ..

Jeppe
Jeppe
10 years ago

@ DHANI. No its really not. It didn’t even win the semifinal in Sweden 🙂 Sweden have much better songs and i stand by my word. It will be bottom ten if it actually reach the final. Its a completly ordinary swedish schlager. It might get a ten from Greece and that will be it. Same as Perrelli did. So no i don’t know that this will be a top ten 🙂

Dhani
Dhani
10 years ago

@Jeppe we both know that ain’t true. Sweden can expect a sure TOP 10 place if they send Helena. This song is the strongest in the whole melodifestivalen 2014.

Jeppe
Jeppe
10 years ago

My god, how you guys and girls generaly completly overrate the swedish entries compared to others. This song is completly unoriginal. Heard in MF every year last ten years. It’s just an ordinary pop song. I understand that your are schlager fantastic but come on…. its just ridiculus. This song is like 4 out of 10. If Sweden send this they can expect a bottom ten place.

Daniel
Daniel
10 years ago

@Padraig Jude, i wasn’t saying it just to the Jury i was saying it as a whole, i just think if she didn’t represent Greece twice and won in 2005 this song will not have as much interest as it has, It’s a good song im not denying that! 🙂 i just think people are so heavy with it like that @Dhani thing fan boying over here, people like them is what i mean!

Leon
Leon
10 years ago

I don’t agree with the statement that people like this song because of My Number One. That’s an absurd statement. It’s like saying you have to like every single Britney Spears song because you like Baby One More Time. Not true. But, I think people, such as I, had interest in listening as to what Helena was presenting because she’s so famous. And, I have to say, this is by far the best song in the competition so far. Honestly, if she goes on to represent Sweden, it will be a top 5 finish for sure. Although, I still wish… Read more »

Bogdan
10 years ago

@Dhani, calling someone an idiot because they don’t share your opinion makes you the idiot in question, not them.

Or should I put it all in CAPS so you could understand?…

fiebreq
fiebreq
10 years ago

No way! hahaha this song is so overrated. I love helena but not her song.

Solana
Solana
10 years ago

Overrated and boring song. Helena deserved something better to sing.

jumper
jumper
10 years ago

best song, and she need more attractive staging act

Padraig Muldoon
Admin
10 years ago

@Daniel Could you at least read our comments before you post? As you’ll see above I’ve always hated “My Number One” (with a passion) but I love “Survivor”. It’s one of my favourites simply because it’s a great song and performed brilliantly, not because of the past success of the singer singing it 😀

Dhani
Dhani
10 years ago

THIS IS AMAZING!!!! 10/10!!!! DANIEL AND ANESBOSNA YOU ARE IDIOTS.
AND DEBAN FROM THE WIWIJURY YOU ARE AN IDIOT. THIS SONG DESERVES TO WIN. BUT UNFORTUNATELY, SWEDES ARE IDIOTS AND THEY WILL VOTE FOR YOHIO OR SANNA NIELSEN’S BORING SONG TO COPENHAGEN

Daniel
Daniel
10 years ago

@AnesBosna IKR and people say Sanna and Ace are overrated!! this song is the most overrated of them all!! It wont win because of being in the second chance Sweden did not vote for it for the final in the semi’s and i know robin won as he was in the second chance but thats cause MF 2013 was horse shit!
I’m going for an Ace or Sanna win!

joey
joey
10 years ago

Yah…i also had the same feeling Ramadan did!!! The more I listen to it, the more I love it!!! And I think it will a benefit for her to be on Andra Chansen, (Ask me for a second chance!!!, she says!!!) Coz she showed a lot of improvements there, the camera work is way lot better, the purple lighting is perfect….ahhh i just love it!!! For me, it’s a toss up between Helena and Sanna!!! Ahhhh!!!

AnesBosna
AnesBosna
10 years ago

@Daniel, i can agree on that… i think she is kinda overrated by the peps 😐

Jordan
Jordan
10 years ago

8.4? I hope to God that’s the size of someone’s pecker and not the verdict from the Wiwi Jury…

Daniel
Daniel
10 years ago

Im sorry but people only like this song because of My Number One and that she’s won eurovision