Helena Paparizou facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Helena Paparizou
Έλενα Παπαρίζου
Paparizou in 2022
Born	Έλενα Παπαρίζου (1982-01-31) 31 January 1982 (age 43) Borås, Sweden
Occupation	Singer Songwriter Television personality
Years active	1999–present
Works	Discography
Spouse(s)	Andreas Kapsalis ​ (m. 2015)​
Partner(s)	Toni Mavridis (1999–2010)
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Genres	Pop Pop rock Laïko Dance-pop Electronica
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Sony Music (2003–2012) Capitol Music (2013–2017) Minos EMI (2013–present) Universal Music Group (2013–present)

Helena Paparizou (born January 31, 1982) is a famous Greek singer, songwriter, and TV 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 duo called Antique with her friend Nikos Panagiotidis. They sang a mix of Greek folk music (called laïko) and Eurodance.

Antique released five albums between 1999 and 2003. They even represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2001 and came in third place! In 2003, Antique decided to go their separate ways. Helena then signed a solo music deal with Sony Music. Her first solo song was "Anapandites Kliseis". This came out before her first album, Protereotita, in 2004. Her music style then focused on laïko, pop, and dance sounds.

In 2005, Helena represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 again. This time, she sang "My Number One". She won the contest, bringing Greece its first-ever Eurovision victory! After this, Helena tried to make her music popular outside Greece with English songs. 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.

Besides singing, Helena also became a TV personality in the 2010s. She was a judge on Dancing on Ice (2011) and a contestant on Let's Dance (2012). Since 2016, she has been a judge on The Voice of Greece. Helena 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, Forbes magazine listed her as one of the most powerful and important celebrities in Greece.

Helena Paparizou's Early Life

Helena Paparizou was born on January 31, 1982, in Borås, Sweden. She was the youngest child of Greek parents. Her parents were from the Karditsa area in Thessaly, Greece. Helena has an older sister, Rita, and a brother, Dinos.

In 1985, her family moved back to Greece for two years. This was because Helena had asthma, and the cold weather in Sweden was not good for her lungs. After two years, she was healthy enough to return to Gothenburg, Sweden. Because of this trip, Helena learned to speak Greek as her first language. She went to a Greek-language school in Sweden. Helena still has some breathing problems and sometimes needs an inhaler when she performs.

Helena first sang in front of a Greek audience when she was eleven. She sang "Moro Mou" by Christos Dantis. Two years later, she decided she wanted to be a singer and started learning about Greek music. By the time she was fourteen, Helena formed her first group, Soul Funkomatic, with three other teenagers. They played hip hop music. They saved money to record songs, but the group broke up after two years.

A sad event happened on October 29, 1998. Thirteen of Helena's close friends died in a nightclub fire in Gothenburg. Sixty-three people died in total, and over two hundred were hurt. Helena had wanted to go to the party but her mother did not let her. After losing her friends, Helena thought about giving up singing. Instead, she decided to study theater, acting, TV, and directing at the Art Performing School.

Helena's Music Journey

Starting with Antique (1999–2003)

In 1999, some DJ friends of Helena's brother asked her to sing a demo of the song "Opa Opa". The song was written from a male point of view, so Helena asked her childhood friend Nikos Panagiotidis to sing with her. Record producers were looking for a male/female duo to sing Greek songs. They contacted Helena, and she suggested Nikos.

The two formed the group Antique. They chose the name "Antique" because it sounded "classical" and "timeless." Their first song, "Opa Opa," became a big hit in Sweden and Norway. It was the first time a Greek song 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". They won the competition and 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 much more known in Greece. They released four albums and toured in Europe and North America. After a while, Helena and Nikos decided to try solo careers. They said it was a mutual decision and they planned to reunite later.

Solo Career and Eurovision Win (2003–2005)

In late 2003, Helena signed a solo record deal with Sony Music. Her first solo song, "Anapandites Kliseis", 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.

On June 27, 2004, Helena released her first solo album, Protereotita. Songs like "Anditheseis" and "Katse Kala" became popular singles. The album won Helena her first award for Best Female Pop Singer.

