GREECE 2025

The Greek act and song was selected on January 30th via the show "Ethnikós Telikós 2025". The winner was chosen via the combination of votes from a Greek jury and international jury (25% each) and public televoting (50%). Going to Basel is Klavdia with the song "Asteromáta" (Starry eyed) 

Klavdia came into the public eye aged 18 after taking part in “The Voice Greece”. Not only did she join Elena Paparizou’s team but she also reached the final. After this exposure, Klavdia signed a record deal with the Greek label Panik Records, She currently has 6 singles under her belt as well as a self-titled EP. Her work is a mix of English and Greek language songs (some being dual translations) and her style is generally in the indie pop sphere.

The aura of this song and performance in unashamedly Hellenic although it has a rather ethereal feel. The backdrop starts with dark/blue tones then becomes red and stormy. Klavdia is wearing an off-white outfit which is long sleeved and with long, wide trousers of the same colour. The trousers also have a very long diaphanous drape at the back which is wrapped around the stage and used by the dancers  She is on stage with 5 dancers all in beigey light skin tone outfits. After an a capella start we quickly go into 2 verses and a chorus. At the end of the first chorus, a syncopated beat comes in which gives the song a bit more of an edge. This is then followed by another short verse and and elongated chorus to finish. Klavdia does not move much, due to the outfit but does a good job of emoting down the camera. The dancers frame the stage well, but don't really do very much.

I am a little confused, if not underwhelmed, by this entry but not all is lost. Klavdia is a good strong singer; her vocal runs are impressive and her voice has a lovely tone and texture. The backing track has a very calming sound to it and feels like something you might hear while having a massage or spa. Right now, the current staging is not good enough and if Greece sent this to Basel it would feel way too small and directionless. The song is not bad; the beat drop really drives the song on in the second half but once again the staging does not reflect this at all. I don't understand why the dancers are doing so little - they might as well not be there at all! The song is not dynamic and does not require a full on dance routine but does deserve some staging .This entry won over much more creatively staged entries so tells you how much the voters were willing to see the potential. On the plus side I hope that a bigger stage - and possibly bigger budget - might spark something really creative, interesting and engaging.

ARTIST - Klavdia

SONG - Asteromáta

WRITING/PRODUCTION CREDITS - Arcade, Klavdia Papadopoulou