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WKST-FM (96.1 Kiss) is a Rhythmic-leaning top 40 outlet based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Owned by Clear Channel Communications, the station broadcasts at 96.1 MHz, with an ERP of 44 kW. Its transmitter is located in Baldwin.

History[link]

The station originally signed on as WCAE-FM, co-owned with WCAE (AM) and WTAE-TV, ^[1] and had a MOR format until 1976, when it simulcast WTAE (AM) during the day and played disco at night, known as "Disco 96." As disco began to wane in popularity, the station flipped to a rock-leaning top 40 format as WXKX (96KX or "96 Kicks"). 96KX thrived for the next five years and has been the frequency's most highly-rated format to date. On March 25, 1983, faced with new competition from WBZZ (B-94), the station changed format and call letters, and became WHTX, better known as "Hit Radio 96". This station evolved, in the latter part of the decade, into a gold-based adult contemporary format under the name of "Gold 96".

On June 26, 1991, it switched calls to WVTY ("Variety 96") and format to an adult top 40 approach, which in turn would lead to a Modern AC format ("The River") the day before Thanksgiving Day, 1997. New call letters WDRV would follow on February 27, 1998. After it was sold in February 1999, WDRV returned to adult top 40, this time as WPHH ("Mix 96.1"). On September 30, 2000, they switched to the current format and became the current WKST-FM, "96.1 Kiss". During its first four years, WKST waged a battle with WBZZ from 2000 to 2004 by countering WBZZ's conventional Top 40/CHR approach with WKST's Rhythmic flavor. In 2007, the rivalry resumed again when CBS revived "B94" and used the same conventional direction by going after the same 18-34 audience that WKST has managed to cater. However, B94 still could not compete with WKST-FM and later switched to an all sports talk format in 2010.

Programming[link]

As mentioned above, WKST's musical direction had always favored Rhythmic and/or Dance hits since its 2000 debut, although at times it will add artists like Paramore and Kings of Leon to stay within the Mainstream realm. With B94 changing formats after Valentine's Day 2010, WKST-FM became the only top 40 station in Pittsburgh, and with competition coming from Adult Top 40 WBZZ (whose direction leans towards Rhythmic Contemporary) and a new version of R&B/Hip-Hop WAMO (via a FM translator, as the AM is a daytimer), WKST has continued to add more Rhythmic hits to distinguish itself from the two stations.

In addition, as with other Clear Channel Top 40s, WKST also airs a pair of Ryan Seacrest programs, On Air during middays and American Top 40 on Sundays.

Memorial Day Weekend[link]

Every Memorial Day Weekend, WKST shifts to a Rhythmic Contemporary format. They call it the "Party Pod" meaning they play old school hip-hop/r&b/pop songs and old school dance songs almost every other song. Example: Katy Perry current, old school Tupac, Justin Bieber Current, etc. (Similar to WWKL in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's all the time format), they do tend to add a old rock track every once in a while even though it's mostly Rhythmic. They shift back to there Top-40 format the Tuesday after memorial day.

The Morning Freak Show[link]

The Morning Freak Show with Mikey and Big Bob is KISS-FM's morning show. Mikey and Big Bob were involved with two other shows sharing The Freak Show name, the first one on WDRQ 93.1 in Detroit, Michigan. This show was followed by another one at Q102 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These two show were originally hosted by Tic Tak with Mikey and Big Bob as his co-hosts. When the offer came in for the morning show at current station 96.1 KISS-FM, Tic Tak did not choose to stay with the show. The Morning Freak Show caters to a young adult crowd.^[2]

Competition[link]

Kiss' biggest competition, in addition to WBZZ "Star 100.7" and Rhythmic Contemporary format WPYT "Wamo 100", includes Hot AC format WLTJ "Q 92.9", AC format WSHH "Wish 99.7", and, in some places south of Pittsburgh, Top 40 format WVAQ " 101.9 WVAQ".

WKST HD2[link]

On April 25, 2006, Clear Channel announced that WKST's HD2 subchannel will carry a format focusing on Dance hits. The HD2 signed on July 17, 2006, broadcasting the Club Phusion format.

References[link]

• FCC: WKST-FM Callsign History

External links[link]

• Official website
• "Club Phusion" on WKST-HD2
• Query the FCC's FM station database for WKST
• Radio-Locator information on WKST
• Query Arbitron's FM station database for WKST

Coordinates: 40°23′49″N 79°57′42″W / 40.3970°N 79.9617°W / 40.3970; -79.9617

WKST is the callsign of two radio stations:

• WKST (AM), a radio station (1200 AM) licensed to New Castle, Pennsylvania, United States
• WKST-FM, a radio station (96.1 FM) licensed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

WKST was also the former callsign of WYTV, Youngstown, Ohio television channel 33.

