EUROVISION
Cyprus has confirmed that Andrew Lambrou as the act to represent the nation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at Liverpool Arena.
The 24-year-old Australian-born Cypriot singer-songwriter was internally selected with the announcement made in October.
Andrew is represented by his New York based Saiko Management.
In a video published on his social media, Andrew said, “(I am) proud of (my) Cypriot heritage roots” and recently made his first-ever promo-tour to Cyprus.
Cypriot chiefs confirmed that Andrew has already recorded the song to represent Cyprus in Stockholm recently.
The Swedish songwriters are well-known in Eurovision circles, namely Thomas Stengaard, Jimmy “Joker” Thornfeldt, Jimmy Jansson and Marcus Winther-John.
It was reported that the song was written to suit Andrew’s vocal and is a rather vocally-demanding song, requiring his full skills as a singer to be on-point.
Lambrou said he is focused on working on the stage craft specifics, aiming to deliver a slick and aesthetically-pleasing act. Meanwhile, Austrian creative director Martin Dietmann, elevates the song’s chances in terms of its stage presentation.
The date for the release of the song has not been announced, leaving fans in eager anticipation.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic, Tony Neophytou said, “My first reaction is that Andrew seems like a likeable, disciplined and talented soulful-artist, with really nice vocals.”
He added, “He requires a well-made competitive tune, especially given how the stakes are even higher now with purely tele-voting semi-finals shaking things up. It’ll be exciting to follow all of the moments leading up to the contest in Liverpool.”
Born in Sydney to Greek Cypriot parents, Andrew has always been passionate about his music. He learnt piano at school, and at just 5-years-of age he won first place in a competition at his AMS Music School, singing “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music.
He originally sung his way to relative stardom, covering the likes of Evanescence, Harry Styles, Camilla Cabello and Sam Smith..
In 2015, when Andrew was just 17-years-old, he finished in the top 20 in The X Factor Australia. This included a stop-over in London at the five-seat challenge with his mentor, singing legend, Chris Isaak where he performed in front of music mogul Simon Cowell and pop star Rita Ora.
That same year, he was noticed by Sony ATV and was signed by Maree Hamblion. His debut single, “Throne”, was released in 2021, with follow-up singles “Lemonade”, “Confidence” and “Electrify”.
Lambrou was a finalist at “Eurovision: Australia Decides” last year, equipping the young man with some incredibly useful insights into this competition.
You can follow Andrew on Instagram @andrew_lambrou, where he already boasts almost 500k followers. Andrew was doing impressive TikTok numbers before announcing Eurovision, now at 700k followers and climbing.
Cypriot bosses are keen to recover from the setback of finishing 12th with Andromache last year, narrowly losing its place at the final.
The Cypriot delegation which comprises Evi Papamichail, assistant, Alexia Moutafidou, and its Head of Press Andreas Anastasiou are quietly confident of their chances at reviving Cypriot fortunes, in the competition.
Cyprus is competing in Semi-Final 2 on May 11th and aiming at progression to the final on May 13th at Liverpool Arena.
London Greek Radio wishes Andrew and the Cypriot delegation the best of luck.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
The seven acts in the running to represent Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 have been revealed.
The acts were shortlisted from 106 entries received by ERT following a request for submissions last year.
The winner will be chosen by a combination of jury panel and audience vote.
The voting is split into (i) a 7-persons jury panel, and (ii), a 70-person ‘Audience Committee’.
2,982 fanatic fans have responded to sit as “audience”, places were allocated through a random draw. The lucky 70 individuals were placed into ‘focus groups’ strictly according to age demographics. Its share of the vote is 50.6%, while jurists, other 49.4%. The “audience” have spoken and cast their verdict at a voting session held last month, in Athens.
Greek bosses are teasing fans about its Eurovision 2024 plans, meanwhile. ERT’s president Konstantinos Zoulas, speaking in December said, “we are planning something more, than a national final or ethnikos telikos, (translated)” for next year.
Take a look at the contenders below.
Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou – “Shout Out!”
