Eleni Foureira
{{Short description|Albanian-born Greek singer (born 1987)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Eleni Foureira
| native_name = {{lang|el|Ελένη Φουρέιρα}}
| image = Cyprus - Eleni Foureira Blue Carpet Eurovision 2018 (3) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Foureira in May 2018
| birth_name = Entela Fureraj
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1987|03|07}}
| children = 1
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| background = solo_singer
| origin = Athens, Greece
| genre = Pop
| occupations = Singer
| instruments = Vocals
| partner = Alberto Botía (2017–present)
| years_active = 2007–present
| label = {{hlist|Universal Music Greece|Minos EMI|Panik Records|Sony Music}}
| website = {{url|http://elenifoureira.gr}}
}}
}}
Eleni Foureira ({{langx|el|Ελένη Φουρέιρα}}; born Entela Fureraj, {{langx|el|Εντέλα Φουρεράι|links=no}}; 7 March 1987) is an Albanian-born Greek singer. She began her music career in 2007 as a member of the Greek girl group Mystique, pursuing a solo career after the group disbanded in 2009. She has released five studio albums since.
Foureira signed a solo contract with Universal Music Greece and released her self-titled debut album in 2010. She later signed with Minos EMI, and went on to release her second and third studio albums Ti Poniro Mou Zitas and Anemos Agapis in 2012 and 2014, respectively. Both albums were well-received in Greece and Cyprus. Foureira left Minos EMI in 2015, and signed with Panik Records. Her fourth studio album Vasilissa was released in December 2017.
After being rejected several times in her efforts to represent Greece,{{Cite web |last=Grace |first=Emily |date=16 February 2018 |title=Cyprus: Who Is Eleni Foureira? |url=https://eurovoix.com/2018/02/16/cyprus-eleni-foureira/ |access-date=12 March 2022 |website=Eurovoix News |archive-date=7 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907175627/https://eurovoix.com/2018/02/16/cyprus-eleni-foureira/ |url-status=live }} Foureira represented Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 with the song "Fuego". She was one of three ethnically Albanian competitors. On 8 May 2018, she qualified from the first semi-final to the grand final, where she finished second with 436 points, thereby achieving Cyprus' best Eurovision result to date.
In 2019, Foureira released the EP Gypsy Woman, followed in 2020 by the release of singles "Yayo", "Temperatura" and "Light It Up". In 2021, she hosted the Greek talent show House of Fame - La Academia at Skai TV. Afterwards, she collaborated with Greek rapper MadClip on the song "Mporei", which became one of the biggest hits of the year in Greece. The song "Aeraki (To Thiliko)" followed with similar success. On 3 June 2022, she released her fifth studio album, called Poli_Ploki.
In 2024, it was confirmed at the event of the Diamond certification of the deluxe edition of her album Poli_Ploki – first album by a woman artist in the country to reach this certification – that Foureira is the most streamed woman from Greece.{{Cite web |last=Papathanasiou |first=Maria |url=https://www.okmag.gr/moda/eleni-foureira-o-stylist-kyriakos-galatas-apokalyptei-sto-okmag-ta-brands-pou-epelexe-stin-aponomi-tou-diamond-album-tis/ |title=Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Ο stylist Κυριάκος Γαλατάς αποκαλύπτει στο οkmag τα brands που επέλεξε στην απονομή του diamond album της |date=26 April 2024 |website=OK Magazin |lang=el}}
Early life
Eleni Foureira was born Entela Fureraj on 7 March 1987 in Fier, then part of the People's Socialist Republic, present Albania.{{Cite web |title=Eleni Foureira{{spaced ndash}}Biografia |url=https://www.teksteshqip.com/eleni-foureira/biografia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206142943/https://www.teksteshqip.com/eleni-foureira/biografia |archive-date=6 December 2021 |access-date=6 December 2021 |publisher=Tekste Shqip |language=sq}} Her mother is a seamstress, while her father works in construction.{{Cite web |date=28 November 2014 |script-title=el:Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Γιατί έκρυψα πως είμαι από την Αλβανία |url=http://www.protothema.gr/life-style/article/430173/eleni-foureira-giati-ekrupsa-pos-eimai-apo-tin-alvania/ |language=el |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=13 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113171528/http://www.protothema.gr/life-style/article/430173/eleni-foureira-giati-ekrupsa-pos-eimai-apo-tin-alvania/ |url-status=live }} She has three siblings: Ioanna, Margarita, and Giorgos. Foureira grew up in the Eastern Orthodox faith, and has a grandfather who was from Greece. When she was four years old, the family moved to the city of Vlorë, and later moved to Greece due to the 1997 Albanian civil unrest.{{Cite news |date=2016-03-14 |script-title=el:Φουρέιρα: Ηρθα από την Αλβανία 8 χρόνων -Θυμάμαι να μπαίνουν οι σφαίρες μέσα στο σπίτι μου |language=el |work=iefimerida.gr |url=http://www.iefimerida.gr/news/256414/foyreira-irtha-apo-tin-alvania-8-hronon-thymamai-na-mpainoyn-oi-sfaires-mesa-sto-spiti |access-date=2016-10-28 |archive-date=26 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726214249/http://www.iefimerida.gr/news/256414/foyreira-irtha-apo-tin-alvania-8-hronon-thymamai-na-mpainoyn-oi-sfaires-mesa-sto-spiti |url-status=live }} While living in Albania, the family had electricity for only two hours a day, and left for Greece after their home was hit with bullets.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2018 |title=Ελένη Φουρέιρα: "Έχω πάρει πολλές φορές πράγματα από τα σκουπίδια"(ΒΙΝΤΕΟ) |url=https://www.alphanews.live/entertainment/elene-phoyreira-echo-parei-polles-phores-pragmata-apo-ta-skoypidiabinteo |website=Alpha News |language=Greek}} Upon arriving in Greece, Foureira and her family settled in Athens.
