Helena Paparizou, Greece's No1 and ultimate pop star, was born and raised in Sweden by Greek parents. Helena's artistic talents and eagerness to excel in them were revealed at a very early age. More specifically, Helena's talents revolved around singing, dancing and acting. Wanting to involve herself and excel in her talents, Helena began her studies of these arts even while she was still in school.One of Helena's significant turning points in her life was with the creation of Antique, a group she created with her good childhood friend, Niko at the age of seventeen. Almost immediately, Antique signed their first record label contract with the then newly founded record label Bonnier in Sweden. Their debut single Opa Opa became a huge hit, reaching number one on the single charts and gaining a gold status. Following their success with Opa Opa came their debut album while later in 2001 came their first paneuropean breakthrough in their career with their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Their appearance along with the beautiful song I would die for you made one of the best impressions, something that was revealed through the voting poles? conquering third place! Antique's major success in the Eurovision contest led to a promising future and a successful career which included many platinum albums, a European tour, and collaborations with many highly successful and credible artists from Greece and abroad.Despite the group's major success, their journey as Antique came to an end in 2003. Making one of the most difficult decisions in her life, Helena decided to pursue her passion and her musical journey alone. This brought her to the dynamic team of Sony Music where she signed her first contract as a solo artist.In December 2003, Helena Paparizou released her first single as a solo artist, Anapandeetes Klisis (Missed Calls), a song that was written especially for her by famous singer and songwriter, Christos Dantis. Quite naturally, Anapandeetes Klisis became a major hit and remained on the top of airplay charts as well as the sales charts for a very long time, reaching a gold status.During the winter season 2003-2004, Helena shared the stage with one of Greece's biggest male singers, Antonis Remos for 25 dates in a famous Athens night club. In spring 2004, Helena released her first solo album Protereotita (Priorities) which included 4 hit singles and turned double platinum.But the best was yet to come! On the 21 st of May 2005, Helena Paparizou represented Greece for the second time at Eurovision Song Contest and won the first prize with the song My Number One. A platinum single in Greece, and a gold one in Sweden.Her new smash single "Mambo!", released in November 2005, stayed for 10 weeks at the top of the charts and was certified platinum. Helena is now in the studio recording her new album, set for a June release.
