And through to the 2021 Eurovision Grand Final is… GREECE!
“We were almost the last one to be announced! And when that happened I was like “Oh My God”! I was so happy, proud, and overwhelmed. Thank God I had the Greek team by my side. In times like these it’s always good to have people around you to share this amazing experience!” Stefania exclusively told GCT.
Last year’s multinational competition, also scheduled to take place in Rotterdam (the Netherlands), was cancelled for the first time in its 64-year history due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Stefania was selected to represent Greece in 2020 with the song 'Supergirl', however unfortunately that didn’t happen.
Instead, her dream of participating in Eurovision and representing Greece has come to life this year.
“And one thing is for sure: this dream will become part of my LEGACY”
With this year's song 'Last Dance', the talented performer has taken Greece to the final!
"I would like to take the chance and say a big thank you to each and every one of you that voted and helped Greece go through to the final! We want you by our side on the final on Saturday the 22nd of May."
Looking back, Stefania remembers watching the well-known song contest from a young age. “When I was really young my father showed me the video performance of Helena Paparizou who represented Greece and finally won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005! I remember him telling me 'Stefania this girl made us proud'. That was the time that I first came in touch with the Eurovision Song Contest! Both of my parents are Greek but I was born and raised in The Netherlands. I have lots of memories of people gathering in our house to watch the show to support and cheer for Greece!”
Hellenes and Philhellenes around the world have constantly supported Stefania throughout her career, from participating in the 2016 junior Eurovision Song Contest to now, where she is representing Greece in the 65th Eurovision Song Contest.
“For us ... the Greeks who live abroad it is a true honour to be able to represent our country in any way we can abroad. My sister for instance represented Greece in football since she was in the Greek national football team! It has always been my dream to perform in the Eurovision Song Contest but I never thought this dream would come to life so soon. I would like to thank the Greek broadcaster ERT for trusting me with such an important mission."
"I’m thrilled and I wanna make all of you proud with what you will see and hear at the Grand Final.”
Stefania brought fierceness, excitement and the jaw-dropping ‘wow’ factor to the competition's second semi-final.
In case you missed it, here it is-
“Well, it is a special performance! We work with green screen and this has never been done before in a live show such as the Eurovision stage. It is highly technical and we’ve worked so much for this!” she continued.
Stefania also fell in love with the melody of 'Last Dance' from the first moment she listened to it. It’s a such a catchy, dynamic song. When you listen to it, all you want to do is Dance!
“Well, it seems that it is going well with the bookies. This makes me very happy to hear but we all know that Eurovision is so unpredictable and it this has been proven a lot of times along the year. So, what me and my team is planning is to give 100% to the live performance of that night and the rest is up to the crowed and juries! We would like to make all Greeks proud and we hope for the best possible result!"
And of course we must mention Stefania dazzles and shines in a striking bodysuit on the stage, created by the one and only Vrettos Vrettakos.
The internationally renowned Greek fashion designer was influenced by the K-pop scene and worked on the outfit for 2.5 months.
Vrettos and his team embroidered no less than 200,000 Swarovski crystals in the purple tanzanite form.
The look is completed by matching gloves and high-heeled boots with a snake skin crystal pattern.
“I am so happy to work with the acclaimed Greek designer Vrettos Vrettakos! It is an honour to wear his creation on the Eurovision Stage. I love his work and recently I found out that he has worked with artists such as Rita Ora, Beyonce and many more. I mean, I am only 18 and this feels like a dream come true! This whole experience feels like a dream come true and in this dream I want you all with me!”
GCT followers worldwide, Stefania has a message for you:
“Well, first of all you need to watch it cause it is going to be a great show and I am sure we have all missed a good live show! We have all missed Eurovision. We promise to give 100% and we want to entertain you and make Greeks proud! That’s all.”
The 2021 Eurovision winner will be revealed on Saturday, May 22.
So proud of you Stefania! All of your hard work has paid off. Good luck!