Despina Vandi

Despina Vandi (Greek: Δέσποινα Βάνδη, pronounced [ˈðespina ˈvandi]; born July 22, 1969) is a Greek singer, songwriter, and television personality. Referred to as the "Greek Madonna" by the media, she is one of the best-selling Greek artists of all time, having sold over 10 million records worldwide.

Vandi was born in Tübingen, West Germany, to Greek parents. She moved to Greece with her family at a young age and began her singing career in the early 1990s. She released her debut album, Gia ("Why"), in 1994, which was a commercial success in Greece. Her follow-up albums, Esena Perimeno ("I'm Waiting for You", 1996), Diamesa Mas ("Between Us", 1997), and Proti Fora ("First Time", 1999), were also commercially successful, establishing Vandi as one of the most popular singers in Greece.

In the early 2000s, Vandi began to achieve international success. Her album Gia ("Why", 2000) was released in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, and went on to sell over 1 million copies worldwide. She followed up with the albums Lepsti Prin ("Minute Before", 2002), Sto Dio Enoha ("I'm in God's Hands", 2004), Den Pazefto ("I'm Not Playing", 2006), and 10 Hronia Mazi ("10 Years Together", 2007), all of which were commercial successes.

In addition to her music career, Vandi has also appeared in several films and television shows. She made her acting debut in the 1999 film Safe Sex, and has since appeared in the films O Ponos Tis Matzias ("The Pain of Matzia", 2001), I Pista ("The Track", 2002), and Melodimata ("Melodies", 2004). She has also hosted several television shows, including Proti Fora ("First Time", 1999-2003), Fabrika ("Factory", 2006-2007), and Show Me Your Voice ("Show Me Your Voice", 2019-2020).

Vandi has won numerous awards throughout her career, including 11 Arion Music Awards, 3 Pop Corn Music Awards, and 2 MAD Video Music Awards. She has also been nominated for an MTV Europe Music Award and a World Music Award.

Vandi is married to Greek footballer Demis Nikolaidis and they have two children together. She is also a vocal supporter of the Panathinaikos football club, which is owned by her husband.