Eurovision Song Contest 2005

Overview

The Eurovision Song Contest 2005 took place on May 14, 2005, in Kyiv, Ukraine. This event marked the 50th edition of the annual international song competition, which is organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The contest was hosted at the Palace of Sports in Kyiv, following Ukraine’s victory in the 2004 contest with Ruslana’s “Wild Dances.”

Host City: Kyiv, Ukraine

Kyiv was chosen as the host city after Ukraine’s win in 2004. This was the first time Ukraine hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, and it was a significant cultural event for the country, showcasing its ability to organize a large-scale international event.

Winner: Greece

Greece won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 2005 with the song “My Number One,” performed by Helena Paparizou. The song was a pop number with traditional Greek musical elements, and it captivated audiences across Europe. Helena Paparizou, a Greek-Swedish singer, delivered a dynamic performance that helped secure Greece’s victory.

Song Details

• Title: My Number One
• Artist: Helena Paparizou
• Songwriters: Christos Dantis and Natalia Germanou
• Genre: Pop with traditional Greek influences

Key Highlights

• Participants: The 2005 contest featured 39 countries, with Lebanon initially planning to participate but later withdrawing.
• Format: The contest included a semi-final round, which was introduced in 2004 to accommodate the growing number of participating countries. The semi-final took place on May 19, 2005, with the top 10 countries advancing to the final.
• Voting System: The winner was determined by a combination of jury and public votes from participating countries.

Significance

Greece’s victory in 2005 was a landmark moment for the country in the Eurovision Song Contest’s history. It boosted national pride and significantly impacted Helena Paparizou’s career, establishing her as a prominent figure in the European music scene.

Aftermath

Following Greece’s win, the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 was held in Athens, Greece. The success of “My Number One” also contributed to the song’s commercial success across Europe, and it remains one of the memorable entries in Eurovision history.

Conclusion

The Eurovision Song Contest 2005 in Kyiv was a vibrant celebration of music and culture, with Greece’s victory marking a historic achievement for the country. The event highlighted the contest’s role in fostering cultural exchange and unity across Europe.