Dimitris Kontopoulos

Dimitris T. Kontopoulos (; born 9 November 1971) is a Greek composer, songwriter and record producer. His work spans pop music, as well as film and television scores. He is considered one of the most successful composers and producers in the 70-year history of the Eurovision Song Contest, with two entries finishing in third place, two finishing as runners-up, and a winning entry, "Bangaranga", at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Kontopoulos has collaborated with numerous Greek recording artists, including Antonis Remos, Despina Vandi, Sakis Rouvas, Anna Vissi, Helena Paparizou and Michalis Hatzigiannis.Outside Greece, he has worked with numerous artists, particularly in the Balkans and Russia, receiving several music industry awards.

Early life and education Kontopoulos was born in Athens, Greece, on 9 November 1971. After graduating from the Ziridis Educational Institution, he studied film scoring at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. 2008 Ukraine Ani Lorak "Shady Lady"

2nd, 230 points 2009 Greece Sakis Rouvas "This Is Our Night" 7th, 120 points 2013 Azerbaijan Farid Mammadov "Hold Me" 2nd, 234 points 2014

Tolmachevy Sisters "Shine" 7th, 89 points 2016 Sergey Lazarev "You Are the Only One" 3rd, 491 points 2017 Greece Demy "This Is Love" 19th, 77 points 2018 Azerbaijan Aisel "X My Heart" Semi-final: 11th, 94 points 2019 Russia Sergey Lazarev "Scream" 3rd, 369 points

Moldova Natalia Gordienko "Prison"

Greece Stefania "Superg!rl"

Moldova Natalia Gordienko "Sugar" 13th, 115 points Greece Stefania "Last Dance" 10th, 170 points 2024

Silia Kapsis "Liar" 15th, 78 points 2025 Theo Evan "Shh" Semi-final: 11th, 44 points 2026 Bulgaria Dara "Bangaranga" 1st, 516 points Selected production and songwriting credits Kontopoulos has production and songwriting credits on Greek pop releases by artists including Iro, Giannis Vardis, Katy Garbi, Sakis Rouvas, Antonis Remos, Despina Vandi, Helena Paparizou and Michalis Hatzigiannis.

Selected credits include:

Iro – Etsi Ime Ego Iro – Apogeiosi Giannis Vardis – Pes Mou Ti Niotheis Katy Garbi – Emmones Idees Sakis Rouvas – Iparhi Agapi Edo Sakis Rouvas – This Is My Live Sakis Rouvas – Irthes Ani Lorak – Solntse Sakis Rouvas – Parafora Helena Paparizou – Giro Apo T' Oneiro Kostas Martakis – Entasi

Awards and recognition Kontopoulos has received awards and nominations connected with Greek popular music and international pop projects. ERT states that he has worked with major Greek recording artists and has achieved recognition outside Greece through collaborations and song adaptations in other countries.

Copyright case In 2023, a Greek media outlet briefly reported that the Areios Pagos had ruled in favour of Azerbaijani composer Eldar Mansurov in a civil copyright dispute concerning Katy Garbi's song "Esena Mono", credited to Kontopoulos, and Mansurov's song "Bayatılar". However, the article was removed a few hours later, and no official ruling confirming the claim has been published. Kontopoulos continues to be credited as the sole composer of "Esena Mono" across all official releases and major music platforms.