Konstantina Iosifidou – “We are Young”
Klavdia – “Holy Water”
Leon of Athens – “Somewhere to Go”
Melissa Mantzoukis – “Liar”
Monika – “I’ m Proud”
Victor Vernicos – “What They Say”
Updated: 19/01/2023 (Top 3 finalists)
Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou, Melissa Mantzoukis, Victor Vernicos
Antonia Kaouri and Maria Maragkou’s entry is an English-language ‘up-tempo pop-rock’ song. Antonia is a former Voice of Greece act and Maria, a Greek actress.
Konstantina Iosifidou is a 22-year-old, former contestant on The Voice of Greece. “We Are Young” is an English-language ‘rock-pop ballad’.
Klavdia, is a newcomer artist and a former contestant, on The Voice of Greece. “Holy Water” is a ‘slow, melodic ballad’, with a social-conscience lyric. She’s working with Arcade, a team of music producers, who as co-writers of Greece’s entry in 2021, have Eurovision pedigree, too.
Leon of Athens is a recording artist and songwriter. The entry here is ‘up-tempo’ 80’s synth pop. He worked on the final version of this song, with singer and songwriter David Sneddon, who he co-wrote “Better Love” (Greece, 2019), with too. He co-writes it with Katerine Duska. Their latest single/duet “Babel” is a radio-friendly hit, on LGR.
Melissa Mantzoukis, 18-year-old German-Greek singer, she was a finalist on the “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” the German equivalent to Pop Idol. It is a mainstream song, which is ‘up-tempo pop-dance’ about female empowerment. The songwriters from Greece and the Netherlands.
Monika – real name Monica Christodoulou, is a singer-songwriter . Monika wrote the original soundtrack to “The Lost Daughter” recently, which means she is causing waves on the world-stage, too. “I’m Proud”, is ‘melodic’ and ‘mid-tempo’.
Victor Vernicos is a part-Danish/Greek singer-songwriter. The song is a ‘mid-tempo ballad’ and ’emotional’, about human stress and anxiety. Victor’s unique vocal timbre may be an asset, too. At just 16-years-old, Victor shows a lot of maturity.
Greek bosses will meet with artists and representatives from their record labels to assess their plans, before finalising their scores. As in recent years, the record label’s plans for Eurovision have been an important part of the final decision.
The Eurovision semi-finals are airing on 9th and 11th May and the grand final is on May 13th at Liverpool Arena.
Published: 22/01/2023
Article written by London Greek Radio
Singer-Songwriter Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord on Tuesday night qualified for the Eurovision Grand Final with her song “Die Together”.
This year, the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Turin, at PalaOlimpico and the 25-year-old, who is studying to be a doctor, is a half Greek and half Norwegian singer-songwriter, born in Ioannina, Greece and raised in Norway.
Of the 17 competing countries, Greece was one of the 10 that gained enough votes from professional juries and the public to advance to Saturday night’s sing-off.
This is the twelfth time that Greece has qualified for a Eurovision since 2008.
“Die Together” was a “grower” on the London Greek Radio play-lists peaking at #5 in recent weeks.
The introspective song, has the sounds of a strong, melodic electro-pop ballad with emotional overtones which seem to cut deep. It’s a break-up song about a genuine relationship that’s expected to tear at the heart-strings.
Amanda has co-written the track with fellow Norwegian producer and songwriter, Bjørn Helge Gammelsæterx.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic Tony Neophytou said, “Amanda’s beautiful, captivating performance felt emotional, and intense. Her vocals were on-point, as in yesterday’s jury voting dress rehearsal.
“Goosebumps… man!” Mr Neophytou recollects.
“The camera zooms into a close-up in the acapella section as it gradually builds up with wider stage shots of blue melting chairs. The visually-arresting act is well-crafted and thought out”. Amanda said the imagery of melting chairs is “symbolising break-ups or things coming to an end…”
The dancing silhouettes on-screen added a nice tough. The excellent camera-work complimented Amanda’s story-telling narrative, which underscores this song.
“Her soaring melodies combined with vocal hooks gives the tune that feel of a competitive package as Greece embarks on a Top 10 placement.” LGR’s reviewer furthermore noted.
“The Greek staging was immaculate and well-executed. It was sufficiently subdued and effective, and every single frame and shot was thought-out, presenting a slick, professional routine.”
