EUROVISION
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
Top 40 London Greek Radio Airplay Chart, March 2021.
Some of this month’s most-played Greek hit songs on LGR. Spinning the best new hit music not to mention hot exclusives and promos…
London Greek Radio Est. 1989.
The original station you know, tunes you trust
1 Konstantinos Argiros – Tha ‘mai Edo
2 Konstantinos Christoforou – S’ Ena Tetarto
3 Ivi Adamou, Giorgos Mazonakis – Fotia Mou
4 Vasilis Karras – Lene Gia Mena [NEW VERSION]
5 Gianna Terzi, Paschalis Terzis – Gia Sena Mono
6 Petros Iakovidis – Mi Thymoneis
7 Melisses – Pou ‘nai I Agapi
8 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Emena Na Akous
9 Michalis Hatzigiannis – Min Argeis
10 Natasa Theodoridou – Exapsi
11 Antonis Remos – Otan Se Rotisane
12 Katy Garbi, Dionisis Shinas – Atofio Hrisafi [NEW VERSION]
13 Giorgos Papadopoulos – Pote Tha Se Do
14 Panos Kiamos – Eipa Ki Ego
15 Josephine – Paliopaido [NEW]
16 Anastasios Rammos – Oti Ki An Kano
17 Konstantinos Pantelidis – Ki An Me Miso
18 Konstantinos Argiros – Athina Mou
19 Christos Menidiatis – Teleftaia Agkalia [NEW]
20 Ageliki Darra – Se Thelo Edo [NEW, World Exclusive to London Greek Radio]
21 Ioulia Kallimani, Stamatis Gonidis – Gynaika Einai
22 Giannis Ploutarhos – Monos Mou [NEW]
23 Giorgos Sampanis, Panos Katsimichas – Afto Pou Agapas
24 Helena Paparizou [Feat. Marseaux] – Deja Vu
25 Petros Iakovidis – Mou Lipses Poli [NEW]
26 Giorgos Tsalikis – Ftais
27 Natasa Theodoridou – Paradothika Se ‘sena
28 Loukas Giorkas – Mou Eleipses Poly
29 Giorgos Kakosaios – I Mia [NEW]
30 Anna Vissi – Loulaki [NEW]
31 Elena Tsagrinou – El Diablo [NEW, Cyprus Eurovision Song Contest 2021]
32 Stefania – Last Dance [NEW, Greece Eurovision Song Contest 2021]
33 Giannis Parios – Ah Agapi [NEW]
34 Stan – Na Xanartheis
35 Melina Aslanidou, Glykeria – Ftani Kai Perisevi [NEW]
36 Panos Kiamos, Anastasios Rammos – Sta Hirotera [NEW]
37 Alkistis Protopsalti – Nikites Chamenoi
38 Sakis Rouvas – Yperanthropos
39 Thodoris Ferris – Paraskevi
40 Elli Kokkinou – Ti Echo Travixei
Your Top 20 Chart Hits
lgr.co.uk/chart/
Article written by London Greek Radio
Cyprus confirmed Greek singer Elena Tsagrinou will be the nation’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
The Cypriot broadcaster CyBc announced the artist and song-title ‘El Diablo‘ in an official statement in November.
The 26-year-old Athens-born singer will perform in the Eurovision’s first Semi-Final, at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena this May. The song is up-tempo, and is said to be a current radio-friendly hit and Eurovision “competitive” enough. The scenario, Elena seems to have fallen in love with someone as bad as ‘El Diablo’ (Spanish, for ‘The Devil’).
The official song and music video will be released very soon. The choreographer Chali Jennings will be responsible for, Elena and her dancers routine in long-anticipated release of the Eurovision video.
Elena takes over from Sandro Nicholas, [his song ‘Running’] last year’s Cypriot titleholder, [he was unfortunate not to sing it], at the cancelled Eurovision Song Contest.
