Helena Paparizou was born born January 31, 1982, to Greek parents, Volos and Karditsa, in Sweden where she grew up. Helena's artistic talents and eagerness to excel became apparent from an early age, and she began her training in singing, dancing and acting while she was still at school.

A significant turning point in Helena's life was the creation of Antique, a group she set up with her childhood friend Niko at the age of 17. Almost immediately, Antique signed their first record contract with the then newly founded record label Bonnier in Sweden.

Their debut single ‘Opa Opa' became a huge hit. It reached number one in the singles charts and gained gold status. Following that success, Antique released their debut album, and later in 2001 came the first major step in their career - their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

They performed the beautiful song ‘I Would Die For You' and made such a big impression, that after the voting, they had scooped third place! Antique's success in the Eurovision Song Contest promised a bright future and led to a successful career which has included several platinum albums, a European tour, and collaborations with many highly successful artists from Greece and abroad.

Despite Antique's great success, the group's journey came to an end in 2003. Making one of her most difficult decisions ever, Helena decided to pursue a solo musical career. This brought her into contact with the dynamic team of Sony Music with whom she signed her first contract as a solo artist.

In December 2003, Helena Paparizou released her first solo single, "Anapandeetes Klisis" ("Missed Calls"), a song that was written especially for her by famous singer-songwriter, Christos Dantis. Naturally, "Anapandeetes Klisis" became a major hit and remained at the top of the airplay charts as well as the sales charts for a very long time, reaching gold status.

During the winter of 2003-2004, Helena appeared alongside one of Greece's biggest male singing stars, Antonis Remos, at Studio Pireos night club. In spring 2004, Helena released her first solo album "Protereotita" (‘Priorities') from which "Antithesis", "Anamnisis", "Katse Kala", "Stin Kardia Mou Mono Thlipsi" became major hits. Her success brought her to Fever Music night club where she performed the winter season 2004-2005 alongside Sakis Rouvas and Giorgos Mazonakis.

On the 21 May 2005, Helena Paparizou represented Greece for the second time at the Eurovision Song Contest to win the Kyiv event on the contest's 50th anniversary.

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