This disambiguation page lists articles about radio and/or television stations with the same/similar call signs, frequencies, channels, or branding. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article.

Sarah (Sally) Wiggin is a prominent television news anchor and personality in Pittsburgh.^[1]

A native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, her family moved to Alabama at the age of 7.^[2] She attended Emory University for a year before transferring to the University of Alabama, where she studied East Asian history and graduated Phi Beta Kappa.^[2] She earned a master's degree in Chinese history from the University of Michigan and studied Japanese at the University of Pittsburgh.^[1]

She first worked for (then ABC affiliate) WBRC-TV (now a Fox affiliate) in Birmingham, Alabama, where she won Alabama Associated Press Award in 1980 for her feature series "Is Your Marriage on the Rocks?"^[1] She also worked as WSGN radio in Birmingham, Alabama, where she shared an RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award, National Headliners Award, and National Sigma Delta Chi Award for her part in an investigative report on insurance fraud in 1977.^[1]

In 1980, she joined WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh and became co-anchor of the weekend news in 1981.^[1] In November 1986, she was named anchor for the weeknight news.^[1] In that position, she was part of a successful team with Don Cannon.^[3] In 1987, she won the United Press International Best Special Award for her work on The Budd Dwyer Special about Pennsylvania State Treasurer Budd Dwyer's on-air suicide.^[1]

Her only marriage, to a minor league baseball player, ended in divorce. Wiggin has stepped out of her anchor role to serve as a co-host for Pittsburgh Steelers pre-game shows, as well as her regular appearances on WDVE morning comedy show. Wiggin's role with WTAE has shifted in recent years. She is less prominent as anchor, but does special reports and in-depth interviews for the station.

External links[link]

• Sally Wiggin bio

References[link]

This Pittsburgh-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e

David Archuleta
Archuleta in the American Idol Experience motorcade at Walt Disney World (February 2009)
Background information
Birth name	David James Archuleta
Born	(1990-12-28) December 28, 1990 (age 21)[1] Miami, Florida
Origin	Murray, Utah, United States
Genres	Pop[2]
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, actor
Instruments	Vocals, piano, keyboards, guitar
Years active	2003–present
Labels	Jive[3] (2008–2011) Ivory Records[4] (2011–present)
Website	www.davidarchuleta.com

David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American pop singer-songwriter. At ten years old he won the children's division of the Utah Talent Competition leading to other television singing appearances.^[5] When he was twelve years old, Archuleta became the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2.^[5] In 2007, at sixteen years old, he became one of the youngest contestants on the seventh season of American Idol.^[6] In May 2008 he finished as the runner-up, receiving 44 percent of over 97 million votes.

In August 2008 Archuleta released "Crush," the first single from his self-titled debut album.^[5][7][8][9] The album, released three months later, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart; it has sold over 750,000 copies in the U.S., and over 900,000 worldwide.^[10][11][12] In October 2010 he released a third album, The Other Side of Down featuring lead single "Something 'Bout Love". In 2011, Archuleta announced he is taking a two-year hiatus to be a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.^[13][14] As of February 2012, Archuleta has sold 1,108,000 albums and 3,327,000 tracks in the United States.^[15]

Early life[link]

Archuleta was born in Miami, Florida, to Jeff Archuleta and Lupe Marie Mayorga. His mother is a salsa singer and dancer from Honduras and his father is a jazz musician of Spanish-Basque descent;^[16] he speaks a little bit of Spanish and aspires to learn more.^[17] Archuleta has four siblings.^[18] His family moved to the Sandy, Utah, suburb of Salt Lake City when he was six. He now lives in Murray where he attended Murray High School.^[19] He is a former Boy Scout and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.^[20]

Archuleta started singing at the age of six, inspired by a Les Misérables video. "That musical is what started all of this", he said.^[21] He started performing publicly at age ten when he participated in the Utah Talent Competition, singing "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton; he received a standing ovation and won the Child Division.^[22]

Music career[link]

2003–06: Star Search and musical beginnings[link]