Foureira began pursuing music at a young age, learning how to play the guitar and later working in a theatre for three years.{{Cite web |date=15 June 2013 |title=Biography |url=http://www.pamebouzoukia.gr/foureira-eleni |publisher=PameBouzoukia |language=el |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=5 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705063002/https://www.pamebouzoukia.gr/foureira-eleni |url-status=live }}
Career
=2007–2009: Early career and Mystique=
Foureira began her music career as a member of the girl group Mystique. She was discovered by Andreas Giatrakos, and the group also consisted of Alkmini Chatzigianni and Maria Makri. They released their debut single "Se alli selida" in 2007, and later achieved success with the single "Min kaneis pos de thymasai" featuring Greek hip hop group NEVMA the following year. They broke up in 2009.File:Eleni Foureira.JPG
=2010–2018: Pursuit of a solo career=
After Mystique broke up, Foureira signed a solo contract with Universal Music Greece, the same label as Mystique. She appeared on the charity program Just the Two of Us, hosted by Mega Channel. She tied for first place along with singer Panagiotis Petrakis.{{Cite web |title=Eleni Foureira wins at the "Just the two of us |url=http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct=63&artid=75794 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119225723/http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct=63&artid=75794 |archive-date=19 January 2011 |access-date=30 July 2013 |website=www.aggelioforos.gr |language=el}} Foureira released her self-titled debut studio album in December 2010.{{Cite web |title=Eleni Foureira |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/eleni-foureira-mw0002091831 |access-date=24 January 2018 |publisher=AllMusic |archive-date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125020332/https://www.allmusic.com/album/eleni-foureira-mw0002091831 |url-status=live }} Afterwards, she signed with Minos EMI. Her second album Ti Poniro Mou Zitas was released in 2012, while her third Anemos agapis was released in 2014. From 2015 to 2016, she starred as Sofia in the musical Barbarella: the 80's Musical in Athens, alongside other Greek pop stars such as Ivi Adamou and Katy Garbi.{{Cite web |date=10 September 2015 |title=Η Ελένη Φουρέιρα μετράει αντίστροφα για το θεατρικό της ντεμπούτο! |trans-title=Eleni Foureira counts down to her theatrical debut |url=https://www.backstage24.gr/i-eleni-foyreira-metraei-antistrofa-g/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126014046/https://www.backstage24.gr/i-eleni-foyreira-metraei-antistrofa-g/ |archive-date=26 January 2018 |website=backstage24.gr |language=el}}{{Cite web |date=9 September 2015 |script-title=el:H Ελένη Φουρέιρα θα παίξει σε μιούζικαλ! |trans-title=Eleni Foureira will play in a musical |url=http://mad.tv/h-eleni-foureira-tha-pexi-se-miouzikal/ |access-date=9 September 2015 |website=MAD |language=el |archive-date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015659/http://mad.tv/h-eleni-foureira-tha-pexi-se-miouzikal/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Mitsopolos |first=Odisseas |date=14 September 2015 |script-title=el:Καίτη Γαρμπή: Σε ποιο μιούζικαλ θα πρωταγωνιστήσει; |trans-title=Katy Garbi: In which musical will she star? |url=http://www.real.gr/DefaultArthro.aspx?page=arthro&id=446555&catID=8 |access-date=14 September 2015 |website=Real.gr |archive-date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015643/http://www.real.gr/DefaultArthro.aspx?page=arthro&id=446555&catID=8 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=14 September 2015 |script-title=el:Καίτη Γαρμπή – Ελένη Φουρέιρα – Ήβη Αδάμου: Σε ποιο μιούζικαλ θα πρωταγωνιστήσουν; |trans-title=Katy Garbi - Eleni Foureira - Ivi Adamou: In which musical will they star? |url=http://www.getgreekmusic.gr/garbi-foureira-adamou-musical/ |access-date=14 September 2015 |website=Get Greek Music |language=el |archive-date=27 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527073056/https://www.getgreekmusic.gr/garbi-foureira-adamou-musical/ |url-status=live }} Following the release of Anemos agapis, she left Minos EMI and signed with Panik Records. She was a judge on season three of the Greek version of So You Think You Can Dance. Her fourth studio album Vasilissa was released in 2017.{{Cite web |title=Eleni Foureira - Vasilissa |url=https://www.panikrecords.gr/eshop/product/eleni-foureira-vasilissa/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125021450/https://www.panikrecords.gr/eshop/product/eleni-foureira-vasilissa/ |archive-date=25 January 2018 |access-date=24 January 2018 |publisher=Panik Records}}
==Eurovision Song Contest 2018==
Foureira has made several attempts to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2010, she took part in the Greek national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 with Manos Pyrovolakis, performing the song "Kivotos tou Noe". They placed second behind Giorgos Alkaios.{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=12 March 2010 |script-title=el:Και το τραγούδι είναι το... "OPA"! |url=http://eurovision.ert.gr/el/eurovision-song-contest-2010/diorganosi/00410-kai-to-tragoudi-einai |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315111018/http://eurovision.ert.gr/el/eurovision-song-contest-2010/diorganosi/00410-kai-to-tragoudi-einai |archive-date=15 March 2010 |access-date=13 March 2010 |publisher=ERT |language=el}}{{Cite web |last=Al Kaziri |first=Ghassan |date=15 March 2010 |title=60,000 votes cast; three songs tied |url=http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=7707 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325141845/http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=7707 |archive-date=25 March 2010 |access-date=15 March 2010 |publisher=Oikotimes.com}} In 2013, she performed "Wild Dances" with Ruslana at Eurosong 2013 – a MAD show.{{Cite web |date=18 February 2013 |title=Ruslana Eleni foureira wild dances eurovision 2013 greece |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzmeb05ye0 |website=YouTube |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=26 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526174802/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzmeb05ye0 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=18 February 2013 |title=Greece: Tonight Greece Decides |url=https://eurovoix.com/2013/02/18/greek-tonight-greece-decides/ |publisher=Eurovoix |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125032552/https://eurovoix.com/2013/02/18/greek-tonight-greece-decides/ |url-status=live }} She later considered taking part in Eurosong 2015 - NERIT & MAD show, but ultimately did not.{{Cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=27 December 2014 |title=Greece: Eleni Foureira Is Thinking About Eurovision Participation |url=https://eurovoix.com/2014/12/27/greece-eleni-foureira-is-thinking-about-eurovision-participation/ |publisher=Eurovoix |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=11 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511234850/http://eurovoix.com/2014/12/27/greece-eleni-foureira-is-thinking-about-eurovision-participation/ |url-status=live }} She once again attempted to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song "Come Tiki Tam", but was rejected by Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT).