Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013

Prior to the 2013 contest, Greece had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest thirty-three times since its first entry in 1974,[5] winning it in 2005 with the song "My Number One" performed by Elena Paparizou,[6] and having placed third three times: in 2001 with the song "Die for You" performed by the duo Antique; in 2004 with "Shake It" performed by Sakis Rouvas; and in 2008 with "Secret Combination" performed by Kalomoira. Following the introduction of semi-finals for the 2004 contest, Greece has had a top ten placing each year (except on 2012). Its least successful result was in 1998 when it placed twentieth with the song "Mia Krifi Evesthisia" by Thalassa, receiving only twelve points in total, all from Cyprus.[7]

The Greek national broadcaster, Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), is in charge of Greece's participation each year, including the selection process for its entry.[8][9] Although its selection techniques have varied over the decades, the most common has been a national final in which various acts compete against each other with pre-selected songs, voted on by a jury, televoters, or both. In most cases, internal selections have been reserved for high-profile acts, with the song either being selected internally or with multiple songs—by one or multiple composers—performed by the artist during a televised final. One of the more unusual methods was a reality television talent competition format inspired by the Idol series that ran for many months in 2004, ultimately being scrapped. The notability of the participants has also varied, from previously unsigned acts to established music superstars. Since the 2010s, ERT has used national finals with generally less-established acts.

In mid-November 2012, Johnny Kalimeris, executive member of the ERT board, initially confirmed that Greece would take part in the contest despite ongoing financial problems Greece was facing.[10] Despite the earlier confirmation, the country's participation came into doubt later in the same month due to budget cuts the broadcaster had endured, the high costs associated with the contest, and the difficulty said costs would present in finding sponsors to cover the expenses.[11] Additionally, various Greek politicians and the current government spokesman suggested that a participation in the 2013 contest would be distasteful during a time that Greeks were enduring drastic economic cuts to keep the economy afloat due to the ongoing finical crisis.[12] Despite the uncertainty, Greece's participation was officially confirmed on 21 December 2012 when the European Broadcasting Union released a list of the countries that would participate in the 2013 contest.[1] ERT later stated that its participation was decided on taking into consideration the high viewership and popularity of the event, on the condition that the broadcaster would not be burdened financially.[13]

Greece was allocated to compete in the second semi-final on 16 May for a place in the final on 18 May.[24] In the second semifinal, the producers of the show decided that Greece would perform 9th, following Iceland and preceding Israel.[25]

Greece qualified from the second semi-final.[26] At the second semi-final winners' press conference, Greece was allocated to perform in the second half of the final.[27] In the final, the producers of the show decided that Greece would perform 21st, following Azerbaijan and preceding Ukraine.[28]

Points awarded by Greece

Semi-final 2 Points awarded in second semi-final: 12 points  Azerbaijan 10 points  Romania 8 points  Albania 7 points  Armenia 6 points  Georgia 5 points  Malta 4 points  Norway 3 points   Switzerland 2 points  Bulgaria 1 point  San Marino

Final Points awarded in the final: 12 points  Azerbaijan 10 points  Romania 8 points  Ukraine 7 points  Denmark 6 points  Italy 5 points  Georgia 4 points  Norway 3 points  Malta 2 points  Hungary 1 point  Belarus

On February 7, 2013, ERT and MAD TV launched a special 24/7 channel called Eurovision Channel ERT powered by MAD exclusively on OTE TV. The channel is exclusively devoted to Eurovision coverage, and features clips of songs throughout the history of the Eurovision Song Contest, as well as special Eurovision programs.[29]

• Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest
• Eurovision Song Contest 2013

• Official ERT Website
• Official ERT Greek Eurovision Site of 2013
• Official MAD TV Greek Eurovision Site of 2013