In 2003, when he was twelve years old, Archuleta sang on several episodes of the television show Star Search.^[23][24][25] He ended up as the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2, Losing the Junior Grand Champion title to Tiffany Evans.^[26] On one episode, he sang against then-11-year-old Alexandréa Lushington, who became a "top 20" semi-finalist on American Idol alongside Archuleta.^[24] Around the second year of being on Star Search he started focusing on the lyrics, "I didn't even pay attention to the lyrics when I was 12, 13".^[27]

Archuleta's competing on Star Search was preceded by an appearance on The Jenny Jones Show, meeting the finalists from American Idol's first season, for whom he performed a spontaneous a cappella rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls. He received praise from Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson,^[27][28] and the episode led to appearances on CBS's The Early Show. The year after Star Search, he found out he had partial vocal paralysis but declined risky surgery and has said he feels he is almost fully recovered.^[21][27] He limited his singing for specific occasions like Stadium of Fire, the Independence Day celebration at Brigham Young University Stadium.^[27]

Archuleta made initial attempts at songwriting and arranging music after his star search experience and has written at least three songs.^[27] His first singles in 2002 included "Dream Sky High" and "Don't Tell Me".^[29]

[edit] 2007–08: American Idol and David Archuleta

Archuleta received his ticket to the Hollywood final auditions at the San Diego tryouts – held at Qualcomm Stadium at the end of July 2007 – with a performance of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change" with judge Randy Jackson spontaneously joining in to sing the background "waiting" in the song.^[22][30] He was sixteen during the Hollywood auditions and attended school while a part of American Idol's seventh season.^[6] His parents were there because he was a minor.^[6] Archuleta also took advantage of the decision to allow contestants to play musical instruments when he accompanied himself on piano for his performances of "Crazy", "Another Day in Paradise", and "Angels".

During the 1970s themed week Archuleta sang the John Lennon song "Imagine", omitting the earlier verses in favor of the last one. Los Angeles Times columnist Ann Powers speculated that he wanted to avoid singing "no religion too" because of his faith. "As a Mormon, he's unlikely to espouse the song's agnostic ideal," she wrote.^[31] However, he did sing the entire song on Good Things Utah when he was thirteen. When asked by judge Randy Jackson why he didn't sing the first verse, Archuleta said the third verse was his favorite because it has "a great message."^[32]

After his performance of "We Can Work It Out", which judge Simon Cowell called "a mess", Entertainment Tonight reported that Archuleta was feeling pressure from his father, Jeff Archuleta, who "reportedly yelled at" his son after a recording session the previous night.^[33] Jeff Archuleta, in an interview with Us Weekly, denied the claim.^[34][35] A May 2008 Associated Press article reported that Jeff Archuleta had his son add a lyric from the Sean Kingston song "Beautiful Girls" into an interpretation of "Stand by Me" (from which "Beautiful Girls" samples its bass line), increasing the costs for licensing, and that this had resulted in Jeff Archuleta being banned from American Idol backstage rehearsals.^[36] Archuleta defended his father calling him "a great guy" who keeps him grounded.^[37]

During the Top 7 results show, the contestants were split into two groups. In one group was Syesha Mercado, Brooke White, and Kristy Lee Cook. In the other group was David Cook, Carly Smithson, and Jason Castro. Archuleta was the only one not sorted into a group. He was declared safe after the groups were formed, then was asked to choose the group he thought was safe. He refused, and sat down on the floor of the stage, much like Melinda Doolittle had done the previous season.

In the finale he sang "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", "In This Moment" and "Imagine". Judge Simon Cowell declared that Archuleta won the evening and even David Cook, who ultimately won, thought Archuleta would win: "I have to concede it, the kid came out all three songs and nailed it", said Cook.^[38] In the final tally, Archuleta received 44 percent of the votes.^[39][40] During the finale show, identical commercials featuring Archuleta and fellow finalist Cook mimicked the Tom Cruise scene from Risky Business where he dances in his underwear playing an air guitar; they were promoting the game franchise Guitar Hero.^[41]

Archuleta performing during the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008

Archuleta's first appearances on music ranking charts were with the three songs he performed in the American Idol finale; "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", "In This Moment", and "Imagine", debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart the week of June 7, 2008. "Imagine" entered at number 36 (giving Archuleta his first top forty hit), "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" at number 58, and "In This Moment" entered at number 60.^[43] That same week he had three songs on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart as well, where his versions of "Longer", "Think of Me", and "Angels" debuted at number 15, number 19, and number 24 respectively.^[44] In July 2008 So You Think You Can Dance, a dance competition reality show, Archuleta's cover of "Imagine" by John Lennon was the featured music for contestants Katee Shean and William Wingfield with their pas de deux performance.^[45]

