Sakis Rouvas has Eurovision entry for Greece in 2009

Tony Neophytou LGR - Monday 21st of July 2008

The pop idol will reckon on a magnificent return to the glorious platform of the Eurovision Song Contest of 2009 in Russia.

The Greek hit-maker Dimitris Kontopoulos is to pen the sure-fire Eurovision hit, and is likely to wield quite a strong, melodic dance tune, which is synonymous with Sakis's hits to date.

His representation is undoubtedly going to rekindle the memories of his hip-gyrating 'Shake It' entry which came third in the 2004 final in Constantinople, and the smart moves with a ‘back-flip manoeuvre’ in his charismatic fervent performance. His agile ability to whip the crowd into an absolute frenzy is a key strength.

It is premature to speculate at this early stage if the Eurovision tune is to have a 'shake it' ethnic vibe, but having said that, Dimitris's tracks are usually defined with a straight-forward dance motif.

The bouzouki string doesn’t figure in his clean cut compositions.

‘Mr Shake It’ Sakis Rouvas has a big hit tune circulating on the LGR air-waves called ‘Kai Se Thelo' (And I Want You) composed by Dimitris Kontopoulous and the lyricist Vicki Gerothodorou.

The dance anthem sits at number one on the iTunes Greek Chart downloads. Meanwhile, 'Kai Se Thelo' is at No.6 on the LGR TOP 20.

The songwriters had also penned Sakis's 'Ola Gyro Sou Gyrizoun' which had further solicited the exceptional partnership. Theirs is a winning team.

Sakis will be handed three potential songs by the composer. The public will vote for their favourite contender. The specific details will be unveiled in the autumn press conference. The live selection is tipped for February.

Sakis is a pro-Eurovision enthusiast - not satisfied merely with singing for his homeland, even wrestle the presenter’s stint in the Athens final in 2006. Furthermore, the artist is to front the Greek series of the 'X-Factor' which is set to hit the screens next year. On a personal note however, his other half, Katia Zigouli is expecting to give birth. His schedule is busy.

The singer is known for his pop purist genre overhauling a string of hits over two decades. Hits such as 'Den Ehei Sidera I Kardia', ‘Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola’, 'Min Antistekese' 'Ola Kala', 'Se Thelo San Trelos', 'Ola Giro Sou Girizoun', 'Mia Zoi Mazi’, 'S' Eho Erotevthi', and '18 Iparhi Agapi Edo'.

His acting debut in 'Alter Ego' had foreseen a turning point in his career over the last eighteen months. Not acting out of type, Sakis had played the rock front man Stephanos which was not too far off his music-wise capabilities.

Eurovision winning strategy
The (ERT) broadcaster had taken the unprecedented step in finalising the choice for the country's representation in the summer.

The goal of bringing a second victory to Athens could be the motivation – to follow the triumphant winner of Elena Paparizou’s 'My Number One' in 2005. Yet not too unlike Sakis's immediate Eurovision fate, Elena's conquering feat was made on her second outing (Antique's Die for You in 2001), and rather ominously could be a good omen.

Dima Bilan may have curiously sparked the star's inspiration – the winning Russian contestant had finished second to Finland's Lordi in 2006.

Eurovision has 'institution status' in Greece
The excellent results had cemented the Greek nation into a Eurovision powerhouse. The staggering 90 per cent of locals who tune in give saliency to the point.

Notwithstanding Sakis’s top 3 and the ‘My No.1’ winner, Antique's 'Die for You' scored third, Anna Vissi (Everything) was ninth, Sarbel (Yassou Maria) trailed seventh and topping that was Kalomoira's 'Secret Combination' whose third position had equalled Greece’s most prolific ranking.

The excitement which surrounds the Eurovision is replicated by the UK's Greek/Cypriot. The 'Secret Combination' could be heard ringing out in unison in London destinations from Battersea to Palmers ‘Greek… hmmm Green’.

The goal in either a top 5 or winning the whole thing. The pressure is likely to be intense however, and his team will have to invest in a really convincing, credible winning package. For a 'nation that expects' anything short of equalling his former top 3 performance could be perceived as a disappointment.

It is a gamble for one of Greece's biggest stars who in reality has nothing to prove. Nevertheless, his conscientious efforts are likely to pay off positive dividends.

Can Sakis's team produce a second outright win for the Greeks?

The strategy of picking the representation at this early stage, with the contest way off until May, ought to be wise move. The team have the undeniable lengthy process to carve the credentials to a genuine winner.

Time will tell.

Tuesday May 12th 2009 - Semi Final 1
Thursday May 14th 2009 - Semi Final 2
Saturday May 16th 2009 - Grand Prix Final

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