Greece wins Eurovision 2005!
West Crete Journal, August 2005

On May 22, Helena Paparizou won the 50th Eurovision song contest for Greece, the first victory for the country since it entered the competition in 1974. Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko presented her with the prize for her seductive performance of "My Number One", a mid-tempo tune with minor-keyed Balkan flavourings.

Greece has never before been higher than third in the contest, last year with Saki Rouvas and in 2001 with ... Helena!

But this time Helena, 23, won with 230 points in telephone voting from viewers in 39 countries, 38 points ahead of Malta's Chiara, who came second with the song "Angel". Artists from twenty-four countries competed in the final.

Clad in a short golden dress, Paparizou, who was born and raised in Sweden and has Greek parents, gave an energetic performance which featured her singing and swaying with four male backup dancers. At one point they joined in a line, doing intricate footwork resembling traditional Greek dancing.

"I am so happy that this finally came to Greece", Helena told reporters at a post-win news conference, where she jumped on a table waving the Greek flag. She acknowledged the support of her friends, fans and the members of the Greek delegation. "This is My Big Fat Greek Family ... Greece is more than ready to host the next Eurovision Song Contest in Athens. After all, Greece did invite the world for the Olympics. But I think having Eurovision will be even better!"

In Athens, Paparizou fans, who had watched the contest on a giant screen in front of the Zappeion palace, went wild when the Greek victory was announced. Brandishing Greek flags, they danced and embraced to the beat of My Number One. "Many congratulations to Helena", said Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis, who was on the scene. "It's a unique moment that we deserve ... Athens is ready to welcome Eurovision in 2006!"