{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Robyn |date=15 October 2016 |title=Eleni Foureira releases rejected Greek Eurovision 2016 entry "Come Tiki Tam" |url=http://wiwibloggs.com/2016/10/15/eleni-foureira-releases-rejected-greek-eurovision-2016-entry-come-tiki-tam/153512/ |publisher=Wiwibloggs |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=28 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028095700/http://wiwibloggs.com/2016/10/15/eleni-foureira-releases-rejected-greek-eurovision-2016-entry-come-tiki-tam/153512/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Vasileiadis |first=George |date=28 January 2016 |title=Greece: Eleonora Zouganeli declines Eurovision participation, Eleni Foureira wants in |url=http://wiwibloggs.com/2016/01/28/greece-eleonora-zouganeli-eurovision-eleni-foureira/119210/ |publisher=Wiwibloggs |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=28 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028175248/http://wiwibloggs.com/2016/01/28/greece-eleonora-zouganeli-eurovision-eleni-foureira/119210/ |url-status=live }} In 2017, she was rejected by the broadcaster for the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 once again.{{Cite web |last=Muldoon |first=Padraig |date=26 October 2017 |title=Eleni Foureira: "There must be a reason why the people at ERT didn't select me" |url=http://wiwibloggs.com/2017/10/26/greece-eleni-foureira-eurovision-snub/199050/ |publisher=Wiwibloggs |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=31 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031103147/http://wiwibloggs.com/2017/10/26/greece-eleni-foureira-eurovision-snub/199050/ |url-status=live }}
In February 2018, it was confirmed that Foureira would represent Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 with the song "Fuego".{{Cite news |last=Mercereau |first=Damien |date=7 March 2018 |title=Eurovision 2018: Chypre joue avec le feu avec Eleni Foureira |language=fr |publisher=Le Figaro |url=http://tvmag.lefigaro.fr/programme-tv/eurovision-2018-chypre-joue-avec-le-feu-avec-eleni-foureira_926390d4-21f8-11e8-a08d-0ef2079ac73d/ |access-date=9 March 2018 |archive-date=9 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309182927/http://tvmag.lefigaro.fr/programme-tv/eurovision-2018-chypre-joue-avec-le-feu-avec-eleni-foureira_926390d4-21f8-11e8-a08d-0ef2079ac73d/ |url-status=live }} The song was composed by Greek-Swedish songwriter Alex Papaconstantinou.{{Cite web |last=Farren |first=Neil |date=1 February 2018 |title=Cyprus: Eleni Foureira Officially Confirmed for Eurovision 2018 |url=https://eurovoix.com/2018/02/01/cyprus-eleni-foureira-officially-confirmed-eurovision-2018/ |publisher=Eurovoix |access-date=1 February 2018 |archive-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504074501/https://eurovoix.com/2018/02/01/cyprus-eleni-foureira-officially-confirmed-eurovision-2018/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Jiandani |first=Sanjay |date=1 February 2018 |title=Cyprus: Eleni Foureira to Lisbon! |url=http://esctoday.com/157485/cyprus-eleni-foureira-lisbon/ |publisher=ESCToday |access-date=1 February 2018 |archive-date=2 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202071535/http://esctoday.com/157485/cyprus-eleni-foureira-lisbon/ |url-status=live }} Foureira was seen as one of three ethnic Albanians competing that year, each of them representing different countries. Foureira posed with Albanian contestant Eugent Bushpepa, making the crossed hands gesture denoting the double eagle of the Flag of Albania. In response, nationalist Greeks spoke out against Foureira, saying she should be removed from the contest, but Cyprus continued to support her.{{Cite magazine |last=Keating |first=Dave |date=11 May 2018 |title=Eurovision 2018: Who's In and Who's Out |url=https://berlinpolicyjournal.com/eurovision-2018-whos-in-and-whos-out/ |magazine=Berlin Policy Journal |access-date=12 March 2022 |archive-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616063751/https://berlinpolicyjournal.com/eurovision-2018-whos-in-and-whos-out/ |url-status=live }} On 8 May 2018, she qualified from the first semi-final to the grand final.{{Cite web |last=Cremona |first=Patrick |date=9 May 2018 |title=Who is Cyprus's Eurovision 2018 entry Eleni Foureira? |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-05-09/eurovision-2018-cyprus-entry-song-contestant-eleni-foureira/ |publisher=RadioTimes |access-date=10 May 2018 |archive-date=10 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510115415/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-05-09/eurovision-2018-cyprus-entry-song-contestant-eleni-foureira/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Debnath |first=Neela |date=9 May 2018 |title=Eurovision 2018 Cyprus: Who is representing Cyprus? Who is favourite Eleni Foureira? |url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/957107/Eurovision-2018-Cyprus-Eleni-Foureira-Fuego-odds-Eurovision-Song-Contest-2018 |publisher=Express |access-date=10 May 2018 |archive-date=16 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516125723/https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/957107/Eurovision-2018-Cyprus-Eleni-Foureira-Fuego-odds-Eurovision-Song-Contest-2018 |url-status=live }} In the final held on 12 May 2018, she finished as the runner-up to winner Netta from Israel, having received the fifth most votes from the international juries and the second most votes from the public televoting process; this marked Cyprus' best Eurovision placement in history.{{Cite news |last=Kelly |first=Helen |date=2018-05-13 |title=Eurovision 2018 winner: Israel wins Eurovision Song Contest with Netta Barzilai |language=en |work=Express.co.uk |url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/958885/Eurovision-2018-winner-Israel-Netta-Barzilai-results-Toy-video-Cyprus-Eleni-Foureira |access-date=2018-05-12 |archive-date=13 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513045239/https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/958885/Eurovision-2018-winner-Israel-Netta-Barzilai-results-Toy-video-Cyprus-Eleni-Foureira |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Live blog: The Grand Final of Eurovision 2018 - Eurovision Song Contest Lisbon 2018 |url=https://eurovision.tv/liveblog/backstage-grand-final-eurovision-2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513081106/https://eurovision.tv/liveblog/backstage-grand-final-eurovision-2018 |archive-date=2018-05-13 |access-date=2018-05-12 |website=eurovision.tv}}
=2018–present: Post-Eurovision success=
Shortly after Eurovision 2018, Eleni signed a record deal with Sony Music.{{Cite tweet |number=998290441517879296 |user=foureira_eleni |title=🙏🏽❤️🔥 |date=20 May 2018}} By doing so, she became only the second Greek artist to sign an international deal with a major record label after Helena Paparizou (who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2005).{{Cite web |date=2018-05-18 |title=Cyprus: Sony Music International has secured Fuego's rights abroad |url=https://infenetwork.net/cyprus-sony-music-international-has-secured-fuegos-rights-abroad/ |website=infenetwork.net |access-date=18 October 2020 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018234511/https://infenetwork.net/cyprus-sony-music-international-has-secured-fuegos-rights-abroad/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2018-05-20 |title=Eleni Foureira signs global deal with Sony Music International following Eurovision success |url=https://escxtra.com/2018/05/20/eleni-foureira-global-deal-sony/ |website=escxtra.com |access-date=18 October 2020 |archive-date=21 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021011218/https://escxtra.com/2018/05/20/eleni-foureira-global-deal-sony/ |url-status=live }} In late June, she released her Greek single "Caramela", which topped the Digital Single Chart. In mid-October, she released the non-album single "Tómame", which was also number one hit.