Sakis Rouvas

Sakis Rouvas (Σάκης Ρουβάς; born January 5, 1972) is a Greek singer born and raised in Corfu, Greece.He is best known for his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 representing Greece as well as hosting the 2006 contest in Athens. He has had a long musical career in both Greece and Cyprus and has had many hits over the years.

Childhood & Origins

Rouvas was born on January 5, 1972 in the village of Mandouki on the Greek island of Corfu to parents Kostas Rouvas and Anna-Maria Panaretou. He has one younger brother named Tolis. His father was a driver, while his mother worked at a Duty Free store at the local airport.

His talents were revealed from a young age; at age four, his athletic abilities began to show. Both of his parents had some background in theater, and at age ten, Rouvas starred in his first major theatrical production, An I Karharies Itan Anthropi (If Sharks were People), which quickly sold out local theaters in Corfu. His much older co-stars were amazed at his talent, and they soon label him "The Miracle Child". Soon after, Rouvas discovered his second great love after athletics: music. He soon learned to play guitar by himself and was inspired by international music such as that of Elvis Presley.

Unfortunately for Rouvas, his family went through troublesome times. In 1984, his parents were divorced, and due to strained relationships between the two, Rouvas and his brother Tolis were forced to move to the village of Potamos, where they were from then on raised by their paternal grandmother, Elpiniki, and grandfather, Anastasis, who is Rouvas's namesake. His father remarried almost immediately, and Rouvas inherited younger stepbrothers. At the age of twelve, Rouvas was forced to go to work in order to support his father's new family, as well as his mother who was all alone. He also needed money for his academic studies at school and the pursuit of his athletic, theatrical, and musical talents.

At age sixteen, he made his first big turning-point in his career after being accepted as a member of the Greek National Gymnastics Team. His scores were very high, and he won numerous national and international awards.

However, Rouvas still held onto his love of music. He decided to leave acting, and soon started to do performances at local clubs. He became a member of the Corfu Band. The first time that everyone got to hear him sing was at the night of his graduation, where he rose onto the stage in front of his classmates and sang his rendition of all of the hits of Elvis and The Beatles.

After graduating, he started working at hotels and night clubs as a singer, however there were too many problematic situations in his life in Corfu, and at the age of seventeen he left Corfu, and moved to Patras alone, in hope of better fortune.

Career

1991-1993: First albums

In 1991, Rouvas made his first professional appearance at the Show Centre in Athens where he was discovered by Polygram and soon signed to.

A few months later, Rouvas' made his first official debut at the Thessaloniki Song Festival where he won first place with the song “Parta” (Take Them) with music by Nikos Terzis and lyrics by Georgos Pavrianos.

Rouvas released his debut album titled Sakis Rouvas the day after the festival, which reached number 1 on the Greek Albums Chart. "Parta" became a number 1 radio hit, while the second single "1992" also became popular. Following the popularity of the album, media attention arose around his fanatic fans, usually teenage girls, who would go crazy over Rouvas.

In September 1992, Rouvas released his sophomore album titled Min Antistekesai (Don’t Resist), which was also fully composed by Nikos Terzis.The album quickly shot up on the charts, and helped establish him as a top performer.

In October 1993, Rouvas released his golden third studio album titled Gia Sena Sakis Rouvas (For you Sakis Rouvas) with music by Alexis Papadimitriou and lyrics by Eleni Giannatsoulia. The single "Kane Me" (Make Me) became a big radio hit, while the next singles "To Ksero Eisai Moni" (I know you are alone), and "Ksehaseto" (Forget it) also gained airplay.

1993-2000: Further success

In the winter of 1994, Rouvas collaborated with Nikos Karvelas and Natalia Germanou on his fourth studio album Aima, Dakria, kai Idrotas (Blood, Sweat, and Tears) which went Platinum. The songs "Ela Mou" (“Come To Me”) and “Ksana” (“Again”) became huge radio hits, which he is still known by today, and have become a staple at all of his concerts.

Shortly after, Rouvas was called to do his military service, taking a break from music, which was well covered by the media.^[3] A few months later in 1996, Rouvas released his fifth studio album "Tora Arhizoun Ta Diskola" (Now the difficult times begin) which went gold. Since his previous album was a big success, Rouvas once again collaborated with Nikos Karvelas and Natalia Germanou. For the winter season, Rouvas appearanced live with Anna Vissi at club Chaos in Athens. In the same year, a fan club for him, "SRFC", was founded, which is now one of the largest fan clubs in Greece.

In 1997, he was featured on Anna Vissi's hit album Travma, in the duet "Se Thelo, Me Theleis" (I want you, You want me) also composed by Nikos Karvelas.^[1]

On May 19, 1997 he performed on stage with Turkish singer Burak Kut at a bi national concert on the Green Line in Cyprus as a step in the reconciliation of the country. For this, he was awarded the International Ipekçi Prize for understanding and co-operation.Politicians Georgos Papandreou and Konstantinos Mitsotakis won the same award that year. Rouvas and Burak also recored a duet together for the Walt Disney movie "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" that same year.

