Despina Vandi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Despina Vandi
Background information
Native name	Δέσποινα Βανδή
Birth name	Despina Malea
Born	(1969-07-22) 22 July 1969 (age 56) Tübingen, West Germany
Origin	Kavala, Greece
Genres	Laïko pop pop rock dance-pop eurodance
Occupation(s)	Singer actress
Years active	1993–present
Labels	Heaven Music The Spicy Effect Minos EMI Escondida Music
Associated acts	Phoebus

Despina Malea (born July 22, 1969), known as Despina Vandi, is a famous Greek singer. She was born in Tübingen, Germany. When she was six years old, her family moved back to Kavala, Greece.

In the early 1990s, Despina Vandi moved to Athens. She signed with Minos EMI and released her first two albums. These were Gela Mou (1994) and Esena Perimeno (1996). Later, she started working closely with the songwriter and producer Phoebus. This partnership brought her great success. Her third album, Deka Endoles (1997), sold very well. Then came Profities (1999), which sold millions of copies. She became known for her pop stage style and was one of the top artists in Greek pop music.

Her song "Ipofero" (2000) became the best-selling single ever in Greece. After Phoebus left Minos EMI, Vandi joined him at a new music label called Heaven Music. There, she released Gia (2001). This album became her biggest success and one of the best-selling albums in Greece and Cyprus. Vandi also released the album internationally. The song "Gia" even reached number one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Airplay chart. This made her the first Greek artist to top a Billboard chart.

She continued her success with Stin Avli Tou Paradeisou (2004). This album also sold millions of copies. In 2007, she released 10 Hronia Mazi, celebrating ten years of working with Phoebus. Her eighth studio album, C'est La Vie, followed. In 2012, she released Allaxa, which also sold very well.

Despina Vandi has won many awards. These include three Arion Music Awards and ten MAD Video Music Awards. She also won a World Music Award, being the first Greek artist living in Greece to do so. In 2010, Alpha TV said she was the fourth top-selling Greek female artist since 1960. She had 11 platinum or multi-platinum records and three gold records. By 2007, she had sold one million records in Greece. Because of her huge success, people often call her the "queen" of Greek music. From 2013 to 2015, she was a coach on The Voice of Greece. She was also a judge on Rising Star in 2016.

Life and Music Career

Early Albums (1994–1996)

Despina Vandi's first album, Gela Mou (Smile at Me), came out in 1994. It featured the title song "Gela Mou" and a duet called To Adieksodo (No Way Out) with singer Giannis Parios. Both songs were written by Vassilis Karras.

In 1996, she released her next album, Esena Perimeno (You're The One I'm Waiting For). Songs like Esena Perimeno and Efiges were popular. Most of the songs were written by her friend Tony Kontaxakis. Her first two albums were somewhat successful, selling around 10,000 to 27,000 copies together.

Working with Phoebus and Big Success (1997–1999)

In 1997, Vandi's career really took off when she started working with the famous songwriter Phoebus. Phoebus wrote all the songs for her album Deka Entoles (Ten Commandments). This album sold 100,000 copies in Greece and became a huge hit. Her partnership with Phoebus became very important in Greek music. They worked together for over ten years.

In 1998, Vandi released the single "Spania," which also sold very well. She also tried acting, appearing in the TV show "Dio Xeni" (Two Strangers). She played a singer and received good reviews for her acting.

Vandi's next album, Profities (Prophecies), came out in 1999. It sold a lot of copies very quickly. It became a triple platinum album, selling 150,000 copies. Popular songs from this album included "Apapa" and "To Giatriko." Later that year, Vandi performed her first big solo concert at Lycabettus, with 7,000 fans watching.

Joining Heaven Music and International Fame (2000–2004)

In 2000, Despina Vandi released the single Ipofero (I Suffer). This single sold 150,000 copies and became the best-selling single of all time in Greece. She even received an award from Richard Branson of Virgin in London.

