Helena Paparizou facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helena Paparizou
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| Έλενα Παπαρίζου | |
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Helena Paparizou
31 January 1982 Borås, Sweden
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| Years active | 1999–present |
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Works
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| Spouse(s) |
Andreas Kapsalis
(m. 2015–2025) |
| Awards | Full list |
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Helena Paparizou (Greek: Έλενα Παπαρίζου; born 31 January 1982) is a famous Greek singer and television star. She was born and grew up in Sweden, but her parents were from Greece. Helena started her music career in Sweden in 1999.
She was part of a music duo called Antique with her friend Nikos Panagiotidis. They sang a mix of Greek folk music (laïko) and Eurodance. The group released five albums between 1999 and 2003. They also represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2001.
Antique broke up in 2003, and Helena started her solo career. She signed with Sony Music. Her first solo song was "Anapandites Kliseis", which came out before her album Protereotita (2004). Her music style focused on laïko, pop, and dance sounds.
In 2005, she represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 again, this time as a solo artist. Her song "My Number One" won the contest for Greece for the very first time! This made her very famous. She tried to make music in English to reach more countries, and her songs did well in some places abroad.
Her next three albums, Iparhi Logos (2006), The Game of Love (2006), and Vrisko To Logo Na Zo (2008), all reached number one in Greece and sold a lot of copies. Her fifth album, Giro Apo T' Oneiro (2010), also sold very well.
Helena left Sony Music in 2011. Since 2013, she has been with Minos EMI and Universal Music. In 2017, she released a huge hit called An Me Dis Na Kleo with Anastasios Rammos. This song has been viewed millions of times online.
Helena Paparizou has released 10 studio albums in total. Besides singing, she also became a TV star in the 2010s. She was a judge on Dancing on Ice (2011) and a contestant on Let's Dance (2012). Since 2016, Helena has been a judge on The Voice of Greece.
She has won many awards, including three Arion Music Awards, a European Border Breakers Award, 35 MAD Video Music Awards, and an MTV Europe Music Award. In 2010, a TV channel called Alpha TV said she was the 14th most successful Greek female artist since 1960. She was the most successful new female artist of the 2000s. In 2010, Forbes magazine listed her as one of the most powerful celebrities in Greece.
Contents
Early Life and First Steps in Music
Helena Paparizou was born on 31 January 1982 in Borås, Sweden. She grew up in Örgryte, Gothenburg. She is the youngest child of Greek parents, Georgios and Efrosynë Paparizou. Her parents were from the Karditsa region in Greece. Helena has a sister named Aretë (Rita) and a brother named Konstantinos (Dinos).
In 1985, her family moved back to Greece for two years because Helena had asthma. The cold weather in Sweden was not good for her lungs. After two years, she was better, and the family returned to Sweden. Because of this trip, Helena spoke Greek as her first language. She went to a Greek-language school in Sweden.
Helena first sang for a Greek audience when she was eleven years old. She sang "Moro Mou" by Christos Dantis. Two years later, she decided she wanted to be a singer and started studying Greek music. When she was fourteen, Helena formed her first group, Soul Funkomatic, with three other teenagers. They played hip hop music and saved money to record songs. The group broke up after two years. After a difficult time when she lost some friends, Helena decided to focus on singing. She also studied theater, acting, television, and directing at the Art Performing School.
Career Highlights
1999–2003: The Antique Years
In 1999, some friends of Helena's brother asked her to record a demo of the song "Opa Opa". Helena wanted to sing it with her childhood friend Nikos Panagiotidis. Record producers were looking for a male/female duo to sing Greek songs. They contacted Helena, and she suggested Nikos.
The pair formed the group Antique and signed with Bonnier Music. They chose the name "Antique" because it sounded "classical" and "timeless." Their first song, "Opa Opa," became a hit in Sweden and Norway. It was the first time a song sung in Greek reached the top five in Sweden. Their other songs like "Dinata Dinata" and "Follow Me" also did well in Sweden.
In 2001, Antique entered the Greek national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. They sang "(I Would) Die for You" and won the competition. They went to the 2001 Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen. Their song came in third place, which was the highest Greece had ever placed at that time. This success made Antique very popular in Greece. They released four albums and toured in Europe and North America. After a while, Helena and Nikos decided to try solo careers. Helena said the split was not forever, and they just wanted to try new things.
2003–2005: Solo Success and Eurovision Win
In late 2003, Helena signed a solo record deal with Sony Music. She released her first solo single, "Anapandites Kliseis", which quickly became number one in Greece and sold very well. In 2004, the music video for "Anapandites Kliseis" won an award for Best Dance Video. Helena also performed the song as a duet with its writer, Christos Dantis.
