Sakis Rouvas

Sakis Rouvas Σάκης Ρουβάς
Rouvas at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia.
Born	Anastasios Rouvas (1972-01-05) 5 January 1972 Mantouki, Corfu, Greece
Nationality	Greek
Other names	Sakis
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, choreographer, actor, television presenter, film producer, model, fashion designer, author, businessman, athlete
Years active	1987–1990 (athlete) 1991–present (performer)
Height	1.83 metres (6 ft 0 in)
Partner(s)	Katia Zygouli (2003–present)
Children	Three
Musical career
Genres	Pop, rock, R&B, dance
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, piano[1]
Labels	PolyGram Greece, Minos EMI, Universal Music France
Associated acts	Corfu Band
Website	www.sakisrouvas.com

Anastasios "Sakis" Rouvas II (Greek: Αναστάσιος "Σάκης" Ρουβάς, pronounced [ˈsakis ruˈvas]; 5 January 1972), known mononymously as Sakis, is a Greek model, recording, film and television artist, businessman and former pole vaulter. Born in Corfu, he won medals on the national athletics team during the 1980s. Rouvas began a musical career in 1991 as one of Greece's first pop performers, popularizing Western music. His tenor vocals, complex choreography, costumes, and technological advancements have been credited with transforming music videos and live performances. Rouvas is noted for avoiding domestic music, attaining success for a non-laïko or -éntekhno artist, and for breaking cultural, social, artistic, and generational barriers in Greece and Cyprus.

During the early 1990s, Rouvas signed with PolyGram Records and won the Thessaloniki Song Festival. Despite five commercially-successful albums, his personal life (including his military service and 1997 Greek-Turkish peace concert, which damaged his public image) has been publicized. Rouvas signed with Minos EMI in 1997, returning to the charts with Kati Apo Mena (1998) and 21os Akatallilos (2000) and ending his 14-year collaboration with manager Ilias Psinakis. One of the few Greek entertainers to gain recognition abroad, he has been popular in the Balkans since the 1990s. By the 2010s, Rouvas had expanded his career to film, television, theatre and fashion. His single "Shake It" is the all-time bestselling single in Greece; his songs and videos, such as "1992", "Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas", "Ela Mou", "Xana", "Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola", "Den Ehei Sidera I Kardia Sou", "Ypirhes Panta", "Antexa", "Se Thelo San Trelos" and "+ Se Thelo, have topped the popular Greek charts.

Since 2003 Rouvas has been in a relationship with model Katia Zygouli, with whom he has three children. He is involved in social issues, and has been praised for his dedication to philanthropic organizations.

Rouvas has won six Arion Music Awards, 15 Pop Corn Music Awards, 17 MAD Video Music Awards, four Status Man of the Year Awards, an MTV Europe Music Award and a World Music Award. Several number-one albums and singles which have been certified gold or higher have made him one of Greece's most popular musical artists. Known for his independence, Rouvas' musical, fashion and performance styles have influenced other artists for over two decades. In 2009 Down Town named him its "Entertainer of the Decade"; in 2010, Forbes listed him as the third-most-influential celebrity in Greece and the country's top-ranked singer.

Life and career

Early life and athletic career (1972–1990)

Rouvas was born on 5 January 1972 in the village of Mandoukion, near Corfu City on the island of Corfu, the eldest of four sons of Konstantinos "Kostas" Rouvas (an ambulance driver) and the teenaged Anna-Maria Panaretou (a duty-free shop clerk at the local airport).^[2][3] He has three brothers: Billy (b. Vasilios),^[4] Tolis (b. Apostolos, 1975)^[5] and Nikos (b. Nikolaos, 1991).^[6] The family was poor, and Rouvas began taking care of his brothers at age five.^[7] At age four, he exhibited athletic ability and took ballet classes as a child.^[8] His parents had a theatrical background, and at age ten Rouvas starred in his first theatrical production (An I Karharies Itan Anthropi; If Sharks Were People). His older co-stars were impressed with his talent.^[9] Soon afterwards Rouvas discovered music, which he enjoyed nearly as much as athletics. He taught himself guitar, inspired by international artists such as Elvis Presley.^[2]

In 1984 his parents divorced; Rouvas and his brother Tolis moved to their paternal grandparents' home in the village of Potamos when their father remarried. The young Rouvas held a variety of jobs to support his family,^[2] including work in an automobile repair shop, as a construction worker and a bartender.^[10] Since his early childhood he had difficulty in school, particularly in reading and writing. Working during the day, Rouvas went to school at night with his mother (who had not finished secondary school).^[7]

At age 15, Rouvas joined the Greek national track and field team as an admirer of Ukrainian pole-vaulter Sergey Bubka. His vaults were consistently high—averaging 4.17 metres (13.7 feet)—and he won a number of national awards.^[11] Rouvas continued in athletics until age 18, believing he had a future in music^[11] and joining the Corfu Band. At his graduation, he sang hits by Elvis and The Beatles.^[12]

Rouvas began performing at local clubs and hotels; at To Ekati, he was seen by future manager Elias Psinakis. He left Corfu at age 18, moving to Patras in search of a better future.

Early commercial success (1991–93)

After moving to Patras, Rouvas continued to look for performance opportunities until he met Dakis (a popular Greek artist who was the first person to help him professionally).^[13] Rouvas moved to Athens, and made his first professional appearance in 1991 at the Show Centre. His showmanship attracted the attention of music executives such as Nikos Mouratidis, who encouraged songwriter Giorgos Pavrianos to produce him.^[14][14] Rouvas, singing Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" was discovered by PolyGram executives who signed him to his first recording contract.^[15] After moving to Athens he lived with an older English woman named Sally, with whom he had begun a relationship on Corfu.^[14][16] Their relationship ended when Psinakis became Rouvas' manager, and the singer became more career-oriented. The media has speculated about Rouvas' personal life and relationships with model Zeta Logotheti, Sofi Kantarou (a Corfu bar manager) and singer Elli Kokkinou.^[9] Several months later he debuted at the Thessaloniki Song Festival, losing Best Vocal Performance to Giorgos Alkaios but singing the Best Composition ("Par'ta"; "Take Them", with music by Nikos Terzis and lyrics by Giorgos Pavrianos).^[17] There was a brief earthquake during the festival.^[5]

Rouvas released his eponymous debut album, which topped the Greek Albums Chart, the day after the festival.^[18] "Par'ta" became a radio hit,^[19] and a second single ("1992") also became popular.

In September 1992 Rouvas released his second album, Min Andistekese (Don’t Resist), also composed by Nikos Terzis.^[15] It produced the singles "Gyrna" ("Return"), "Min Andistekese", "Gia Fantasou" ("Imagine"), "Na Ziseis Moro Mou" ("Live, My Baby") and "Me Kommeni Tin Anasa" ("Breathless"), with a music video of the title track. The album's success helped establish Rouvas at the top of the Greek music scene.^[18]

In October 1993 Rouvas released his third album, Gia Sena (For You), with music by Alexis Papadimitriou and lyrics by Eleni Giannatsoulia and Evi Droutsa. The single "Kane Me" ("Make Me") became a radio hit, with "To Xero Eisai Moni" ("I Know You Are Alone") and "Xehase To" ("Forget It") also receiving airplay.^[17]

Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas, military service and emotional issues (1994–96)

In the winter of 1994 Rouvas collaborated with singer-songwriter and record producer Nikos Karvelas on his fourth album, Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas (Blood, tears & sweat), and its singles "Ela Mou" ("Come To Me") and "Xana" ("Again") became radio hits. Rouvas' collaboration with Karvelas was received skeptically by the media; when asked why he had chosen to collaborate with Rouvas, Karvelas said: "Sakis is the only star out of a generation which produces dull artists."^[20]

At this time, Rouvas became more reclusive and guarded about his personal life.^[5] When he was called for military service in 1994 he asked for a delay, since his service would coincide with the release of Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas; the request was denied,^[5][9][21] although other artists had been able to delay their service for career reasons.^[9] Although it was initially thought that Rouvas did not want to leave the spotlight when his career was growing, he claimed his reluctance to serve was due to agoraphobia.^[5][9][21] His claims were met with astonishment; media outlets remarked that agoraphobia was an odd condition for an entertainer,^[5] and critics accused him of draft dodging.^[5][21] The singer was taken to the Penteli psychiatric hospital for an evaluation, and it was widely reported that he had attempted suicide.^[5][9][21] After his release Rouvas fulfilled his military service under psychiatric care;^[5][9] he was required to remove his earring and cut his long hair, which is featured in the video for "Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas".^[5] During his service, he was pestered by paparazzi.^[5][9][21] Psinakis accused Rouvas' psychiatrist of pouring psychotropic drugs into Rouvas' alcoholic beverages because of a previous quarrel.^[5][9] The singer discussed his military service in a wide-ranging interview with Nico Mastorakis. When asked if he was suicidal Rouvas said he did not think so, but he was so drugged at the time of the emergency call that he did not recall the exact events; he confirmed that he tried to desert by climbing under a Jeep and attaching himself to its undercarriage.^[22]

Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola, peace concert and move to Minos EMI (1996–97)

In 1996 Rouvas released his fifth studio album, Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola (Now the Hard Times Start), again collaborating with Nikos Karvelas and lyricist Natalia Germanou.^[17] During the winter he sang with Anna Vissi at the Chaos Club in Athens,^[15] appearing in the duet "Se Thelo, Me Theleis" ("I Want You, You Want Me", also written by Karvelas) on her 1997 album Travma (Trauma).^[17]

On 19 May 1997, Rouvas performed with Turkish singer Burak Kut at a bi-national reconciliation concert on the Green Line in Cyprus before an audience of over 4,000.^[23] The concert received international coverage and support, earning Rouvas an International Abdi Ipekçi Prize for global understanding and co-operation;^[24][25] however, the concert was controversial to Greek and Turkish protesters and the singer reportedly received death threats.^[26] Opposition to the concert turned the Greek and Greek-Cypriot media against Rouvas,^[23] and was fodder for tabloid talk shows in Greece.^[27] Rouvas and Kut had recorded a duet in Greek and Turkish the previous year entitled "Birgün/Otan" ("When"), a cover of "Someday" for the Greek soundtrack of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (I Panagia Ton Parision, in which Rouvas voiced the role of Quasimodo).^[15] At this time, he signed with Minos EMI.