Archuleta signed with Jive Records in June 2008. His self-titled album, David Archuleta, was released in November 2008. His first single "Crush" was released in August 2008 on Z100, a New York radio station.^[7][46] On August 12 "Crush" became available on iTunes.^[47] It debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, beaten only by Rihanna's "Disturbia".^[48] It was the best chart debut in more than 18 months.^[49] According to Nielsen SoundScan, the track sold 166,000 downloads in the first week in the United States.^[50] It has sold 1.92 million digital copies in the US.^[51]

Archuleta signs autographs while serving as Grand Marshal at the Krewe of Caesar Mardi Gras parade in Metairie, Louisiana, on Valentines Day, 2009.

Along with American Idol winner David Cook, Archuleta placed second on Forbes' list of "Breakout Stars of 2008".^[52] The two co-presented an award at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards in August 2008.^[53] Archuleta also received the Teen Choice Award surfboard for "Most Fanatic Fans".^[53]

[edit] 2009–present: Christmas from the Heart, The Other Side of Down, Forevermore and Begin

Since the release of his debut album, Archuleta has released three new songs: "Let's Talk About Love (The Build-A-Bear theme song)," "Save the Day (released only in Japan as a bonus track in his album)," and "Zero Gravity." In February, it was announced that Archuleta will be touring the United Kingdom supporting British band McFly on their "Up Close...And This Time It's Personal" tour.^[54] The tour began on April 21, 2009 and continued until May.^[54] Archuleta became the opening act for Demi Lovato's tour which began June 21, 2009.^[55]

On April 22, 2009, Archuleta returned to the American Idol stage in its eighth season and performed the third single from his debut album, "Touch My Hand".^[56] On April 30, 2009 he made his first UK television appearance, on the Paul O'Grady Show, performing "Crush" and chatting about his album, which was released there in May. In May, Archuleta and fellow American Idol David Cook, visited the Philippines.^[57] Two days later he made live appearances on two of GMA-7's shows, Sis and Eat Bulaga. He also confirmed that month that he was working on two new albums, his sophomore pop album and a Christmas album.^[58] In August 2009, Archuleta won three Teen Choice Awards for Breakout Artist, Love Song, and the Music Tour category with Demi Lovato.^[59] In September he won the Year in Music – Rising Male Star award at the ALMA Awards and performed a cover of the standard "Contigo en la Distancia".

Archuleta's acting debut was when he appeared as himself for his acting debut on Nickelodeon's show iCarly titled "iRocked the Vote". The episode aired February 7, 2009. He had also made a special guest appearance in Season 3 of the Disney Channel show Hannah Montana^[60] In the episode "Promma Mia" as himself and he sang a duet: "I Wanna Know You" with Miley Cyrus who plays the title character; the song was featured on the soundtrack, Hannah Montana 3.

On May 16, 2009, Archuleta and David Cook performed in the Mall of Asia: Concert Grounds for their Back-to-Back Concert in Manila, Philippines. On June 1, 2010, Archuleta released Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song, and the Power of Perseverance, a memoir which refers to "the partial vocal paralysis he suffered in 2004 but has now fully recovered from". He went on a book signing tour beginning in Ridgewood, New Jersey.^[61] The book was a bestseller.^[62]

Archuleta came back to the American Idol stage on April 7, 2010 on the show's ninth season and performed John Lennon's "Imagine", which David had performed previously in the Top 20 Week when he was a contestant on the show. After his performance, he mentioned that he was working on his third studio album.

Archuleta sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Stand by Me" at the 30th anniversary of the annual A Capitol Fourth concert in Washington, D.C. on the Fourth of July. The show was aired on PBS at 8pm EST live and tape delay PT.^[63]

Archuleta sang live at the Tejano Music Awards covering Selena's songs, Como La Flor and No Me Queda Más at the event as a tribute on July 11, 2010.^[64]

In an interview with AOL's Something Pitchy, Archuleta revealed that the release of his next album is planned for Fall 2010 (he did mention a late September release, but then went back to the Fall). On June 24, 2010 Jive Records announced that his new single would be released on DavidArchuleta.com on July 13, and iTunes on July 20. However, on June 30, 2010 the full version of "Something 'Bout Love" became available to play on his website. His album The Other Side of Down was released on October 5, 2010.^[65]

On October 7, 2010, it was announced that David Archuleta would be the guest star at the annual Christmas concert of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Archuleta was scheduled to sing in performances on December 16–19.^[66]