On 27 June 2004, Helena released her first solo album, Protereotita. Songs like "Anditheseis" and "Katse Kala" were released as singles. The album helped Helena win her first award for Best Female Pop Singer.
Helena moved to Greece permanently in 2004. After a long process, she was chosen to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The song "My Number One" was chosen for her to sing.
Helena used the name "Helena" for her Eurovision appearance to stand out. She toured Europe to promote her song. She was also made an ambassador for the Greek Ministry of Tourism to help promote Greece.
On 21 May 2005, Helena Paparizou won the Eurovision Song Contest! This was the first time Greece had ever won. Her performance received 230 points and the top 12 points from ten countries. Her win caused huge celebrations in Athens. When she returned home, she was congratulated by government officials. Helena's Eurovision victory made her a huge music star and gave her international fame.
After her win, Helena toured Europe. She also toured North America and Australia with Nikos Kourkoulis, performing for Greek communities. In November 2005, Helena released a new song called "Mambo!". It was number one on the Greek Singles Chart for 10 weeks and became her most successful single to date.
2006–2010: New Albums and Tours
In April 2006, Helena released her second album, Iparhi Logos. It was very popular. The album reached number one in Greece and Cyprus. In February 2007, the album was re-released with new songs, including "Mazi Sou" and "Min Fevgeis".
On 20 May 2006, Helena opened the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 in Athens with "My Number One" and "Mambo!". Her song "Heroes" was the official song for the 2006 European Athletics Championships in Gothenburg.
Helena released her first English-language album, The Game of Love, on 25 October 2006. It was released in 14 countries and reached number one in Greece and Cyprus.
In 2007, Helena became a spokesperson for Nokia Greece. She also released the song "To Fili Tis Zois" for a film soundtrack. This song was number one for five weeks and became one of her most successful radio hits.
Helena released her fourth album, Vrisko To Logo Na Zo, on 12 June 2008. Songs like "Pirotehnimata" and "I Kardia Sou Petra" were popular. For this album, Helena showed a more rock-inspired image, different from her usual pop style. The album quickly became number one in Greece and sold very well.
Helena went on her first national tour, To Party Arhizei Tour, from July to September 2009. She performed for many people across Greece.
In 2010, Helena's fifth album, Giro Apo T' Oneiro, was released. It included songs like "Tha 'Mai Allios" and "An Isouna Agapi". The album also sold very well and was certified platinum. Helena won an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Greek Act.
2011–2015: New Challenges and International Steps
In February 2011, Helena performed her new single "Baby It's Over" at a charity fashion music show. This song became her most successful single, topping the Greek charts for ten weeks. The song won awards for Female Artist of the Year and Fashion Icon of the Year.
Helena spent six months in Sweden with her family and friends. She wanted to restart her career in Sweden and try new things outside of music. She also thought about moving back to Sweden for good. She recorded a duet with Nana Mouskouri called "Dari Dari".
Helena made her TV debut as a judge on Dancing on Ice from November 2011 to January 2012. In early 2012, she was a contestant on the Swedish version of Let's Dance.
In December 2012, Helena released the single "Mr. Perfect". She performed it at the 2012 MADWalk. The song's video earned her awards for Female Artist and Track of the Year.
In early 2013, Helena signed a new deal with Universal Music Group. On 3 June 2013, she released her seventh album, Ti Ora Tha Vgoume?. It included singles like "Poso M'Aresei" and "Ena Lepto". She also released an English song called "Save Me (This Is an SOS)" in Sweden.
In February 2013, Helena performed as a guest at Greece's Eurovision national final. She sang "My Number One" and "Apres Toi" with Vicky Leandros. In May, she performed at the "Gabby Awards 2013" in Hollywood.
Helena performed at Melodifestivalen 2014, the event to choose Sweden's entry for Eurovision. She sang "Survivor" and reached the final, finishing in fourth place. On 26 March, her third English album, One Life, was released in Sweden. "Survivor" sold very well and was certified gold in Sweden.
In November and December 2014, Helena joined the Swedish Christmas Tour "Julgalan 2014". In February 2015, she released her Greek single Otan Aggeli Klene. She also performed at the Eurovision Greek Final.
On 23 May 2015, Helena was the spokesperson for Greece's points at Eurovision Song Contest 2015. She gave Greece's twelve points to Italy. In May, she performed "Angel" at the final of "Let's Dance" in Sweden. Helena also made her theater debut in the musical "Nine" as 'Saraghina'.