Kati Apo Mena, return to prominence and 21os Akatallilos (1998–2000)

In December 1998 Rouvas released his sixth album (the first with his new label): Kati Apo Mena (Something From Me),^[15] written by Giorgos Theofanous. "Den Ehi Sidera I Kardia Sou" ("Your Heart Doesn't Have Steel Rails") was a hit, and remains one of his most-popular songs.^[17] To promote the album Rouvas performed at the Virgin Megastore in Athens, where thousands of fans created a traffic jam.^[15] During the winter of 1999–2000 he sang at Bio Bio in Athens, performing with Katy Garbi at Pili Axiou in Thessaloniki the following spring.^[28]

In March 2000 Rouvas released his seventh album, 21os Akatallilos (21+ X-Rated).^[29] The album and its first single, "Andexa", reached number one on the charts.^[15] During May rehearsals for summer performances Rouvas was hospitalized with abdominal pain, which was diagnosed as peritonitis and required an appendectomy.^[30] On 25 October 2000, he began appearing with Antonis Remos and Peggy Zina at Apollonas for the winter season.^[31] That year Rouvas became the Pepsi spokesperson for the company's Greek summer campaign, a first for a Greek entertainer; his collaboration with Pepsi continued into 2001, with a May television ad. The advertisement, featuring a semi-nude Rouvas holding a Pepsi bottle in front of his genitals, was controversial among women's rights and parental associations. Calling it "unsightly, vulgar and unacceptable", they tried to have the ad blocked as "disgrac[ing] childhood innocence and dignity."^[32] The Pepsi Tour 2001, of seven Greek cities, followed.^[15]

During summer 2000^[5] Rouvas, Psinakis and a number of other celebrities visited Mykonos on a yacht borrowed from a local physician.^[5][9] They were accused of drug possession, since the yacht contained narcotics.^[5][9] The incident was publicized amid speculation that Rouvas might have a drug addiction.^[5][9] Although the doctor admitted that the narcotics were his, his guests were questioned.^[5][9] Wishing to avoid court, Rouvas paid a fine and minimized the incident.^[5][9] However, thousands of t-shirts were printed which read: "Imoun ki ego sto kotero!" ("I was on the yacht, too!").^[5][9][33]

Ola Kala, international exposure and To Hrono Stamatao (2001–04)

In 2001, Rouvas signed with Universal Licencing Music (ULM) of Universal Music France after he was recommended by singer Nana Mouskouri.^[34] He collaborated with American songwriter-producer Desmond Child and Phoebus on "Disco Girl";^[17] it was a hit in Greece and certified platinum,^[35] winning Rouvas the Pop Singer of the Year award at the inaugural Arion Music Awards.^[34][36] The single was later released in France, with an English version written by Andreas Carlsson.^[37] Rouvas played 20 shows across France in support of "Disco Girl", which received ample airplay,^[34] and was compared to Latin pop star Ricky Martin.^[34]

Rouvas' eighth album, Ola Kala^[17] (a collaboration with Desmond Child, Phoebus and Greek songwriters Natalia Germanou and Vangelis Konstantinidis), was released in June 2002. The album went gold in Greece within a week.^[38]

In April 2003, Rouvas appeared with Antonis Remos and Nana Mouskouri at the Arion Awards.^[39] He released his ninth album, To Hrono Stamatao (I Stop Time), in December; it was certified gold after its release.^[5][12] Songs from the album received radio airplay, and that month Rouvas began appearing at Fever with Giorgos Tsalikis and ONE for the winter season.^[40] A Greek version of "Feelings" from the album, "Pes Tis" ("Tell Her"), was released as a single with the same video as its French- and English-language counterparts.^{[citation needed]}

Eurovision and S'eho Erotefthi (2004–05)

Rouvas speaking at a press conference after the Eurovision 2004 Semi-Final.

Sakis Rouvas - "Shake It" The Greek entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004, "Shake It" became one of Rouvas' most successful songs and was one of his few songs to incorporate Greek influences into his Western style.

In March 2004, Hellenic Radio and Television (ERT) announced that Rouvas would represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004^[41] after a long selection process through the reality show EuroStar had failed.^[42] Originally, the winner of the show was to represent the country with composer Nikos Terzis producing the song entry, however, the broadcaster decided to cancel these plans after doubts the winner could perform on stage, while Rouvas also exhibited an interest in representing the country.^[42][43] In mid-March, the song entry "Shake It" composed by Nikos Terzis with lyrics by Nektarios Tyrakis, premiered on Greek radio. The song was described as possessing strong Mediterranean influences, which differ from Rouvas' typical western production style.^[44] At the end of March, Rouvas performed "Shake It" for the first time live at the third Arion Music Awards.^[12] At the awards, he also won the award for "Best Pop Singer" for the album To Hrono Stamatao.^[45] In mid-April, "Shake It" was released as a CD single and Rouvas began a large promotional tour around Europe for the contest.^[46] His album To Hrono Stamatao was also repackaged with the "Shake It" single as a bonus. The song peaked at number one on the Greek airplay charts for many weeks, while it continued to have popularity on the IFPI Greece Top 50 singles chart, remaining at number one for nine consecutive weeks^[47] and finally achieving four times Platinum status,^[19] becoming the best selling single of the year^[12] and one of the most successful of all time.^[12] It has since sold 110 thousand copies.^[48]

Rouvas representing Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 in Istanbul on 15 May 2004.

Rouvas was considered the favourite to win the final contest.^[49] On 12 May 2004, Rouvas took part in the Eurovision Song Contest semi-final, performing 10th out of 22 in the running order. He passed the semi-final, and on 15 May 2004, he performed 16th out of 24 in the final. For the stage show, Rouvas had two female dancers with him, and three backing vocalists, whom were the winner of EuroStar and the other two finalists. Fokas Evangelinos, Rouvas' long time choreographer, produced the choreography for the stage show.^[50] "Shake It" achieved third place in the final.^[17] Rouvas generated the greatest interest in the contest from the Greek public in its entire duration, with television share ratings of 86.7 percent, the highest ratings in Greek television history at the time.^[51] The participation in Eurovision was seen as a turning point in Rouvas' career from being perceived as a media-exposed celebrity to the possibly most notable artist in pop. He also became less reclusive and more open to media.^[18]

In June 2004, Rouvas performed at the first MAD Video Music Awards where he sang "Shake It".^[52] At the awards, he won the award for "Sexiest Appearance" for his music video "Pes Tis" (Tell her).^[17] On 7 July, Rouvas held a joint concert in Istanbul with Turkish artist and 2003 Eurovision Song Contest winner Sertab Erener in yet another attempt at keeping peace between the two countries.^[53] In August, Rouvas appeared carrying the Olympic torch through Panathinaiko Stadium^[54] and also performed at the closing ceremony for the 2004 Summer Olympics, where he was lowered on to the stage from the air and sang traditional Greek songs.^[12][55]

In fall 2004, Rouvas recorded a duet with the Russian pop singer Philip Kirkorov of his hit "Se Thelo San Trelos" ("I want you like crazy"),^[56] originally on the album 21os Akatallilos. A music video was filmed shortly after in Saint Petersburg.^[12] Following that, in October 2004, Rouvas was a special guest star at three concerts with Nana Mouskouri, two of which took place in Berlin, Germany, and the other at the Athens Megaro Mousikis.^{[citation needed]} Two months later in December, Rouvas began performances with Giorgos Mazonakis at Fever for the winter season, with Elena Paparizou as his opening act.^[57][58] His show was critically acclaimed. Georgia Laimou of E-go, known for her scathing and sarcastic reviews, wrote "for Sakis I have only good things to say and I don't want to hear 'boo' from anyone. A more clean, well-supported, professional, and generally immaculate program than Sakis' I don't think exists on the Athenian stages."^[59]

On 5 April 2005, Rouvas won the award for CD Single with the Highest Sales of 2004 for "Shake It" at the fourth Arion Music Awards.^[12] Rouvas also appeared on stage dancing the tango.^[12] The next day, 6 April, Rouvas released his tenth studio album S'eho Erotefthi (I'm in love with you) which went platinum in five months, and settled at 3× platinum.^[60] With the help of Vodafone Greece as the main sponsors, release parties for the CD were held in Heraklion, Corfu, Thessaloniki, and Athens all on the same day. The songs "S'eho Erotefti", "Hilia Milia" ("Thousands of miles"), "Mila Tis" ("Speak to her"), "Na M'Agapas" ("Love me"), and "Cairo" all became radio hits.^[17] That same year, Rouvas also won the World Music Awards for Best-Selling Greek Artist of 2004.^[61] In September he held a charity concert at the Olympic Indoor Hall with an attendance of 20 thousand people, the largest production by any Greek entertainer until Rouvas broke his own record in 2009. This was followed by another concert in Patras.^[62]