On February 18, 2011 it was announced by Jive Records that David Archuleta had been released from his contract with them. It was also announced on February 17, 2011 that Archuleta left his management Wright Entertainment Group.^[67] Archuleta intends to spend time working on writing original material.^[68]

On July 2, 2011, Archuleta joined Brad Paisley to perform at the Stadium of Fire, where he performed the national anthem in addition to his five song set.^[69] From July 16 to 26, 2011, Archuleta toured Asia, performing in Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh), and Malaysia.^[70]

In early 2012, Archuleta signed a contract with TV5 to shoot a primetime mini series in the Philippines titled Nandito Ako (Here I Am), which was broadcast in February and March of 2012.^[71] An Original Pilipino Music album was released in March 26, 2012 in the Philippines, titled Forevermore.^[72] This album contains covers of classic Filipino songs, including "Nandito Ako" (an Ogie Alcasid original), "Forevermore" (a Side A original), and "Rainbow" by South Border. ^[73]

At the conclusion of the December 19, 2011 show of the My Kind of Christmas Tour, Archuleta announced his intention to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for two years. He stated that he would return to music upon the completion of his mission.^[13] Archuleta, who has reportedly been assigned to Chile, entered the Provo, Utah Missionary Training Center on March 28, 2012.^[74]

According to Archuleta's official site, he will release a brand new album titled "Begin", on August 7, 2012 in the United States.^[75] The album will consist of original songs as well as cover songs.

Philanthropy[link]

Along with Do Something and the Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation,^[76] Archuleta is involved with helping willing teenagers make a difference in others' lives with disaster relief.^[77] He is also one of several teen celebrities taking part in DoSomething.org's Teens for Jeans charity initiative, which donates denim to homeless teenagers nationwide.^[78] In January 2010, Haiti was hit with a major earthquake. On January 22, 2010, Archuleta joined other celebrities for a 2-hour fundraising telethon where he answered phones, and even stayed longer afterward to keep answering the phones.^[79]

In January 2011, Archuleta travelled to Chennai, India with Rising Star Outreach,^[80] a non-profit charity giving children from leper colonies a first-class education and a chance at a future in India.^[81]

Archuleta was one of the many Latino singers who participated in Somos El Mundo, the Spanish version of "We Are The World 25 for Haiti".^[82] The song and video premiered on the Cristina Show in March 2010, funds raised benefit Haiti relief.

In support of ChildFund, Archuleta partnered with the charity for his My Kind of Christmas Tour in an effort to increase awareness and recruit new sponsors for children in need worldwide.^[83]

Musical influences[link]

Archuleta's mother is from Honduras, and much of the music he listened to as a child was Latin-influenced, including watching his mom sing at events with her sisters.^[27][84] She also "was big on dancing" according to Archuleta, and would "make" him dance to traditional music with his older sister.^[85] He also listened to jazz music, he said, from his father's collection as well as gospel, pop, rock and "soulful music."^[21] In a later interview, he revealed that his father was a jazz musician. Archuleta also said he enjoys Broadway musicals.^[86]

On his American Idol "Fast Facts" page, Archuleta cited his musical influences as Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin and Bryan Adams.^[22] Like Elliott Yamin and another singer he admires, John Mayer, Archuleta tries to infuse his pop selections with a soulful vibe.^[21] In a Seventeen interview he cites Sara Bareilles as a clever singer-songwriter whom he looks up to.^[87]

Discography[link]

• David Archuleta (2008)
• Christmas from the Heart (2009)
• The Other Side of Down (2010)
• Forevermore (Philippines release) (2012)
• Begin (2012)^[88]

Filmography[link]

Tours[link]

As main act

• American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008 (2008)
• David Archuleta Live In Concert (2009)
• Christmas from the Heart Tour (2009)
• The Other Side of Down Asian Tour (2011)
• My Kind of Christmas Tour (2011)

As supporting act

• McFly Up Close and This Time It's Personal Tour (2009)
• Demi Lovato Summer Tour 2009 (2009)

Awards and nominations[link]

Notes[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: David Archuleta

• Official website
• David Archuleta at the Internet Movie Database
• David Archuleta at YouTube
• Video and audio clips from Archuleta's official website prior to 2006.
• David Archuleta at American Idol

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2010)