In 2001, Despina Vandi and Phoebus joined Heaven Music, a new record label. Vandi's next album, Gia (meaning "Hi"), was a double album with 21 new songs. It sold millions of copies in just 11 days and became one of the best-selling albums ever in Greece. Many songs from Gia became hits in Greece and other countries like Cyprus and Turkey. Vandi also gave a free concert in Thessaloniki for over 60,000 people.

At the 2002 World Music Awards, Vandi was named the "Best Selling Greek Artist" in the world. She was the first Greek artist living in Greece to win this award. She thanked her fans, saying, "I dedicate this award to all the Greeks who have supported me with their love all these years."

After Gia became so popular, Despina released a single called "Ante Gia" (Goodbye) in 2002. This single also sold very well. Gia and "Ante Gia" were later released together as a special "Collector's Edition."

Live Performances and Global Reach (2003–2004)

In 2003, a double album called "Despina Vandi Live" was released. It featured songs from her concerts across Greece. The album included her biggest hits and covers of songs by other artists. It also had two new songs. This album sold over 60,000 copies.

Because Gia was so successful, some of her songs became popular in other countries. Vandi decided to try for an international career in 2003. Her first three international songs, "Gia" (2003), "Opa Opa" (2004), and "Come Along Now" (2005), became popular worldwide.

"Gia" and "Opa Opa" appeared on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play and Hot Dance Airplay charts in the US. "Gia" even reached number one for two weeks on the Hot Dance Airplay chart. "Gia" also hit number one on major radio stations in the US and on the Club Charts in Great Britain. It became the number one dance song of the year in many countries. "Opa Opa" also reached number one in Russia, Turkey, and Australia. In October 2004, Despina Vandi performed four sold-out concerts in New York, Atlantic City, Chicago, and Toronto.

The song "Come Along Now" was the second best-selling single in Russia. Vandi also appeared on the international TV show Top of the Pops, performing "Gia." Famous DJs and producers from around the world have remixed Vandi's music. Her albums Gia and Opa Opa were even named "Records of The Week" on BBC Radio 1. In August 2004, Despina performed live at the Beatstock Festival in New York.

Return with Stin Avli tou paradeisou (2004–2006)

Vandi performing live in Thessaloniki, 2007.

Vandi's next studio album, Stin Avli Tou Paradisou (In The Garden of Paradise), was released in late 2004. It sold millions of copies by 2005.

A special edition of the album was released with five new songs, including "Amane," a duet with Giorgos Mazonakis. This special edition was released in many countries. In Turkey, the album reached number two on the charts, and a Turkish newspaper called Despina Vandi the "Queen of Greek Pop." For the winter season of 2005–2006, Vandi performed at Rex with Giorgos Mazonakis. In July 2006, Despina gave a concert in Athens, singing many of her popular songs.

Despina Vandi released the single "Kalanta" (Carols) in Greece in November 2006. It quickly sold millions of copies. The music video for "Kalanta" came out in December, followed by the video for her next hit, "Mehri Mai Mina" (Till The Month of May). Vandi and Mazonakis worked together again for the winter season of 2006–2007. She performed her last show at the Rex Music Theater in February 2007, ending seven years of performances there. Due to her pregnancy, Vandi did not plan any summer concerts in 2007. On August 21, 2007, she gave birth to her son, Giorgos.

Celebrating 10 Years and New Music (2007–2008)

On October 10, 2007, Vandi released her new song "Thelo" (I Want). This marked her 10th year of working with Phoebus. The song was number one on Greece's radio charts for eight weeks. The second song from the album, "10 Hronia Mazi" (10 Years Together), was released in November 2007. It was a rock ballad celebrating her partnership with Phoebus.

The album 10 Hronia Mazi was released in December 2007. It had fifteen new songs and quickly sold millions of copies. For the winter season of 2007–2008, Vandi performed with Vasilis Karras.

In March 2008, Vandi released "Agapi" (Love), the third song from the album. In April 2008, "Fantasou Apla" (Simply Imagine) was released.

Vandi also sang on the album Sehnsucht by the German electronic music group Schiller. She provided vocals for the song "Destiny" in early 2008. She performed this song with Schiller at the MAD Video Music Awards in June 2008, where she won "Best Female Artist."