Live Ballads, Eurovision, and Iparhi Agapi Edo (2006)

As of the second half of 2005 Rouvas had moved to Los Angeles, United States.^[62] On 24 February 2006, he held a Valentine's Day concert that was recorded and videotaped for his fans where his popular ballads, as well as covering ballads of other Greek and foreign artists.^[12][63] The live performance was later released as a CD and CD/DVD package in April 2006 titled Live Ballads, Rouvas' first live album and video.^[63] The CD featured two new studio tracks, "Horis Kardia" (Without a heart) and an English-language version of "S'eho Erotefthi" titled "I'm in Love With You"^[63] and topped the Greek album chart.^[64]

On 3 April 2006, Rouvas sang "Horis Kardia" at the Arion Music Awards, where he also won the award for "Best Pop Album" and "Best Pop Singer" for the album S'eho Erotefthi.^[65] In the same month, Rouvas renewed his contract with Vodafone Greece^{[citation needed]}, while Village Roadshow Productions Greece announced that Rouvas would star in their upcoming film.^{[citation needed]}

In May 2006, the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 was held in Athens, as Greece won the contest the year before.^[66] Rouvas was asked by ERT to host with Maria Menounos the semi-final and final in English, Greek and French.^[67] At the semi-finals, Rouvas opened the show by singing the Katrina and the Waves song "Love Shine a Light" with Menounos.^[68] For the voting intermission, Rouvas performed his song "I'm in Love With You".^[69]

On 14 June 2006, Rouvas performed "Agapa Me" (Love me) and "Na M'Agapas" (You should love me) at the third MAD Video Music Awards.^[70] Rouvas also won the awards for Best Video by a Male Artist for "Na M'Agapas" and Best Dressed Artist in a Video for "Mila Tis".^[12] That same month, Rouvas also dubbed the Greek-language version of the Disney movie Cars where he voiced Lightning McQueen,^{[citation needed]} while on 13 November he began filming his feature film debut Alter Ego.^[71]

On 6 December 2006, Rouvas released his eleventh studio album titled Iparhi Agapi Edo (There is love here).^[72] The songs "Ego Travo Zori" (I'm having a hard time") and "18 (Iprahi Agapi Edo)" became radio hits,^{[citation needed]} while the song "Ola Gyro Sou Gyrizoun" (Everything revolves around you) composed by Dimitris Kontopoulos became a dance hit on Greek radio, and one of the most played songs of 2007.^{[citation needed]} All three of the songs peaked at number one on the airplay chart.^{[citation needed]} One of the songs, "Mikros Titanikos (Se Latrevo)" (Little Titanic [I adore you]) was written especially for Rouvas by Yiannis Parios, while his son, noted singer-songwriter Harry Varthakouris, composed the music. The song was eventually released and became a hit^{[citation needed]}, being used also to promote Rouvas' live album. The album Iparhi Agapi Edo debuted at number one^[12] and was certified Platinum, selling over 40 thousand copies as of April 2007.^[73]

Film and television career, This Is My Live, fatherhood, and Irthes (2007–08)

Rouvas' Academy Awards primetime special, Sakis Oscar Songs, aired on 20 February through Nova. The special was filmed at a private concert at Athens Arena, and paid tribute to songs that have been awarded with Academy Awards.^[74] In March, he began performances at Boom in Thessaloniki with Despina Vandi.^[75] At the end of April, Rouvas held a large concert in Syntagma Square as part of Vodafone Greece's promotional campaign.^{[citation needed]} On 10 May 2007, the film Alter Ego by Village Roadshow Productions starring Rouvas as Stefanos, the frontman of the rock group Alter Ego, premiered in theatres across Greece.^[17] At a budget of two million euros, it was the most expensive production of all time in Greece.^[71][76] It received mixed reviews^[77] and did not manage to cover its grand production costs at the box office, selling only a fifth of the needed tickets.^[78][79] However, at 200 thousand tickets sold, it was an average success in Greek cinema, although Rouvas was still fairly disappointed about the coverage it received.^[77][80] The film dealt with the themes of young musicians living the rock and roll lifestyle and drug abuse having to face their inner fears and cope with the loss of a loved one.^[71] The soundtrack of the film was recorded by the cast and Rouvas, while the theme song to the movie "Zise Ti Zoi" ("Live Life") by Rouvas became a radio hit, reaching the top 10 of the charts.^[64] On 29 June 2008, Alter Ego was screened in Los Angeles at a Greek festival.^[81] Rouvas collaborated with Vodafone at a beach party concert at Yabanaki called Sakis on the Waves.^[82] On 29 October Rouvas was awarded his sixth Arion for "Best Pop Song" for "Ola Gyro Sou Gyrizoun", while being nominated for a further four awards, although he was not present at the actual ceremony.^[83]

Following the 2007 Greek forest fires, Rouvas returned to Greece to raise money for the victims and embarked on a charity tour.^{[citation needed]} On 20 July, he performed in Ptolemaida, Kozani as part of the Expedition for Environment Act Now!^[84] He also appeared on ANT1 answering phone call donations during a live telethon.^{[citation needed]} On 10 September 2007 he gave a concert at Lycabetus as part of an OPAP's campaign for voluntary blood donations; the tour raised a staggering amount for the victims overall.^{[citation needed]} The concert was also recorded, and released as a CD/DVD on 12 December 2007 titled This Is My Live, releasing the single "Stous 31 Dromous".^[85] In the spring of 2008, Rouvas and Antonis Remos collaborated on a world tour, visiting North America, Australia, and South Africa.^[86]

Rouvas performing at club STARZ in Athens in December 2008

Sakis Rouvas - "+ Se Thelo" One of Rouvas' most successful hits, "+ Se Thelo", in addition to becoming one of the most successful songs of the 2000s, was the first dance song of its era to experience heavy chart and club success and longevity.

On 19 May 2008, Rouvas started singing with Peggy Zina at club Politia in Thessaloniki.^{[citation needed]} A month later on 17 June, Rouvas performed a new song composed by Dimitris Kontopoulos titled "+ Se Thelo" ("And I want you") at the MAD Video Music Awards 2008 as the opening act for the show.^{[citation needed]} His performance was dubbed as the best of the night by the Greek media^{[citation needed]} as it included heavy choreography and elaborate lighting, as well as an overall Japanese theme.^{[citation needed]} He also won the award for "Male Artist of the Year" amongst three other nominees.^{[citation needed]} In July 2008, the song was released as a digital single and as a radio promo and became a dance hit,^{[citation needed]} reaching number one on the Greek airplay chart where it remained for 10 weeks, becoming the most-played song of the year.^{[citation needed]} An official music video using footage from the awards show was released at the end of the year.^[87] "+ Se Thelo" became a staple in Rouvas' career. In addition to becoming one of the most successful songs of the decade, it was the only dance song of its era to have significant success in both charts and clubs and exhibit longevity. Critically, the song was deemed a landmark in the entertainer's career for exhibiting a rare case of a Greek artist breaking generational barriers and producing a hit of that extent nearly two decades into their career.^[88]

In August, Rouvas' home was victim to two robberies, both occurring within ten days.^[89]

In July 2008 it was announced that Rouvas would be the host for the first season of the Greek version of The X Factor,^[90] which premiered on 24 October 2008,.^[91] On 4 December 2008, Rouvas premiered his winter season musical shows with the Maggira Sisters at STARZ for the 2008-09 winter season.^[92][93] Rouvas was also Greece's representative with the hit "Stous 31 Dromous" ("On the 31 roads") in the OGAE Song Contest that was held in Zaragoza, Spain, on 25 October 2008, claiming the third place with 130 points by placing only behind Croatia and United Kingdom.^[94]

Rouvas had been in a relationship Katia Zygouli since 2003, while Greek media reported in 2007 that their relationship was heading for an end as Rouvas had allegedly begun a relationship with model Vanessa Hessler.^[9] However, the two later reunited and publicly announced Zygouli's pregnancy and on 2 November 2008. Zygouli gave birth to the couple's first child, a baby girl, who they baptized Anastasia after her father, on 18 October 2009. The godmother was Emmanouela Pavlatou, a close friend of Melina Mercouri, and the date of the baptism was chosen to coincide with Mercouri's birthday.^[95] The birth of their child was widely covered by news outlets.^[96][97] In an interview with Eleonora Meleti on Star Channel, Rouvas stated that marriage is not in his plans with Zygouli, even though he understands it is something that has been learned within society, he believes that they are happy enough as they are at the moment,^[98] although in May 2010 Zygouli publicly appeared wearing a diamond engagement ring without any confirmation of an engagement being made.^[99] On 20 November 2008, Rouvas released the song he dedicated to his daughter, "Irthes" (You arrived).^[100] On 3 December, Rouvas released his 12th studio album of the same name, produced by Dimitris Kontopoulos.^[101] The next day on 4 December 2008, Rouvas premiered his winter concert series with the Maggira Sisters at STARZ.^[92][93]

Eurovision, Duress, Parafora, business career, and second child (2009–2012)

Rouvas backstage at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, where he represented Greece.

