Michalis Hatzigiannis | |
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Theatro Dasous, Thessaloniki, 2011
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Background information | |
Birth name | Michael Hatzigiannis |
Also known as | Michalis |
Born |
Nicosia, Cyprus |
5 November 1978
Origin | Nicosia, Cyprus |
Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Pianist, Record Producer |
Years active | 1996–Present |
Labels |
BMG Greece (1998–2002) |
Website | Official Website |
Partner(s) |
Zeta Makripoulia (2010-present) |
BMG Greece (1998–2002)
Universal Music Greece (2002–present)
Michalis Hatzigiannis (Greek: Μιχάλης Χατζηγιάννης; born 5 November 1978 in Nicosia, Cyprus) is a popular Greek Cypriot recording artist. From 2000 to 2009, Hatzigiannis has received over 30 certifications in Greece alone, making him one of the most successful artists of the decade. Hatzigiannis is also known for representing Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1998. In 2010, Hatzigiannis released his first English language album in Europe. In 2010, Forbes listed Hatzigiannis as the 22nd most powerful and influential celebrity in Greece and fifth highest ranked singer.
Hatzigiannis was born in Nicosia, Cyprus on 5 November 1978. He is a graduate of the Cyprus Music Academy (Royal College of London) with a degree in piano, guitar and music theory.
When he was 18, he participated in a song contest in Cyprus, "Afetiries" where he won the first prize. He later participated in the "Laiki Bank Song Contest" with the song 'I Diki Mou Istoria' written by Andreas Gerolemou and won the first prize. In 1995, he participated in the Cypriot National Final for the Eurovision Song Contest 1995 with two songs, "Filise Me" (written by Andreas Gerolemou) and "To Gramma" (written by Leonidas Malenis). The first song came in 3rd place and the latter in second place. That year Alex Panagi won the preselection with the song "Sti Fotia". Michalis started his career in Cyprus with three records that all went platinum: "Senario", "O Mihalis Hatzigiannis Tragouda Doro Georgiadi" and "Epafi". He also participated in a musical production in Cyprus called "Pygmalion" in addition to also performing a number of concerts in major city tour in Cyprus titled "Mixalis Xatzigiannis, Andreas Gerolemou".
In May 1998, he represented Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest. He performed the song "Γένεσις" (Genesis), a composition of his own and finished 11th.