Athens, Greece – Composer Manolis Psaltakis is expressing outrage after his name was omitted during a performance of his Eurovision-winning song “My Number One” at the Greek national final. Psaltakis claims he is consulting with lawyers and may prohibit singer Helena Paparizou from performing the song in the future.
During the broadcast, which saw Klavdia emerge victorious, Paparizou performed “My Number One,” the song that brought Greece its first Eurovision win in 2005. However, neither Paparizou nor co-host Sakis Rouvas acknowledged Psaltakis as the composer, sparking his anger.
In an interview on the television program “Akoma den eides tipota” (“You Haven’t Seen Anything Yet”), Psaltakis reiterated his frustration. While he doesn’t require permission for the song’s performance, he believes the creators deserved recognition, especially given the song’s prominent placement in the Eurovision selection show.
“Of course it bothered me that my name wasn’t mentioned. Who wouldn’t be bothered? Is it possible to bring a victory to Greece for the first time and not be honored by either ERT (Greek national broadcaster) or Ms. Paparizou? Only the public and the artists have shown me respect; I have no complaints there,” Psaltakis stated.
He further criticized the introduction of the performance, claiming Rouvas simply announced “Number One with Paparizou,” as if she had written the song herself. Psaltakis questioned, “Did Paparizou write it? Does any singer who performs songs by composers own the song? Why would that be the case? If [Rouvas] hadn’t introduced Fokas Evaggelinos and the ballet, it wouldn’t have bothered me. They should have invited the composers as well, regardless of whether I would have attended, which I wouldn’t have. But what is the proper thing to do?”
Psaltakis alleges that his contribution has been consistently overlooked since 2005. He claims he hasn’t received so much as a phone call from ERT or Paparizou since the song’s victory. He recounted an incident at the Fever nightclub (prior to legal victories he alludes to but doesn’t specify), where Paparizou allegedly told his wife, Maria, “I know the truth, but I can’t intervene.” Psaltakis added, “I forgave her then. Now that I have been vindicated, can’t she pick up the phone and say thank you?”
Psaltakis has also taken to social media to express his discontent. In a Facebook post, he warned both Paparizou and ERT that if his name continued to be omitted, he would forbid her from performing the song. He called on both the singer and the production team to respect his contribution.
He concluded his television interview by saying, “She [Paparizou] should acknowledge me and call to say thank you and sorry, otherwise, I’ve had enough. This has happened three times before, and she has angered me.” He confirmed he is seriously considering legal action to prevent further performances of “My Number One” by Paparizou.
