My Number One is a pop song performed by Greek–Swedish singer Helena Paparizou. It was released as a single in 2005 and represented Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2005, where it won the competition, marking Greece's first victory in the contest.
Background and composition
The song was written by Swedish composers Manos Pappous, Christos Dantis, and Greek lyricist Natalia Germanou. Musically, it blends pop sensibilities with traditional Greek instrumentation, incorporating elements such as bouzouki and laïko rhythms. The lyrical content conveys themes of devotion and admiration, with the narrator referring to a beloved individual as “my number one.”
Release and promotion
"My Number One" was released on 14 May 2005 by the label Sony BMG Greece. Prior to the Eurovision final, the song received promotional airplay across European radio stations and was accompanied by a music video featuring Paparizou performing on a beach setting intercut with narrative scenes.
Eurovision Song Contest 2005
- Date of performance: 21 May 2005
- Venue: Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona, Spain
- Result: 1st place with 230 points, receiving maximum points (12) from several participating countries.
The song’s victory contributed to increased visibility for Greek pop music on the international stage and boosted Paparizou’s career, leading to subsequent releases and tours throughout Europe.
Commercial performance
Following its Eurovision win, "My Number One" entered the music charts of multiple European nations. Notable chart positions include:
- Greece: Peaked at number 1 on the IFPI Greece Singles Chart.
- Sweden: Reached the top 10 on the Swedish Singles Chart.
- United Kingdom: Entered the UK Singles Chart, peaking within the top 20.
The single achieved platinum certification in Greece and gold in Sweden, reflecting strong sales and streaming figures.
Critical reception
Music critics highlighted the song’s catchy hook and effective fusion of contemporary pop with Greek musical motifs. Reviews in publications such as Eurovision Times and Billboard described it as a “standout entry” that balanced broad appeal with cultural authenticity.
Legacy
"My Number One" remains one of the most recognizable Eurovision winning entries and is frequently cited in retrospectives of the contest’s history. The song is also included in various compilation albums celebrating Eurovision successes and has been performed in anniversary concerts featuring past winners.
Personnel
- Artist: Helena Paparizou – vocals
- Songwriters: Manos Pappous, Christos Dantis, Natalia Germanou
- Producer: Manos Pappous
- Label: Sony BMG Greece
The song continues to be performed at Paparizou’s live shows and has been covered by artists in multiple languages, underscoring its enduring popularity within the Eurovision canon.