In June 2008, the album 10 Hronia Mazi was re-released as 10 Hronia Mazi: It's Destiny, including the song "Destiny" with Schiller.

Vandi was part of the Global One music project. She recorded in Beijing with Chinese pop star Wei-Wei and Brazilian singer Daniela Mercury. This project aimed to bring artists from different countries together to promote their music globally.

In late 2008, Vandi started an international tour. She performed sold-out concerts in Australia and charity concerts in Cyprus. In May 2009, she toured the United States and Canada. After her US tour, she toured Greece with the group Goin' Through.

New Label and C'est La Vie (2009–2011)

Vandi performing at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut during her 2009 North American tour.

In June 2009, Vandi returned with the pop-rock song Iparhi Zoi (There's Still Life). This song was also written by Phoebus. She performed it at the Mad Video Music Awards. In June, Despina started her Long Hot Summer Tour in Thessaloniki. This tour had 32 sold-out concerts and sold 150,000 tickets. It was the most successful tour of 2009.

After her songwriter Phoebus left Heaven Music, Vandi also decided to leave. In November 2009, she signed with Phoebus's new record label, The Spicy Effect.

In December, Vandi started performing at club Politia in Thessaloniki. Heaven Music released a collection of her hits from 2001–2009. Vandi later performed at Thalassa People's Stage. In March, she appeared on Chart Show, where she was ranked as the 4th best-selling Greek female singer.

In 2010, Vandi released her new song, "Koritsi Prama" (Girl Thing). This pop song was the first release from The Spicy Effect label. The music video was filmed in March. She released "Koritsi Prama, Part 2" two months later.

Despina Vandi's new album, C'est La Vie, was released in June 2010 with a newspaper. It sold over 100,000 copies. In June, Vandi performed at the MAD Video Music Awards, singing her new song "Kommati Ap' Tin Kardia Sou" (Piece of Your Heart). The music video for this song showed a "rock side" of Vandi. The third song from the album, "Erota Theli I Zoi" (Life Needs Love), was released in September. The music video was filmed on the Greek island of Hydra.

The German band Schiller, who had worked with Vandi before, released a new song with her vocals called Sunday. This song was included in their album Breathless and also on Vandi's album C'est La Vie.

Vandi was also the first artist to take part in the MTV Unplugged concert series for MTV Greece. The concert took place in June. She then went on tour around Greece with Elli Kokkinou. After successful concerts, Vandi performed in London in October. She later performed at the music venue VOX. In June 2011, Despina Vandi performed "Gi' Alli Mia Fora" (For One More Time) at the Mad Video Music Awards.

Allaxa and TV Appearances (2012–2014)

In November 2011, Vandi released a digital song called "Mou 'His Perasi" (You've Got Me), to promote her new album. The music was by Gavrilis Mosas and the lyrics by Phoebus. The music video was also released that month. Another digital song, "Girismata" (Turns), followed. In late 2011, Vandi started performing at the nightclub FEVER with Elli Kokkinou and Nikos Ikonomopoulos.

In 2012, the album Allaxa (I Changed) was released. This album marked Vandi's return to a more traditional Greek music style. It included songs by other songwriters besides Phoebus. The album sold millions of copies and brought Vandi more success with hits like Mou 'His Perasi, Girismata, and To nisi (The Island), whose music video was filmed on Skiathos island.

Despina Vandi has been asked many times to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest, but she never accepted. In January 2013, the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) and MAD TV announced that Despina Vandi would host the national final to choose Greece's Eurovision song, along with actor Giorgos Kapoutzidis. They hosted the event again in 2014.

From 2013 to 2015, Vandi was one of the four coaches on The Voice of Greece. The winner of the first season, Maria Elena Kyriakou, was on Vandi's team.

In 2013, Despina's digital song Hano Esena (I'm Losing You), produced by Dimitris Kontopoulos, was released. It was very popular and stayed at the top of the radio charts for 10 weeks.

