Thalassa

Formation and National Selection

Songwriter Yiannis Valvis and singer Dionysia Karoki formed the pop duo Thalassa in 1998 specifically to compete in Greece’s Eurovision selection. The newly established act entered Ellinikos Telikos 1998 (the national final) with two songs, including “Kosme Cinema” and “Mia Krifi Evesthisia” (“A Secret Sensitivity”). Thalassa was relatively unknown, yet they triumphed against more established artists. “Mia Krifi Evesthisia” narrowly won the ticket to Eurovision by just 56 televotes, in a tense final where some competitors even protested the voting process as unfair. Despite the win, the duo received little support afterward. No record label signed them, and promotion was scarce. This rocky start set the stage for further challenges on their Eurovision journey.

Eurovision 1998 Performance

At the Eurovision Song Contest 1998 in Birmingham, Thalassa performed “Mia Krifi Evesthisia” second on the night. However, their journey in the UK was far from smooth. Valvis clashed with the show’s director over the staging and demanded technical changes. When organizers refused, the duo (led by Valvis) briefly threatened to withdraw during the final rehearsals. The dispute escalated to the point that the European Broadcasting Union revoked Valvis’s accreditation due to his aggressive behavior. As a result, he was barred from the arena and had to watch the contest from his hotel room under security guard.

Despite this turmoil, Dionysia Karoki went on stage alone and delivered a strong live performance. She wore an unusual knee-length black dress on stage, and the song’s gentle verses swelled into a powerful, catchy chorus. In the end, Greece received just 12 points (all from Cyprus) and finished 20th of 25 entries. This 20th-place showing was Greece’s worst Eurovision result at that time, leading to the country’s relegation from the 1999 contest. Thalassa’s Eurovision experience became infamous in contest history due to the behind-the-scenes conflicts and poor outcome.

Song and Discography

“Mia Krifi Evesthisia”, meaning “A Secret Sensitivity”, is a mid-tempo pop ballad with introspective lyrics about obsessive love. The track starts softly and then bursts into an emotive chorus, showcasing Karoki’s vocal range. Valvis composed the music, while Yiannis Malachias wrote the lyrics. Thalassa’s Eurovision song was also recorded in English under the title “Secret Illusion”, released on a promotional CD single. The promo single featured the original Greek version and its English rendition, aiming to broaden the song’s appeal. Aside from this single, Thalassa’s discography is very limited. The duo did not release a full album or any other official singles, largely due to the lack of record label support and the group’s short-lived existence.

Aftermath and Solo Careers

Thalassa disbanded shortly after Eurovision 1998, and its members pursued separate paths. Dionysia Karoki continued her involvement in music. She spent years as a backing vocalist for many prominent Greek singers, lending her voice to others’ performances on stage and in studio. In 2006, Karoki finally released a solo album, a project that allowed her to step back into the spotlight. The album was well-received and even sold notably well abroad, a gratifying success eight years after her Eurovision ordeal. Karoki later transitioned into music education. She became a vocal coach and music teacher at a private school, sharing her experience and talent with young artists.

Meanwhile, Yiannis Valvis moved out of performing and focused on the technical side of music. He built a career as a sound engineer and eventually took a position at a popular Athens radio station (Best Radio). Valvis stayed behind the scenes in the industry, applying his skills in audio production. Both former members remained connected to music, albeit in different roles. Their brief collaboration as Thalassa is remembered for its ambition and drama: a single hit song, a controversial Eurovision adventure, and the lasting lesson that even a one-off duo can leave its mark on Eurovision history.