Helena Paparizou is one of the most popular Greek artists at the moment. She holds the record for her country, having managed to achieve two top three places in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2001 and 2005 when she actually won it with My number one. Now, Helena is faced yet with another challenge as she was nominated for the prestigious MTV Best European Act Award against 2008 Eurovision Song Contest winner, Dima Bilan and Swedish Melodifestivalen 2009 finalist, Agnes.

esctoday.comcaught up with Helena in Athens for a brief chat about her nomination, her Eurovision experience and of course we couldn't help asking if she is willing to do it again!

You are not a novice in competing on a large scale having won the largest musical competition for your country back in 2005. Now you are once again in a very important competition, the prestigious MTV Best European Act. How does that make you feel?

I feel very happy and proud but at the same time very anxious! This time, though, I am not competing with a song but as an artist, among 21 very good singers. Good luck to all of us!

How hard is it for an artist not from, say, the UK or the USA to break the borders and have an international career?

It is very difficult but I believe if you want something very much you can reach your goal, more or less. Among all my awards, I am very proud of the EBBA (the European Border Breakers Awards) which I got in 2006.

Looking back since 2005, when you won the Eurovision Song Contest, would you say your victory has affected your career? In which way?

It has definitely affected my career and only in good ways. It's a huge thing to become famous overnight and to have great fans all over Europe.

What is your fondest memory from the contest?

The moment that the zipper of my dress broke 10 minutes before my performance .(Helena laughs) . And of course the moment I was running back to the stage after winning .

What was your relationship with the Eurovision fans from all over Europe? Did their support help you?

Oh! The fans’ support has been amazing all the way! I love my Eurovision fans and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

You were born and raised in Sweden, who granted you with their valuable 12 points in 2005. Do your plans include some career moves there?

Well, actually, I sang two songs in Swedish for the soundtrack of Arn No 2 WITH well known composers such as Anders Glennmark, Niclas Strostedt and Eva Dahlgren. I do have in mind, though, to release something very soon. Now that you remind me of the 12 points from Sweden, I remember myself standing at the table screaming "Heja Sverige, Heja Sverige"… ask your Swedish friends what that means!

What are your immediate plans? A new album on the way?

I have just started to record my new Greek album which will be released within early spring 2010. Meantime, I will also record songs for the upcoming international CD.

Would you do Eurovision again? For Greece or maybe for Sweden?

As a performer I wouldn't like to compete again but maybe as a composer. Why not? And of course I’m talking about both of my home countries.

And last but not least, do you have a message for your European fans?

I love you all and hope to see you soon. Kisses and a lot of sugar:)

You can vote for Helena, Dima and Agnesuntil 2nd November. Follow any of the links below:

UK , SPAIN , GERMANY, FRANCE, GREECE, RUSSIA , PORTUGAL, UKRAINE, POLAND, NORWAY, BELGIUM ROMANIA , TURKEY

Helena Paparizou- Allt Jag Vill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRhhRPtYnNg

Helena Paparizou- Tha'mai allios
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kme1z2BaKqo