{{Cite web |title=Official IFPI Charts Digital Singles Chart (Local) Εβδομάδα: 13/2020 |url=http://www.ifpi.gr/digital_el.html |access-date=7 April 2020 |website=ifpi.gr |language=en |archive-date=20 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320101444/https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_el.html |url-status=live }} Towards the end of the year, it was announced that "Fuego" has been certified platinum in Spain,{{Cite web |title=Spanish single certifications |url=https://www.promusicae.es/listas/semanales |access-date=15 April 2020 |publisher=Productores de Música de España |language=es |quote=Select Songs under "Chart", enter 2018 in the field "Year". Select 48 in the field "Semana". Click on "Search Charts". |archive-date=11 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111165359/https://www.promusicae.es/listas/semanales |url-status=live }} and gold in Norway and Sweden, becoming Eleni's first song to achieve this.{{Cite web |last=Bird |first=Lisa |date=28 October 2018 |title=Fuego sold over 15,000 copies in each Norway and Sweden |url=https://www.escxtra.com/2018/10/25/eleni-foureira-releases-new-single-tomame/ |access-date=15 April 2020 |publisher=ESCXTRA |archive-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103052252/https://www.escxtra.com/2018/10/25/eleni-foureira-releases-new-single-tomame/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |title=Fuego certified gold in Norway and Sweden |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BpU3nbGHmAv/ |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BpU3nbGHmAv |archive-date=2021-12-26 |access-date=15 April 2020 |publisher=Panik Entertainment Group}}{{cbignore}}
On 17 May 2019, Eleni released her first international project, an extended play titled Gypsy Woman (EP), which includes the song "El Ritmo Psicodelico" as the lead single.{{Cite tweet |number=1128337632101007367 |user=foureira_eleni |title=I am incredibly happy to share that my new Mini album is ready. Here is a preview for you! Available worldwide on t… |date=14 May 2019 |access-date=15 May 2019}} To further promote her studio project, she embarked on a European tour in various cities in Greece, Spain, and the United Kingdom.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-21 |title=EP Review: Eleni Foureira – Gypsy Woman |url=https://abitofpopmusic.com/2019/05/21/ep-review-eleni-foureira-gypsy-woman/ |website=abitofpopmusic.com}}{{Cite web |date=2019-06-19 |title=Eleni Foureira is a Gypsy Woman setting the world on fuego in new EP |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/06/19/eleni-foureira-is-a-gypsy-woman-setting-the-world-on-fuego-in-new-ep/240036/ |website=wiwibloggs.com}} Around the same time, during the Host Broadcaster press conference of the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, Foureira was announced as one of the four artists from previous contests that will perform as an interval act in the final, where she performed the 2007 runner-up Verka Serduchka's song "Dancing Lasha Tumbai".{{Cite web |date=15 April 2019 |title=Lots of Eurovision 2019 news during Host Broadcaster press conference |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/kan-eurovision-2019-update-press-conference |access-date=2019-05-15 |website=eurovision.tv |archive-date=16 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416102215/https://eurovision.tv/story/kan-eurovision-2019-update-press-conference |url-status=live }} Throughout the rest of the year, she mostly took part in collaborations with artists such as Kaan and Snoop Dogg,{{Cite web |date=2019-03-28 |title=Eleni Foureira teams up with Snoop Dogg and K.A.N.N. for remake of "Sweet Dreams" |url=https://greekcitytimes.com/2019/03/28/eleni-foureira-teams-up-with-snoop-dogg-and-k-a-n-n-for-remake-of-sweet-dreams/ |website=greekcitytimes.com}}{{Cite web |date=2019-03-29 |title=Eleni Foureira to release collaboration with Snoop Dogg & KAAN |url=https://escxtra.com/2019/03/29/eleni-foureira-to-release-collaboration-with-snoop-dogg-kaan/ |website=escxtra.com |access-date=18 October 2020 |archive-date=19 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019074850/https://escxtra.com/2019/03/29/eleni-foureira-to-release-collaboration-with-snoop-dogg-kaan/ |url-status=dead }} and Claydee.{{Cite web |date=2019-07-05 |title=Eleni Foureira collaborates with Claydee on new single 'Loquita' |url=https://escxtra.com/2019/07/05/eleni-foureira-collaborates-with-claydee-on-new-single-loquita/ |website=eurovision.tv |access-date=18 October 2020 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207200759/https://escxtra.com/2019/07/05/eleni-foureira-collaborates-with-claydee-on-new-single-loquita/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |date=2019-07-29 |title=Cyprus: Eleni Foureira and Claydee release ' Loquita' |url=http://esctoday.com/177019/cyprus-eleni-foureira-and-claydee-release-loquita/ |website=esctoday.com |access-date=18 October 2020 |archive-date=19 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019202713/http://esctoday.com/177019/cyprus-eleni-foureira-and-claydee-release-loquita/ |url-status=live }} In March 2020, she released the electropop and R&B single Yayo.{{Cite web |date=2020-03-08 |title=New music this week: 17 songs from Eleni Foureira, Luca Hänni, Ani Lorak and more |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/03/08/new-music-from-eleni-foureira-luca-hanni-and-more/251071/ |website=wiwibloggs.com}}{{Cite web |date=2020-03-10 |title=ELENI FOUREIRA estrena nuevo single y videoclip "YAYO" |url=https://www.tonyaguilar.es/eleni-foureira-estrena-nuevo-single-y-videoclip-yayo/ |website=tonyaguilar.es |access-date=18 October 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020174512/https://www.tonyaguilar.es/eleni-foureira-estrena-nuevo-single-y-videoclip-yayo/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2020-03-12 |title=Yayo abre la nueva etapa musical de Eleni Foureira |url=https://moobys.es/2020/03/yayo-abre-la-nueva-etapa-musical-de-eleni-foureira/ |website=moobys.es}} In June, she released a Greek single "Temperatura", which was later accompanied with a Spanish version.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-20 |title=Listen to Eleni Foureira's new single "Temperatura" |url=https://infenetwork.net/listen-to-eleni-foureiras-new-single-temperatura/ |website=eurovision.tv |access-date=18 October 2020 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018171131/https://infenetwork.net/listen-to-eleni-foureiras-new-single-temperatura/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2020-07-10 |title=🇨🇾 Eleni Foureira unveils Spanish-language version of latest single "Temperatura" |url=https://escxtra.com/2020/07/10/eleni-foureira-temperatura-spanish/ |website=escxtra.com}}
In December 2019, she performed as a surprise guest at Festivali i Këngës 58, the Albanian national selection contest for Eurovision, held in Tirana, Albania. After performing a medley of her own songs and international hits, she sang a few Albanian folk songs alongside TV presenter Alketa Vejsiu, accompanied with a monologue in the Albanian language on her Albanian roots, since she moved from Albania during her childhood.{{Cite news |date=2020-12-22 |title=Foureira speaks and sings in Albanian, slays with Fuego, supports Elvana and gives political statement |language=sq-Al |url=https://www.revistawho.com/video-eleni-foureira-kendon-shqip-vera-grabocka-i-meson-kengen-e-njohur-shqiptare/ |access-date=14 March 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182443/https://www.revistawho.com/video-eleni-foureira-kendon-shqip-vera-grabocka-i-meson-kengen-e-njohur-shqiptare/ |url-status=live }}
