GREECE – We have seen in the recent history of MAD Video Music Awards some coincidences regarding the next Greek and Cypriot representatives in the Eurovision Song Contest. Latest examples were the duet with Demy and Poli Genova in 2016 and Tamta with Mikolas Josef in 2018. Although there is no proven in concrete way, co-relation between MAD VMA appearances and Eurovision decisions at ERT, somehow the general sentiment is that very summer, MAD VMAs are a test for those who scouting their next Eurovision participation (referring directly to Greece and Cyprus). Keeping in mind that Cyprus is eager for one more big name, an having in mind that ERT administration will return (most likely) to Mr Kalimeris (the man who Brough the golden era of Eurovision in Greece), we must at least make some key points regarding three appearances at this year’s music event by MAD TV
First of all, it was a huge surprise to see Stefania (Limberaki) in Greece. The Dutch born Greek singer became known in 2016 as part of KISSES who represented The Netherlands in Junior Eurovision, causing the fury of the journalists attending in Malta with the poor results that song had in the final (with that hideous and weird voting system). Stefania has no audience in Greece and that’s why it was weird that she was invited to MAD VMA. Also, Stefania is now at age for been eligible fo a potential Eurovision participation and it would be ideal to have a Dutch born Greek entrant in The Netherlands, which host the contest in 2020.
Second we must notice the singing debut of Jason Mandilas. We got to know him from the 2017 Greek delegation as he was one of the two swan dancers for Demy. Back then in Kyiv, the press expressed huge interested in those two boys making headlines all ver the European press. Jason is a great professional dancer always seeking for a chance in the singing world. He started last autumn by posting on YouTube various covers leading him to his first singing act. The debut was not a solo act (although his solo song is expected soon) but he was accompanied on stage by Helena Paparizou, a Eurovision winner and a top artist in Greece, which definitely offered him a great endorsement in the showbiz.
Third, we have to mention Vangelis Kakouritis, the former boyband member, who’s following for few years now a solo career. For the past two years his name was highly tipped for both Greece and Cyprus and although there was no official confirmation we can assure you there were sounding discussions for a potential participation of Vangelis. This year his duet act with Swiss 2019 entrant Luca Hänni surely rise the suspicions we all had. For mer personally if Vangelis goes to Eurovision it will be for Cyprus. Vangelis not only has a huge fanbase and audience but every time he appers somewhere his fans goes hysteric. His vocals are good enough for a safe song (i.e. Fuego) and we have to admit that his dance skills combine the sexiness of Luca with the ultimate dance charisma of Eleni.
To be realistic there were many more acts which potentially represent Greece and Cyprus. Let’s not forget the amazing voice of Chris Mastoras, lead singer of band Melisses who are a wishful thinking for many Eurofans for years. Regarding artists with no relation to Eurovision in any way, lots of possibilities are available but at the moment none of them openly expressed interest for Eurovision 2020. In any case it will be an interesting summer, full of negotiations in Cyprus and of course full of changes in Greece with the new government.
