Greece: THIRD in Eurovision! Well done to Kalomoira!

Tony Neophytou LGR - Exclusive Interview on London Greek Radio (LGR) - Wednesday 14th of May 2008

Dima Bilan from Russia was the out-right winner, Ukraine 2nd, Greece 3rd!

The UK 12 pointer had gone to Greece, plus other top marks from Albania, Romania, Germany and San Marino.

'Thank you so much for being so sweet and for giving out your positive energy, and I really hope that they like my song, and I really hope they like Greece's performance, my performance.'

1 Russia 272 points
2 Ukraine 230 points
3 GREECE 218 points
4 Armenia 199 points
5 Norway 182 points

While the destination to Kalomoira's 'heart' is fraught with the stumbling block of deciphering the ‘code’, her performance-wise capabilities, are abundantly clear.

'Secret Combination' had conquered the No.1 favourite tune on LGR, on London’s definitive Greek Chart rundown, proving a hit with the listener.

Kalomoira had thanked her loyally obedient fans for their overwhelming generosity in supporting Greece's initiative.

The infectiously catchy tune has good R&B / Greek rhythmical elements that are embellished with a beat that is addictive and fresh on each consecutive listen. The TOP 5 in the Final is a realistically, tangible goal, and even better still, the outright victory would be a cause for jubilant scenes in Palmers 'Greek', reminiscent of the euphoria of Greece’s Euro 2004.

The 'tsifteteli' choreographed break was excellent. Kalomoira was accompanied by her three male dancers who perform all sorts of vastly complicated acrobatic moves, and well-executed flips, breathtakingly amazing, and it looked so incredibly cool.

The down-to-earth, genuinely sweet persona was enthusiastic about her representation with a very stong song that suits her singing/dancing capabilities. It is after all, a great example of the winning Eurovision formula that has served the Greeks so impressively well in quite recent times. The old maxim, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it,' seems to apply quite nicely.

Will you attempt a 'back-flip manoeuvre' in a move reminiscent of Sakis Rouvas? 'I'm not a back flipping kind of chick, I'm keeping my feet on the ground, but there will be some surprises'.

It’s a very slick production and a leaf out of Greece’s Eurovision handbook, which aptly had been followed by other predecessors, such as, Sakis Rouvas, Elena Paparizou and Sarbel. Meanwhile, Kalomoira’s illuminating smile which is straight into the camera lens is but another sure-fire positive asset.

The gimmick that was intended to sway the voter is a giant, life-sized, velvet-carved purple HEART – which was used to underscore, the poignancy of the ‘open book’ lyric, and accompanied by a pop-up book. Kalomoira will aim for the dizzier heights of Eurovision glory, with an entrance to rival any other competitor, as she was carried onto the stage. You’d be forgiven for assuming this is odd timing to read a good book!

Greece's choreographer, Juliano, can take the credit on a job description well-executed.

What surprises have you lined up? 'Well - I'm really excited about everything, but I'm a little nervous, we're doing a lot of rehearsals, but we're definitely cooking up a couple of surprises, I can't tell you because there surprises!'

The stunning carve-out figure will be fitted into a costume of (Jennifer Lopez) designer wear. The artist will emerge in a pink out-fit, only moments later, shedding the top layer to reveal a silver shimmering body-hugging outfit.

LGR interview... before the Eurovision heats!
I can't avoid HUMMING to the tune on the way to work (Tony). It’s a catchy song, is that why you picked it? 'That's why we ended up picking it, we had listened to so many songs, but that song in my car every time I kept humming it, I'm like I love this song, and that's why we picked it, because I was feeling it more!'

Who will comprise the team? 'It’s going to be three dancers plus me!' Two excellent backing vocalists will include the voice coach Victoria Halkiti and Nektarios Georgiadis.

Greece has performed brilliantly in the competition, do you worry about a positive outcome? 'I feel a little pressure but I'm trying not to think about it - I'm just thinking taking our team and do the best we can do and whatever happens because with Eurovision I feel like you can never predict, there's no secret recipe.'

'With Konstantinos Pantzis (composer) we have worked together so many times and I feel so comfortable when we work together! He knows my voice and style so well!' The lyrics are penned by Poseidonas Giannopoulos.

The screen direction will be handled by Kostas Kapetanides.

How would you react to a victory? 'I'll be smiling all day from ear to ear!'

Her fiercest rival is by way of Ireland's puppet 'Dustin the turkey', what are the chances you could 'clip the turkey’s wings'? 'I think we have tough competition this year we are going to do the best because there's a puppet... It's just crazy!'

You've landed a great draw, in the Semi-Final, at No. 19, has 'luck' fortuned Greece? 'Yes - I hope so, that was actually Elena Paparizou's number when she performed in Eurovision - so I'm hoping that's a good sign!'

Role-models in music, what do you enjoy listening to? 'I'm definitely a Madonna person (I love her) and I listen to a lot of hot stuff out now like Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Barbara Streissand and a lot of Greek artists'.

Have you got a FAVOURITE Greek entry? 'Well - I'm a bit bias because I know Elena Paparizou and I know Sarbel so I'm going to say them two but Sakis was really good so I'm going to say Sakis too.'

Would you contemplate a UK performance?'I'd love to do a show in London, and to shop as well.'

'I love your (London) accent by the way' Tony blushes!

'I want to say to everyone in London, many kisses, filakia!'

The 23-year-old artist, was born in New Yor, Astoria and, kick-started her music career in Greece, after winning the 'Fame Story' in 2004. Her debut album, 'Paizeis' had quickly followed.

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