The singer’s creative staging director is Fokas Evangelinos, a well-known figure in Eurovision circles, tasked with the elevation of her song.
In Mr Neophytou’s view, “Amanda in a white frock is emoting throughout, the song’s three minutes. A stage bathed in whites and blues, not only are these Greek flag colours which is a nice aesthetic. These colours suit it’s sad and melancholic undertones. The blinking lighting effects were in sync with its electro-pop beats, and the crescendo or climatic ‘die together‘ choruses.”
Amanda gave a strong, stoic and dramatic performance. Her frantic, hand gestures to her “Take my heart and rip it out and bring it to the other side” line, in the bridge, intensified the emotion that is felt, on the stage.”
Amanda was second favourite to win Semi-Final 1, with Ukraine still odds-on favourite to win Eurovision. The full results of these semis are released post-Eurovision night.
The Eurovision Song Contest Final is broadcast on Saturday 14th May on BBC1.
London Greek Radio wishes Greece the very best of luck in the competition.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Greek singer Andromache will represent Cyprus in the up-coming Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place at PalaOlimpico in Turin.
The 27-year-old newcomer’s full name is Andromachi Dimitropoulou and she was born in Germany and raised in Ilia, Greece.
CyBc made the official announcement along with the title of her entry ‘Ela’. The song is written by Alex Papaconstantinou, or Alex P, a Greek-Swedish producer, well-known in Eurovision circles.
He collaborates on the tune with Cypriot singer-songwriter Giorgos Papadopoulos, Arash, Eyelar Mirzazadeh, Fatjon Miftaraj, Filloreta Raci Fifi, Geraldo Sandell, Robert Uhlmann, Viktor Svensson and Yll Limani.
Cypriot TV bosses had been extremely tight-lipped about the entrant for weeks, choosing to announce the details and releasing its official music video on 9th March.
Cypriot chiefs have stuck to the successful formulae, of internally picking a singer and song-package with Andromache mixing traditional Greek folk and Byzantine, with modern music.
It’s is a mid-tempo song fusing Greek/Cypriot ethnic elements with modern production values. It is a solid, well-made ‘slow-tsifteteli’, with its English verse, and Greek choruses.
LGR’s Tony Neophytou said, “On first listening I felt really hypnotised, mainly because of its melodic riffs and Andromaches’ sultry presence and it’s good traits as a Eurovision song.
He added, “It is evoking Cypriot folklore music which has a veneer of authenticity to today’s music market.”
The track is an ethno song that embellishes the instrument of bouzouki and the flute which blends into the ensemble, giving this track a more modernised touch, mixing old and new.
With its catchy choruses and useful ‘Ela’ hook, the song is almost uniquely seductive and sung very well.
The percussions and the bouzouki add some magical reverie to the song.
Andromache’s music video to “Na Soun Psema” has accumulated millions of views on YouTube. Her current hit is “Vasano Mou” and other hits include “S’agapo”, “To Feggari” and “De Mporo”.
The whole Eurovision package from Cyprus, with the ethno-beat, helps to stand-out in a competitive field of some 18 songs in the semi-finals.
Andromache’s stage routine will ultimately drive the song’s fortunes at the contest.
Marvin Dietmann and Dan Shipton are responsible for the creative and artistic aesthetics that we will see. There are two female dancers – Despina Lagoudaki and Nefeli Theodotou assisting Andromache’s stage performance.
Tony Neophytou at LGR believes in Cyprus’s chances of qualifying, saying, “Ethnic songs do really well at this contest, especially ones with well-crafted melodies.
He continues, “The mid-tempo song is lively enough, which packs a fair bit of oomph. The sweet ornamented melody is driving the catchy hook-line. A pretty song, which is causual and laidback, which produces a nice result. Her ethereal vocal suits the floaty, airy light template, with its verse and chorus. Her “Aman” utterances, are, so sultry and pleasing… The potential exists of a real great stage act, which will help to elevate it as a radio song probably qualify it as a result.”
The official music video looks like a period set-piece with its old-century aesthetics.
Andromache is signed to Panik Records, whose roster includes former Eurovision predecessors such as Ivi Adamou, Demy, Eleni Foureira and Anna Vissi and Elena Tsagrinou.