Sakis Rouvas Σάκης Ρουβάς
Rouvas at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia.
Background information
Birth name	Anastasios Rouvas
Also known as	Sakis
Born	(1972-01-05) 5 January 1972 (age 40) Mantouki, Corfu, Greece
Origin	Athens, Greece
Genres	Pop, rock, R&B, dance
Occupations	Singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, choreographer, actor, television presenter, film producer, model, fashion designer, businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, humanitarian, athlete
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, piano[1]
Years active	1987–1990 (athlete) 1991–present (performer)
Labels	PolyGram Greece, Minos EMI, Universal Music France
Associated acts	Corfu Band
Website	www.SakisRouvas.com
Notable instruments
Black Gibson Les Paul

Anastasios "Sakis" Rouvas II (Greek: Αναστάσιος "Σάκης" Ρουβάς, pronounced [ˈsakis ruˈvas]; 5 January 1972), often referred to mononymously as Sakis, is a Greek recording artist, film and television artist, businessman, and former pole vaulter who is one of the most successful and influential entertainers of all time in Greece and Cyprus. Beginning a career as a member of the national athletics team, Rouvas commenced a musical career in 1991 and became one of Greece's first pop performers; widely recognized as the genre's main performers to this day, he is credited with breaking cultural and generational barriers and aiding in the popularization of Western music genres in Greece and Cyprus.

In the early 1990s after winning the Thessaloniki Song Festival, Rouvas became a dominant figure in Greek entertainment, gaining a mass fanbase and being cited as a phenomenon. His sexualized image and live performances utilizing complex choreography and costumes have earned him notoriety. He and manager Elias Psinakis formed a famous partnership in Greek show business. Rouvas' increasing popularity was coupled with criticism of both professional choices and personal struggles, which damaged his public image and lead to a brief, relatively unsuccessful period in the mid 90s. After five commercially successful albums with PolyGram Greece, Rouvas signed with Minos EMI in 1998. Having been a notable artist in the Balkans for years, Rouvas embarked on multiple projects abroad and represented his country in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004 and 2009 and co-presented the 2006 contest, while also venturing into film and television.

Rouvas has contributed to several philanthropic organizations and his influence went beyond the arts as he became nationalized into a cultural icon. He is the most commercially successful entertainer in Greece, having expanded his empire more than any other celebrity. Amongst Rouvas' other achievements include multiple recognized awards –including six Arion Music Awards, 15 MAD Video Music Awards —more than any other male artist—, an MTV Europe Music Award, and a World Music Award– number-one albums and singles that have all achieved certifications of gold or higher, and sales of an estimated two million records as of 2008, making him one of Greece's best-selling music artists in history. Rouvas' distinct musical and performance style has influenced other artists, while his contributions to music have made him a prominent part of popular culture for nearly two decades. In 2009, Down Town named him "Entertainer of the Decade", while in 2010 Forbes listed him as the third most powerful and influential celebrity in Greece and top ranked singer.

Life and career[link]

Early life and athletic career (1972–1990)[link]

Sakis Rouvas was born on 5 January 1972 in the village of Mandoukion, near Corfu City the island of Corfu, the eldest son out of four of Konstantinos "Kostas" Rouvas, an ambulance driver, and Anna-Maria Panaretou, a retail clerk at a Duty Free shop at the local airport.^[2] At the time of his birth, his mother was still a teenager.^[3] He has three brothers named Billy (b. Vasilios),^[4] Tolis (b. Apostolos, 1975),^[5] and Nikos (b. Nikolaos, 1991).^[6] Rouvas grew up in a poor family and he began taking care of his younger siblings as of age five since his parents worked long hours.^[7] His talents were revealed from a young age; at age four, he demonstrated athletic abilities. As a child, Rouvas also took ballet classes.^[8] Both his parents had some background in theater, and at age ten, Rouvas starred in his first theatrical production "An I Karharies Itan Anthropi" (If sharks were people), which quickly sold out in local theaters in Corfu. His much older co-stars were impressed at his talent and labeled him a "miracle child."^[9] Soon after, Rouvas discovered his second great love after athletics, music. He taught himself how to play guitar and was inspired by international music and artists like Elvis Presley.^[2]

In 1984, his parents were divorced, and due to strained relations between the two, Rouvas and his brother Tolis were forced to move to the village of Potamos to be raised by their paternal grandparents, Anastasis and Elpiniki, while his father soon remarried. Rouvas worked multiple jobs to support his family,^[2] including in a car repair shop, as a construction worker, and as a bartender.^[10] From early childhood Rouvas began to hate school and suffered especially in reading and writing. Due to working in the daytime, he went to school at nights, where his mother, who had never graduated lyceum, also attended.^[7]

