On this day, exactly 20 years ago, Greece won 1st place at the Eurovision Song Contest. Just days after Greece’s 6th-place finish with Klaudia’s song “Asteromata” in the 69th contest, we mark two decades since the triumph of “My Number One” and Helena Paparizou, who rose to the top of Europe.

On May 21, 2005, in Kyiv, Ukraine, the singer took first place at Eurovision, giving Greece its only victory in the history of the contest. Helena Paparizou appeared on stage with four dancers, whose choreography to the beat of the song energized the audience. Although the song was in English, Greek elements were prominent. The Pontic dance and the lyra that Helena mimicked playing as she was lifted into the air by her dancers made all the difference.

Watch Helena Paparizou’s performance in the Eurovision 2005 Grand Final

At just 23 years old, Helena Paparizou captivated audiences with her dynamic stage presence and dazzling gold Roberto Cavalli dress. The song, with music by Christos Dantis and lyrics by Natalia Germanou, paired with Fokas Evangelinos’ choreography, stole the hearts of the public. Helena delivered a stunning performance in the grand final, standing out among the other contestants and thrilling both international and Greek audiences—on a night that also happened to be her name day.

Following a tense and drawn-out voting process, Paparizou secured 230 points, clinching 1st place in the 50th Eurovision Song Contest. When the result was announced, celebrations erupted in Athens and all across Greece, reminiscent of the country’s euphoric win at Euro 2004 in Portugal the previous year.

How Helena Paparizou Experienced the Moment

The Swedish-born singer of Greek parents has spoken about the challenges leading up to the grand final and the emotion of victory:

Her First Eurovision Appearance

However, 2005 and “My Number One” wasn’t Paparizou’s first time on the Eurovision stage. In 2001, she represented Greece as a member of the duo Antique, alongside Nikos Panagiotidis, performing the song “(I Would) Die for You.” The song featured both Greek and English lyrics and had strong influences from traditional Greek music—much like “My Number One” a few years later.

Their 2001 Eurovision performance, which took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, was well-received and earned 3rd place with 147 points—Greece’s best result at that time. The success helped the group gain greater recognition in Greece and boosted their careers.