2016–Present: The Voice and New Music
In November 2015, Helena recorded her new song "Misi Kardia". The music video was released in February 2016. In March 2016, her song "Pou Pige Tosi Agapi" was part of the soundtrack for the American film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2".
From April to May 2016, she was a commentator on the Swedish TV show "Inför Eurovision Song Contest". Helena also performed at the "Euroclub" and "Eurovision Village" during the Eurovision Song Contest week.
Helena returned to the MAD Video Music Awards stage in 2016, performing her new single "Fiesta" and "You Are the Only One" with Sergey Lazarev.
Since November 2016, Helena Paparizou has been one of the coaches on The Voice of Greece. She has been a coach for many seasons of the show.
In April 2017, Helena released "Haide," her first song with Phoebus. She also released an EP called "Extended Summer 2017," which included her big hit "An Me Dis Na Kleo" with Anastasios Rammos. This song is her biggest hit so far.
In mid-2017, Helena toured Greece and Cyprus with Despina Vandi. In December, she released her sixth Greek album, Ouranio Toxo, which reached number one.
In January 2018, her new single "Etsi ki Etsi" was released. It became one of the most played songs by a female artist in Greece and Cyprus for 2018. An English version, "Totally Erased," was also released.
In summer 2018, Helena toured Greece and Cyprus with Anastasios Rammos. She also performed with Antonis Remos. Helena won two awards at the 2018 Mad Video Music Awards: Best Female Adult and Best Collaboration for "An me dis na kleo" with Anastasios Rammos. She is the most awarded artist at the Mad VMAs, with 26 awards.
In September 2018, Serhat released his song "Total Disguise" with Helena. In October, Helena returned as a coach for The Voice of Greece for the third year. Her new song "Kati Skoteino" was released in October and quickly became popular. Her album Ouranio Toxo was certified platinum. In December, Helena released a Christmas song called "Hristougenna Xana" (It is Christmas).
In 2019, Helena released "Askopa Xenihitia" and "Kalokairi Kai Pathos". She toured with Marinella, Makedonas, and Ivi Adamou. In April, Helena reunited with Nikos Panagiotidis in Sweden to celebrate 20 years of Antique.
In 2020, she released a duet with Sakis Rouvas called "Etsi Einai I Fasi" and the single "Mila Mou". Her seventh album, Apohrosis, was released on 29 January 2021. It included 13 songs with different music styles. In December 2020, she won the Best Female Adult award at the MAD Video Music Awards. In February 2021, she won Season 7 of The Voice of Greece as a mentor.
On 22 May 2021, Helena performed at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, as a special guest. In summer 2021, she toured to promote Apohrosis with Tamta. She also released an English song "Day and Night" with Magnus Carlsson.
In March 2022, Helena and Nikos Panagiotidis reunited as Antique after 19 years. They covered the song Ti Ti by Giorgos Alkaios. In summer, Antique performed at the 'We Who Love 90's' Festival in Sweden. Helena also started her summer tour in Greece. In April, Stelios Rokkos released a song featuring Helena called Kommatia.
In September 2022, Helena performed for the first time at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus with Marios Frangoulis. The 9th Season of The Voice of Greece started in September 2022 and finished in March 2023. In November 2022, Helena started performing at Votanikos with Giorgos Sabanis and Anastasia. Helena also released a new version of her 2004 hit song Katse Kala with Marseaux and Joanne.
For World Mental Health Day on October 10, UNICEF Greece and Helena Paparizou re-released the song The Light in Our Soul with a children's choir. This was to raise awareness about mental health. In November 2022, Helena performed My Number One at a big Eurovision party in Amsterdam. In December 2022, she released a new song called Fevgo.
In April 2023, Helena performed at a club in the USA for Greek-Americans. She also visited New York City. During summer 2023, she toured Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria. At the MAD VMA 2023, she performed a medley of hits with Eleni Foureira and won two awards. In June, her new dance-pop song Den Mou Ta Leei Kala was released. In September, she was invited to Anna Vissi's 50th anniversary concert in Cyprus as a guest.
In 2024, Helena gave a charity concert in Cyprus. In April, she released a new song called "Mavra Gialia" and a duet with Stavento called "Mono Gia Kini Min Mou Les". Helena was the spokesperson for the Greek jury in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. She also performed during the second semi-final of the contest.
In June 2024, Helena performed a concert in Canada. At the MAD Video Music Awards, she received the MAD ICON Award for her 20 years in music. She also performed "Mavra Gialia" and a remix of her hits. In summer, she started her 2024 European summer tour. In September, Helena performed at the EKO Acropolis Rally. In October, she returned as a coach for The Voice of Greece Season 10. She also released her new single "Update".
