Let’s go back to 2005.
Performing “My Number One” in Kyiv, with music by Christos Dantis and lyrics by Natalia Germanou, Helena Paparizou — wearing a striking Roberto Cavalli creation and backed by the choreography of renowned Greek choreographer Fokas Evangelinos — placed Greece at the very top of Europe’s musical stage. The victory triggered euphoric celebrations across the country and brought the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest to Athens.
Greece finished first among 39 countries, collecting 230 points. “My Number One” received ten maximum 12-point scores, placing Greece third on the list of countries with the most “douze points” in Eurovision history. The song was also later voted the fourth most popular Eurovision entry during the contest’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Which Countries Voted for “My Number One”
For the record, the following countries voted for Helena Paparizou’s “My Number One”:
– 12 points: Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, United Kingdom, Turkey, Albania, Cyprus, Serbia and Montenegro, Sweden, Germany
– 10 points: Netherlands, Romania
– 8 points: Spain, France
– 7 points: Israel, FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), Switzerland
– 6 points: Malta, Bosnia and Herzegovina
– 5 points: Croatia
– 4 points: Austria, Andorra, Norway, Moldova, Russia
– 3 points: Portugal, Finland
– 2 points: Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia, Denmark
– 1 point: Lithuania, Poland
The countries that gave Greece no points were Monaco, Latvia, Ukraine, Estonia and Belarus.
But the victory extended far beyond music.
It sparked a wave of national pride that strengthened Greece’s image abroad. Greeks around the world celebrated the achievement together, while Eurovision participation became even more recognizable and beloved in the country from that point onward.
In fact, many Greek artists who later represented the country in Eurovision said Paparizou’s victory inspired them and gave them confidence. The triumph not only established Greece as one of Eurovision’s strongest competitors, but also influenced future Greek entries by highlighting the importance of modern, dynamic songs that still incorporate elements of the country’s musical heritage.