Cyprus has a streak of six qualification songs to the finals, from 2015 to 2021 and the Cypriot delegation will be quietly optimistic about their chances at a seventh finalist.
Andromache performs in slot number 9 in the running order of 18.
Cyprus competes in the Eurovision Second Semi-Final which airs on Thursday 12th May on BBC Three. The Top 10 qualifying countries will advance to the Final on Saturday 14th May, on BBC One.
London Greek Radio wishes Andromache and Cyprus the best of luck in the Eurovision.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Eurovision excitement has already started with Greece announcing this year’s Eurovision act.
Greek TV bosses have confirmed that Amanda Tenfjord – real name Amanda Georgiadis – will be representing their nation.
This year, the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Turin, at PalaOlimpico, in May.
The 25-year-old, who is studying to be a doctor, is a half Greek and half Norwegian singer-songwriter, born in Ioannina, Greece. She was raised in Norway.
Her Eurovision song is described as a strong, melodic and modern ballad with emotional overtones which cut deep. It’s a break-up song about a genuine relationship that’s expected to tear at the heart-strings.
Amanda has co-written the song with fellow Norwegian producer and songwriter, Bjørn Helge Gammelsæterx. Her vocal has a latent self-doubt, fragile vulnerability, which works well with such emotional songs. This, coupled with the slow-introspective song-style, seems to suit Amanda.
As a versatile artist, Amanda mixes modern pop, folk, electronic, alternative and ambient moods.
ERT, Greece’s national broadcaster, listened to an estimated 40 songs from 28 artists. The seven-member Greek jurors’ were solely given the task of assessing each of the applicant’s song merits and its potential Eurovision success.
The music experts were Dimitris Papadimitriou, composer, and President of its internal selection, Maria Kozakou, Fotis Apergis, Peter Adam, Giannis Petridis, Konstantinos Bourounis and Leonidas Antonopoulos.
Eurovision jurors whittled down the original entrants to just five short-listed finalists, formally announcing Amanda’s “beautiful” ballad, as the outright favourite, last December.
Amanda beat off the other four finalists in a highly competitive selection, who were, Good Job Nicky (Nikola Varthakouri) – the son of legendary singer Yiannis Parios, Ilias Kozas – lead frontman of Koza Mostra, pop-rock fusion artist Joanna Drigo and Entehno-styled singer Lou Is, or Louiza Sofianopoulou.
The Eurovision song and its song title too will be officially released alongside the music video by director, Kostas Karydas, in the coming weeks.
Amanda’s Eurovision circles confirmed that Fokas Evangelinos, a legendary creative director in Eurovision, will be responsible for the staging concept.
She has already had several television appearances and toured the European festival circuit. In 2017, Amanda was the recipient of a Role Model Award, in the Scandinavian, Nordic By:Larm music festival awards.
Amanda released her debut EP ‘First Impression’ and her most-streamed song on Spotify is ‘Then I Fell In Love’, which has racked up over 1.5 million views. In 2020, Netflix featured her song ‘Troubled Water’, in the series Spinning Out.
Last year’s Greek Eurovision act Stefania earned a Top 10 finish with a Dimitris Kontopoulos and Arcade production, ‘Last Dance’.
The Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Turin at PalaOlimpico and spans two mid-week Semi-Finals and a Final on Saturday 14th May 2022.
Greece competes in the first Semi-Final, on Tuesday 10th May, with only 10 acts advancing on the night.
Make sure you regularly return to lgr.co.uk to hear all the latest Eurovision news and by tuning into London Greek Radio on FM, on digital, via the LGR App and Smart Speaker, ‘Play London Greek Radio’.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
A young 16-year-old British Cypriot singer representing Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 took to the stage in Konstantinopouli.
Lisa Andreas from Gillingham, Kent, was the Cyprus act on May 12th 2004. 17 years later and in June 2021, ‘Stronger Every Minute’ is released globally for the first time. It will feature an extended mix and the never heard English/Greek version, which Lisa sang only once at one of the rehearsals in Istanbul.
Mike Connaris, a London-Cypriot producer and composer wrote the song, at his Mcasso Music studios in Soho, in London’s West End.