The song-writing team composed of Jimmy Thornfeldt, Swedish songwriter, the Canadian songwriter and Eurovision regular Laurell Barker, behind ‘You Got Me’ by Luca Hanni, which came fourth in 2019, Brazilian-born songwriter Oxa, and Thomas Stengaard, penning the 2013 Eurovision winner ‘Only Teardrops’ by Emmelie De Forest.
Cypriot bosses have stuck to the winning formula of choosing artist and song internally. Cyprus have a 100% qualification record in five years which is impressive and one that Elena Tsagrinou is hoping to emulate their successes. The 2018’s runners-up with Eleni Foureira’s ‘Fuego’, plus five qualifiers between 2015 and 2019, Cyprus have upped their game in the music event for sure.
Cypriot chiefs felt that the songstress was right for this year’s contest as the upbeat song compliments Elena as a vocalist and performance-stage artist.
Head of the Cypriot Delegation in Eurovision Evi Papamichael helped define the criteria for their selection. “In recent years we have been collaborating with major record companies of the region. Greece and Cyprus are, as you know, a single record and music market.” Papamichael explained, confirming that Cyprus music is almost intertwined with Greece’s record labels, and world-class vibrant music industry.
Elena is signed to Panik Records, record label whose former Eurovision predecessors have included Ivi Adamou, Demy, Eleni Foureira and Anna Vissi.
The female soloist has been in the music industry since she was 14, where she reached the semi-finals of Greece Has Talent.
After five years with the band OtherView, Elena went solo in 2018 and has presented shows like The Voice of Greece, Just the 2 of US and K-POP Stars.
Last summer she released Latin-Reggaeton-fused ‘Amore’, the exotic tune also made it to our airplay charts. Her debut hit ‘Pame Ap’ Tin Archi’ launched a young-fledging solo career. The hits included ‘Paradeisos’, ‘Logia’, and duets; with Mike ‘Pare Me Agkalia’, feat, with Oge ‘San Lava’, ‘Tsai me Lemoni’ with Dakis and last December, Elena and DJ Kas covered dance track ‘Be My Lover’.
Elena performed at concerts in Cyprus and Greece, alongside artists such as Konstantinos Argiros and Melisses. Her music videos have accumulated millions of views on youtube, and entrusted Elena as one of the most exciting up-and-coming artists, in Greek music.
Cyprus will be staged with the help of artistic director Marvin Dietmann who helped Austria to a Eurovision triumph in 2014 with their song ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’. The involvement of the Austrian creative highlights the Cypriot ambition to impress at this competition.
Cyprus competes in the First Eurovision Semi-Final which airs on Tuesday 18th May, on BBC Four. The Top 10 qualifying nations have progression 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
In essence, tonight was supposed to be Eurovision night but our favourite song contest, like other events around the globe, has been postponed.
Instead, we’ll be watching “Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light”, a non-competitive replacement “song contest” which honours the 41 countries which would have competed to win the 2020 Eurovision crown.
Hosted by Chantel Janzen, Edsilia Rombleyand and Jan Smit, who would have fronted the ‘regular’ Eurovision from the Ahoy Arena of Rotterdam in The Netherlands, it promises to be just as spectaculous!
Eleni Foureira, whose ‘Fuego’ tune came second for Cyprus in the 2018 Eurovision, returns with a virtual performance in the “Eurovision Heroes” segment of the show.
Other returning artists, alongside the current “Class of Eurovision” have a virtual sing-song [from their countries] to thank essential frontline workers battling Coronavirus daily.
In a time before “social distancing” and “staying at home”, there was often occasion for Cyprus and Greece to come up with their Eurovision trump-cards.
Cypriot broadcaster CyBC internally selected Sandro Nicholas [real name Alessandro Rütten] to fly the island’s flag.
The entry ‘Running‘ is a deep, house-style inspired electronic-pop song and is dark and dramatic. The lyrics have a deeper meaning about mental health issues and depression and is very relevant now, as this once taboo-issue is ever-more discussed openly, with its impact on males in particular.
