Helena Paparizou, the renowned Greek singer known for winning the Eurovision Song Contest, recently opened up about her cultural identity and career decisions in an interview on the show DOT. During the interview, Paparizou discussed her upbringing and the impact of her Swedish background on her life and career choices.
Born in Sweden to Greek parents, Paparizou described Sweden as her “first homeland,” emphasizing the strong influence of her Swedish upbringing on her personal and professional growth. “I love Sweden, and I always say it is my first homeland. Regardless of the fact that I have Greek parents, I was born there,” she stated. Paparizou acknowledged the comprehensive education she received in Sweden, which played a significant role in shaping her as an adult.
Reflecting on her decision to move to Greece to pursue her music career, Paparizou expressed no regrets, stating, “I don’t regret leaving Sweden and coming to Greece to build my career. I don’t want to regret things I’ve done because if something more was meant to happen, it would have.”
She also touched upon her deep connection with both cultures, admitting that while Greece is not a “second homeland,” it was a discovery of sorts. “When I was young and staying in Greece, I used to say, ‘now I’m Greek,’ and suddenly when I come and live in Greece, I realize how Swedish I am!”
Paparizou highlighted the changes in the music industry with the advent of platforms like Spotify, expressing that talent will be discovered regardless of geographical boundaries.
Her reflections provide insight into the complex identities of individuals with multicultural backgrounds and highlight the unique experiences of those navigating between different cultures.