At age 15 the first turning point in his career occurred when he became a member of the Greek national gymnastics team. He idolized Ukrainian pole vaulter Sergei Bubka. His scores were consistently high and he won numerous national awards; vaulting on average 4.17 metres.^[11] Rouvas continued in athletics until age 18 as he believed that it was very difficult to earn a living from it in order to support his family, while considering his potential in music to be greater.^[11] He soon became a member of the Corfu Band. The first time he sang for a public audience was at his graduation where he performed his rendition of hits from Elvis and The Beatles.^[12]

Rouvas soon started to perform at local clubs and hotels. At one of these venues, To Ekati, future manager Elias Psinakis would see him perform for the first time, however, they never confronted each other. Due to the escalating problematic situations in his life in Corfu, he left his native island alone at the age of 18 and moved to Patras in search of a better future.

Early commercial success (1991–93)[link]

Upon going to Patras, Rouvas continued to look for performance opportunities, until he met Dakis, a popular Greek artist of the era, who was the first person to help him professionally.^[13] He moved to Athens, and after being given much advice by Dakis, in 1991, Rouvas made his first professional appearance at the Show Centre in Athens. During his performances his attractive physical appearance, vocal abilities, and stage antics garnered the attention of music executives such as Nikos Mouratidis, who advised songwriter Giorgos Pavrianos to produce him.^[14] While performing "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson^[14] he was discovered by executives of the PolyGram record label, who signed him to his first recording contract immediately after the performance.^[15] After first moving to Athens Rouvas lived with an older English woman named Sally, whom he had been in a relationship with since he was in Corfu.^[14][9] Their relationship ended after Psinakis became his manager and his goals became more oriented towards his career. The media later reported extensively on Rouvas' personal life over the years, speculating on relationships with model Zeta Logotheti, Sofi Kantarou, who was a Corfu local bar manager whom he had known from years earlier, and later singer Elli Kokkinou.^[9] A few months later, Rouvas' made his first official debut at the Thessaloniki Song Festival. At the competition, Rouvas lost the title for Best Vocal Performance to another upcoming artist Giorgos Alkaios by only one point, but ultimately won the competition after he won first place for "Best Composition with the song "Par'ta" (Take them) with music by Nikos Terzis and lyrics by Giorgos Pavrianos.^[16] During the moment that all of the competitors were called on stage there was a brief earthquake.^[5]

Rouvas released his eponymous debut album the day after the festival; it reached number one on the Greek Albums Chart.^[17] "Par'ta" ("Take them") became a number one radio hit,^[18] while the second single "1992" also became very popular. Following the popularity of the album, media attention arose around his fanatic fans, usually teenage girls, who would go crazy over him.^{[12][unreliable source?]}

In September 1992, Rouvas released his second album titled Min Andistekese (Don’t resist), which was also fully composed by Nikos Terzis.^[15] The album produced the singles "Gyrna" (Return), "Min Andistekese", "Gia Fantasou" (Imagine), "Na Ziseis Moro Mou" (Live my baby), and "Me Kommeni Tin Anasa" (Breathless), with the title track being accompanied by a music video. The success of the album helped establish Rouvas as one of the top performers on the then-music scene.^[17]

In October 1993, Rouvas released his third studio album titled Gia Sena (For you) with music by Alexis Papadimitriou and lyrics primarily by Eleni Giannatsoulia, as well as Evi Droutsa. The album became Rouvas third consecutive gold album in a time span of only two years.^{[citation needed]} The single "Kane Me" (Make me) became a big radio hit, while the next singles "To Xero Eisai Moni" (I know you are alone), and "Xehase To" (Forget it) also gained airplay.^[16]

[edit] Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas, military service, and personal struggles (1994–96)

In the winter of 1994, Rouvas collaborated with famous singer-songwriter and record producer Nikos Karvelas for the production of his fourth studio album Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas (Blood, tears & sweat) which was his first album to be certified platinum.^{[citation needed]} The songs "Ela Mou" (Come to me) and "Xana" (Again) became radio hits. The collaboration with Karvelas, one of the most successful and iconic producers of the past two decades with the young artist resulted in mixed reaction by the media. When asked why he had chosen to collaborate with Rouvas, Karvelas simply gave a controversial response, stating that "Sakis is the only star, out of a generation which produces dull artists."^[19]