The 23-year-old German-Greek singer-songwriter, worked for months to find the right song and he co-wrote it with Greek producer Teo Arkitekt, Australian singer-songwriter Alfie Arcuri, Sebastian Rickards, and Octavian Rasinariu.
CyBC told LGR, “Having gone through depression himself, Sandro’s performance underlines the tunnel of darkness that we must keep on running through in difficulties or catastrophes but also of the strength needed to stand tall and not fall.”
The video is dark and moody with Sandro appearing as a solitary figure.
As the song choruses on about ‘running’ progressively, it comes to a visual-climax in a hopeful and optimistic way, with shades of light on the screen.
For Greece, 17-year-old Stefania Liberakakis stood out as the nation’s candidate this year. She was born in The Netherlands to Greek parents from Greece.
‘Superg!rl‘ is an up-tempo, pop-dance track with ethnic beats that are really catchy. The song has already entered the radio-friendly playlists of London Greek Radio for several months.
The song’s lyrics are about social adolescent empowerment and young people attaining their goals, as well as trusting their super-innate-strength to achieve their ambition.
Unfortunately, Eurovision fans won’t have the chance to see the Greek ‘Superg!rl’ on stage, however, there will be news about the singer’s Eurovision adventure.
The broadcaster confirmed Stefania would be Greece’s Eurovision 2021 Song Contest act, with a new Eurovision tune up her sleeve especially composed for next year. The details of the entry are not yet known, although we think it might include the current team of creative songwriting talent.
Eurovision veteran, Dimitris Kontopoulos and Arcade comprising of Pavlos Manolis, Diveno and Gabriel Russel composed and produced ‘Superg!rl’. The lyrics are co-written with Swedish songwriter Sharon Vaughn.
The music video was filmed in Athens which included the Fokas Evangelinos dance school of performing arts.
Mr Evangelinos who has staged some of the biggest and effective performances in Eurovision for Greece, Russia and Azerbaijan, has confirmed his involvement in the Greek song next year.
To top off the night, all 41 acts will come together, from their separate locations across Europe, for a rendition of the United Kingdom’s 1997 winner ‘Love Shine a Light’ by Katrina and the Waves.
Watch Cyprus and Greece Eurovision videos here: lgr.co.uk/videos
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Greece has confirmed that Stefania will be the nation’s representative at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam taking place later this year.
The 17-year-old Greek-Dutch singer Stefania Liberakakis will perform in the Eurovision Second Semi-Final at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena, this May. She was born in Utrecht in the Netherlands to Greek parents from Sofiko Evrou in Greece.
The Greek broadcaster ERT announced the artist and song-title ‘Superg!rl’ in an official statement this month. The ethnic up-tempo song, where Stefania sings about the adolescent youth, a self-empowerment song which draws on the innate strength each person possesses against which battling challenging situations, or issues.
Stefania had taken to Instagram thanked the Greek delegation and responded she was “proud” to be flying the Greek colours at the Eurovision, told music fans.
The Eurovision veteran Dimitris Kontopoulos and music production ARCADE, composed and produced the tune, co-written the lyrics with Sharon Vaughn. The Creative Director Fokas Evangelinos will be responsible for the stage show, well-known in Eurovision circles, for numerous impressive stage acts in the contest.
The songwriters confirmed a modern ethnic up-tempo dance-pop track for Greece, with Greek instruments. The producers describe a “radio-friendly current hit song” with immense potential, standing out amongst the competitors in the Eurovision’s line-up.
The Eurovision tune and the official video-clip whose filming was shot in Athens, will be released in March. We at London Greek Radio are super-excited to be premiering our Greek entry very soon…
The Greek Eurovision delegation which included head Dimitri Papadimitriou and spokesperson Maria Koufopoulou chosen the so-called ‘Dream Team’ earlier this year.
