Frangoulis packs his bags

The Greek decided! Greek tenor Mario Frangoulis will sing his power ballad “Oi Aposkeues (baggage)” in Israel. Mario gave a stunning performance in the outdoor “Theatre of the Earth” in Thessaloníki. Mario sang his interval song “Vincero perdero” and after that the audience expected the jury to give points but surprise-act Sarah Brightman came on stage to sing with Mario “Carpe Diem” "Phantom of the opera" and "Canto della Terra". After the singers received a standing ovation lasting over 5 minutes the results were made public.

The audience expected a close finish as the televote (with a significant share of Belgians) awarded the lowest score to the Jury-runner up “Bridge Of Dreams”. That song was supposed to do very well because the title is related to the ISC37 theme ‘building bridges’. In the end the Televote supported the Jury choice with 7 points. Because of the huge support for the Spanish song “Hay Más” from the televote, this song will be given a second chance in the NF for ISC 39.

Mario expressed his enjoyment to sing in the international arena of the ISC. In the past he took part in “WSCON-03” and “EuroCup47B” both times with the song “Vincero perdero” Therfore he had to withdraw this song in this preselection. The tenor’s song is described as a mixture between Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli and Within Tempatation, being both classical and gothic-style.

Total Televote (B) Jury Song
16 7 9 Oi Aposkeues
11 9 2 Hay Mas
10 5 5 Nights In White Satin
8 1 7 Bridge Of Dreams
6 3 3 Come What May
3 2 1 Ton Eafto Tou Paidi

Today Mario Frangoulis will pack his ‘aposkeues’ to tour and stay in Israel the whole month of January in preparation for ISC37.

The ISC 37 Greek song can be found here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=F9RZSYAW

Video of Mario Frangoulis singing interval act “Vinceró perderó“: http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=lV0i6Tpfxm0

Video of the live performance "Phantom of the opera" by Sarah Brightman & Mario Frangoulis: http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=B5BWffdVJOQ

"Vincero perdero" out of competition

The Greek management announced on a pressconference held in Thessaloniki that the song 'Vincero perdero' is withdrawn from the race. The song will be song by Marios Frangoulis in the preselection show, but as an intervalact, because it already entered WSCON03 and other online competitions.

The preparations for this preselection have not been smoothless, as there were complaints about the duration of songs. The Greek management suggested to edit the too long songs to a suitable and the official allowed length of maximum 5 minutes. With the disqualification of 'Vincero Perdero' that problem is solved.

ISC management however decided to change the approximately 5 minute-rule to maximum exactly 7 minutes so that the Chinese song was fitted the rules again. The Greek delegation is not amused about this overnight decision and might make an official complaint if the Chinese delegation is allowed to send in a song that lasts longer than 5 minutes.

The foreman of the delegation explained "In an artistic and fantastic musical game like ISC is, there is one major rule 'ENJOY MUSIC' but there are some other rules needed to make the game a fair one for everyone. To make rules is usefull if the rules are good. If the rules limit artistic freedom these rules are to be reconsidered. Though whenever a rule is made it should be applied as long as the next edition had finished. New rules cannot be made during the schedule of a contest."

Artist chosen, language & song still open

Mario Fangoulis will be the next entrant in ISC for Greece. He made a few great albums in 2002 and 2004. The singer is internally selected and suggested himself to let the audience choose between a number of 7 songs in different languages. Maybe the singer was inpired by the Japanese delegation which choose to sing in Portuguese. Mario might be the first Greek entrant to sing in Italian or Spanish. Because songs 1 and 7 are over 'approximately 5 minutes' duration they will be shortened if they are to represent Greece in ISC. These are the songs in the Greek NF for ISC 37.

1 Nights in White Satin
2 Ton eafto tou paidi
3 Hay mas
4 Bridge of dreams
5 Oi opaskeues
6 Come what may
7 Vincero perdero

ALL SONGS CAN BE FOUND HERE:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IPZOGLIJ
Voting should be done in 9-7-5-3-2-1 style.
Votes to be send to : rollercoasterslow at hotmail dot com



Greece in ISC untill ISC 36:

ISC-37 Mario Frangoulis - .....
ISC-36 Despina Vandi - Olo lipis (15/53)
ISC-35 Marsheaux - Regret (26/55)
ISC-34 Xristina Koletsa - Ekti Aisthisi (4/49)
ISC-33 Eleni Tsaligopoulou & MIKRO - Ego S'Agapisa Edo Ella (45/56)
ISC-32 Emigre - To Telos Itan Kako (42/?)
ISC-31 C-Real - Kalokairi Stin Kardia (22/50)
ISC-30 Alkistis Protopsalti & Bob Marley - Xavai (49/?)
ISC-29 Domna Kountouri - De Tha 'Mai Edo (22/49)
ISC-28 Alkistis Protopsalti - Dithesio (38/49)
ISC-27 Tamta - I Zoi Einai Oraia (15/43)
ISC-26 Eirini Merkouri - Ematha Na Zo Horis Esena (9/37)

