Greece: Sakis Rouvas & Nicole Raidman release new single “Always”
A few weeks after Sakis Rouvas and Nicole Raidman released a new version of ESC 2004 entry Shake It, they return with a new single entitlted “Always”
Both artists, Sakis and Nicole come back with a new song which is different to the sound in their latest songs. A love song inspired by a story of true love, referring to love that doesn’t stop to empty promises but struggles hard to last in time. A true love song released on St’ Valentines day fitting the day’s love spirit.
Behind the composition is Dimitris Kontopoulos and the lyrics, Sharοn Vaughn , giving us an indication of what their collaboration can mark as we are waiting for their Greek ESC 2020, Superg!rl, to be released!
Listen to the song below:
Sakis in Eurovision
Eurovision 2004
In March 2004, (ERT) announced that Rouvas would represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 after the selection process on the reality show EuroStar proved unsatisfactory. The show’s winner was expected to represent Greece, with Nikos Terzis writing the song entry; however, ERT changed its plans when the winner’s ability to perform under so much pressure was questionable and Rouvas expressed an interest in representing his country. In mid-March “Shake It“, with music by Terzis and lyrics by Nektarios Tyrakis, premiered on Greek radio. Originally, the song had Latin spirit and sound but Terzis changed it, combining the Greek traditional bouzouki sound with the Latin one to make it sound different from other Latin entries of the competition. In mid-April “Shake It” was released as a CD single, and Rouvas began a promotional tour of Europe for the contest
Rouvas was favored to win the Eurovision final. On 12 May 2004 he performed in the semifinal (appearing 10th out of 22), and performed 16th out of 24 in the 15 May 2004 final. Rouvas had two female dancers and three backing vocalists: the EuroStar winner and runners-up. Fokas Evangelinos, Rouvas’ longtime choreographer, choreographed his stage show. “Shake It” finished third in the final, with Rouvas attracting great interest in the contest by Greek viewers (with a rating of 86.7 percent, the highest rating in Greek TV history at the time). Rouvas’ appearance in Eurovision was a turning point in his career; his public perception changed from media-produced celebrity to notable pop artist, and he became more accessible to the media.
Eurovision 2007
ERT made an early announcement confirming that Rouvas would again be Greece’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. He performed his three songs (“Out of Control”, “Right on Time” and “This Is Our Night“, all composed by Dimitris Kontopoulos, at the Greek finals in February; the latter was the runaway winner with the jury and the viewers, winning 61 percent of the vote (the largest margin ever, and the most votes received by ERT in a national final). The song debuted at number one on the Greek Digital Singles chart, while Rouvas embarked on a promotional tour of Europe. He said publicly that he hoped to return the contest to Greece the following year. A win was widely anticipated by the Greek public, with the country being one of the three favorites among the Eurovision fans. However, Rouvas finished seventh in the final. The singer and the Greek public were disappointed with the result, and he issued a public apology for his loss. Rouvas received universal support from the public and the media, a first for a Greek Eurovision entrant regardless of result.