Towards the end of 2020, Eleni Foureira released two dance-pop, electropop, nu-disco, and synth-pop records "Light It Up" (in October){{Cite web |date=2020-11-02 |title=GREEK GODDESS ELENI FOUREIRA TURNS DISCO CHANTEUSE ON NEW SINGLE 'LIGHT IT UP' |url=https://www.culturefix.co.uk/?p=13230 |website=culturefix.co.uk}}{{Cite web |date=2020-10-30 |title=🇨🇾 Eleni Foureira lights it up in new single! |url=https://escxtra.com/2020/10/30/eleni-foureira-new-single-light-it-up/ |website=ESCXTRA.com}}{{Cite web |date=2020-10-30 |title=Cyprus: Eleni Foureira sets the dancefloor on fire with 'Light It Up' |url=http://esctoday.com/181070/cyprus-eleni-foureira-sets-the-dancefloor-on-fire-with-light-it-up/ |website=esctoday.com |access-date=12 February 2021 |archive-date=16 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116152729/http://esctoday.com/181070/cyprus-eleni-foureira-sets-the-dancefloor-on-fire-with-light-it-up/ |url-status=live }} and "Dokimase Me" (in December), both of which contain 1980s and retrofuturism tropes.{{Cite web |date=2020-12-06 |title=🇨🇾 Eleni Foureira releases 'Dokimase Me' music video |url=https://escxtra.com/2020/12/06/eleni-foureira-music-video/ |website=ESCXTRA.com |access-date=12 February 2021 |archive-date=17 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217215529/https://escxtra.com/2020/12/06/eleni-foureira-music-video/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2020-12-06 |title=Cyprus: Eleni Foureira drops a new single 'Dokimase me' |url=http://esctoday.com/181235/cyprus-eleni-foureira-drops-a-new-single-dokimase-me/ |website=esctoday.com |access-date=12 February 2021 |archive-date=23 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123044039/http://esctoday.com/181235/cyprus-eleni-foureira-drops-a-new-single-dokimase-me/ |url-status=live }} Around the same time, during a live stream on her official Instagram account, the singer revealed that her forthcoming second extended play, entitled Light It Up, is set for release in early 2021.{{Cite web |date=2020-11-19 |title=Light It Up - EP |url=https://genius.com/albums/Eleni-foureira/Light-it-up-ep |website=genius.com |access-date=12 February 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709213037/https://genius.com/albums/Eleni-foureira/Light-it-up-ep |url-status=live }} In May 2021 she released a song with Greek rapper MadClip, titled "Mporei",{{Cite web |date=13 May 2021 |script-title=el:<<Μπορεί>>: Mad Clip και Ελένη Φουρείρα ενώνουν τις δυνάμεις τους. |url=https://www.hit-channel.com/mporei-mad-clip-eleni-foureira-enonoun-dynameis/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715092416/https://www.hit-channel.com/mporei-mad-clip-eleni-foureira-enonoun-dynameis |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 July 2021 }} which was awarded as the best duet at Super Music Awards
File:Eleni Foureira Eurovision Song Contest 2024 opening act 01.jpg
In May 2022, she collaborated on "Mono Esy Kai Ego" with Greek singer Konstantinos Argiros. On 3 June 2022, Foureira released her fifth studio album, Poli Ploki, preceded by the singles "Mporei" and "Aeraki (To Thiliko)".{{Cite web |title=Poli_Ploki by Eleni Foureira |url=https://genius.com/albums/Eleni-foureira/Poli_ploki |access-date=29 June 2022 |archive-date=29 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629193410/https://genius.com/albums/Eleni-foureira/Poli_ploki |url-status=live }}
Starting on 27 May 2023, Foureira embarked on the "Reborn Tour", which took place in stadiums and major theaters in Greece, Cyprus and abroad.{{Cite web |title=ELENI FOUREIRA - REBORN TOUR | Εισιτήρια online! |url=https://www.viva.gr/tickets/music/reborntour/elenifoureira/ |access-date=15 May 2023 |website=Viva.gr |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515124054/https://www.viva.gr/tickets/music/reborntour/elenifoureira/ |url-status=live }} On April 16 of the same year, she announced via Instagram that the deluxe version of the album had achieved diamond certification.{{Cite Instagram |postid=C51dPWhgke4 |user=foureira |title=Diamonds 💿 are a girl's best friend!!!! This is insane 😱Thank youuuuuuuuuu so much 🙏🏽❤️ I love you guys🙏🏽 POLI-PLOKI diamond💎 sales |first=Eleni |last=Foureira |date=16 April 2024}} This made her the first female Greek artist to have a diamond album in the region.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-26 |title=Η Ελένη Φουρέιρα έγινε και επίσημα «διαμάντι» |url=https://www.intronews.gr/life/foureira-diamantenio-album/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Intronews.gr {{!}} Intro News |language=el}} A special evening was prepared for the new record with the participation of CEO of Panik Records, Giorgos Arsenakos, who delivered the diamond plaque to Foureira that night.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-17 |title=Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Το album της «Poli_Ploki» έγινε διαμαντένιο σε πωλήσεις |url=https://www.in.gr/2024/04/17/go-fun/music-stage/eleni-foureira-album-tis-poli_ploki-egine-diamantenio-se-poliseis/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=in.gr |language=el |archive-date=18 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618214603/https://www.in.gr/2024/04/17/go-fun/music-stage/eleni-foureira-album-tis-poli_ploki-egine-diamantenio-se-poliseis/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite Instagram |postid=C6MACY9NF2o |user=foureira |title=...ένα μεγάλο ευχαριστώ στον @simsirikisv έναν άνθρωπο που είναι πάντα δίπλα μου διακριτικά με υπομονή και κάνει την πιο σημαντική δουλειά στην καριέρα μου 🙏🏽 ένα τεράστιο ευχάριστω στην @nefelim.th για την Καλλιτεχνική Επιμέλεια αυτού του δίσκου ένα μεγάλο ευχαριστώ στους @panik_entertainment_group @g_arsenakos @liapap και στην αγαπημένη μου @cirocvodka που είναι πάντα δίπλα μου |first=Eleni |last=Foureira |date=25 April 2024}} She was featured in APON's song, "Gdysou", which was released on 17 November 2023.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2023-11-17 |title=Γδύσου: Ελένη Φουρέιρα και Apon σε μία νέα επιτυχία |url=https://www.kratisinow.gr/news/gdisou-eleni-foureira-apon-stixoi/ |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=kratisinow.gr |language=el}} The music video to "Gydsou" premiered on 17 January 2024.{{Cite web |last=IEFIMERIDA.GR |first=NEWSROOM |date=2024-01-17 |title=«Γδύσου»: Το νέο βίντεοκλιπ με Ελένη Φουρέιρα και Apon που προαλείφεται για χιτ του καλοκαιριού |url=https://www.iefimerida.gr/zoi/foyreira-gdysoy-apon-videoclip |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=iefimerida.gr |language=el}}
On 7 May 2024, she performed as one of the opening acts, alongside Chanel Terrero and Eric Saade, in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-04 |title=Eleni Foureira, Eric Saade and Chanel to open Malmö 2024 First Semi-Final |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eleni-eric-chanel-open-2024-first-semi-final |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=EBU |language=en |archive-date=13 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513212039/https://eurovision.tv/story/eleni-eric-chanel-open-2024-first-semi-final |url-status=live }} After her performance in Eurovision 2024, she started to tease her new single "Aeroplano",{{Cite web |title=Ελένη Φουρέιρα – Αεροπλάνο (teaser) {{!}} Nέο single |url=https://www.musicity.gr/eleni-foureira-aeroplano/ |access-date=8 July 2024 |website=musicity.gr}} which was produced by Beyond and released on 24 May 2024.{{Cite web |title=Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Η δυναμική επιστροφή με το νέο Single «Αεροπλάνο» |url=https://www.veriotis.gr/2024/05/eleni-foureira-dynamiki-epistrofi-neo-single-aeroplano.html |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=Veriotis}} On 21 June, the remix with rapper Fy was released. She performed this remix along with her next single, "Aristourgima", at the MAD VMAs, where Eleni Foureira won the awards for Best Performer and Best Duet (for "Gdysou" with Apon) on 19 June.