Our Greek-Swedish Queen Helena Paparizou is remembered in Eurovision history for the sultry dance-pop banger “My Number One”, which won Eurovision way back in 2005. 14 years later, “My Number One” still fills the dance floor at Euroclub. But recently Helena brought back her other Eurovision hit.
Helena’s less-remembered, but nonetheless iconic, first Eurovision anthem is “Die For You”, which achieved third place in back 2001. She performed as part of the Greek-Swedish duo Antique, alongside fellow Greek Swede Nikos Panagiotidis.
The vintage Eurovision gods are smiling upon us, as the pair reunited in Sweden on last week to perform their greatest hits at a We Love The 90s concert. Helena announced the performance over Instagram, citing Antique’s 20-year anniversary as the reason for their reunion.
The performance was Antique’s first in 16 years, and for their Swedish audience, it was worth the wait. They were treated to renditions of not only “My Number One” and “Die For You”, but Antique’s debut single “Opa Opa”, which was the first Greek-language single to enter the Swedish top five.
Antique’s reunion may not be as fleeting as their fans may fear, as the pair crossed paths again at the Super Music Awards in Cyprus, when Nikos Panagiotidis — the male half of Antique — presented Helena with the award for Best Female Adult artist.
Antique’s performance has left us pondering two key questions. Number one: Is Helena Paparizou ageless? Number two: Is the pair gearing up for another attempt at the Eurovision crown?
Helena already tried her hand at Melodifestivalen back in 2014, placing fourth with “Survivor”, so perhaps she’s ready to take to the Melodifestivalen stage once again? Of course, after Greece’s disappointing finish at Eurovision this year, the Greeks may be ready to call on Helena, who remains the only Eurovision winner for Greece to this day.
What do you think? Would you like to see more performances from Antique, or should the duo remain firmly in the past decade? Let us know in the comments!
die for you is one of the best songs in esc history and miles ahead of my number one. i wish she had won with that song instead !
<3 Elena Paparizou! She’s shown that she can handle almost any genre; pop, rock, laïka, dance – she delivers!
The 15th anniversary of Helena’s victory at the contest is next year, so who knows maybe she gets involved in the Eurovision next year. It would be so awesome!
Also, are you gonna post an article about JESC? The list of countries came out today: 19 countries, Spain returns, Azerbaijan and Israel are out.
Should have won in 2001 hands down. What was Europe thinking with that horrible Estonian song?
Seriously there must have been some Baltic conspiracy in 2001 and 2002. 2001 had an epic Greece and very good Denmark. 2002 had an epic France and very good UK/Malta.
Estonia and Latvia’s songs were laughable these years. I still don’t understand it.
I hear Antique’s music on Swedish radio on a daily basis, 20 years later! They’re so appreciated. Opa Opa, Die For You, Moro Mou and Follow Me are so iconic.
Helena keeps either teasing a Eurovision return or actively taking part in a selection show like Melodifestivalen, so maybe the time is right to see her on the Eurovision stage again.
How epic would it be, if Helena would return 15 years after her win (2005-2020). Please, Greece, make this happen <3
Greece, Sweden, or Cyprus even.
WHAT??? She is awarded as the Best Female Adult Singer in Greece and Cyprus almost every single year. Whenever she realises a new song, it proves successful.
what? Her latest singles have topped Greek Charts: with An me deis na kleo being her most viewed song of her career => and this song was released 13 years after her Eurovision Victory (over 30 million views). Her latest single Askopa Xenitia is currently 5th on Greek Charts and has over 4.5 million views!
Also… it takes ONE, not two, but ONE song to win the contest.
Helena is aging well. Like fine wine.
Nikos isn’t doing badly either.