Sakis Rouvas - "This Is Our Night" Rouvas' second Eurovision entrant won the national final with the largest margin in the program's history.

After being asked internally every year after his first performance, Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) made an early announcement confirming that Rouvas would once again be Greece's participant in the Eurovision Song Contest.^[102] Rouvas performed his three candidate songs, "Out of Control", "Right on Time", and "This Is Our Night", all composed by Dimitris Kontopoulos,^[103] at the Greek national final on in February where the latter was the runaway winner with both the jury and the viewers, winning 81% of the vote,^[104] the largest margin ever, but also the most overall votes attained by ERT in a national final.^[105] The song subsequently debuted at number one on the Greek Digital Singles chart,^[106] while Rouvas embarked on an extensive promo tour throughout Europe.^[107] He had expressed that his goal was to bring the contest back to Greece the following year and a win was widely anticipated by the Greek public, with the country being one of two major favourites to win. Despite this, in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009, Rouvas finished seventh.^[108] The singer and Greek public were both deeply disappointed with the result and he issued a public apology to the Greeks for his loss.^[109] Despite this, Rouvas received universal support from the public and media, a first-case^[110] scenario for a Greek Eurovision entrant following the contest, regardless of how high the result.^{[18][109][110]}

On 27 March, Rouvas was appointed by President of ELPIDA Charity Foundation and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Marianna Vardinoyannis as "messenger" of ELPIDA foundation, a charity supporting children with cancer,^[111] after being a longtime supporter of the charity without wishing for his involvement to be publicized.^[112] In support of the charity, Rouvas teamed up with fastfood chain Goody's for their ArGOODaki campaign, and in April 2010 made a charitable donation in the amount of 300 thousand euros to the foundation.^[113] In April, Rouvas and partner Katia Zygouli launched the beauty franchise Mariella Nails Body and Mind Care,^[114] in which they own 25 percent of the share.^[115]

Rouvas performing at his record-breaking Panathinaiko Stadium concert on 1 July.

On 1 July Rouvas performed a sold out concert in support of the environment at the ancient ruins of Kallimarmaro Stadium to an audience of 40 thousand people.^[116] As one of the few artists given permission ever to perform at the venue, it was the largest attendance ever at the stadium for a non-sporting event^[117] and the largest attendance by a single musical artist in Greek history.^[118][119] The concert —organized by the National Youth Council— coincided with the startdate of the national public smoking ban.^[120] The sold out^[12] Sakis Live Tour followed to a further 10 cities from July to September,^[121] while he additionally performed a sold out concert series at Politia Live Clubbing in Thessaloniki.^[12]

In October 2009, Rouvas returned as host for the second season of the Greek version of The X Factor,^[122] while he dubbed the voice of Captain Charles T. Baker for the Greek version of Planet 51.^[123] He made his American film debut in the psychological thriller Duress opposite of Martin Donovan.^[124] The film was screened at various film festivals, such as in Poland and Russia^[125] and received a wide theatrical release in December 2009 by mainstream Greek distributor Hollywood Entertainment.^[126][127] It is also expected to be released on home video in the United States.^[128]

Rouvas (as seen here on 10 May 2009) gained a more entrepreneurial image, having launched five different business ventures within the period of one year.

Rouvas performed at the newly constructed venue The S Club for the winter 2009-10 season, where he is the owner, with Tamta as his supporting act^[129][130] as well as Eleftheria Eleftheriou^[131] and American rapper Gifted. He additionally opened the sushi club/restaurant EDO.^[132] On 2 March, The S Club –which was a huge success for Rouvas– caught fire with damages estimated up to four million euros. The cause of the fire was unknown, but was investigated by the Athens police as a possible arson by rival club owners.^[133] Evidence supporting this theory was that some witnesses reported having spotted containers of gasoline.^[134] The show was stopped for the repairs to be made, and resumed on 19 March^[135] to 9 April. The show moved to Thessaloniki on 7 May for a six-week engagement at Politia Live Clubbing.^[136] He is also featured on Tamta's single "Tharros I Alitheia" for her album of the same name.^[130] The song became a major club hit^[137] and won a MAD Video Music Award for Best Duet–Collaboration Video.^[138]

Rouvas' 13th studio album, Parafora, was released on 14 December 2010^[139] and topped the IFPI Top 75 Albums chart.^[140] It distributed enough initial shipments to be certified double platinum within its first week,^[141] denoting shipments of at least 24 thousand units. The album's first single, "Spase Ton Hrono",^[142] reached number one on all Greek charts, becoming his fourth consecutive single to do so.^[137] The song won Rouvas the award for Best Balkan Song from Greece at the first Balkan Music Awards,^[143] while its video earned him five MAD Video Music Awards nominations, —more than any other video— winning Best Pop Video, Artist of the Year, and Fashion Icon of the Year and equaling the most awards won by an artist in one night, with four.^[138] The song also contributed to Rouvas' win for Best Greek Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2010,^[144][145] and he was then shortlisted in the category Best European Act.^[146] "Emena Thes", the second single, was released in May^[147] and peaked at number five on the mixed airplay chart^[148] as well as on the digital sales chart^[149] while the title track, was released in October.^[150] and peaked at number one on the domestic airplay chart for three weeks.^[151] and number two on the mixed airplay chart.^[152] The album's fourth single was released in late February 2011 titled "Oi dyo mas". The video clip of the song was released at the end of March 2011 were the song topped the National Airplay chart. For the second consecutive year, Rouvas received the Singer of the Year title at the Status Men of the Year Awards.^[153]

Rouvas, seen here inaugurating the Sakis Rouvas Collection in Limassol, Cyprus on 25 November 2010, became the first Greek artist to create his own clothing line.

In June, Rouvas and his brother Vasilis launched their own television and film production company, Sakis Rouvas Kinematografos EPE,^[154] while on 14 July Rouvas closed the French Embassy of Greece's celebratory commemoration of the national French anniversary with a performance of the French and Greek national anthems.^[155] Rouvas embarked on his eight city summer tour from 24 July^[156] to 19 September.^[157] At the 27 July stop in Corinth, he inaugurated his Sakis Rouvas Collection clothing line, in which he had creative input, exclusively to Greek department store retailer Sprider Stores.^[158] The collection was inaugurated on 16 September,^[159] is available from October and caters to both sexes.^[160] Rouvas performed at the Mykonos Xlsior Festival in support of LGBT people on 27 August^[161] and was scheduled to perform at the first Εurovoice on 23 September, as one of four celebrities along with performers Enrique Iglesias, Anastacia, and host Pamela Anderson,^[162] although his appearance was later canceled one day prior to the event due to undisclosed issues.^[163] For the winter season 2010–11, Rouvas teamed up with Anna Vissi for a concert series at Athens Arena called Face2Face, beginning on 15 October.^[164][165] ANT1 is in negotiations with him to star in a new television series following The X Factor^[166] and also presented the third season of the talent show from 29 October – 11 February.^[167] For his performance on the show, Rouvas was awarded Presenter of the Year at the 2011 Cypriot Men of the Year Awards.^[168] On 2 February, Rouvas was one of eight main acts participating in the first MADWalk, an equivalent to the international Fashion Rocks, where he represented Celia Kritharioti Haute Couture.^[169] In the spring he did ten appearances at Thalassa.^[170] After a short break he continued his live appearances at Puli Axiou in Thessaloniki,while he announced his upcoming winter performances at Athens Arena with the band Onirama and Eleni Foureira as his opening act...^[171][172] He also released his new single called "Kane na mi s' agapiso". On 15 October he and his longtime partner, Katia Zygouli became parents for the second time to a baby boy who they named Alexandros.^[173] At the 2012 Johnnie Walker Men of the Year Awards in Cyprus, Rouvas was presented with the highest honour of Greek of the Year for his philanthropic contributions, particularly with the Elpida foundation.^[174] In February 2012 Rouvas performed his new single "Bad Thing" with American singer Nomi Ruiz of Jessica 6 at the second MADWalk, where he represented designer Apostolos Mitropoulos. The single is expected to be released worldwide after the show.^[175] Rouvas released his new single "Tora" (now) which he performed at the 2012 MAD Video Music Awards. He was nominated for four awards including Best Pop Video and Video of the Year and won Male Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year for "I Dyo Mas".

Third child, theatre, and current projects (2013-present)

On 3 January 2013 Zygouli gave birth to the couple's third child, another daughter. Rouvas returned to television as a presenter for ANT1's humanitarian project Iroes Anamesa Mas (heroes among us), a ten-part documentary series that focuses on the stories of real-life people who have been nominated for their heroic deeds in an effort to help others. The series debuted on 23 May. During production Rouvas traveled all around Greece to conduct the interviews with the featured nominees. In the summer, Rouvas will make his theatrical debut at the prestigious ancient theatre of Epidaurus in Euripides' tragedy The Bacchae, portraying the lead role of the God Dionysus.

Rouvas is currently working on new music; he released a new rock-Zeibekiko mash-up ballad titled "Niose Ti Thelo" (feel what I want) and is set to release a new ballad as a single titled "Mia Hara Na Pernas" (have a good time).