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.
Stefania came to fame in 2014, when she participated on The Voice Kids. After wowing judges with her audition performance of Alicia Keys’ ‘No One’, Stefania made it as far as the Battle round before being eliminated. She also sang as part of the Dutch children’s choir Kinderen voor Kinderen.
More recently, Stefania has worked on her solo pop career. Late last year, Stefania released ‘Turn Around’, a sophisticated contemporary pop track. Her debut single in 2018, ‘Stupid Reasons’ reached No1 in the Kids Top 20, a hit single, composed and written by J Joachim Vermeulen Windsant and Maarten ten Hove. In March last year she released the single ‘Wonder’ which was the soundtrack to the animation film ‘Wonder Park’.
Stefania has also been working on her pop career in Greece. Last summer, she performed at the Mad VMA music awards, as part of an all-girl cover of Daddy Yankee’s ‘Con calma’ along with Ilenia Williams and Konnie Metaxa.
As well as singing, Stefania also has an acting career. She has starred in the Dutch high school mockumentary Brugklas, the recent dystopian action film De club van lelijke kinderen (The club of ugly children) and made an appearance in the teen comedy 100% Coco New York.
The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals are on 12th and 14th May, with the Grand Final on Saturday 16th May 2020.
Stefania will perform ‘Superg!rl’ in the Second Semi-Final on Thursday 14th May.
London Greek Radio wishes Stefania and Greece the best of luck in the Eurovision.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Cyprus has confirmed that Sandro Nicholas will be the island’s representative at the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam taking place later this year.
The Cypriot broadcaster, CyBC, announced the news to excited Eurovision fans in an official statement towards the end of last year.
The 23-year-old German-Greek is an up-and-coming artist and a star of “The Voice Germany” from 2018. He managed to turn all four chairs with Shawn Mendes’ ‘In my blood’ where he reached the semi-finals.
Sandro Nicholas’ real name is Alessandro Rütten and he was born and bred in Germany, with an American father and a Greek mother from Zakynthos. He speaks Greek and travels to Greece frequently. He plays the drums and guitar and at the age of 15, started to write songs and formed his own rock-band.
Sandro has a soulful, pop and rocky-edged vocal and exudes a confident manner on stage.
As well as ‘The Voice’, Sandro was the American entrant at the New Wave Festival in Russia last summer. One of the judges was the Greek Eurovision hit-maker veteran, Dimitris Kontopoulos, who was said to have put in a word with the decision-makers in Cyprus for Eurovision.
Cypriot bosses have stuck to the format that has served them well in previous years by internal selection of the artist and song.
The formula has yielded fairly good results for Cyprus with Eleni Foureira’s spectacular 2nd place and Tamta scoring 13th in Tel Aviv last year.
Mr Nicholas will face the task to uphold Cyprus’ impressive qualification run, with five qualified entries in a row from 2015 to 2019.
Cyprus received 120 songs, all vying to compete as the island’s act for 2020 and have shortlisted the options to three songs. The exact details about the song will be released at a later date.
CyBC chose Mr Nicholas out of several artists, trusting the young and talented potential to resonate with the Eurovision voter.
Sandro is playing a constructive role in the creative song-writing to the entry, in order to find the killer-tune for this contest. Mr Nicholas has told media, he wants “an emotional song”, one that is a genuine, honest song.
In his interview to Cypriot media, Sandro said, “[I am] absolutely captivated. This country is probably one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to. I’ve been to Zakynthos, Greece. I am Greek, but this place is magical and I’m so honoured and so pleased to be able to represent such an amazing country.”
He added, “It’s an honour for me, [to represent] for the Cypriot flag, and I want to do my very best. It’s fantastic, it’s a dream for me.”
The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals are on 12th and 14th May, with the Grand Final on Saturday 16th May 2020.
London Greek Radio wishes Sandro and Cyprus the best of luck in Eurovision.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