“I’m excited that Stronger Every Minute will be available on all streaming platforms and will give all the people that voted, and all the people that watched the performance, a chance to hit play and travel back to this time whenever they want.” Lisa Andreas told London Greek Radio.
This year was the very first Eurovision Song Contest semi-final, and Lisa was one of 22 contestants competing for just 10 places in the Final, held in the magnificent Abdi İpekçi Arena.
What can be revealed now, on the morning of the semi-final, Lisa had awoken with a sore throat and was in great discomfort. It was going to be a challenge for her to hit the highest notes of the song, so together with her producer, Mike Connaris, they hastily arranged a rehearsal in the hotel to change the melody of certain parts of the song.
The semi-final went well, but with 9 countries already announced as proceeding to the Final, there was only one envelope left to open. The tension in the green room was unbearable, but when “CYPRUS” was announced as the last of the 10, the Cyprus delegation went wild. Being announced 10th, meant that Cyprus took the last available spot of 21st in the Final, and Lisa went on to achieve 5th position, with Cyprus also receiving the Marcel Bezençon Award for composition, the first year this category had been introduced.
“My time at the Eurovision was truly magical. It’s difficult to encapsulate the entire experience into words. When I think of that time, it’s like a huge Eurovision bubble. I think back through meeting Mike and hearing Stronger Every Minute for the first time and recording the song (with hopes of being selected). I think of the months of preparation that came before and to the competition in Cyprus. I remember crying and being overwhelmed and shocked that I had been chosen by the entire country to represent them. My mum heard them say it first and I didn’t believe her! It was such an honour; a proud and humbling experience. I remember how proud my family and friends were and that is something that will always stay with me. There are so many stories- that we still tell – immense joy and many pivotal moments from that time that shaped who I am as a person and as a performer.”
“Everyone should attend the Eurovision Song Contest at least once in their life. You have to attend the Eurovision to really understand how wonderful it is. How much love there is. Love that is just pouring out everywhere. It affects the whole place. There is a buzz of excitement in the air that you can feel the moment you arrive and it just doesn’t stop until you leave. To have all of these people attending for their love of music and for the fun of it all, is wonderful. I made many special connections with people because of Eurovision.”
“There is a level of happiness and inexplicable comradery among the artists that is a reflection of how music itself makes you feel. It doesn’t feel like a competition at all.”
“Everyone was just thrilled to be there and be experiencing this ‘once in a lifetime’ music event together. It was like one huge music family. I feel incredibly grateful to have experienced that with artists from across the world and with my parents by my side too.”
The ‘Stronger Every Minute’ EP will be released through Mcasso Digital on June 4th, 2021 across all streaming platforms including Spotify, iTunes & Amazon.
Article written by London Greek Radio, Mcasso Music
Greek singer Stefania on Thursday night qualified for the Eurovision Song Contest Final with her song ‘Last Dance‘.
18-year-old Stefania Liberakakis had taken to the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam. She was born in Utrecht in the Netherlands to Greek parents from Sofiko Evrou in Greece.
‘Last Dance’ is a 80s slight retro-uptempo catchy song, current and mainstream. The Eurovision-friendly hit which has entered London Greek Radio playlists.
It a progressive well-built song, atmospheric and up-tempo on top of swirling hooks. Stefania dramatically drips over a cocktail of bass lines, scintillating strings and a “Ooh oh oh” refrain drives the up-beat vibes.
LGR’s Tony Neophytou said, “Last Dance is a really pretty song, very melodic. It is catchy and very captivating as a Eurovision song requires”.
The Eurovision veteran Dimitris Kontopoulos and music production ARCADE, composed and produced the tune, with lyrics by Sharon Vaughn. Teaming up with creative director Fokas Evangelinos has certainly proved fruitful, and with his reputation as the innovative stage creator, Greece has an ace up their sleeve.
The hi-tech wizardry and green screen performance: the digital invisible dancers which look really cool. At one point Stefania climbs invisible stairs against a futouristic city landscape.
The four dancers, Giorgos Papadopoulos, Marcos Giakoumoglou, Nikos Koukakis and Kostas Pavlopoulos.