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-05 |title=Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Κυκλοφόρησε τo άκρως εντυπωσιακό music video για το "Αεροπλάνο Remix" |url=https://www.thestival.gr/eidiseis/diaskedasi/eleni-foyreira-kykloforise-to-akros-en/ |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=Thestival |language=el |archive-date=8 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708184027/https://www.thestival.gr/eidiseis/diaskedasi/eleni-foyreira-kykloforise-to-akros-en/ |url-status=live }} The music video for the remix was directed by Yannis Michelopoulos and released on 4 July.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-05 |title=Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Το εντυπωσιακό music video για το hit «Αεροπλάνο» - Guest star η Κόνι Μεταξά |url=https://www.in.gr/2024/07/05/go-fun/music-stage/eleni-foureira-entyposiako-music-video-gia-hit-aeroplano-guest-star-koni-metaksa/ |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=in.gr |language=el |archive-date=8 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708184258/https://www.in.gr/2024/07/05/go-fun/music-stage/eleni-foureira-entyposiako-music-video-gia-hit-aeroplano-guest-star-koni-metaksa/ |url-status=live }} The MAD Video Music Awards were televised on 7 July, the same night "Aristourgima" written by Arcade and Foxy Lee, was released.{{Cite web |last=Alexalis |first=Kelly |date=2024-07-08 |title=Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Παρουσίασε το νέο εκρηκτικό της single, Αριστούργημα στα Mad VMA 2024 |url=https://www.okmag.gr/people/celebrities/eleni-foureira-parousiase-to-neo-ekriktiko-tis-sinlge-aristourgima-sta-mad-vma-2024/ |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=OK! Magazine |language=el}} In August, she was featured on the song "10'" on {{Ill|Saske|lt=Saske{{'}}|el|Saske (ράπερ)}} album Get Loved or Die Tryin'.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-21 |title=Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Η συμμετοχή της στο νέο άλμπουμ του Saske |url=https://www.kratisinow.gr/news/eleni-foureira-simmetoxi-neo-album-saske/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=kratisinow.gr |language=el}} In December 2024, Foureira announced her sixth studio album is on its way to release in 2025.{{Cite web |last=Vryonidou |first=Niki |date=2024-12-16 |title=Η Ελένη Φουρέιρα μιλάει και φωτογραφίζεται αποκλειστικά για τη Madame Figaro |url=https://madamefigaro.cy/20yearsmf-eleni-foureira/ |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=Madame Figaro Cyprus |language=el}}
Personal life
=Relationships=
Since 2017, she has been in a relationship with Alberto Botía, a Spanish footballer who was playing in Greece for the team Olympiacos F.C. at the time.{{Cite web |date=9 May 2018 |title=Eurovisión 2018: Eleni Foureira, la estrella de Chipre que sale con un exfutbolista del Barça |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/gente/20180509/443451023971/eleni-foureira-eurovision-2018-relacion-jugador-barca.html |access-date=25 April 2021 |language=es |newspaper=La Vanguardia |archive-date=25 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425201531/https://www.lavanguardia.com/gente/20180509/443451023971/eleni-foureira-eurovision-2018-relacion-jugador-barca.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=25 June 2021 |title=Ελένη Φουρέιρα και Αλμπέρτο Μποτία αγκαλιά στο Instagram - "Προς το παρόν θα αποφύγω τον γάμο" |url=https://www.ethnos.gr/lifestyle/163107_eleni-foyreira-kai-almperto-mpotia-agkalia-sto-instagram-pros-paron-tha-apofygo |access-date=14 October 2021 |publisher=Ethnos |language=Greek |archive-date=17 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017114854/https://www.ethnos.gr/lifestyle/163107_eleni-foyreira-kai-almperto-mpotia-agkalia-sto-instagram-pros-paron-tha-apofygo |url-status=live }} On 13 November 2022, Foureira announced her pregnancy via her Instagram account.{{Cite web |title=Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Έγκυος η διάσημη τραγουδίστρια - Το ανακοίνωσε με μία γλυκιά ανάρτηση στο Instagram |url=https://www.neolaia.gr/2022/11/13/eleni-foureira-egkyos-anartisti-sto-instagram/?amp}} She gave birth to a baby boy, whom they later baptized Ermis, on 7 February 2023.{{Cite web |date=7 February 2023 |title=Γέννησε η Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Ήρθε στον κόσμο το αγοράκι της - Μαζί της ο Μποτία |url=https://www.thetoc.gr/people-style/article/gennise-i-eleni-foureira-irthe-ston-kosmo-to-agoraki-tis---mazi-tis-o-mpotia |publisher=TheToc |language=Greek}}{{Cite web |date=12 February 2023 |title=Η Ελένη Φουρέιρα θηλάζει το μωρό της - Είσαι το σπουδαιότερό μου επίτευγμα |url=https://www.skai.gr/news/life-style-wellness/i-eleni-foureira-thilazei-to-moro-tis |publisher=Skai |language=Greek |access-date=12 February 2023 |archive-date=12 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212162753/https://www.skai.gr/news/life-style-wellness/i-eleni-foureira-thilazei-to-moro-tis |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-09 |title=Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Η λαμπερή βάφτιση του γιου της |url=https://www.in.gr/2024/06/09/go-fun/fizz/eleni-foureira-lamperi-vaftisi-tou-giou-tis/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=in.gr |language=el}}
=Origins=
Since the beginning of her career, the Greek media have speculated on Foureira's ancestral origins. As a member of Mystique, she claimed to be Brazilian.{{Cite web |date=31 January 2011 |script-title=el:Η πλήρης μετάλλαξη της Ελένης Φουρέιρα |url=http://www.protothema.gr/thema-people/article/103269/h-plhrhs-metallaksh-ths-elenhs-foyreira/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103000025/http://www.protothema.gr/thema-people/article/103269/h-plhrhs-metallaksh-ths-elenhs-foyreira/ |archive-date=3 January 2014 |access-date=24 January 2018 |publisher=Protothema |language=el}} She later claimed that her father was from Athens and her mother from Ioannina, although she had some Mexican ancestry as well.{{Cite web |date=12 December 2010 |script-title=el:Είναι από την Αλβανία η Φουρέιρα |url=http://www.gossip-tv.gr/showbiz/story/70599/einai-apo-ten-albania-e-phoureira |language=el |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125020245/http://www.gossip-tv.gr/showbiz/story/70599/einai-apo-ten-albania-e-phoureira |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=11 December 2010 |script-title=el:Η απάντηση της Φουρέιρα... Είναι από το Μεξικό ή από την Αλβανία; |url=http://www.ishow.gr/news.asp?guid=2CF2AF80-D616-469D-894A-3EC6B041DA9C |publisher=iShow |language=el |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125020403/http://www.ishow.gr/news.asp?guid=2CF2AF80-D616-469D-894A-3EC6B041DA9C |url-status=live }} In 2018, Foureira confirmed that she became a Greek citizen through descent, and also declared that her grandfather was Greek.{{Cite web |date=14 March 2016 |script-title=el:Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Ήρθα 8 ετών στην Ελλάδα από την Αλβανία |url=https://www.newsbeast.gr/lifestyle/arthro/2169430/eleni-foureira-irtha-8-eton-stin-ellada-apo-tin-alvania |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316084752/https://www.newsbeast.gr/lifestyle/arthro/2169430/eleni-foureira-irtha-8-eton-stin-ellada-apo-tin-alvania |archive-date=16 March 2018 |access-date=15 March 2018 |website=Newsbeast.gr |language=el-GR |quote=Ο παππούς μου είναι Έλληνας, αισθάνομαι Ελληνίδα. Αν έβγαινα τότε και έλεγα πως είμαι Βόρειο- Ηπειρώτισσα πάλι θα με έκριναν. Είπα ότι γεννήθηκα στην Αλβανία και αυτό είναι όλο}}