Following his album success with Polygram, Rouvas switched labels and signed with Minos EMI.^[2] In December 1998, Rouvas released his sixth studio album Kati Apo Mena (Something from me) with Minos EMI.The album was composed by Giorgos Theofanos and became a hit, going gold in two months. The album later reached platinum certification. The song "Den Ehei Sidera I Kardia Sou" (Your heart doesn't have metal bars) become a huge hit, and even today is a song in which Rouvas is known for. For promotion of the album, Rouvas performed live at one of the biggest record stors in Greece: Virgin Megastores in Athens where thousands of fans created a traffic jam in the center of Athens.^[3] For the winter season 1991-2000, Rouvas sang at club Bio Bio in Athens, and performed with Katy Garbi in Thessaloniki in the spring.

2000-2004: 21st Akatallilos, Ola Kala, & To Hrono Stamatao

In March 2000, Rouvas released his seventh studio album 21st Akatallilos (21st X-Rated).The album reached 2x Platinum status, and reached number 1 on the charts. On October 25, 2000, Rouvas began appearances with Antonis Remos, and Peggy Zina at club Apollonas for the winter season.

That same year, Rouvas was asked by Pepsi to be their spokesperson for their new summer campaign, a first for a Greek singer. The collaboration with Pepsi continued in 2001 with a TV Ad airing in May 2001 and a Sold-out tour of seven large Greek cities called the 'Pepsi Tour 2001.

In 2001, Rouvas' collaborated with Desmond Child and Phoebus for the CD single Disco Girl.The single became a hit in Greece, and went Platinum. The CD single was also later released in France with an English version of the song. For the winter season, Rouvas sang with Despina Vandi at club Rex until spring 2002.

In March 2002, Rouvas won the award for "Pop Singer of the Year" at the first annual Arion Awards for the CD single "Disco Girl". At the awards, he sang the single "Ola Kala" (Everything is Fine) for the first time.

In June 2002, Rouvas released his eighth studio album Ola Kala (Everything is fine).^[1] Rouvas once again collaborated with Phoebus and Desmond Child for the album, which was also released in France. The album became a hit in Greece going gold in eleven days, and platinum in four months. The album settled at 2x Platinum later on. In September 2002, Rouvas' third Pepsi commercial aired.

In April 2003, Rouvas appeared with Antonis Remos together on stage with Nana Mouskouri at the Arion Awards.^[12] The same year, Rouvas signed a deal with Vodafone Greece to be their spokesperson. For the summer, Rouvas went on tour around Greece, ending with a big concert at Lycabetus on October 11, 2003. In December 2003, Rouvas released his ninth studio album To Hrono Stamatao (I stop time). Songs from the album quickly gained radio airplay, while in the same month, Rouvas started appearances at club Fever with Giorgos Tsalikis for the winter season.^[13]

2004: Eurovision Song Contest

In March 2004, ERT chose Rouvas to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004.^[14] In mid-march, the song entry "Shake It" composed by Nikos Terzis premiered on Greek radios. At the end of March, Rouvas performed "Shake It" for the first time live at the third annual Arion Music Awards. At the awards, he also won the award for "Best Pop Singer" for the album To Hrono Stamatao.^[15]

In mid-April, “Shake It” is released as a CD-single and Rouvas began his promotional tour around Europe for the contest.^[16] His album To Hrono Stamatao was also repackaged with the "Shake It" CD-single as a bonus. The CD-single ended up achieving 4x Platinum status.^[2]

On May 12, 2004, Rouvas took part in the Eurovision Semi-final, performing 10th out of 22 in the running oder. He passed the semi-final, and on May 15, 2004, he performed 16th out of 24 in the Final. For the stage show, Rouvas had two female dancers with him, and three backing vocalists. Fokas Evagelinos did the choreography. "Shake It" achieved 3rd place in the final.^[1]

In June 2004, Rouvas performed at the first MAD Video Music Awards where he sang "Shake It".^[17] At the awards, he won the award for "Sexiest Appearance" for his music video "Pes Tis" (Tell her).^[1] In August 2004, Rouvas also performed at the closing ceremony for the 2004 Summer Olympics, where he was lowered on to the stage from the air and sang traditional Greek songs. ^[2]

In fall 2004, Rouvas did a duet with Russian singer Philip Kirkorov in Greek and Russian called "Se Thelo San Trelos" (I want you like crazy). The single became a radio hit in Russia, and a music video was filmed shortly after in Saint Petersburg.

In October 2004, Rouvas was a special guest star at three concerts with Nana Mouskouri. Two months later in December, Rouvas began performances with Giorgos Mazonakis and Elena Paparizou at club Fever.