It is very slick and visually arresting, and unique than anything else in this year’s Eurovision line-up.
Mr Neophytou’s view, “Stefania’s teen pop looks, talent and telegenic, likeable, approachable personality, are good assets to this pop-package. The wink to the camera was a sweet touch”.
Of the 17 competing countries, Greece was one of the 10 that gained enough votes from professional juries and the public to advance to Saturday night’s sing-off.
Stefania sang fourth in the running order and gave a strong performance of the dance number.
The announcement of the 10 qualifying songs was a nail-biter, with Greece ninth to be announced.
This is the eleventh time that Greece has qualified for a Eurovision since 2008.
Bookmakers and fan polls had predicted that Greece would make it through this highly competitive semi-final.
Greek fashion designer Vrettos Vrettakos, fits Stefania into a violet glitter outfit, she’s got real teen pop star looks. The team consists too, of Giannis Mourikis, as the set designer. George Segredakis, who’s designed the costumes of the dancers. Asterman Company, who’s undertook the creation of graphics.
In 2016, Stefania represented The Netherlands at Junior Eurovision in Malta, as part of the three-piece girl group Kisses. Their upbeat song ‘Kisses and Dancin’ placed eighth in the contest.
Amongst the other qualifiers was Switzerland’s Gjon’s Tears ‘Tout L’univers’ ballad number. The Icelandic song ’10 Years’ also qualified and is now sixth favourite to go the distance and win on Saturday.
The other qualifying songs were from San Marino, Moldova, Albania, Serbia, Finland, Portugal and Bulgaria.
Greece are at slot number #10, in the final. Meanwhile, Cyprus’ singer Elena Tsagrinou with ‘El Diablo’ has the honour of opening the night, slot #1. Elsewhere, UK’s James Newman with ‘Embers’ in the running order of 26 at slot number #9.
London Greek Radio wishes Stefania and Greece the best of luck in the Eurovision.
* Pic: Stefania celebrates after securing a place in the final in Rotterdam, in the second semi-final for the Eurovision Song Contest.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Tonight Greece compete in the Second Semi-Final of Eurovision which airs at 8pm BST.
18-year-old Stefania Liberakakis takes to the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam in her country of birth. She was born in Utrecht in the Netherlands to Greek parents from Sofiko Evrou in Greece.
She is a fresh, very talented young lady and ‘Last Dance’ is a really good 80’s retro up-tempo song. The radio-friendly hit, current, mainstream, which has entered London Greek Radio playlists.
It a progressive well-built song, atmospheric and up-tempo on top of swirling hooks. Stefania dramatically drips over a cocktail of bass lines, scintillating strings and a “Ooh oh oh” refrain drives the up-beat vibes. She is a very good vocalist and in rehearsals Stefania nails a big note at the end of this song.
She is likeable, amenable, telegenic, even gives a cheeky wink to camera, all in all, a lovely pop-package.
LGR’s Tony Neophytou said, “Last Dance is actually a pretty song, very melodic. It’s catchy and very captivating as a Eurovision song requires.”
The Eurovision veteran Dimitris Kontopoulos and music production ARCADE, composed and produced the tune, with lyrics by Sharon Vaughn. Teaming up with creative director Fokas Evangelinos has certainly proved fruitful, and with his reputation as the innovative stage creator, Greece has an ace up their sleeve.
The staging is immensely creative, with its hi-tech, green screen wizardry. The digital invisible dancers with hoodies or other bodily parts are fun elements, which look really cool. At one point Stefania climbs invisible steps, and there’s a bit Stefania and her dancers come together as song progresses.
It’s 80’s aesthetics with blues/purple neon and a city skyscraper, which works with the retro feel to this song.
The four dancers, confirmed as Giorgos Papadopoulos, Marcos Giakoumoglou, Nikos Koukakis and Kostas Pavlopoulos.
It is visually arresting, very different and unique than anything else in this year’s Eurovision line-up.
The Eurovision odds favouring Greece as 10th or so in winning outright, and 4th as a semi-final favourite to advance through to Saturday night.
It has been 8 years since Greece was a Top 10 in the finals, 2013’s, still-great ‘Alcohol is Free’. The team have pulled out all the stops to qualify and to conquer the left-side scoreboard.