ISC-Xmas Kaiti Garbi - Hristos Gennaeai (13/30)
ISC-Worst Song Mazoo and the Zoo - O Papagalos (6/25)

Greece takes 15th spot out of 54

In ISC 36 Greece has reached the finals and ranked 15th. Out of 54 participants that's a satisfying achievement. The management is searching for a good follow up to Despina's 'Olo lipis'

Greeks choice ISC 36 - Olo lipis by Despina Vandi

After the disappointing 24/24 ranking in the ISC 35 final, Greece is eager to improve their result in the next edition.

The greek management immediately contacted national superstar Despina Vandi deliver a quality song. Despina came up with three songs and the jury choose: Olo lipis (I believe it). This song is another Electro-pop-tune with partially english lyrics. If Marsheaux couldn’t convince the audience, Despina might, the management must have thought. The rhythm and melody of the song has sensuality written all over, the jurors explained their obvious choice.

ISC 35 Female electro-pop duo Marsheaux for Greece

Greece sends female electro-pop duo Marsheaux
The female duo Marsheaux will represent Greece in the final of the 35th ISC. Greece qualified for the final in ISC 34 because Xristina Koletsa managed to reach the fourth spot, just after the mega-world-hits by Kate Perry & Coldplay. In Greece the 4th ranking therefore was almost celebrated like a victory.

The Greek management decided to take a little more risk now that the final is secure and asked Marianthi and Sophie whether they would like to represent Greece.

They gladly accepted the invitation and as a result the Greek entry will be of electro-pop-style and for the first time in many editions in English. "Regret" by Marsheaux will be the title in the international arena, in competition with all other qualifiers!

song can be downloaded here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SXVGU7FX

video can be watched here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWNpay5GD2M

lyrics can be found here:http://www.justsomelyrics.com/1634675/Marsheaux-Regret-Lyrics

ISC 34 - Xristina Koletsa for Greece

In ISC 34 Greece will be represented by singer Xristina Koletsa.
An internal selection choose the song: Ekti aisthisi.
Xristina made a video clip to promote her song: You can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wud0k57vH3o

Greek entry ISC 33 in danger

The participation of Greece in ISC 33 is in danger. Broadcasting employees in Greece have been threatening strikes if their salary won't be raised. The Greek ISC-national management is dependend on those employees.

More news to come...

Eleni Tsaligopoulou for Greece in ISC 33

Many great songs reached for victory but in the end Eleni Tsaligopoulou took the trophee home and will be the Greek hopefull in the semi's of ISC 33. The margin between runner up and the song ranked 8th was only 9 points. The greek song "Ego s'agapisa edo elia" by Eleni will be performed with runnerupgroup MIKRO on musical backing. Elisavet and Despina (equal 3rd) will try again in teh NF for ISC 34.

Journalists questioned Mando whether it had cost her the victory by entering with two songs in the arena. Mando showed what a good winner she is and said "The runnerup had two songs in competition as well, and they won. I'll try next time entering just one song and we'll let the future speak it's verdict!" and smiled graciously.

Despina Olympiou took part with two songs as well and neither did she show regrets. "Both my songs were very different to eachother. Besides I really loved the song by MIKRO, so maybe they can write me a winning composition one day" MIKRO was very delighted with the result. "After many trials we finally made it, 2nd place and winning -together with Eleni. What an amazing singer she is!"



Speechless but tears told the story
Eleni was speechless and just smiled at the camera's en proposed to let her just do the singing. She simply dedicated her song to her flatcoat retriever 'Anixi' who passed away last winter. She sung her winning song and received the applause from the audience with tears running down her cheeks. But in the end everybody agreed on this song being the ISC 33 entry for Greece.

full results:

WIN 39 Eleni Tsaligopoulou - Ego s'agapisa edo elia
2nd 36 Mikro - Ayti i poli
3rd 33 Elisavet Spanou - Trelenomai
4th 33 Despina Olympiou - Stagona
5th 32 Marsheaux - Home
6th 29 Despina Olympiou & Michalis Hatzigiannis - Na'soun allios
7th 28 Mando - Ston aigokero
8th 27 Rallia Hristidou - Krypsou
9th 19 Mando - Breathe again
10th 14 Kaiti Homata - Peristeraki mou

Greece just misses top 5 in the ISC - worst edition

Mazoo and the Zoo did their worst they could but had to see 5 other entries were even worse. So Greece ended up in 6th place with 86 points (12 times the lowest score, but still just 44% of the points the winner Portugal -with 12 12's!!- brought home).

