Klavdia Triumphs at Ethnikó Telikó: Greece’s Eurovision 2025 Hopeful Ready to Shine in Basel

The Christmas Theatre in Galatsi was alive with energy, emotion, and a touch of Eurovision magic last night as Greece crowned its representative for Eurovision 2025. After more than two decades, the Ethnikó Telikó made a triumphant return, and it did not disappoint. With Eurovision royalty Elena Paparizou, the 2005 winner with My Number One, and Sakis Rouvas, a two-time contestant and 2006 host, at the helm, the evening was a celebration of Greece’s rich musical heritage and its bright future on the Eurovision stage.
A Night to Remember
The gala kicked off with a medley of Eurovision classics performed by Paparizou and Rouvas, accompanied by a live orchestra. From ABBA’s Waterloo to Marinella’s Κρασί, θάλασσα και τ’ αγόρι μου, the audience was treated to a nostalgic journey through Greece’s Eurovision history. But the real stars of the night were the 12 contestants vying for the chance to represent Greece in Basel next May.
The Performances That Stole the Show
Rikki opened the competition with Elevator (Up and Down), a funky, upbeat track reminiscent of Bruno Mars’ hits. Dancers dressed as elevator buttons and a screen showing a rising elevator added a playful touch to his performance.
Thanos Lambrou brought the house down with Free Love, a rock anthem straight out of the ‘80s. Dressed in a fringed, sequined jacket, Lambrou proved that rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well.
Kostas Ageris delivered a heartfelt performance of Γη Μου (My Land), blending traditional Greek sounds with modern urban beats. The backdrop of stunning Greek landscapes added a deeply emotional layer to his act.
Andy Nicolas captivated the audience with Lost My Way, a soulful ballad performed on the piano. His raw emotion and stripped-back staging made for one of the night’s most intimate moments.
Klavdia, one of the favourites, wowed the crowd with Αστεροματα (Constellations), a pop anthem that had the audience on their feet. Her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence made her a standout.
Konstantinos Hristoforous and Kostas Karafotis transported viewers to paradise with Παραδεισος (Paradise), a folk-inspired ballad that showcased Greece’s musical roots.
Georgina Kalais and Giannis Blasseros surprised everyone with High Road, a bluesy number that highlighted their versatility as performers.
Barbz turned heads with Sirens, a genre-defying track that mixed ballad, drum and bass, and techno. Her Matrix-inspired staging was one of the most innovative of the night.
Evangelia, another fan favourite, brought the house down with Vále (Put), a pop-dance banger that included a show-stopping dance break. Her energy was infectious, and the crowd loved every second.
Dinamiss turned the stage into a nightclub with Odyssey, a high-energy pop-dance track that had everyone dancing.
Nafsika, a Greek music icon, delivered a hauntingly beautiful performance of Unbreak Me, a ballad that showcased her incredible vocal range.
Hannona Han closed the show with Play It, a dance track accompanied by geometric visuals and a shower of stars. Her performance was a fitting end to an unforgettable night.
The Interval Act: A Eurovision Love Letter
After the contestants’ performances, Paparizou and Rouvas took to the stage once more, performing their own Eurovision hits. The crowd erupted when Theo Evans, Cyprus’ 2025 representative, appeared to perform a stunning rendition of Fuego, the song that earned Cyprus second place in 2018. It was a moment of unity and celebration, reminding everyone why Eurovision is so special.
The Results: Clavdia Takes the Crown
The tension was palpable as the votes were tallied. With a 50% jury and 50% televote system, the top three finalists were Barbz, Klavdia, and Evangelia. After a nail-biting wait, Klavdia was announced as the winner, earning the right to represent Greece at Eurovision 2025.
Her winning song, Αστεροματα (Starry-eywd), is a powerful pop anthem that blends modern sounds with a distinctly Greek flavour. With her emotive performance and undeniable stage presence, Klavdia has already become a fan favourite.
What’s Next for Greece in Basel?
Klavdia’s victory marks a new chapter for Greece at Eurovision. After years of mixed results, the country is ready to reclaim its place among the contest’s elite. With a song as strong as Αστεροματα and a performer as dynamic as Klavdia, Greece has every chance of making a splash in Basel.
As the night came to a close, one thing was clear: Greece is back, and it’s ready to shine. Eurovision 2025 promises to be an unforgettable journey, and Klavdia is the perfect ambassador to lead the way.