At the 2013 MAD Video Music Awards Rouvas has been nominated for four main awards in the categories Best Pop Video, Video of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Artist of the Year. Additionally, "Tora" is nominated as one of the most-played songs of the year on radios and, as part of the award ceremony's ten-year anniversary, his live performances of "+ Se Thelo" (2008) and "Pio Dynata" are contenders for the best live performance in the program's history.

Artistry

Influences

Presley (pictured here in 1957) was Rouvas' initial and biggest influence during childhood, with stylistic comparissons of the two being made by the Greek media, while Jackson (pictured here in 1984), to whom Rouvas' influence on Greece was equated, became a huge influence on him later on.

Rouvas' musical roots lie in rock music and as child and young adult he followed mainly the international music scene.^{[citation needed]} Elvis Presley became his biggest musical idol. He came to like the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Kiss, and Queen, being most influenced by the musical styles of the 1960s,^[176] as well as expressing his liking of George Michael and Michael Bolton.^[177] He has called Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" "one of the ten best songs that have ever been written."^[178] Similarities between Presley and Rouvas have been noted by critics; during his STARZ performances, the Maggira Sisters' opening sketch was based on the joke that Presley had become concerned that a popular Greek musician was imitating him.^[179] Rouvas also covered Presley's "Suspicious Minds" for the film Alter Ego and its soundtrack. He stated that what he found most impressive about Presley as a child was "the way that he sang, that he danced, that he felt what he interpreted and what I believed that his audience felt when they heard him".^[10] He has also been influenced by Greek artists outside of his own era and musical style such as Giannis Parios, Marinella, and Nana Mouskouri, who became a personal mentor to him,^[180] and has cited Haris Alexiou and Anna Vissi as the two greatest female artists in Greece.^[11]

Later on, pop, R&B, and funk influences became more prominent, and Rouvas has noted that he listens to a broad range of music in order to educate himself and further develop his own style, with these genres ranging from rock, classical, and jazz.^{[citation needed]} Michael Jackson became a great influence on many aspects of his vocals, dancing, and views on the music industry and humanitarian issues.^{[citation needed]} Jackson's "Earth Song" is another favourite, particularly for its environmental message.^[181] Following Jackson's death, Rouvas dedicated a song to him at his Concert for the Environment and spoke to the public of Jackson's legacy, igniting ongoing applause from the audience:^[182]

"[Michael Jackson was] one of the most significant singers ever on this planet and the biggest showman that has ever passed by on this planet [...] a person whose life was a 'thriller', but however complicated his life was, he dedicated it for the good of the children and of the planet. Many people want to remember him for the complex persona that he had, I want to remember him for everything that he gave to us all of these years, and for all the reasons that he inspired us."^[181]

In addition to musical influences, Rouvas' work has been influenced by literature, Greek art, and spirituality.^[5] He has credited his success to his faith, which he associated with more as he got older, saying "I am very thankful. I feel blessed. And everyday I thank God for that. Everyday. That is something that I didn't do in the past. Once, I didn't understand, I didn't value."^[183] He has a close personal relations with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople,^[184] who baptized his first-born child.

Musicianship

Rouvas performing at STARZ

Rouvas is fluent in Greek, English, and French, having presented the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 in a mixture of all three languages.^[67] He has previously recorded songs in all three, while he has also studied Turkish and Russian phonetically for recordings^{[citation needed]}, namely for his 1997 collaboration with Burak Kut in Cyprus and for his Russian duet of his hit "Se Thelo San Trelos" with Philipp Kirkorov called "Kak Sumashedshij Ya", that became a hit in Russia, being recorded in three different versions. Rouvas can play guitar, bass, piano, and cello at a fluent level^[1] as well as some percussion. On several tours Rouvas appears playing his black Gibson Les Paul electric guitar,^[5] while he also plays acoustic guitar for unplugged performances, such as his Live Ballads performance.^[185]

Rouvas has expressed disappointment that a lot of younger generations are ignorant of music legends from past decades.^[176] Rouvas has described his music style as being "always more rock" as an artist than he has been given credit for, however he has never felt the need to push this persona. Overall he self-identifies as both a pop and rock artist.^[186] He has been praised for not tapping into traditional Greek genres in order for more commercial success, as pop music is a minority genre in Greece.^[1][5] In response to whether he believed it was difficult being a pop/rock artist in a folk market, Rouvas replied that he believed that there was a need for variety of music genres, adding that while he has experimented with some more traditional Greek styles, it is not what he feels he does best.^[11]

Vocal style

Sakis Rouvas - "Irthes" The power ballad, Rouvas' signature style, possesses many of the singer's vocal trademarks, including belting, dynamics, and high notes.

Rouvas never had any formal vocal lessons as a boy and taught himself mostly aurally, so during the recording of his first studio album he had to learn music theory in a relatively short time.^[187] The singer's voice changed significantly from his early performing period as a teenager to his fully developed adult voice. Rouvas' detractors have alleged that his voice is only average or limited and that the reasons for his appeal are based on image, although they typically did not elaborate on his vocal weaknesses.^{[188][189][190]} While supporters labelled these accusations as stereotyping and biased, many —whether critical or lauding of Rouvas' vocals— agree that his vocal abilities have often been overshadowed by his other qualities, such as stage performance skills and physical appearance which have received more emphasis in the media; many preferred to watch him perform rather than just hear him.^[2][5][191] However, these generalizations were mostly diminishing by the second decade of his career^[18][88] and critics have often praised Rouvas' technical skills, particularly his range, power, and versatility, as well as the distinctive expressive qualities of his voice.^{[88][190][192][193]}

Rouvas possesses a tenor vocal range;^[194] while he can also sing low,^[190] below the treble clef staff,^[195] he usually prefers his higher range and can hit notes beyond the typical tenor high extreme, reaching notes above the staff without the use of falsetto.^[196] Rouvas nuances his dynamics from quiet whispers to high-powered belts.^[190][192] His vocal power was prominent even in his earliest recordings, notably on songs such as "Mia Fora" from Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas —which was the first album in which he fully exhibited his vocal abilities.^[192] During the hiatus of 1997–98, Rouvas received voice lessons from American vocal coach Raz Kennedy, focusing on rock and blues techniques.^[5] The subsequent album Kati Apo Mena was an important album in Rouvas' vocal development. Throughout the album he exhibited with consistency a depth and new dimensions of his voice that could previously only be observed on a few select tracks on his first five albums.^[192] He won the Pop Corn Music Award for Best Male Vocal Performance twice consecutively in 1999 for "Den Ehei Sidera I Kardia Sou" and 2000 for "Se Thelo San Trelos", the latter from 21os Akatallilos. By the release of Live Ballads in 2006, Pavlos Zervas of Music Corner was under the impression that Rouvas' voice had reached its most mature form.^[197]

Tasos P. Karantis of Orfeas, no fan of Rouvas' musical or vocal style, admitted that Rouvas sang repertoire with competence and technical precision, and that his voice has a distinct quality that makes it easily recognizable.^[190] Ilias Malasidis of Athens 24, also not a fan, commented that initially Rouvas' voice was more intriguing than his songs.^[198] Rouvas' vocals have been most favoured in power ballads,^[197] a style that became his signature.^[199] One particular reason for this was because of the enhancement his sensual timbre provided.^[200] Reviewers have also praised Rouvas' live vocal performances, specifically his ability to execute "especially difficult and demanding songs", hit very high notes held for an extended period of time as well as dance while singing.^[193][197] Down Town commended him for always performing his shows live, when it is commonplace for Greek artists to perform even concerts using a playback track,^[1] while Billboard noted that his ability to sing well in English would increase his international appeal.^[201] Over the span of his career, Rouvas has manipulated his voice to perform in various genres and contemporary and traditional styles; in some songs, such as "O Iroas" from Iparhi Agapi Edo, he performs spoken verses which have been described as a "light rap."^[202] He has also performed both in crooner styles^[59] and as a classical tenor.^[194] Above his technical vocal abilities, Rouvas' defining characteristic as a vocalist has been his capability of expression.^[88] Rouvas maintains his voice with a strict diet of organic food, as well as by not drinking alcohol or smoking, and also prohibits anyone from smoking in his dressing room.^[5] Singer-songwriter Stelios Rokkos, who collaborated with him for three seasons described him as "probably the most disciplined singer I have ever met. In fact to the point of insanity."^[203]

Live performance and music videos

Rouvas performing on 1 January 2011 at Athens Arena during the Face2Face shows.

Often cited as the nation's greatest performer, Rouvas has received universal acclaim for his live stage performances and presence, even from his biggest detractors and those who did not particularly admire his musical style.^[190][204] "With a smile worth many millions and a stage presence that fascinates you even if the genre of music he represents doesn't interest you. With the gold dust his presence radiates. With his rhythm, in which you follow him whether you want to or not" said Billboard Greece's Kalli Polemi of his appeal. Additionally, Nico Mastorakis noted "if someone has not yet accepted the Rouvas phenomenon then that means that they have not been exposed to even three minutes of his live stage performance. Even those who understand the word endurance, will have difficulty comprehending it in Sakis' case[: an hour and a half] every night dancing while singing and singing while dancing...and the amazing thing is that he does both so wonderfully to the point that you don't know which you prefer."^[205] In his first club performances, Rouvas self-choreographed swing-style performances for his Presley covers.^[5] In the late 1990s, he began a long collaboration with choreographer Fokas Evangelinos for his performances. Evangelinos also collaborated with Rouvas for his two Eurovision performances. In the first, he combined contemporary and traditional Greek dance, while in the second, EBU credited Greece for making high technological advancements in the contest's standards. The performance which was described as "advanced and modern" with "intense choreography", made use of a rotating podium that transported him from left to right and back on the stage, was used as a base to lock in the feet of the performers during the bridge where they performed the anti-gravity lean inspired by Michael Jackson in the music video of "Smooth Criminal", and finally to lift him into the air and reveal a Greek flag only visible to television viewers.^[206] For his STARZ performances Rouvas embarked on a musical-type show. In 1999, Billboard wrote "a great live performer, he combines dancing and singing skills with impressive costumes" and acknowledged him as the "most promising new Greek pop male artist on the international scene."^[201]

Rouvas performing "+ Se Thelo" with backing dancers at Panathinaiko Stadium.