1 Portugal 195
2 Liechtenstein 140
3 Andorra 110
4 Hungary 99
5 Finland 94
6 Greece 86

Remarkably of the countries in the top 5 4 countries never won the Eurovision Songcontest (not even top 3). Finland just like Greece only once won Eurovision.

No Sakis in ISC 33: official press conference

The greek management was quick to announce a press conference after the rumour was spread their national final was to be cancelled. Greek management stated that the ISC Greek National Final will not be overruled by sending Sakis Rouvas to Russia. The chairman of the management Hebbuzz explicitly declared that the National Final would deliver the Greek ISC 33 entry. The NF was set up to promote less wellknown Greek musical talents.

The Greek National Final songs for ISC 33 are:

A- Despina Olympiou - Stagona
B- Mando (pictured) - Breathe again
C- Mikro - Ayti i poli
D- Elisavet Spanou - Trelenomai
E- Rallia Hristidou - Krypsou
F- Despina Olympiou & Michalis Hatzigiannis - Na'soun allios
G- Mando (pictured) - Ston aigokero
H- Marsheaux - Home
I- Eleni Tsaligopoulou - Ego s'agapisa edo elia
J- Kaiti Homata - Peristeraki mou

All songs can be downloaded here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=GT9T1IWH
Vote as usual your favourites. There are 10 songs and you have to vote esc-style 12-10-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 votes to be send to hebbuzz@hotmail.com

Sakis rumour and robbery of points!

After the results of ISC 32 were out and Russia won the international songcontest the rumour started to spread that the greek management might overrule their own still running National Final and should send Sakis Rouvas to Moscow. Men's Health started bringing the news, but nothing has been confirmed by any official.



In the voting it showed that there were many technical problems. Greece i.e. should have voted 10 points to themselves and the votes of Sweden were lost in the final.
In the ranking of the final it made a major change: after correction Australia qualified directly to the ISC 33 final instead of Argentina. In the corrected scores table of semi 1, 4 countries switched in ranking. This had no effect for the qualification to the ISC 32 final though. As a consequence Greece has fallen 2 places from 16 to the 18th position.

Greece starts National Final for ISC 33

After the non-qualifying for the final in ISC 32, Greece already started their preselection for the next international event. There are ten songs in competition to become elected as the most promising Greek song for ISC 33. These songs are:

A- Despina Olympiou - Stagona
B- Mando (pictured) - Breathe again
C- Mikro - Ayti i poli
D- Elisavet Spanou - Trelenomai
E- Rallia Hristidou - Krypsou
F- Despina Olympiou & Michalis Hatzigiannis - Na'soun allios
G- Mando (pictured) - Ston aigokero
H- Marsheaux - Home
I- Eleni Tsaligopoulou - Ego s'agapisa edo elia
J- Kaiti Homata - Peristeraki mou

All songs can be downloaded here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=GT9T1IWH
Vote as usual your favourites. There are 10 songs and you have to vote esc-style 12-10-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 votes to be send to hebbuzz@hotmail.com

Emigre to ISC 32 with "To telos itan kako"

Greece will be represented by Emigre with the song "To telos itan kako"
In a nerve-wrecking final in which top 3 had equal points, it took a while for the jury to find out which song won. Finally after hours of debate it was published "To telos itan kako" won because of having the most top rankings (2). "Treho sti nihta san skia" managed to collect in 75% votings he runner up position, while "To telos itan kako" only managed to collect maximum and minimum scores. Topfav "Einaste ena" ranked last probably due to the bad performance.


Gine ola esy - 7 points
To telos itan kako - 17 points (winner on most maximum scores)
Ego eimai esy - 10 points
Eimaste ena - 5 points
Treho sti nihta san skia - 17 points (runner up)
Ligo akoma - 17 points (runner up)

National Final in Greece for ISC 32

Despite good songs (but low rankings) the Greek management decided to fall back on a NF-system. For ISC 32 the Greek entry will be selected out of 6 magnificent songs. These can be downloaded here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UCJO261M

The titles of the songs in random order are:

Gine ola esy
To telos itan kako
Ego eimai esy
Eimaste ena
Treho sti nihta san skia
Ligo akoma

meanwhile in Greece interest in ISC is on the rise. Several artists applied to represent Greece in the 33rd ISC.