In 2013, it was reported by the Greek media that Foureira was born in Albania and that her birth name was Entela Fureraj.{{Cite web |date=29 July 2013 |script-title=el:Αποκάλυψη:Αυτό είναι το ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΙΚΟ όνομα της Ελένης Φουρέιρα! |url=http://www.athenstimeout.gr/music/apokalypsiayto-einai-pragmatiko-onoma-tis-elenis-foyreira |publisher=Athens Timeout |language=el |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134540/http://www.athenstimeout.gr/music/apokalypsiayto-einai-pragmatiko-onoma-tis-elenis-foyreira |url-status=live }} Foureira did not comment on the reports until 2014, when she confirmed them.{{Cite web |date=27 November 2014 |script-title=el:Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Γεννήθηκα στην Αλβανία! |url=http://www.protothema.gr/life-style/Gossip/article/429988/h-eleni-foureira-pio-apokaluptiki-apo-pote/ |publisher=Protothema |language=el}} She claimed that she did not reveal her origin in order to be accepted in the music industry in Greece. She continued claiming she never understood the issue, since she always felt Greek and she has received only Greek education.{{Cite web |date=28 November 2014 |script-title=el:Ελένη Φουρέιρα: Γιατί έκρυψα πως είμαι από την Αλβανία |url=http://www.protothema.gr/life-style/article/430173/eleni-foureira-giati-ekrupsa-pos-eimai-apo-tin-alvania/ |publisher=Protothema |language=el |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=13 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113171528/http://www.protothema.gr/life-style/article/430173/eleni-foureira-giati-ekrupsa-pos-eimai-apo-tin-alvania/ |url-status=live }} Andreas Giatrakos, who discovered Foureira and recruited her to join Mystique, later stated that he wanted Foureira to be proud of her origin and would not have rejected her if he knew she was born in Albania.{{Cite web |date=28 November 2014 |script-title=el:Ψέματα ότι είπαμε στην Φουρέιρα να κρύψει την καταγωγή της, λέει ο πρώην μάνατζερ της |url=http://www.protothema.gr/life-style/article/430360/psemata-oti-eipame-stin-foureira-na-krupsei-tin-katagogi-tis-leei-o-proin-manatzer-tis/ |publisher=Protothema |language=el |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125020523/http://www.protothema.gr/life-style/article/430360/psemata-oti-eipame-stin-foureira-na-krupsei-tin-katagogi-tis-leei-o-proin-manatzer-tis/ |url-status=live }}
During the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, Foureira made the Albanian patriotic eagle gesture in a photo with Albanian singer Eugent Bushpepa. The image went viral in Albania and Greece, being well-received in the former but causing controversy in the latter.{{Cite news |date=2018-05-04 |title=Shqiponja në "Eurovision" tërbon median greke |language=sq-AL |work=Gazeta Tema |url=http://www.gazetatema.net/2018/05/04/shqiponja-ne-eurovision-terbon-median-greke/ |access-date=2018-05-04 |archive-date=5 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505065853/http://www.gazetatema.net/2018/05/04/shqiponja-ne-eurovision-terbon-median-greke/ |url-status=live }}
Discography
{{Main|Eleni Foureira discography}}
- Eleni Foureira (2010)
- Ti Poniro Mou Zitas (2012)
- Anemos Agapis (2014)
- Vasilissa (2017)
- Gypsy Woman (EP) (2019)
- Poli_Ploki (2022)
Filmography
= Television =
class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" style="width:200px;" | Title ! scope="col" style="width:5px;;" | Year ! scope="col" style="width:200px;" | Role ! scope="col" style="width:580px;" class="unsortable" | Notes |
scope="row" | Ellinikos Telikos 2010
| 2010 | Herself / Contestant ! scope="row" | Duo with Manos Pirovolakis |
---|
scope="row" | Just the Two of Us
| 2010–2011 | Herself / Coach & Contestant ! scope="row" | Season 1 of the Greek Just the Two of Us |
scope="row" | Eurosong 2013 – a MAD show
| 2013 | Herself / Performer ! scope="row" | Interval act with Ruslana in the Greek national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 |
scope="row" | So You Think You Can Dance
| 2017 | Herself / Judge ! scope="row" | Season 3 of the Greek So You Think You Can Dance |
scope="row" | Eurovision Song Contest 2018
| 2018 | Herself / Contestant ! scope="row" | Cypriot entrant; 2nd place |
scope="row" | Golden Stag Festival
| 2018 | Herself / Guest judge & Performer ! scope="row" | Romanian show |
scope="row" | Tu Cara Me Suena
| 2018 | Herself / Guest judge ! scope="row" | Season 7 of the Spanish Your Face Sounds Familiar |
scope="row" |Operación Triunfo
| 2019 | Herself / Performer ! scope="row" | Season 10 of the Spanish Star Academy |
scope="row" |Söngvakeppnin 2019
| 2019 | Herself / Guest judge & Performer ! scope="row" | Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 |
scope="row" | Eser Yenenler Show
| 2019 | Herself / Performer ! scope="row" | Season 1 of the Turkish show |
scope="row" | Eurovision Song Contest 2019
| 2019 | Herself / Performer ! scope="row" | Interval act |
scope="row" | The Final Four
| 2019 | Herself / Judge ! scope="row" | Season 1 of the Greek The Four |
scope="row" | Het Grote Songfestivalfeest
| 2019 | Herself / Performer |
scope="row" | House of Fame: La Academia
| 2021 | Herself / Hostess ! scope="row" | Season 1 of the Greek La Academia |
scope="row" | Greece's Next Top Model
| 2021 | Herself / Guest star ! scope="row" | Season 5 of the Greek Top Model |
scope="row" | The Voice of Greece
| 2021 | Herself / Guest mentor ! scope="row" | Season 8 of the Greek The Voice |
scope="row" | The X Factor
| 2022 | Herself ! scope="row" | Video message |
scope="row" | Fame Story
| 2023 | Herself / Judge ! scope="row" | Season 5 of the Greek Star Academy |
scope="row" style="background:#ffc;" | Milky Way
| 2023 |Herself ! scope="row" |Television acting debut |
= Theater =
class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" style="width:200px;"| Title ! scope="col" style="width:5px;;"| Year ! scope="col" style="width:110px;"| Role ! scope="col" style="width:200px;" class="unsortable"| Notes |
scope="row"| Barbarella: the 80's Musical
| 2015–2016 | Sophia !scope="row"| Pireos 131 Theater |
---|
= Film =
class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" style="width:200px;"| Title ! scope="col" style="width:5px;;"| Year ! scope="col" style="width:130px;"| Role ! scope="col" style="width:300px;" class="unsortable"| Notes |
scope="row"| The Bachelor 2
|2017 | Woman on the street !scope="row"| Supporting role |
---|
scope="row"| Aigaio SOS
| 2018 | Herself !scope="row"| Supporting role |
scope="row"| Broadway
| 2022 | Herself !scope="row"| Supporting role |
Tours and residencies
=Concert tours=
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
Headlining tour
- Summer Tour (2017)
- European Summer Tour (2018)
- Fuego Tour (2018–2019)
- Gypsy Woman Tour (2019)
- Poli_Ploki Tour (2022)
- Reborn Tour (2023)
- Eleni Foureira (2024)
- European Tour (2025)
Promotional tour
- Summer Tour (with Kostas Martakis) (2010)
- Summer Concerts (2015)
- Summer Concerts (2020)
- European Concerts (2021)
{{col-2}}
Co-headlining tour
- Summer Tour (with Antonis Remos and Stelios Rokkos) (2013)
- The Ace Of Hearts 2014 (with Sakis Rouvas, Onirama, Boys & Noise and Xenia Ghali) (2014)
- Eleftheros Tour (with Konstantinos Argyros) (2022)
Opening act
- Maluma World Tour (guest star at Maluma's concert) (2022)
{{col-end}}
=Concert residencies=
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
Co-headlining residency – primary act
- Fantasia (with Pantelis Pantelidis and Melisses) (2015)
- Fantasia (with Konstantinos Argyros and Fani Drakopoulou) (2016)
- Fantasia (with Konstantinos Argyros and Fani Drakopoulou) (2016–2017)
- Vogue Club (with Konstantinos Argyros and Fani Drakopoulou) (2017)