In December 2014, Vandi released her album De Me Stamatises (You Didn't Stop Me). This was her first album since 1997 where none of the songs were written by Phoebus. She worked with other songwriters like Dimitris Kontopoulos. The first three songs from the album, Kalimera, Ola allazoun, and Kane kati, were released after she returned to Heaven Music.

New Albums, TV, and Musicals (2016–2022)

The album Afti Ine I Diafora Mas (This Is Our Difference) was released in October 2016 by Heaven Music. Vandi worked with various songwriters again. Her eleventh album included songs like 'Mia Anasa Makria Sou' (One Breath Away From You) and 'O,ti Thes Geniete Tora' (Whatever You Want Is Born Now).

Besides her music, Vandi also starred in the Greek version of the musical Mamma Mia!, playing the role of Donna. Her performance was very well-received. Mamma Mia! toured Greece in 2018 and had 300 shows, selling over 100,000 tickets in two years. Vandi continued her musical career in "To Diko Mas Cinema" (Our Own Cinema) in 2019. This show was also a big success. Inspired by the musical, she released the album "To Diko Mou Cinema" (My Own Cinema) in 2019, which included covers of songs from popular Greek films from the 1960s and 1970s.

In 2019, she produced and hosted the travel show "My Greece." In this show, Vandi visits different Greek towns and villages, showing their traditions, culture, local food, and history. "My Greece" is currently in its third season.

As of October 2022, she was part of Barking Well Media. She hosted several shows there, including Chart Show, Just the 2 of Us, The X Factor, and My Greece.

In 2024, she worked with rap artist Mente Fuerte. Their song "Panselinos" reached number one on the Official IFPI Airplay Chart. The song also sold very well digitally.

Personal Life

Despina Vandi's family is from Kavala, Greece. They moved there when she was six. She has an older brother and an older sister. Growing up, she dreamed of being an actress or singer. She studied psychology, philosophy, and education at the University of Thessaloniki. When she first started singing, she used the stage name "Elli Mara" to keep it a secret from her parents. Later, she chose the name "Vandi."

From 2003 to 2021, Vandi was married to Demis Nikolaidis, a former soccer player. They have two children: a daughter named Melina (born February 2004) and a son named Giorgos (born August 2007).

Since 2021, Vandi has been in a relationship with Greek actor Vasilis Bisbikis [el].

In August 2008, Vandi was in a car accident in Kifissia, Greece. The car she was in, driven by her chauffeur, slipped on oil and crashed. Vandi only had a cut on her head and received stitches.

Awards and Nominations

Discography

Studio Albums

• Gela Mou (1994)
• Esena Perimeno (1996)
• Deka Endoles (1997)
• Profities (1999)
• Gia (2001)
• Despina Vandi Live (2003)
• Stin Avli Tou Paradeisou (2004)
• 10 Hronia Mazi (2007)
• C'est La Vie (2010)
• Allaksa (2012)
• De Me Stamatises (2014)
• Afti Ine I Diafora Mas (2016)
• To Diko Mou Cinema (2019)
• Sta dosa ola (2020)

Extended Plays

• Ipofero (2000)
• Ante Gia (2002)
• Come Along Now (2004)
• Kalanta (2006)
• Ola Ksanarhizoune M' Emena (2022)

Singles

• Spania (1998)
• Gia (2003)
• Opa Opa (2004)

Tours

Concert Tours

• 1999 Summer Tour
• 2001 Summer Tour
• 2002 Summer Tour
• 2003 Summer Tour
• North American Tour (2004)
• 2005 Summer Tour
• 2006 Summer Tour
• 2008 Summer Tour
• Together Through Summer: Long Hot Summer Tour (2009)
• 2010 Summer Tour
• 2017 Summer Tour

Filmography

Television Shows

Commercials

Theatrical Plays

See also

In Spanish: Despina Vandi para niños

• Number-one dance airplay hits of 2004 (U.S.)
• List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. dance airplay chart
• Hot Dance Airplay
• List of artists featured on MTV Unplugged