Paparizou performing in Chicago in September 2005

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 promoted herself as "Helena" for Eurovision 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 May 21, 2005, Helena Paparizou won the Eurovision Song Contest! This was Greece's first win ever. Her performance received 230 points, with ten countries giving her the top 12 points. Her win caused huge celebrations in Athens. When she returned home, she was congratulated by the Prime Minister and other government officials. Helena's Eurovision victory made her a huge star and gave her international fame. She performed at the birthday party of Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden.

After her Eurovision win, Helena toured Europe. She also toured North America and Australia. Her album Protereotita was re-released and sold even more copies, becoming a double Platinum album in Greece. It was also released in some European countries as My Number One.

In November 2005, Helena released a new song called "Mambo!". It became number one in Greece for 10 weeks and is one of her most successful songs. She won several awards for her songs in 2006, including Artist of the Year for "Mambo!".

New Albums and International Steps (2006–2007)

In January 2006, Helena and 24 other artists recorded a charity song called "Eho Ti Dinami" to support the Greek Cancer Society. On April 12, Helena released her second album, Iparhi Logos, in Greece. It was very popular and reached number one in Greece and Cyprus, selling many copies.

In February 2007, the album was re-released as Iparhi Logos: Platinum Edition. It included her number one hit "Mazi Sou" and "Fos" from the Barbie kai I Dodeka Vasilopoules movie soundtrack. On May 20, 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.

Paparizou performing with Paschalis Terzis at Iera Odos in 2006.

Helena released her first English album, The Game of Love, on October 25, 2006. It was released in 14 countries. This album also reached number one in Greece and Cyprus. "Teardrops" was the first song released from this album in Greece.

In 2007, Helena became a spokesperson for Nokia Greece. She also released the song "To Fili Tis Zois" for a movie soundtrack. This song stayed at number one for five weeks and was one of her most successful radio hits.

Rock-Inspired Sound (2008–2010)

Helena released her fourth album, Vrisko To Logo Na Zo, on June 12, 2008. Songs like "Porta Gia Ton Ourano" and "I Kardia Sou Petra" were released as singles. For this album, Helena tried a more rock-inspired look and sound, different from her usual pop/laïko style. The album quickly became number one in Greece and sold very well.

In 2009, Helena went on her first national tour called To Party Arhizei Tour. It was very successful, with many people attending her concerts. She also sang her first Swedish songs, "Allt jag vill" and "Genom krig och kärlek," for a soundtrack project.

Helena's fifth album, Giro Apo T' Oneiro, was released in March 2010. It also sold many copies and was certified Platinum. Songs like "Tha 'Mai Allios" and "An Isouna Agapi" became popular. Helena won the MTV Europe Award for Best Greek Act.

In June 2010, Helena toured with the band Onirama. She also performed with Antonis Remos during the winter season.

New Beginnings and TV Shows (2011–2012)

Paparizou performing with Antonis Remos at Diogenis Studio on 2 January 2011.

In February 2011, Helena performed her new song "Baby It's Over" at a charity fashion music show. This song became her most successful single, reaching number one on the Greek charts for ten weeks. It won two awards at the 2011 MAD Video Music Awards. Her next song, "Love Me Crazy," also did well. These songs hinted that Helena's long relationship with Toni Mavridis had ended, which was true.

Helena then spent six months in Sweden with her family. She announced that she had a new team in Sweden and wanted to restart her career there. She also thought about moving back to Sweden for good. She performed a duet with Nana Mouskouri and was a guest at Mouskouri's concert in Berlin.

Helena made her TV debut as a judge on Dancing on Ice in Greece. In early 2012, she appeared on the Swedish version of Let's Dance as a contestant.

In December, Helena released the song "Mr. Perfect". She performed it at the 2012 MADWalk. She won awards for Female Artist of the Year and Track of the Year at the 2012 MAD Video Music Awards. Helena also performed a new version of her song "Poios" and was featured in Playmen's song "All the Time".

In mid-2012, Helena started working on a new album. She said she was looking for a new style. She also recorded a song called "Lathos Agapes" with Natasa Theodoridou.

New Music and Musicals (2013–2015)

In early 2013, Helena signed a new music deal with Universal Music Group. On June 3, 2013, she released her seventh album, Ti Ora Tha Vgoume?. Before that, she released two songs: "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 at Greece's Eurovision national final. She sang "My Number One" and a duet with Vicky Leandros.