Rouvas was amongst the first Greek artists to regularly use music videos as a promotional tool.^{[citation needed]} From his albums Gia Sena to Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola, Psinakis played a part in the production of his music videos, either as a director or screenwriter.^[207] The video for "Disco Girl" was shot in Cape Town, South Africa at a budget of 300 thousand euros, making it one of the most expensive Greek music videos of all time.^[5] The concept brought a humorous approach to a James Bond-inspired theme.^[38] "Shake It" was shot in Santorini on various inaccessible locations, including dancing on the edge of a cliff, climbing a hill, and swimming in cold waters.^[208] The video was nominated for "Video of the Year" at both the MAD and Arion awards. Rouvas' forthcoming music video "Emena Thes" will incorporate a "highly atmospheric" visual and will possess a cinematographic effect that has never been used before in Greece.^[209]

Rouvas holds a number of records at the MAD Video Music Awards, including the most awards won by a male artist (seventeen) as of 2010, being the second most honoured artist overall. His five-time nominee "Spase To Hrono" received more nominations than any other video in the awards' history (including contribution to the nominations Male Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year) until he broke his own record with "I Dyo Mas", which received six nominations between 2011 and 2012. Excluding the two special categories awarded by MAD Radio and MAD TV Bulgaria, he has received the maximum six nominations more times than any other artist (2006, 2009, 2010), is one of the few artists to have received nominations on every year since the ceremony's launch in 2004, and has won at least one award every year with the exception of 2005. Rouvas has won in eight different categories and been nominated in ten. Additionally, he has won more times than any other artist in the Best Male category (four), and is tied for most wins in the fashion (two) category, while since 2009 he has won the most coveted prize, Artist of the Year, an unprecedented four consecutive times.

Film and television

Rouvas speaking to ERT.

As of moving to Los Angeles in 2005, Rouvas had been studying acting and attending classes, but also received some training from his friend Tom Hanks.^[9] He had been interested in cinema from childhood and finally made the decision to make films, while one year and a half after he began studying he received a proposal from Village Roadshow.^[210] In his first feature film, Alter Ego, where he also served as associate producer, Rouvas played a role similar to what he is in reality. Before that he had dubbed English-language animated films in Greek. When comparisons between Rouvas and the protagonist Stefanos arose, with speculations of the scenario being autobiographical, Rouvas replied that despite some similarities in their characters, Stefanos was a "much more aggressive person."^[211] Rouvas adopted a new look for the film, which was credited by Nitro as assisting the new emo movement emerging amongst Greek youth.^[212] While Rouvas was able to garner some critical acclaim as a singer-turned-actor,^[18][213] some critics felt that it did not offer enough to judge whether Rouvas possessed any exceptional acting talent.^[214] His second feature, the indie film Duress was a Hollywood psychological thriller, where the actor plays the antagonist role of a serial killer, a role differing heavily from his perceived public image amongst Greek audiences. Rouvas cited the film as the most difficult thing he had done in his career up until that point.^[215] In the film's plot theme of "cat and mouse", Giannis Zoumboulakis of To Vima believed Rouvas to be highly convincing: "You accept the proposal from the first moments, forgetting completely that the 'bad' guy in the story is the host of X-Factor." He concluded that "Going against his own image Rouvas creates a very exceptional psycho killer. With his gray-beige [,] old[,] wool coat and grimey[,] parted hair and without his bright smile he creates from scratch a hero that is all his."^[214] Panagiotis Timogiannakis however argued that Rouvas had begun showing a different side of himself since Alter Ego, and that the fact that this was being widely ignored was unfair. Timogiannakis also noted that in the silver screen Rouvas seems to lose the luster he has on stage and television as the lighting does not flatter him; seeing as how this was the case in both films, he pondered whether the actor had chosen this effect himself to be deglamourized in order to become an actor of serious roles, saying "he needs to clear up whether he wants to have a career of a star or of a role player. A born role player he does not seem to be. A born star he is."^[216]

The presentation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 was a catalyst for longterm hosting roles such as The X Factor, where Rouvas further presented a glib side of himself.^[18] Television producer Giannis Latsios stated that Rouvas' presence contributed significantly to the show's success and called the presenter's first season performance "great", adding that "We had a program that had to do with music and Sakis, on a collective level, is an icon that the generation which participates in this show has as an idol. He is a glowing character with much higher capabilities of expression and, if he decides to continue this path, will improve. He has immediacy, critique and most of all he gave to a program a luster, which was not standard from the beginning."^[217]

Public image

Rouvas has mentioned that personal fitness and health play an important role in his life.^{[citation needed]} He has said that being physically fit is not only important to him for the purpose of physical appearance, but also for the purpose of physical health, while it helps improve his psychological state.^[124] In order to maintain a good physical condition, Rouvas participates in water-skiing, surfing, tennis, football, and skiing, while also taking part in extreme sports, claiming to have sky-dived from 3,000 metres.^[5]

Rouvas became a major fashion and stylistic icon.^[18] In his early performing period, his most characteristic fashion was a series of jackets, beginning with leather styles during the Min Andistekese era and evolving into more militaristic styles following Gia Sena. He revisited this trend later on with his white "Shake It" performance jacket.^[218] This look later evolved into the black leather pants and open white shirt that he wore in all four music videos from Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas. Additionally, his aviator sunglasses have remained his signature throughout his career.^[219] Following the media attention attracted by his Valentino skirt, it became more common for male celebrities in Greece to wear skirts at public events in the future, such as singers Nino and Giorgos Mazonakis, and French footballer Djibril Cissé, a striker for the Greek Panathinaikos FC.^[220]

Rouvas' image and personal life has at times generated significant controversy. Pertaining his fashion and stage antics, Journalist Thomai Karathanou has suggested that controversy towards this would most likely not be as intense if Rouvas were abroad: "The Greek societal reality, denying to accept a skirt on a man in a show setting, something that compared to Lady Gaga of today, seems like a simple stroll with a shirt and jeans."

Rouvas speaking to reporters at a SMS of Youth Council press conference about the environment.

Rouvas has been recognized for his acts of philanthropy in the support of numerous charitable organizations and causes, particularly ones directed to children and the environment. Rouvas had been bothered by social and environmental issues since childhood. In a January 1992 interview that exhibited the homes of young upcoming artists, Rouvas was asked about his wildest dream, to which he responded "I dream about a new planet that will have all of the beauties that the Earth had a few years ago. The environmental destruction that our planet has suffered hurts me and for this we are all responsible. Only with some kind of crazy dream like that can we save it."^[221] The artist also supports equal rights for LGBT people and performed at the Athens Pride 2010,^[222] and has openly supported the creation of a proposition that would oppose Proposition 8 and legalize gay marriage and equal rights for all.^[223]

His relationship with Zygouli has been highly publicized and recognized as Greece's most prominent supercouple, being equated to Brangelina. The birth of their child was highly anticipated; this was largely in part due to the result being a combination of genetics of two people considered to be the most beautiful in the entertainment industry.^[224] From his early career Rouvas has been considered a sex symbol^[225] and has been cited as one of the most attractive men in entertainment and an icon for youth and beauty,^[226] To Vima published a 1997 study that found Rouvas' facial structure and features fit the golden ratio to near perfection.^[227] Ηe has been featured on several lists. Ιn 2009, he was ranked number three on Glamour's Sexiest Men list, being one of six Greek men featured and the highest ranking,^[228] and later fourth on its list of 50 Sexiest Greek Men in 2010.^[229] He was voted the Most Handsome Greek Man in 2009 in a landslide victory by readers of Yupi,^[230] who also described him as having "the most attractive abdominals in showbiz."^[231] Greek People named him its first Sexiest Man Alive in 2010.^[225] Α 2009 study found that the entertainer was the man women would most want to marry.^[232] On the topic of being a male role model, Men's Health stated Rouvas was equivalent to a "Superman" figure to men and "the archetype of a highly successful man", while also describing him as the nation's "ultimate health icon".^[233] With the exception of entertainers who chose to be professionally recognized mononymously, Rouvas was the only entertainer to be widely recognized on a first-name basis.^[233] Rouvas' media fame often allowed him to break traditional gender boundaries and he has often been featured on covers of women's interest magazines or men's magazines that exclusively feature female models. He became the first man to be featured on the cover of Greek Vogue in 2002, the first man on the cover of Nitro in 2004,^[234] the only man to date on the cover of Glamour in 2009,^[229] as well as the only man in the world to ever make the cover of Cosmopolitan (Greek April 2004 edition) and in April 2010 resumed this role in celebration of the magazine's 10-year Greek anniversary, reaching unprecedented sales.^[12] For this he received positive attention from American celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, making him one of two celebrities working in Greece to be mentioned on his blog.^[235] He has also been featured on the cover of Down Town more than any other man as of 2009.^[230] Rouvas' widespread appeal makes him particularly sought after by advertisers, as his seal of approval is a significant addition to a brand's credibility and marketability, according to Forbes; he has had more endorsement deals than any other Greek celebrity^[236] including Martini, Pepsi, Vodafone Greece, BU Perfume, Trident, Kri Kri, Luxottica, and Fage's Ageladitsa yogurt.^[77][237] He has been noted for his use of technological trends to efficiently communicate with fans and promote himself,^[238] and admittedly has an obsession with gadgets which led to him serving as the jury president at the 2010 Digital Media Festival that was held in Athens.^[239] Rouvas is the most popular Greek celebrity in terms of social networks; from its beginning in 1996, his official fanclub, the "SRFC" (Sakis Rouvas Fanclub) became the largest fan club of any Greek entertainer, a title that it holds to date.^[105] As of 2010, he has over 200 thousand Facebook fans, making him the sixth most popular Eurovision participant on the network following Canadian singer Céline Dion who represented Switzerland, the band maNga of Turkey, ABBA of Sweden, Lena Meyer-Landrut of Germany, and Toše Proeski who represented Republic of Macedonia,^[240] while within the first year of use he had 15 thousand followers on Twitter, a trend which he pioneered among the nation's celebrities.^[241] Additionally, he has multiple videos on the file sharing website YouTube that have surpassed one million views.^[242]

