Here is the report from: http://eurovision.ert.gr/en/news.asp?id=14742

Anna Vissi Becomes Official


By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

ERT’s much-awaited official presentation of popular Greek performer Anna Vissi took place on Tuesday. During a Press conference given by ERT’s President and Board Director Christos Panagopoulos, Commissioned Board Member Giorgos Chouliaras, and Anna Vissi, all the details available for the Contest so far were made public. ERT’s President voiced his joy and satisfaction over the Greek artist’s acceptance of ERT’s proposal to participate in the Contest. On her part, Anna said she was overjoyed with ERT’s proposal, while she described her participation as a "pleasant responsibility", since she is stress-free.

Joy and Optimism

However, she noted that she will do her best for a top spot, while she voiced the belief that Athens’ Eurovision Song Contest will be the best ever organised.

At the same time she expressed the hope that more Eurovision Contests will be hosted in Greece in the future, while she also referred to the much-discussed song that she will chose to perform.

Anna said that she wanted an upbeat and optimistic song, which the audience will be able to follow. She also said that she hoped numerous great songs are found, which she will be happy to perform for the people, who have always been by her side, while she stressed that it would be very important for the song to be accompanied by an impressive setting and an intricate dance routine. Referring to Nikos Karvelas, she said he is an excellent composer, but it did not concern her whether he will be the one composing the song she will be singing on OAKA’s stage. However, she revealed that Karvelas was the one that said the initial OK for her participation in the Contest.

Choosing Songs and Crew

Answering to a relevant question, Mr Chouliaras said that no songs have been selected yet, while ERT is in the process of choosing. In addition, referring to the role of Nana Mouskouri, he said that apart from participating in the panel of judges, she will also contribute in the final, but details will be announced in the future.

With regard to the artistic and choreographic parts, Mr Chouliaras said that they will be undertaken by Fokas Evangelinos, however, negotiations and talks with the people who will accompany Anna Vissi on stage for the final are continuing.

Referring to commentators Giorgos Kapoutzidis and Zeta Makrypoulia, it was announced that they will host shows on Eurovision, as well as the national final and the welcoming party for all the foreign delegations. Furthermore, with regard to co-host Sakis Rouvas, it was announced that "all possibilities are open."

As for the rest of the matters relating to the Contest, it was revealed that the cost of the event will come to 12 million euros, while the income will be around 13 million euros.

The prices for the tickets, which will go on sale in the end of February, will range between 20 and 250 euros, while one-third of those will be pledged by EBU and the foreign delegations.

For more information on the presale of tickets click on www.ert.gr/en.

Anna’s journey in Europe, i.e. her promo tour, will pass from over 12 countries and will commence immediately after the national final, scheduled for sometime between the end of February and the beginning of March.

A Surprise for Anna

The Press conference ended with a pleasant surprise for Anna Vissi.

A group of fans, filled with excitement that their favourite performer will participate in the contest, just before she exited the room, sung the chorus of one of her best-loved songs, "Oso Echo Foni."

Actually, speaking to www.ert.gr/en, Anna’s fans, who attended today’s presentations, said that they are very happy that the super star accepted ERT’s proposal, adding that they were expecting it and desired it, since Eurovision is hosted in Greece this year.

We should mention that early on, a multitude of the www.ert.gr/en forum’s guests proposed Anna Vissi as this year’s representative for Greece at the leading European music contest, a fact that as ERT’s Board Member Giorgos Chouliaras said, was taken into account for the proposal to be made to Anna Vissi.
Keep on visiting www.ert.gr/en for all the latest news on the Greek entry and its course towards the great event!