Helena Paparizou
Early Life
Born on January 31, 1982, in Borås, Västra Götaland, Sweden, Eleni "Helena" Paparizou is of Greek descent. Her parents, Georgios Paparizos and Efrosyni "Froso" Paparizou, were both from Karditsa, Greece. Helena has a younger sister, Rita Paparizou, who is also involved in the music industry.
Career
Helena Paparizou's career began in 1999 when she formed the duo Antique with her friend Nikos Panagiotidis. Antique's music combined Greek popular music with modern pop music, a unique blend that resonated with audiences. Their debut single, "Opa Opa", reached number one in the Swedish singles chart and was later covered by several artists.
In 2001, Antique represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing third with the song "Die for You". This was the highest placement Greece had ever achieved in the contest at the time. Antique released three albums before disbanding in 2003.
Helena Paparizou embarked on a solo career in 2004, releasing her debut album "Protereotita". The album was a commercial success, spawning several hit singles including "Antithesis", "Anapandites Kliseis", and "Katse Kala".
In 2005, Paparizou once again represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest, this time as a solo artist. Her song "My Number One" won the contest, marking the first and only time Greece has won the Eurovision Song Contest.
Paparizou has since released several more albums, including "Yparhi Logos", "Vrisko To Logo Na Zo", "Giro Apo T' Oneiro", "Ti Ora Tha Vgoume?", and "Apohrosis". Her music continues to blend traditional Greek elements with modern pop, and she remains one of Greece's most popular and enduring artists.
Musical Style and Influences
Helena Paparizou's music is a fusion of Laïko, a form of Greek folk music, and contemporary pop. She has cited several Greek artists, including Haris Alexiou, Glykeria, and Eleftheria Arvanitaki, as influences on her music.
Paparizou has also been influenced by a variety of international artists. She has spoken of her admiration for Celine Dion, Cher, and Beyoncé, and their influence can be heard in her powerful vocal performances.
Personal Life
Helena Paparizou has been in a relationship with Andreas Kapsalis, a Greek businessman, since 2016. The couple got engaged in 2020 and married in 2021.
Paparizou is known for her philanthropy. She is an ambassador for the Greek branch of the charity Save the Children, and has also worked with the Hellenic Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Discography
- Protereotita (2004)
- My Number One (2005)
- Yparhi Logos (2006)
- The Game of Love (2006)
- Vrisko To Logo Na Zo (2008)
- Giro Apo T' Oneiro (2010)
- Ti Ora Tha Vgoume? (2013)
- One Life (2014)
- Apohrosis (2020)
See Also