In February 2014, Helena performed at Melodifestivalen 2014, the event to choose Sweden's entry for Eurovision. She sang "Survivor" and reached the final, placing fourth. On March 26, her third English album, One Life, was released in Sweden. "Survivor" sold very well and was certified gold in Sweden.

In 2014, Helena joined the Swedish Christmas Tour "Julgalan 2014". In 2015, she released the song "Otan Aggeli Klene". She also performed at the Eurovision Greek Final.

On May 23, 2015, Helena announced the points for Greece at Eurovision Song Contest 2015. She joined the Swedish summer tour "Diggiloo". Helena also made her first appearance in a musical, playing 'Saraghina' in "Nine" at the Pantheon Music Theatre.

The Voice and New Hits (2016–2018)

Helena released her new song "Misi Kardia" in February 2016. In March 2016, her song "Pou Pige Tosi Agapi" was included in the soundtrack for the American movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2".

From April to May 2016, she was a commentator on the Swedish TV show "Inför Eurovision Song Contest". She 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 song "Fiesta" and "You Are the Only One" with Sergey Lazarev. In Summer 2016, Helena toured Greece.

In November 2016, it was announced that Helena would be a coach on the third season of The Voice of Greece. She released the song "Agkaliase Me" in December 2016. In April 2017, she released "Haide," her first song with Phoebus. She also released an EP called "Extended Summer 2017," which included her hit song "An Me Dis Na Kleo" with Anastasios Rammos.

In mid-2017, Helena toured Greece and Cyprus with Despina Vandi. She returned as a coach for the fourth season of The Voice. In December, she released her sixth Greek album, Ouranio Toxo, which reached number one.

In January 2018, Helena's new song "Etsi ki Etsi" was released. It became very popular on Greek radio. An English version, "Totally Erased," was also released.

Paparizou performing with Anastasios Rammos as part of her Summer tour (2018).

During the summer, Helena toured Greece and Cyprus with Anastasios Rammos. She also performed with Antonis Remos. In May 2018, Helena was nominated for four Mad Video Music Awards and won two: 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, Serhat released his song "Total Disguise" with Helena. In October 2018, Helena returned to The Voice of Greece for her third year as a coach. Her new song "Kati Skoteino" was released in October and quickly became popular. Her album Ouranio Toxo was certified Platinum for its many streams. In December, Helena released a Christmas song in both Greek and English called "Hristougenna Xana - It is Christmas."

Recent Years and Antique Reunion (2019–Present)

"Kati skoteino" was the first song from Helena's seventh album, Apohrosis (2021). The second song, "Askopa Xenihitia," was released in March 2019. In Summer 2019, Helena toured with Marinella and other artists.

In April, Helena returned to Sweden to celebrate 20 years of Antique with Nikos Panagiotidis. They appeared in several concerts. In June, she released her third song, "Kalokairi Kai Pathos." In late 2019, Helena returned as a coach for The Voice of Greece Season 6. She also started live shows with Sakis Rouvas and Stelios Rokkos in Athens.

In 2020, she released a duet with Sakis Rouvas called "Etsi Einai I Fasi" and the song "Mila Mou." Her album Apohrosis was released on January 29, 2021, with 13 songs. In December 2020, Helena performed at the MAD Video Music Awards and won the Best Female Adult award. On February 13, she won Season 7 of The Voice of Greece as a mentor. On May 22, she performed at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam as a special guest.

Helena Paparizou at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024

In Summer 2021, she toured to promote Apohrosis with Tamta. She also released a new English song, "Day and Night," with Magnus Carlsson. In September, she returned to The Voice of Greece for Season 8. At the end of 2021, Helena released another English song, "Lightning."

In 2022, Helena and Nikos Panagiotidis reunited as Antique after 19 years. They covered the song Ti Ti. In summer, Antique performed at the 'We Who Love 90's' Festival in Sweden, while Helena started her summer tour in Greece. In April, Stelios Rokkos released a song featuring Helena called Kommatia.

In September, Helena performed live for the first time at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus with Marios Frangoulis. The Voice of Greece Season 9 started in September and finished in March 2023. In November, Helena performed at the Votanikos residency show with Giorgos Sabanis and Anastasia. Helena released a new version of her 2004 hit song "Katse Kala" with Marseaux and Joanne.