In Mr Neophytou’s view, “The stage act is a very slick, professional, and the creativity is really good. It’s a catchy Eurovision song and enjoyable, let’s hope the public has the appetite to lap this up!”
Greek fashion designer Vrettos Vrettakos, fits Stefania into a violet glitter outfit, she’s got real teen pop star looks. The team consists too, of Giannis Mourikis, as the set designer. George Segredakis, who’s designed the costumes of the dancers. Asterman Company, who’s undertook the creation of graphics.
In 2016, Stefania represented The Netherlands at Junior Eurovision in Malta, as part of the three-piece girl group Kisses. Their upbeat song ‘Kisses and Dancin’ placed eighth in the contest.
The Top 10 qualifying countries are through to Saturday night’s sing-off.
Stefania performs in the running order of 17 at slot number #4.
London Greek Radio wishes Stefania and Greece the best of luck in the competition.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Cyprus’ singer Elena Tsagrinou on Tuesday night qualified for the Eurovision Song Contest Final with her song ‘El Diablo’.
The entry is penned by producer Jimmy “Joker” Thornfeldt, a Swedish Grammy-Award winner. He collaborates on the tune with Laurell Barker, Oxa, and Thomas Stengaard.
It is a radio-friendly hit, current and mainstream, which has entered London Greek Radio playlists.
The fun number stirs with a hidden message, she’s in a toxic relationship with a “bad boy” or even “aliti” in Greek. She somehow escapes the wrong’un by the end of this song.
The refrain that would even make a Yorkshire terrier twerk on demand sinks in, you realise ‘El Diablo’ is just as catchy and addictive as anything on the Eurovision line-up this year.
LGR’s Tony Neophytou’s said, “The Cypriot song is really catchy and is instantaneous which a Eurovision song requires.”
Of the 16 competing countries, Cyprus was one of the 10 that gained enough votes from professional juries and the public to advance to Saturday night’s sing-off.
Elena sang eighth in the running order and gave a strong performance of the catchy up-tempo bop. Elena’s dynamic singing and dancing act, with her four female dancers Chali Jennings, Liolia Kerogli, Paraskevi Karataidou and Mariia Sharafetdinova.
It is a very slick stage show, with features like a great mirror-effect and extremely punchy red colours, even fire-lit flames.
Mr Neophytou’s view, “Elena’s energetic performance and a likeable demeanour helps sell this song. It is very slick and well-done. I think it might get a pretty decent result, potentially Top 10 finish, a result Cypriots would be proud of.”
Elena seems a lovely person and likeable and approachable which helps sell the song.
She finishes with a sideways knowing glance to camera, which is a sweet touch.
Cyprus will be staged with the help of Austrian artistic director Marvin Dietmann who helped Austria to a Eurovision triumph in 2014 with their song ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’.
The announcement of the 10 qualifying songs was a nail-biter, with Cyprus seventh to be announced.
This is the sixth time that Cyprus has qualified for a Eurovision since 2015.
Bookmakers and fan polls had predicted that Cyprus would make it through this highly competitive semi-final.
Amongst the other qualifiers was Malta’s Destiny up-tempo fun number with ‘Je Me Casse’. The Ukrainian song ‘Shum’ also qualified and is now fourth favourite to go the distance and win on Saturday.
The other qualifying songs were from Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Israel, Azerbaijan.
Elena began her music career in 2008 as the lead soloist of the Greek band OtherView, before pursuing a solo career after she left them in 2018.
Elena is signed to Panik Records one of Greece’s biggest music labels in Greece, and Cyprus, releasing many hits which are much-loved modern hits heard on the LGR air-waves.
It’s now full steam ahead for Team Cyprus towards Saturday night, and beyond that… to stick-to-it’s winning formulae in 2022!
London Greek Radio wishes Elena and Cyprus the best of luck in the Eurovision.
*Pic: Elena Tsagrinou celebrates after securing a place in the final in Rotterdam, in the first semi-final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her female dancers and head of the Cypriot delegation Evi Papamichael in the green room.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
It‘s that Eurovision time of year. Tonight Cyprus compete in the First Semi-Final for Eurovision, which airs at 8pm BST.