Rouvas became more recluse and private about his personal life,^[5] When he was called to do his military service in 1994, Rouvas had originally asked for a delay as it coincided with the scheduled release of his highly anticipated album Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas, although his request for a delay was denied.^[5][9][20] Although other artists had also delayed their service for career reasons, Rouvas' case became a central news story at the time.^[9] It was initially thought that the artist did not want to pull back from the spotlight during a time when his career was soaring, although Rouvas himself had claimed his inability to fulfill his service due to previous psychological trauma that resulted in him suffering from severe agoraphobia.^[5][9][20] His claims were widely disbelieved: some media commented that agoraphobia was a strange condition for an entertainer,^[5] while critics of Rouvas accused him of draft dodging.^[5][20] Rouvas was then taken to the psychiatric hospital of Penteli for psychiatric evaluation, it was widely reported that while alone in his room he attempted suicide.^[5][9][20] After the initial widespread media coverage of the attempted suicide subsided, Rouvas was forced to fulfill his military service with a psychiatrist present on the scene, both to medicate him and make sure he would not cause harm to himself.^[5][9] For his military service, Rouvas was forced to remove his earring and cut his signature long hair, something that is featured in the beginning of the video for "Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas".^[5] Rouvas was also constantly taunted by paparazzi who would sneak into the military campus to photograph and film him for constant television reports.^[5][9][20] Psinakis blamed Rouvas' psychiatrist for things that occurred in the military, claiming that he was secretly pouring psychotropic drugs into Rouvas' alcoholic beverages because of a previous quarrel.^[5][9] Rouvas spoke about his military service in an interview with Nico Mastorakis. When asked if he was suicidal, he said he did not think so, but at the time he was so intoxicated by the medication he received at the 411 that he did not have a clear recollection of the exact events. He also confirmed that he did indeed try to escape his service during rank by climbing under a Jeep and latching himself onto the rails.^[21]

[edit] Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola, peace concert, and move to Minos EMI (1996–97)

A few months later in 1996, Rouvas released his fifth studio album Tora Arhizoun Ta Dyskola (Now the difficult times begin) which went platinum.^{[citation needed]} Since his previous album was a big success, Rouvas once again collaborated with Nikos Karvelas with the help of lyricist Natalia Germanou.^[16] For the winter season, Rouvas performed live with Anna Vissi at club Chaos in Athens.^[15] In the same year, a fan club for him, SRFC, was founded, which from its start went on to be the largest fan club in Greece.^{[12][unreliable source?]} In 1997, he was featured on Anna Vissi's hit album Travma (Trauma), in the duet "Se Thelo, Me Theleis" ("I want you, you want me") also composed by Nikos Karvelas.^[16]

On 19 May 1997 he performed on stage with Turkish singer Burak Kut at a bi-national concert on the Green Line in Cyprus as an initiative in the reconciliation of the country with an audience of over 4,000 people.^[22] The concert garnered international coverage and support, earning Rouvas an International Abdi Ipekçi Prize for understanding and co-operation;^[23][24] however, the concert generated significant controversy amongst Greek and Turkish protesters with reports going as far as potential death threats towards Rouvas.^[25] Opposition to the concert caused the Greek and Greek-Cypriot media to turn on Rouvas^[22] and the impact of its controversy is considered to be the catalyst for the forthcoming tabloid talk shows in Greece.^[26] Rouvas had come into collaboration with Kut the previous year when they recorded a duet together in Greek and Turkish called "Birgün/Otan" (When), a cover of the song "Someday", for the soundtrack of the Greek-language dubbing of The Hunchback of Notre Dame titled I Panagia Ton Parision, where Rouvas made his film debut voicing the role of Quasimodo.^[15] Following his album success with PolyGram Greece, Rouvas switched labels by signing with Minos EMI.^{[12][unreliable source?]}

[edit] Kati Apo Mena, return to prominence, and 21os Akatallilos (1998–2000)

In December 1998, Rouvas released his sixth studio album and first with his new label titled Kati Apo Mena (Something from me).^[15] The album was composed by Giorgos Theofanous and became a hit, going gold in its first week^{[citation needed]}; the album later reached platinum certification^{[citation needed]}. The song "Den Ehi Sidera I Kardia Sou" (Your heart does not have metal rails) became a massive hit, and remains one of his most popular songs.^[16] For promotion of the album, Rouvas performed live at the Virgin Megastore in Athens where thousands of fans created a traffic jam in the centre of Athens.^[15] For the winter season 1999–2000, Rouvas sang at Bio Bio in Athens, and performed with Katy Garbi at Pili Axiou in Thessaloniki in the spring.^[27]