Of late, Greece have been one of Eurovision's most successful nations.  In the last 6 years, including this one they have been the favourite for victory in most polls and betting companies an impressive 4 times (2001, 2004, 2005, 2006).  Each of these year's has seen impressive results - 3rd in 2001, 3rd again in 2004, 1st in 2005, and an almost certain top 3 placing this year.  It was solely with poor entries that they failed to achieve good placings in 2002 and 2003 - proving that the song actually does count.  Winning it last year with what really was the best song of the contest brings Eurovision to Athens, and Greece enter directly to the 2006 Final. Can they make it three years in a row?

 

 

My guess is yes.  Greece really have gone the right way about making it a double with this, and certanly could win.  The song's one of the best in the contest, if not, the best.  It's a true power ballad, starting softly then erupting into a chorus, reaches the impressive high note at the key change and finishes perfectly.  Anna Vissi is an experienced performer and is sure to deliver on the night, not to mention the deserved reception she'll get from her home crowd.

 

 

As I said, Greece really have gone the right way about doing the double and I wouldn't be at all surprised to seen 'Athens 2007' next year.  the Singer and Song really is the perfect combination, and the draw, coming up 16th in the running , though not the best, still should be good enough to keep it in the audience's minds.  There is some strong competition, and if Germany don't do it, this will.  Good luck Greece - I'm voting for you!!

 

 

Still top contenders and favourites in the polls - but so was Kate for Belgium.  I think this is stronger though, and Greece still could do the double.

 

 

Anna Vissi's performance of 'Everything' met many expectations and surpassed others - failing to disappoint anyone.  The performance started beautifully with a blue stage light and smokey stage surface which Anna seemed to glide across in her wonderful outfit, picked particularly well for the occasion (I still would have preferred a ball gown though).  The performance was almost flawless - you would have thought she was miming, but although everything was practically perfect, I still felt like there was something missing.  On a second watch, Anna injected plenty of emotion into her performance, which is what I initially thought the performance may have been lacking.  So for that 'missing something' I seem to think existed, I can put it down to no other cause other than the fact that Anna made it look much too easy, maybe taking away from how powerful the song actually is... but I'm not entirely sure.  As for my prediction, it's easy to still say that Anna would have deserved victory had she have been graced with it, so while my prediction was wrong (she really wasn't even a contender), I don't think anyone can blame me for putting her in my top 7 winners.  At least she made top 10... :o)