In February and March 2025, Helena performed with Konstantinos Christoforou in Cyprus. On her birthday, Helena co-hosted the Greek final for Eurovision Song Contest 2025 on ERT with Sakis Rouvas. She supported Klavdia's Greek entry, "Asteromata". On 21 May 2025, Greece celebrated the 20th anniversary of "My Number One" winning Eurovision.
In summer 2025, Helena is preparing for her summer tour. She will also be the opening act for Diana Ross at Kallimarmaro Stadium in Athens on July 16, 2025. She will perform classic soul songs. In June, she will do a tribute concert for Vasilis Karras. She is also nominated for a MAD VMA for Best Pop Song with "Update".
Helena is currently working on her 11th studio album, which is expected to be released in September 2025. The first song from the album is called "Kalinihta".
Musical Style and Performances
Influences and Music Themes
Helena has said that her parents were not musicians, but her grandmother inspired her to sing. Helena first listened to international music, especially musicals. Her musical roots are in traditional Greek music like laïko and rebetiko. As a child, she thought these styles were old-fashioned. As a teenager, she listened to many types of music, including R&B and soul.
Her biggest musical influences were female pop singers like Madonna, Céline Dion, Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, and Diana Ross. Later, she learned a lot from Paschalis Terzis, who helped her improve her singing. Helena has also said she was a big fan of the Eurovision Song Contest for many years before she took part.
During her solo career, Helena has changed her music style from laïko to pop and rock. Some people say she changes her style to follow trends, but she has always tried new sounds.
Helena's first solo album, Protereotita, focused on pop and laïko sounds, aiming for the club scene. Critics said it had a mix of Greek and Swedish influences. The album included R&B songs and unique sounds like "Katse Kala."
After her Eurovision win, Helena became even more popular as a pop singer. Critics praised her ability to sing pop and dance music well. They noted that she could create hits without needing very famous producers.
Helena's English album, The Game of Love, had a similar sound to Iparhi Logos. It included many styles like dance, hip hop, slow jams, and Latin music.
For her fourth album, Vrisko To Logo Na Zo, Helena used less laïko and more pop/rock sounds. Critics said the album was well-made and had a European feel. For Giro Apo T' Oneiro, she kept some rock influences but also added dance-pop, pop-folk, electronic, and lounge elements.
Helena has written songs on most of her albums. She also wrote lyrics for the Antique song "Why?". She often works with other songwriters. She made her first solo writing contribution with "Filarakia" on Giro Apo T' Oneiro.
Her album Ti Ora Tha Vgoume? (2013) had pop, ballads, and modern folk songs. Her English album One Life (2014) was pure pop. Ouranio Toxo (2017) was a mix of pop, dance, ballads, and folk, with 21 songs. In 2021, Apohrosis offered a mix of pop, folk, and 80s pop sounds. Her 2025 album Update explores R&B, pop, and ethnic elements.
Vocal Style
Helena Paparizou is a mezzo-soprano singer. Her voice has been described as "deep" and "dramatic." Critics often discuss whether laïko or pop music suits her voice best. Many Greek critics prefer her pop and dance songs, especially those in English. However, some Swedish critics believe she sounds better in Greek.
Some critics have noted that Helena's voice improved over time. Her album Vrisko To Logo Na Zo is considered to have some of her best vocal performances. Even when her songs are simple, Helena is known for bringing them to life with her strong delivery.
Public Image and Style
Fashion and Style
When she was with Antique, Helena had a simple, youthful look. After going solo, she changed to a more feminine and stylish image. She became known for wearing revealing clothes, like hot pants, which showed off her legs. She also wore mini-dresses and high heels.
For her album Vrisko To Logo Na Zo, Helena adopted a rock-inspired look. She wore dark clothes and makeup and had multiple piercings, including her nose and ears. Her makeup artist said Helena always helps decide her look and follows fashion trends. Helena herself says she avoids extreme fashion choices. She has worked with stylist Al Giga and designer Roberto Cavalli for her outfits.
Public Image
Helena Paparizou is often seen as the "Greek every-girl" or the "girl next door". This has made her a role model for teenagers. Her songs are often used by young people auditioning for music shows.
Helena is known for being open and friendly in interviews. She often laughs and tries to be likable, showing a "child-woman" image that is family-friendly. On TV, she is known for her frequent laughter.
Helena has spoken openly about her personal life and weight. She has been called an "anti-star" because she seems like an average person, not a distant celebrity. She believes her public image will always be that of the girl next door in Greece.