26-year-old Greek singer Elena Tsagrinou takes to the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam in slot #8 out of 16 countries.
‘El Diablo‘ is an up-tempo, dance-pop song, current and mainstream. It is a radio-friendly hit, which has entered London Greek Radio playlists.
The entry is penned by producer Jimmy “Joker” Thornfeldt, a Swedish Grammy-Award winner. He collaborates on the tune with Laurell Barker, Oxa, and Thomas Stengaard.
The refrain that would even make a Yorkshire terrier twerk on demand sinks in, you realise ‘El Diablo’ is just as catchy and addictive as anything on the Eurovision line-up this year.
LGR’s Tony Neophytou’s said, “The Cypriot song is really catchy and is instantaneous which a Eurovision song requires.”
Elena Tsagrinou found time aside from rehearsals and told London Greek Radio, “The people behind the Cypriot team are exceptional and professional individuals. Panik records label every step has assisted me in this entire process. I instantly thought this was a strong song and felt it was exactly competitive enough, which a Eurovision song requires [translated].”
We are told there is a deeper meaning about someone who’s fallen in love with a “bad boy” or even “aliti” in Greek. CyBC in a statement said the song describes an abusive relationship and what it means to be a victim of this abuse. “The song represents the age-old battle between good and evil and it speaks of a problematic relationship between a man and woman who suffers from Stockholm Syndrome – the psychological condition when a victim of abuse identifies and bonds with their abuser – who seeks help to get out and the truth always shines.”
The Eurovision odds have favoured Cyprus’ entry as 5th most likely winner in this year’s Eurovision line-up. The entry moreover is a Semi-Final favourite with Malta, Ukraine and Lithuania, and no doubt Cypriot avid fans are cock-a-hoop at knowing the island’s entry is so well-received at this pre-contest stage.
Last night jurors already cast their votes in a dress-rehearsal, meaning half-of-all-votes have been allocated, it’s up to the public to have their say now.
Elena Tsagrinou, is telegenic, star-of-the-stage performance, seductive, and sultry which suits the song. Elena seems a lovely person and likeable and approachable which are good assets, to this whole package.
The Athenian songstress is a pop-package as a strong performance artist and vocalist. Stylist-to-the-stars Celia Kritharioti has fitted Elena into a sparkly silver-outfit. Elena has four female dancers Chali Jennings [choreographer], Liolia Kerogli, Paraskevi Karataidou and Mariia Sharafetdinova. Her dancers are in red cat-suits against a fiery red backdrop which suits the song.
It’s a very slick and professional stage show for Cyprus’ up-tempo fun song. The precise staging makes good a mirror prop, which is basically mirroring dancers and Elena which is a cool effect. She finishes with a sideways knowing glance to camera, which is a sweet touch.
Cyprus will be staged with the help of Austrian artistic director Marvin Dietmann who helped Austria to a Eurovision triumph in 2014 with their song ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’.
Mr Neophytou’s view, “Elena’s energetic performance and a likeable demeanour help this song. It is very slick and well-done. It is a decent song and I think the result will be pretty decent, potentially a Top 10 finish, a result Cypriots would be proud of.”
Cyprus is defending a qualification streak since 2015, without a pause. The Cypriot delegation will be quietly optimistic about their qualifying chances for a sixth year.
LGR’s ‘Eurovision guru’ spelt it out, “The chances at qualification are pretty good and in a semi-final with competition in this genre. The catchier Cypriot song and elevated staging helps to sell it, let’s hope the public reciprocates with a few votes its way.”
Elena began her music career in 2008 as the lead soloist of the Greek band OtherView, before pursuing a solo career after she left them in 2018.
CyBc bosses have stuck to the successful formulae, of internally picking artist and song-package. Elena is signed to Panik Records one of Greece’s biggest music labels in Greece, and Cyprus, releasing many hits which are much-loved modern hits heard on the LGR air-waves.
Elena performs in the running order of 16 at slot number 8.
The Top 10 qualifying countries are through to the Final on Saturday 22nd May, on BBC One.
London Greek Radio wishes Elena and Cyprus the best of luck in the Eurovision.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