2005-2006: S'Eho Erotefti & Iparhi Agapi Edo

On April 5, 2005, Rouvas wins the award for "CD Single with the Highest Sales of 2004" for "Shake It" at the fourth Arion Music Awards. Rouvas also appears on stage dancing the tango.^[2]

On April 6, 2005, Rouvas released his tenth studio album S'Eho Eroteftei (I'm in love with you) which goes platinum in five months, and ends at 3x Platinum.With the help of Vodafone Greece as main sponsors, release parties for the CD are held in 'Heraklion, Corfu, Thessaloniki, and Athens all on the same day, where Rouvas was present at. The songs "S'Eho Erotefti", "Hilia Milia" (Thousands of Miles), "Mila Tis" (Talk to her), "Na M'Agapas" (Love me), and "Cairo" all become radio hits.That same year, Rouvas also won the "World Music Awards" for "Best selling Greek artist" of 2004.

For the winter season of 2005-2006, Rouvas decided to take a break and lived in Los Angeles.^[20] On February 14, 2006, he holds a concert for Valentines day for his fans, where he sang ballads. The concert was recorded and video-taped, with the main sponsors of the concert were Vodafone Greece and radio station Rythmos 94.9.The live performance was later released as a CD/DVD in April 2006 titled Live Ballads, Rouvas' first live CD/DVD. The CD featured 2 new studio tracks, "Horis Kardia" (Without a heart), and an English version of "S'Eho Eroteftei" titled "I'm in Love with You".

On April 3, 2006, Rouvas sang "Horis Kardia" (Without a Heart) at the Arion Music Awards, where he also wins the award for "Best Pop Album" and "Best Pop Singer" for the album "S'Eho Eroteftei".^[22] In the same month, Rouvas re-signs his contract with Vodafone Greece, while production company Village Roadshow announces that Rouvas will star in their new film.

In May 2006, the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 is held in Athens, Greece since Greece won it the year before. Rouvas was asked by ERT to host with Maria Menounos the Semi-final and final in English, Greek and French.^[23] At the Semi-finals, Rouvas opens the show by singing the song "Love shine a light" with Maria Menounos. For the intermision, Rouvas performed his song "I'm in love with you".

On June 14, 2006, Rouvas preformed "Agapa Me" (Love Me) and "Na M'Agapas" (You should love me) at the third MAD Video Music Awards. Rouvas also wins the awards for "Best Video by a Male artist" for "Na M'Agapas" and "Best Dressed Artist in a Video" for "Mila Tis". That same month, Rouvas also dubs the Greek version of the Disney movie Cars. In the summer, he also started filming on the movie Alter Ego.

On December 6, 2006, Rouvas releases his eleventh studio album titled "Iparhi Agapi Edo" (There is love here). The songs "Ego Travo Zori" (I'm having a hard time) and "Iprahi Agapi Edo" become radio hits, while the song "Ola Giro Sou Girizoun" (Everything revolves around you) composed by Dimitris Kontopoulos became a mega dance hit on Greek radios. The album debuted at number 1, and reached 2x platinum.

2007-Present: Alter Ego, This is My Live & Eurovision Song Contest 2009

In May 2007, the film "Alter Ego" by Village Roadshow Productions staring Rouvas is released.^[1] The film was one of the most expensive productions in Greece. The film receives mixed reviews. The soundtrack of the film was recorded by the cast and Rouvas, while the theme song to the movie "Zise Ti Zoi" (Live life) by Rouvas becomes a radio hit.^[26] On June 29, 2008, Alter Ego was screened in Los Angeles at a Greek festival.^[27]

In March, Rouvas started performances at club Boom in Thessaloniki with Despina Vandi.^[28] At the end of April, Rouvas held a big concert in Syntagma Square as part of Vodafone Greece's promotional campaign.

On September 10, 2007 gives a concert at Lycabetus as part of a OPAP's campaign for voluntary blood donations. The concert was also recorded, and released as a CD/DVD on December 12, 2007 titled This is my live.^[29] In the winter of 2007-2008, Rouvas went on tour with Antonis Remos to Australia and North America.

On May 19, 2008, Sakis started sining with Peggy Zina at Politia club in Thessaloniki, Greece.

In July 2008, Rouvas released his new single "Kai Se Thelo" (And I want you) as a digital single. The song, composed by Dimitris Kontopoulos, has become a dance hit and has reached number 1 on the Greek airplay charts.^[30]

Rouvas' had stated in an interview on Nitro Radio in June, that he would like to represent Greece in 2009. On July 15, 2008, ERT also confirmed that Rouvas will be Greece's participant in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 once again^[31] and that Dimitris Kontopoulos will be the composer of the song.^[32]

In July 2008 it was announced that Rouvas will be the host for the first season of the Greek version of The X Factor to be aired on ANT1 channel in Fall 2008.^[33]

For the winter season 2008 to 2009, Rouvas will be appearing with the Maggira sisters in a musical show, a first for Rouvas.

Reference:www.wikipedia.com