Helena Paparizou. Eurovision Song Contest 2005 Winner

Helena Paparizou. Eurovision Song Contest 2005 Winner (21 May)

Greece has won the 50th Eurovision song contest in Kiev as singer Helena Paparizou thrashed the competition, triumphing over contestants from 23 other countries with her song "My Number One."

The news was greeted with scenes of joys in Athens, where hundreds of people celebrated on the streets of the Greek capital.

Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko, who attended the songfest with his family, handed Paparizou the Eurovision award.

Clad in a short golden dress, Paparizou, who was born and raised in Sweden, gave an energetic performance which included elements of a traditional Greek national dance.

Paparizou, who was elected by television viewers from 39 countries, won with 230 points, 38 points ahead of Malta's Chiara, who placed second with the song "Angel."

Via AFP

Helena Paparizou was born to Greek parents Volos and Karditsa in Sweden where she grew up. Helena's artistic talents and eagerness to excel very early became apparent, and she was soon involved in singing, dancing and acting. As she wanted to develop her talents, Helena began her training in these arts even while she was still at school.

In December 2003, she released her first single as a solo artist, "Anapandeetes Klisis" (Missed Calls), a song that was written especially for her by famous singer and songwriter, Christos Dantis. Quite naturally, "Anapandeetes Klisis" became a major hit and remained at the top of airplay charts as well as the sales charts for a very long time, reaching gold status.

During the winter season of 2003-2004, Helena appeared beside one of Greece's biggest male singers, Antonis Remos, at Studio Pireos night club. In spring 2004, she released her first personal album "Protereotita" (Priorities) from which "Antithesis", "Anamnisis", "Katse Kala" and "Stin kardia mou mono thlipsi" became major hits. Her major success brought her to Fever music night club for the winter season 2004-2005 alongside of Sakis Rouvas and Giorgos Mazonakis.

Spikes on Eurovision at Buzz Yahoo. Queries on Eurovision were up 169% over the weekend and the cheesy contest jumped into our top 200 searches. We also noted search spikes on "Eurovision Song Contest" (+127%) and Eurovision 2005 (+105%) following the crowning of this year's champ.

Helena Paparizou Official Website

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