Helena has had promotional deals with brands like Skechers, Nokia, Organics Hair Care, and Ivi (a PepsiCo brand). Ivi chose her because she represents freshness, naturalness, and humor.
In 2008, Helena was talked about for gaining weight during a break from performing. She said she had gained 10 kg but had already lost 7 kg. She has said she often gains weight during breaks. Helena has expressed that she dislikes how the media focuses on her weight, stating, "I am a singer, not a model."
Awards and Achievements
On 14 March 2010, Alpha TV ranked Helena Paparizou as the 14th most successful female artist in Greek music history. She was the youngest artist on the list and the only one who became famous in the 2000s. In 2010, Forbes magazine listed her as the 21st most powerful celebrity in Greece and the fourth highest-ranked singer. She is considered the most successful female pop singer of the late 2000s.
Personal Life
Helena Paparizou once followed Buddhism but later chose Eastern Orthodoxy, believing it suited her better. She was in a long-term relationship with Toni Mavridis, who was also Swedish-born Greek.
Helena's father passed away suddenly in December 2008. Helena took a break from her performances to be with her family. After her father's passing, Helena experienced a period of sadness.
In October 2012, Helena started dating Andreas Kapsalis, a civil engineer. They got married in Sweden in mid-2015. They announced their separation in 2025.
Discography
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Studio albums
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with Antique
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Filmography
Television
| Title | Year | Role | Notes |
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| Ellinikos Telikos | 2001 | Herself / Contestant | As Antique Winner |
| Eurovision Song Contest | 2001 | Herself / Contestant | As Antique Greek entrant; 3rd place |
| Piatsa Kolonaki | 2004 | Herself / Guest star | Television acting debut |
| Taksidevontas Stin Stockholmi Me Tin Elena Paparizou | 2004 | Herself | Television special |
| Ellinikos Telikos | 2005 | Herself | Internal selection |
| Eurovision Song Contest | 2005 | Herself / Contestant | Greek entrant Winner |
| Congratulations: 50 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest | 2005 | Herself / Performer | Greek entrant 4th place |
| Melodifestivalen | 2006 | Herself / Performer | Interval act |
| Eurovision Song Contest | 2006 | Herself / Performer | Opening and interval act |
| European Border Breakers Award | 2007 | Herself / Performer | Interval act and award winner |
| Dancing on Ice |
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Herself / Judge | Season 1 of the Greek version of the Dancing on Ice |
| Melodifestivalen | 2012 | Herself / Performer | Interval act |
| Let's Dance | 2012 | Herself / Contestant | Season 7 of the Swedish version of the Strictly Come Dancing 9th place |
| Eurosong | 2013 | Herself / Performer | Interval acts in the Greek national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 |
| Melodifestivalen | 2014 | Herself / Contestant | 4th place |
| Eurosong | 2015 | Herself / Performer | Interval acts in the Greek national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 |
| Eurovision Song Contest | 2015 | Herself / Spokesperson | Greek spokesperson |
| Inför Eurovision Song Contest | 2016 | Herself / Commentator | Season 15 of the Swedish TV show |
| The Voice of Greece |
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Herself / Coach | Seasons 3-10 of the Greek version of The Voice |
| Junior Music Stars | 2016 | Herself / Guest mentor | |
| Het Grote Songfestivalfeest | 2019 | Herself | Video message |
| Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light | 2020 | Herself | Video appearance |
| Eurovision Song Contest | 2021 | Herself / Performer | Interval act in the final |
| Het Grote Songfestivalfeest | 2022 | Herself / Performer | Solo and as Antique |
| Eurovision Song Contest | 2024 | Herself / Performer / Spokesperson | Interval act in the second semi-final Greek spokesperson |
| Ethnikos Telikos | 2025 | Herself / Presenter | Host & interval act in the Greek final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 |
Theater
| Title | Year | Role | Notes |
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| Nine |
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Saraghina | Pantheon Theater |
Tours and Residencies
Concert Tours
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Headlining Tour
Promotional Tour
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Co-headlining Tour
Opening Act
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Concert Residencies
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Headlining Residency
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Co-headlining Residency – Primary Act
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Co-headlining Residency – Secondary Act
Opening Act
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Awards
Helena Paparizou has won many awards, including three Arion Music Awards, a European Border Breakers Award, 35 MAD Video Music Awards (more than any other artist!), and an MTV Europe Music Award.
See also
In Spanish: Helena Paparizou para niños
- Eurovision Song Contest winners discography
- List of Eurovision Song Contest winners
- List of Greeks
- List of number-one singles (Sweden)
- List of Swedes
- Music of Italy
- Schlager