Votes in 7-5-3-2-1-0 style are to be send to bolx@hotmail.com

Greece will be represented by C-Real in the 31st ISC with the song "Kalokairi stin kardia". They sing their summer song in the final hoping for a better ranking than their predecessors. Alkistis Protopsalti (ISC 28 & 30) didn't manage to qualify with her magnificent songs, while Domna Kountouri (ISC 29) only reached the 22nd spot with her song in the final. With their summertune C-Real hopes to bring back succes in ISC to Greece once again.

Greek Drama!!!

The NF in search of the ISC 28 greek entry ended in drama for 2 artists who both thought they'd be representing Greece in ISC 28

First there was Adrianna Babali who won with a small margin over Sarbel with her song "Des kathara (face a la mer)". It turned out to be a version of a song that already particpated in ISC 19 for France, sung by the group Calogero. France ranked with "Face a la mer" 18th with 55 points at that time. The ISC management rejected therefor Adrianna's song for violating the rules.

The organization of the NF then declared runner up Sarbel to be the greek entrant with his song "Den Mporeis" and submitted this song. Again the greek delegation was about to be disappointed and frustrated by another rule, stating that an artist may only represent one country at a time in ISC editions. Cyprus just entered the UK-born greek singer Sarbel with his song "mi chica".

The greek delegation was furious at the Cyprus management because Sarbel not being cypriotic (Born UK, living in Crete / Greece) and the songtitle being not in the cypriot language. Therefor violating the ISC rules also. The greek management consider to officially demand the ISC management to investigate this particular situation. Sarbel himself declared in a press conference at the Wikipedia Newsport "I don't care neither being famous abroad nor start an international career. I only care for Greece. I grew up abroad but choose to live in Greece." ... (to be continued)

In the meantime both singers are invited to the Greek ISC 29 preselection and may enter automaticly. Adriana will choose another song, Sarbel might enter with the same song. With the deadline too close to write new songs the Greek delegation asked the runner-up artist of the 27 ICS preselection whether she wanted to participate in the ISC 28 with the song she already entered for the next NF. Alkistis Protopsalti was very willing to help and submitted her song "Dithesio". Therefor she will be the ISC 28 entrant for Greece. Alkistis expressed how happy she was to finally enter the ISC-arena after several attempts and wished both Adriana and Sarbel the best of luck in the ISC 29 NF preselection!

Her song can be watched here:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Rbo9ALCJQ_g
(song starts after 30 seconds)

ISC 28 - Winner NF, but not the entry

The 28 ISC NF in Greece is won by Adrianna Babali but the song was rejected for having particpated in ISC 19 for France and the rules state that an entry may not be a cover version of a former entrant....





















So the runner up in this NF will be the greek entry.


Results:


Andrianna Babali - Des kathara (face a la mer) 29
Sarbel - Den mporeis 27
Marw Lytra - Metaniwsa 26
Nama - Mia kyriaki 26
Mikro - Treasure in your heart 24
Domna Kountouri - Vythizomai 24
Efstathia - Xwris esena 22
Glykeria - T'apogeumata 14
Marsheaux - Promise 17
Eleni Peta - Logia tis siopis 11

Greek ISC 28 preselection

These are the 10 great candidates to follow up Tamta in ISC 28!

01 Sarbel - Den mporeis
02 Marw Lytra - Metaniwsa
03 Mikro - Treasure in your heart
04 Nama - Mia kyriaki
05 Glykeria - T'apogeumata
06 Domna Kountouri - Vythizomai
07 Efstathia - Xwris esena
08 Eleni Peta - Logia tis siopis
09 Marsheaux - Promise
10 Andrianna Babali - Des kathara (face a la mer)


All 10 songs can be downloaded here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AGT8DOG5

Voting in ESC-style (12-10-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1) or top5 (7-5-3-2-1)
Votes to be send to rollercoaster at hotmail




> sarbel >



> Marw Lytra >



< Mikro <










< Nama <







> Glykeria >



> Domna Kountouri >



< Efstathia <



< Eleni Peta <
















> Marsheaux >




> Andrianna Babali >









Some songs have promotional video-clips
02 Marw Lytra - Metaniwsa http://youtube.com/watch?v=fqjTvLfyrXk
04 Nama - Mia kyriaki http://youtube.com/watch?v=3dLMve6dh_0
10 Andrianna Babali - Des kathara (face a la mer) http://youtube.com/watch?v=jA5qqzysarg