For World Mental Health Day, Helena and UNICEF Greece re-released "The Light in Our Soul" with a children's choir to raise awareness about mental health. In November 2022, Helena performed "My Number One" at a big Eurovision party in Amsterdam, bringing back memories of her 2005 win. In December 2022, Helena released a new song called Fevgo.

Helena was the spokesperson for the Greek jury at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 final. She also performed during the second semi-final of the contest. One of her most recent performances was at the MadWalk 2024, where she sang her new song Update.

Helena's Music Style

How Helena Sings

Helena has a strong voice, described as "deep" and "dramatic." People often discuss whether her voice sounds better singing Greek folk music (laïko) or pop songs. Because she grew up in Sweden and won Eurovision, many Greek critics preferred her pop and dance songs, especially those in English. However, some Swedish critics felt she sounded better in Greek.

Helena has changed her music style over the years, from laïko to pop and rock. Some people think she changes her style to follow trends and sell more music, rather than for artistic reasons. She has been compared to international pop stars like Madonna and Céline Dion.

Helena has written some of her own songs, often working with other songwriters. She wrote lyrics for "Treli Kardia" and "Teardrops." She also helped write the music for "Den Tha 'Mai 'Do" and "Filarakia."

Her album Ti Ora Tha Vgoume? (2013) had a mix of pop, ballads, and modern folk songs. Her English album One Life (2014) had a pure pop sound. Her 2017 album Ouranio Toxo was a mix of pop, dance, ballads, and folk music.

Helena's Look

When Helena was in Antique, she had a simple, young look. After she went solo, she changed to a more grown-up and feminine style. She became known for wearing clothes that showed off her legs, like hot pants and mini-dresses.

To promote her album Vrisko To Logo Na Zo, Helena adopted a rock-inspired image. She wore dark clothes and make-up and had piercings, including in her nose. Some critics thought this change was to follow popular trends. Helena's make-up artist said that Helena always helps decide her look and follows fashion trends. Helena herself said she tries to avoid extreme fashion choices.

Helena's Public Image

Helena is often seen as the "Greek every-girl" or the "girl next door". This has made her popular with 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.

Helena has talked openly about her personal life and her weight. She has been called an "anti-star" because she seems like an average person. Helena believes her public image will always be that of the "girl next door" in Greece.

Helena has worked with many brands, including Skechers, Nokia, and PepsiCo. She was chosen by Ivi (a soft drink brand) for their "Fersou Fisika" (act natural) campaign because she represents qualities like freshness, naturalness, and humor.

Helena has faced attention for her weight changes. She has said that she gains weight when she takes breaks from performing. She has also said that she is a singer, not a model, and doesn't like the focus on her weight.

Awards and Recognition

On March 14, 2010, Alpha TV ranked Helena Paparizou as the 14th most-certified female artist in Greek history. She had seven Platinum records and four Gold records. Helena was the youngest artist on the list and the only one under 30. In 2010, Forbes magazine listed her as the 21st most powerful celebrity in Greece and the fourth highest-ranked singer. She is seen as the most successful female pop singer of the second half of the 2000s.

Helena's Personal Life

Helena Paparizou used to follow Buddhism when she was younger, but she later started following Eastern Orthodoxy, which she feels suits her better. She was in a long relationship with Toni Mavridis, who was 11 years older than her. They met when she was 17.

On December 25, 2008, Helena's father passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Helena stopped her performances in Greece to be with her family in Sweden. After her father's death, Helena experienced depression.

In October 2012, Helena started dating civil engineer Andreas Kapsalis. They got married quietly in Athens in mid-2015.

Helena Paparizou's Albums

Helena on TV and Stage

Television Shows

Theater Shows

Tours and Concerts

Concert Tours

Concert Residencies (Regular Shows)

Awards and Achievements

Helena Paparizou has won many awards. These include three Arion Music Awards, a European Border Breakers Award, and an MTV Europe Music Award. She has won 35 MAD Video Music Awards, which is more than any other artist!

Images for kids

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  Paparizou receiving the platinum certification for Vrisko To Logo Na Zo.

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  Paparizou performing on the Fisika Mazi tour on 30 June 2010 in Athens.

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  Paparizou performing material from Vrisko To Logo Na Zo in Lamia, Greece as part of her Arhizei To Party tour on 28 August 2008.

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  Paparizou with fans at the launch of a promotional campaign at the Hard Rock Café in Athens on 29 April 2010

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