In 2004 they shook Europe. In 2005 they were Europe�s Number One. In 2006 they gave Everything of themselves, but only just scraped back into the final. The hosting Broadcaster of Eurovision Song Contest 2006, ERT seems to have had very little contact with anyone regarding their 2007 representative and so far the local media are peddling rumours are speculation about who may get the nod.
Hellenic National Broadcaster ERT has not announced yet the performer who will represent Greece in the 52nd Eurovision Song Contest next May in Helsinki. As expected, local press in Greece has started to name the probable performers. First it was Tamta, then Sarbel, then the band C Real… The latest one is the composer of My Number One, Christos Dantis. Greek TV Channel STAR showed an interview of the famous Greek composer in which he’s expressing his will to sing this time for Greece and not being the composer. Some days ago another Greek singer, Irini Mercouri, in an interview stated that she would like to participate at the Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki. At this stage, not one name so far suggested is based on any information from ERT and can only be put down to rumour or the PR of artists keen to get a chance to perform in the name of their country.
It’s the 28th time that Greece will participate in Europe’s biggest music event. Greece has been participating in Eurovision since 1974 with the exception of some years. Their worse result was the 20th place in 1998 with the song Mia Krifi Evaisthisia by Thalassa. Then an absence of two years and an amazing comeback in 2001 when Greece achieved a 3rd place with Antique. Smiles and enthusiasm didn’t last for long as the next two years (2002 and 2003) they only got the 17th place twice.
In 2004 the Greek broadcaster organized a talent show, called Eurostar. Apostolos Psichramis was the winner but at the last moment ERT internally selected Shake It and decided to send Sakis Rouvas to Istanbul. Sakis came 3rd with 238 points.
High audience ratings and great expectations convinced ERT to follow this format. In 2005 internal selection again and the story is known to all of us. Helena Paparizou won in Ukraine and gave Greeceits opportunity to host the event in 2006. Anna Vissi accepted Greek Broadcaster’s proposal and represented Greece in the2006 Eurovision Song Contest. A ninth place with 128 points finish was all Vissi could manage on the night. Thanks to this result Greece is automatically qualified for the final of the 52nd Eurovision Song Contest on 12th of May in Helsinki.