Legacy and influence

Rouvas –as seen raising the Greek flag– has played a primary role in Greek pop music.

Rouvas fans gathering at Panathinaiko Stadium.

Rouvas is frequently cited as Greece's biggest^{[77][243][244][245][246][247][248][249][250][251][252][253][254]} and occasionally only^[255] superstar. He has played a major role in breaking cultural barriers through the popularization of Western music genres and the development of pop music in the Greek industry, being widely credited as the genre's primary performer.^[256] Even by 2006, Pavlos Zervas of MusicCorner alleged that Rouvas was the primary performer supporting the pop/dance genre in Greece with such success.^[257] Jarmo Siim of the EBU characterized Rouvas as "undoubtedly the ultimate pop star in Greece with great international appeal."^[108] In the early 1990s, Rouvas became a dominant figure in Greek music, gaining notoriety for having a mass fanbase, especially with youth, leading to him being recognized as a phenomenon, a first in Greek music;^[5] he was compared to international phenomenons, Presley and Jackson, and the effect was often dubbed "Rouvomania", while the term "Rouvitsa" was coined for female members of his fanbase, who were distinguished by what were considered to be extreme reactions towards the singer.^[5] By the late 1990s, Rouvas had gained the largest fan club of any Greek figure.^[105] His success led to him being dubbed "The Golden Man of the Decade" by Down Town in 1999.^[1][258] In 2009, five of his singles ("1992", "Ela Mou", "Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola", "Shake It", and "+ Se Thelo") were included on Mega Star's 20th anniversary as songs that defined the past 20 years.^[259] In the end of 2009 Down Town named him "Εntertainer of the Decade", its highest honour, for his contributions to music, film, television, and overall cultural relevance, indicating that Rouvas was the only case of a full-out entertainer in the nation.^[260] Greek Forbes also listed him as the third most powerful and influential celebrity in Greece and top ranked singer.^[261] Describing him as a "commercial phenomenon", Rouvas was recognized as the most commercially successful entertainer with his name being associated as the strongest brand in Greece.^[77][262] During 2009–2010, Rouvas earned 18 thousand euros per night at The S Club, as well as a percentage of the venue's profits and makes 250 thousand per season on The X Factor, as well as 35–40 thousand in personal gain alone per concert, while he is paid 100–350 thousand euros per campaign in advertising.^[77] At the same time, MAD TV described him as "unstoppable" for continuous success in a wide field of ventures,^[263] while its presenter Themis Georgantas called him the standard for radio deejays in doubt what to play, and considered that at this point he had broken generational barriers, having a wide fanbase of varying ages as well as continuous popularity with newer audiences.^[88] MTV Networks summarized him as "an exceptional artist who encompasses pure devotion to music and brings evolving inginuity to all of his performances."^[264] Nearing the third decade of his career, Rouvas had already been cited as the most popular Greek artist by varying sources^{[18][77][265]} as well as of the most internationally recognizable.^[265] Rouvas retained a standard of autonomy.^[262] Unlike most artists, he no longer needed commercial success to maintain a high degree of cultural relevance.^[18] Rouvas achieved financial and entrepreneurial control by becoming the first Greek entertainer to market themselves through products and business ventures, such as having his own line of dolls and ready-to-wear fashion line, having pioneered both.^[60][255]

Rouvas has been referred to as the "king" of both Greek pop^[266] and showbiz.^[225] Amongst his other achievements are multiple number-one albums and singles, Pop Corn, Arion, and MAD Video Music Awards, an MTV Europe Music Award, and a World Music Award, being one of only four artists recording in Greece to ever be a recipient.^[18] His total record sales have been estimated at nearly two million records as of 2008,^[19][267] making him one of the most commercially successful Greek artists of all time and also one of the most influential, with the artist having been considered analogous to Michael Jackson to Greece from the beginning of his career.^[182] His distinct musical, fashion, and performance style has heavily influenced the new pop generation and movement, and has also generated a number of others who have been deemed copycats.^[18][268] Michalis Hatzigiannis, Nino,^[269] and Kostas Martakis^[270] have all been cited as artists who follow in Rouvas' pattern. As one of the most media exposed Greek celebrities, Rouvas' influence went beyond the arts as he has had an effect on social issues affecting the nation and younger generation.^[18] He became nationalized into a cultural icon and throughout his career has had an "unparalleled" influence over the younger generation.^[226] Swedish-Finnish journalist Lilian Brunell stated that from her perspective as a foreigner, Rouvas seemed to be a modern-day cultural equivalent to Alexander the Great.^[191] His contributions to the music and entertainment industries, as well as Greek culture and society, have kept him a part of popular culture for nearly two decades.

Discography

Filmography

Tours

• Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola Summer Tour (1997)
• Pepsi Tour (2001)
• Ola Kala World Tour (2002)
• Sakis Live in Town Tour (2003)
• Sakis on Stage Tour (2005)
• Fire Victims Tour (2007)
• Antonis Remos - Sakis Rouvas World Tour (2008)
• Kalokairino Randevou me ton Saki Tour (2008)
• Sakis Live Tour (2009)
• Sakis Summer Tour 2010

Residency shows

Awards

Bibliography

• "Afti Einai I Zoi Mou" (2009); An article co-written with Petros Kostopoulos featured in the April 2009 issue of Nitro.
• "Info-diet 370" (2011); An article featured in the November 2011 issue of Athens Voice.

See also

• Honorific nicknames in popular music
• List of Eurovision Song Contest presenters
• List of Greeks
• List of Pepsi spokespersons
• Mononymous person
• Sakis Rouvas at Wikipedia books

Notes

Ειδήσεις http://www.rodacino.gr/article.jsf?id=4B927664EBD387D470383F4FD38B5649&at=1Ο Σάκης και η Αναστασία του!

Further reading

• Stavrou Karayanni, Stavros (2004), Dancing Fear & Desire: Race, Sexuality and Imperial Politics in Middle Eastern Dance, Wilfrid Laurier University Press, ISBN 0-88920-454-3 

External links

Find more about Sakis Rouvas at Wikipedia's sister projects
	Media from Commons
	News stories from Wikinews
	Quotations from Wikiquote

• Official Sakis Rouvas websites: Professional, Web TV
• Official Russian site
• Sakis Rouvas at Discogs
• Sakis Rouvas on the Internet Movie Database

Awards and achievements
Eurovision Song Contest
Preceded by Mando with "Never Let You Go"	Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004	Succeeded by Helena Paparizou with "My Number One"
Preceded by Kalomira with "Secret Combination"	Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009	Succeeded by Giorgos Alkaios & Friends with "OPA"
Preceded by Pavlo Shylko & Maria Efrosinina	Eurovision Song Contest presenter (with Maria Menounos) 2006	Succeeded by Mikko Leppilampi & Jaana Pelkonen
World Music Awards
Preceded by Haris Alexiou	World's Best-Selling Greek Artist 2005	Succeeded by N/A
Other
Preceded by N/A	Down Town "Entertainer of the Decade" 2000s	Succeeded by TBA
Preceded by First award	Greek People's "Sexiest Man Alive" 2010	Succeeded by TBA

