Twenty years ago today, Greece celebrated its victory at the Eurovision Song Contest. Just days after Greece’s sixth-place finish with Klaudia’s song “Asteromata” in the 69th edition, we commemorate two decades since the triumph of “My Number One” by Helena Paparizou, who captured the hearts of Europe.
On May 21, 2005, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Paparizou claimed first place at Eurovision, marking Greece’s historic win in the competition. She performed alongside four dancers, whose choreographed moves perfectly complemented the upbeat rhythm of the song. While the track was primarily in English, strong Greek influences shone through, particularly in the Pontic dance and the lyra that Helena mimicked while being lifted by her dancers.
Catch Helena Paparizou’s performance from the Eurovision 2005 Grand Final
At just 23 years old, Helena entranced the audience with her vibrant stage presence and stunning gold Roberto Cavalli dress. The song’s music was composed by Christos Dantis, with lyrics by Natalia Germanou, paired with Fokas Evangelinos’ choreography, capturing the public’s admiration. Helena delivered a spectacular performance in the grand final, standing out among her peers and delighting both international and Greek viewers—on a night that coincidentally fell on her name day.
After a lengthy and suspenseful voting process, Paparizou garnered 230 points, ultimately securing 1st place in the 50th Eurovision Song Contest. When the results were revealed, celebrations erupted in Athens and across Greece, reminiscent of the jubilation following the country’s victory at Euro 2004 in Portugal the year before.
Helena Paparizou Reflects on the Victory
The Swedish-born singer, of Greek heritage, has shared her experiences leading up to the grand final and the emotions that came with winning:
Her Initial Eurovision Experience
However, 2005 and “My Number One” was not Paparizou’s debut at Eurovision. In 2001, she performed as part of the duo Antique, alongside Nikos Panagiotidis, delivering the song “(I Would) Die for You.” This entry featured both Greek and English lyrics infused with traditional Greek musical elements, much like “My Number One” several years later.
Their performance in Copenhagen, Denmark, was well-received, securing 3rd place with 147 points—Greece’s best result at that time. This success significantly raised the group’s profile in Greece and propelled their careers forward.
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