- Athinon Arena (with Antonis Remos) (2017–2018)
- Teatro Athens (with Konstantinos Argyros) (2021–2022)
- NOX (with Antonis Remos) (2023–2024)
- Enastron (with Melisses) (2024–2025)
{{col-3}}
Co-headlining residency – secondary act
- Thalassa: People’s Stage (with Giorgos Mazonakis) (2012)
- Kentro Athinon (with Nikos Vertis) (2014–2015)
- Teatro Music Hall (with Paola and Konstantinos Argyros) (2015–2016)
{{col-3}}
Co-headlining residency – tertiary act
- Anodos Live Stage (with Natassa Theodoridou, Kostas Martakis and Ilias Vretos) (2010–2011)
- Pyli Axiou: Live Clubbing (with Sakis Rouvas and Tamta) (2011)
- Athinon Arena (with Sakis Rouvas and Onirama) (2011–2012)
- Athinon Arena (with Antonis Remos and Stelios Rokkos) (2012–2013)
- Fever (with Nikos Oikonomopoulos and Vasilis Karras) (2013–2014)
{{col-end}}
Awards and nominations
class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width:70%;" |
Year
! Organization ! Category ! Nominated work ! Result ! Ref. |
---|
scope="row" rowspan="3"| 2011
| rowspan="27"| MAD Video Music Awards | rowspan="1"| Sexiest Video | rowspan="1"| "To 'cho (Pom Pom)" | rowspan="2" {{won}} | rowspan="7" align="center"|{{Cite web |title=Eleni Foureira MAD Video Music Awards |url=https://www.google.com/search?q=eleni+foureira+mad+vma+awards |access-date=24 January 2018}} |
rowspan="1"| Best New Artist
| rowspan="2"| Herself |
rowspan="1"| Best Female Artist
| rowspan="1" {{nom}} |
scope="row" rowspan="4"| 2012
| rowspan="1"| Sexiest Video | rowspan="2"| "Reggaeton" | rowspan="2" {{won}} |
rowspan="1"| Best Pop Video |
rowspan="1"| Best Female Artist
| rowspan="2"| Herself | rowspan="2" {{Nom}} |
rowspan="1"| Artist of the Year – Cyprus |
scope="row" rowspan="4"| 2013
| rowspan="1"| Fashion Icon in a Video | rowspan="2" | "Pio Erotas Pethaineis" | rowspan="1" {{won}} | rowspan="4"| [https://www.instagram.com/p/bEDLDgLn7c/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] |
rowspan="1"| Best Pop Video
| rowspan="7" {{Nom}} |
rowspan="1"| Best Song
| rowspan="1"| "To Party Den Stamata" |
rowspan="1"| Best Female Artist
| rowspan="1"| Herself |
scope="row" rowspan="4"| 2014
| rowspan="1"| Video of the Year | rowspan="2"| "Anemos Agapis" |
rowspan="1"| Best Dance Act |
rowspan="1"| Best Female Artist
| rowspan="2"| Herself |
rowspan="1"| Artist of the Year – Cyprus |
scope="row" rowspan="3"| 2015
| rowspan="1"| Video of the Year – Cyprus | rowspan="2"| "Party Sleep Repeat (PSR)" | rowspan="2" {{won}} | rowspan="6" | [https://www.instagram.com/p/BHN5KE3DT5U/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] [https://www.instagram.com/p/4h4Y1PLnxm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] |
rowspan="1"| Best Dance Video |
rowspan="1"| Best Modern Female Artist
| rowspan="1"| Herself | rowspan="1" {{nom}} |
scope="row" rowspan="3"| 2016
| rowspan="1"| Video of the Year | rowspan="2"| "Sto theo me paei" | rowspan="1" {{won}} |
rowspan="1"| Best Pop Video
| rowspan="2" {{nom}} |
rowspan="1"| Best Modern Female Artist
| rowspan="1"| Herself |
scope="row" rowspan="4"| 2017
| rowspan="1"| Best Video with a Cause | rowspan="1"| "Den Sou Chrostao Agapi | rowspan="2" {{won}} | rowspan="6" | [https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkjrc4BAkWD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] [https://www.instagram.com/p/BV2wFvJFkJd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] [https://www.instagram.com/p/BV2-SLUlULs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] |
rowspan="1"| Best Dance Video
| rowspan="2"| "Ti koitas?" |
rowspan="1"| Best Duet/Collaboration
| rowspan="2" {{nom}} |
rowspan="1"| Superfans of the Year
| rowspan="1"| Her fans |
scope="row" rowspan="4"| 2018
| rowspan="1"| Best Modern Female Artist | rowspan="1"| Herself | rowspan="1" {{won}} |
rowspan="1"| Video of the Year
| rowspan="1"| "To Kati Pou Echeis" | rowspan="1" {{nom}} |
rowspan="1"| Marcel Bezençon Awards
| rowspan="1"| Artistic Award | rowspan="3"| "Fuego" | rowspan="1" {{won}} |
rowspan="1" | Eurovision Song Contest 2018
| rowspan=1" {{sdash}} | rowspan="1" {{won|place=2}} | rowspan="1" | [https://www.instagram.com/p/Bit4GgWgu7s/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] |
scope="row" rowspan="6"| 2019
| rowspan="1"| Gaygalan | rowspan="1"| Song of the Year | rowspan="1" {{nom}} |
rowspan="2"|Super Music Awards Cyprus
|Best Modern Female |Herself |rowspan="2" {{won}} | rowspan="2" | [https://www.instagram.com/p/BypcJK6iNUU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] |
Best International Single |
rowspan="26" |MAD Video Music Awards
|Best Modern Female |Herself |rowspan="2" {{won}} | rowspan="3" | [https://www.instagram.com/p/BzQFqYciqvV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] |
MAD Radio 106.2 Song of the Year
| rowspan="2"|Fuego |
Video of the Year
|{{nom}} |
scope="row" rowspan="2"| 2020
| rowspan="1"| Best Duet | rowspan="1"| "Loquita" | rowspan="3" {{won}} | rowspan="2" | [https://www.instagram.com/p/CIn9HUxAEcN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] |
rowspan="1" | Best Female Modern
| rowspan="1" | Herself |
scope="row" rowspan="3"| 2021
| rowspan="1" | Best Female Modern | rowspan="1" | Herself | rowspan="3" |[https://www.instagram.com/p/CQnvBB0A8Zc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] |
rowspan="1" | Best Pop
| rowspan="2" | "Light it up" | rowspan="3" {{nom}} |
rowspan="1" | MAD Radio 106.2 Song of the Year |
scope="row" rowspan="3"| 2022
|rowspan="1"| Best Duet | rowspan="2"| "Mporei" | rowspan="3" | [https://www.instagram.com/p/CfeyXNuKGj4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] |
rowspan="2" | Videoclip of the Year
| rowspan="1" {{won}} |
rowspan="1"| Aeraki (To thiliko)
| rowspan="1" {{nom}} |
scope="row" rowspan="7"| 2023
| rowspan="1" | Best Female Pop Artist | rowspan="1" | Herself | rowspan="3" {{won}} |rowspan="7" |[https://www.instagram.com/p/CucK2wlt_F0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] |
rowspan="1" | Videoclip of the Year
| rowspan="3" | "El Telephone" |
rowspan="1" | Viral Song of the Year |
rowspan="1" | Best Pop
| rowspan="4" {{nom}} |
rowspan="1" | Album of the Year
| rowspan="1" | Poli_Ploki |
rowspan="1" | Best Duet
| rowspan="1" | "Fotia" |
rowspan="1" | Best Urban
| rowspan="1" | "Egw & Esy" |
rowspan="7" scope="row" | 2024
| rowspan="1"| Best Performer | rowspan="1"|Herself | rowspan="2" {{won}} | rowspan="7" | [https://www.instagram.com/p/C9IetAZgiTE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] |
rowspan="1"| Best Duet
| rowspan="1"| "Gdysou" |
rowspan="1" | Best Pop
| rowspan="1" | "Kollima" | rowspan="5" {{nom}} |
rowspan="1"| Song of the Year Airplay
| rowspan="4"| "Oh Mami" |
rowspan="1" | Song of the Year Digital |
rowspan="1" | Videoclip of the Year |
rowspan="1"| Best Dance |
References
{{reflist|2}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- [http://www.elenifoureira.gr/ Official website]
- {{IMDb name|3963744}}
{{s-start}}
{{succession box
| title=Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest
| years=2018
}}
{{s-end}}
{{Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest |state=autocollapse}}
{{Eurovision Song Contest 2018 |state=autocollapse}}
{{Music of Southeastern Europe (the Balkans)}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Foureira, Eleni}}
Category:21st-century Greek women singers
Category:Albanian emigrants to Greece
Category:Eastern Orthodox Christians from Greece
Category:English-language singers from Greece
Category:Eurovision Song Contest entrants
Category:Greek dance musicians
Category:Greek people of Albanian descent
Category:Greek stage actresses
Category:Greek women pop singers
Category:MAD Video Music Awards winners
Category:Naturalized citizens of Greece
Category:Panik Records artists