Articles relating to Sakis Rouvas v t e Sakis Rouvas Discography Awards and nominations Tours Videography Filmography Studio albums Sakis Rouvas (1991) Min Andistekese (1992) Gia Sena (1993) Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas (1994) Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola (1996) Kati Apo Mena (1998) 21os Akatallilos (2000) Ola Kala (2002) To Hrono Stamatao (2003) S'eho Erotefthi (2005) Iparhi Agapi Edo (2006) Irthes (2008) Parafora (2010) Live albums Live Ballads (2006) This Is My Live (2007) EPs 8 Megales Epitihies (2006) Dance Mixes: Afiste Tin & Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola (2007) Monadikes Erminies (2007) Spase To Hrono (2009) CD Singles "Theleis I Den Theleis" (1998) "Disco Girl" (2001) "Ola Kala" (2002) "Pes Tis" (2003) "Feelings" (2003) "Dis lui" (2003) "Shake It" (2004) "Hronia Polla" (2004) "Na M'agapas" (2005) "Zise Ti Zoi" (2007) "This Is Our Night" (2009) Official compilations Me Kommeni Tin Anasa (1999) Sakis Rouvas (2001) Remixes (2003) The Ultimate Collection: Music + Video - 1991–1996 (2005) Ta Erotika: Sakis Rouvas (2007) Ap'Tin Arhi: I Megaliteres Epitihies (2007) Soundtracks Alter Ego (2007) Stous 31 Dromous (2008) Video albums Remixes (2003) The Ultimate Collection (2005) Live Ballads (2006) This Is My Live (2007) Ap'Tin Arhi (2007) Best Video Clips Collection (2010) Tours Kalokairino Randevou me ton Saki Tour (2008) Sakis Live Tour (2009) Politia Live Clubbing summer 2010 Filmography Films I Panagia Ton Parision (1996) Aftokinita (2006) Alter Ego (2007) Planitis 51: Episkeptis Apo Ti Gi (2009) Duress (2009) Television Eurovision Song Contest 2006 The X Factor (Series 1) Series 2 (2008–present) Assets EDO Mariella Nails Body and Mind Care Sakis Rouvas Collection Sakis Rouvas Kinematografos EPE The S Club Related topics Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 Eurovision Song Contest 2006 Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 Katia Zygouli Minos EMI Vodafone Greece Categories Albums (Video/Compilation) Audio samples Images Songs Tours Book Category Portal Singles v t e Sakis Rouvas singles Sakis Rouvas "Par'ta" (1991) "1992" (1992) "Mia Vrohi" (1992) Min Andistekese "Gyrna" (1992) "Min Andistekese" (1992) "Gia Fantasou"(1992) "Me Kommeni Tin Anasa" (1992) "Na Ziseis Moro Mou" (1992) Gia Sena "Kane Me" (1993) "To Xero Ise Moni" (1993) "Paraisthiseis" (1993) "Spasmeni Klidaria" (1993) "Xehase To" (1993) Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas "Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas" (1994) "Ela Mou" (1995) "Xana" (1995) "Symplegma Idipodio" (1995) "Grothia" (1995) "Den To Vlepeis" (1995) "Mia Fora" (1995) Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola "Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola" (1996) "Afiste Tin" (1996) "Ase Me Na Fygo" (1996) "Mi M'agapiseis" (1996) "Pou Ke Pote" (1996) "Ime Hamenos" (1996) "Kapote Tha 'Maste Mazi" (1996) Kati Apo Mena "Theleis I Den Theleis" (1998) "I Kardia Mou" (1998) "Den Ehi Sidera I Kardia Sou" (1999) "Ipirhes Panda" (1999) 21os Akatallilos "Andexa" (2000) "Se Thelo San Trelos" (2000) "Askisi Ipotagis" (2000) "Delfinaki" (2000) "Kanoume Onira" (2000) "Andexa (Club Mix)" (2001) Ola Kala "Disco Girl" (2001) "Ola Kala" (2002) "Mia Zoi Mazi" (2002) "Disco Girl" (English Version) (2002) "Ola Kala" (English Version) (2002) "The Light" (2003) "Feelings" (2003) "Dis Lui" (2003) To Hrono Stamatao "Pes Tis" (2003) "To Hrono Stamatao" (2003) "Hronia Polla" (2003) "Thelo Na Kitao" (2004) "Shake It" (2004) S'eho Erotefthi "Cairo" (2005) "S'eho Erotefthi" (2005) "Na M'agapas" (2004) "Hartini Zoi" (2005) "1000 Milia" (2005) "Mila Tis" (2005) Live Ballads "Horis Kardia" (2006) "I'm in Love With You" (2006) "Without You/Dodeka" (2006) "Agapa Me" (2006) "O,ti Onirevomoun" (2006) "Ain't No Sunshine" (2006) Iparhi Agapi Edo "18 (Iparhi Agapi Edo" (2006) "Ego Travao Zori" (2006) "Ola Gyro Sou Gyrizoun" (2007) "Mikros Titanikos (Se Latrevo)" (2007) Alter Ego "One With This World" (2007) "Zise Ti Zoi" (2007) "Suspicious Minds" (2007) "Nothing" (2007) "Mi Mou Xanafygeis Pia" (2007) This Is My Live "Stous 31 Dromous" Irthes "+ Se Thelo" (2008) "Irthes" (2008) "This Is Our Night" (2009) Parafora "Spase To Hrono" (2009) "Emena Thes" (2010) "Parafora" (2010) I Dio Mas Other soundtracks "Birgün/Otan" (feat. Burak Kut) (1996) "Rock 'N Roll Ke Ihos Mihanis" (2006) Collaborations and other notable tracks "Se Thelo, Me Theleis" (with Anna Vissi) (1997) "Se Thelo San Trelos" (feat. Philip Kirkorov) (2004) "Se Thelo San Trelos/Kak Sumacheshkidij Ya" (feat. Philip Kirkorov) (2004) "Kak Sumacheshkidij Ya" (feat. Philip Kirkorov) (2004) "Tharros I Alitheia" (with Tamta) (2009) Book Category Portal Template v t e Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest   Participation 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 to 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013   Artists 1970s Marinella 1975 Mariza Koch Paschalis, Marianna, Robert and Bessy Tania Tsanaklidou Elpida 1980s Anna Vissi Yiannis Dimitras 1982 Kristi Stassinopoulou 1984 Takis Biniaris 1986 Bang Afroditi Frida Mariana Efstratiou 1990s Christos Callow & Wave Sophia Vossou Kleopatra Katerina Garbi Kostas Bigalis Elina Konstantopoulou Mariana Efstratiou Marianna Zorba Thalassa 1999 2000s 2000 Antique Michalis Rakintzis Mando Sakis Rouvas Helena Paparizou Anna Vissi Sarbel Kalomira Sakis Rouvas 2010s Giorgos Alkaios & Friends Loukas Giorkas feat. Stereo Mike Eleftheria Eleftheriou Koza Mostra feat. Agathonas Iakovidis   Songs 1970s "Krasi, Thalassa Kai T' Agori Mou" 1975 "Panayia Mou, Panayia Mou" "Mathima Solfege" "Charlie Chaplin" "Sokrati" 1980s "Autostop" "Feggari Kalokerino" 1982 "Mou Les" 1984 "Miazoume" 1986 "Stop" "Clown" "To Diko Sou Asteri" 1990s "Horis Skopo" "I Anixi" "Olou Tou Kosmou I Elpida" "Ellada, Chora Tou Fotos" "To Trehandiri" "Pia Prosefhi" "Emeis Forame to Himona Anixiatika" "Horepse" "Mia Krifi Evesthisia" 1999 2000s 2000 "(I Would) Die for You" "S.A.G.A.P.O." "Never Let You Go" "Shake It" "My Number One" "Everything" "Yassou Maria" "Secret Combination" "This Is Our Night" 2010s "OPA" "Watch My Dance" "Aphrodisiac" "Alcohol Is Free" (Note: Entries scored out are when Greece did not compete) v t e The X Factor (Greece) Series 1 2 3 Presenters Current Sakis Rouvas Giorgos Lianos Maria Sinatsaki Former Despina Kampouri Judges Current Giorgos Theofanous Katerina Gagaki Nikos Mouratidis George Levendis Winners Loukas Giorkas Stavros Michalakakos Haris Antoniou Notable contestants Nikolas Metaxas Ivi Adamou Eleftheria Eleftheriou Nikki Ponte v t e Operacija Trijumf Season September 29, 2008 — January 5, 2009 Presenters Milan Kalinić Dragan Marinković Ana Mihajlovski Nikolina Pišek Judges Ismeta Dervoz Tonči Huljić Marina Tucaković Winner Adnan Babajić Finalists Vukašin Brajić Aleksandar Belov Nina Petković Danijel Pavlović Male contestants Adnan Babajić Aleksandar Belov Vukašin Brajić Igor Cukrov Đorđe Gogov Kristijan Jovanov Nikola Paunović Danijel Pavlović Nikola Sarić Female contestants Sonja Bakić Ana Bebić Antonija Besednik Andrea Harapin Mirjana Kostić Milica Majstorović Jasmina Midžić Ivana Nikodijević Nina Petković Guest stars Anastacia Atomsko sklonište Sergej Ćetković Colonia Deen Divlje jagode Karolina Gočeva Petar Grašo Gru Željko Joksimović Junior Jack Kaliopi Goran Karan Laka Let 3 Magazin Bojan Marović Danijela Martinović Kemal Monteno Negative Ajs Nigrutin Boris Novković Marina Perazić Aleksandra Radović Aki Rahimovski Elena Risteska Sakis Rouvas Jelena Rozga Željko Samardžić Marija Šerifović Severina Jelena Tomašević Dado Topić Milena Vučić Sky Wikluh YU grupa Zana Releated links OT Band Serbia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 Montenegro in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 Endemol Melody Music Fame Academy Universal Music