In September, Greek national broadcasters ERT called for official submissions to the 2010 Eurovision national final for Greece’s entry.

Ever since then, two record labels in particular have been at loggerheads to have their stars in the official final line-up.

Universal Records is campaigning for Greek Belgian artist Katerine Avgoustakis, and Minos EMI has put forward Greek French performer Despina Ricci.

Until now, these two labels have been the only ones in fierce contention to provide Greece with its next Eurovision star.

However, new record label DREAM has recently added two more big names to the star-studded line-up; Greek Canadian Maro Lytra, and Greek Australian Natalia Mavrogiannis.

ERT’s much-anticipated decision wil depend on new policies put in place by its new administration, although the three official names for the final are expected to be announced sometime in November.

Maro Lytra

The Greek Canadian star first became well-known in Greece when she appeared as a controversial contestant on the reality show Fame Story.

Being at the heart of many rumours about celebrity romances, she managed to cause quite a stir in the house.

However, she does  have a fantastic voice, and has managed to milk much success in the Greek music industry since her days on Fame Story.

Lytra has recently released her second studio album called I Machani Tou Chronou.

The record has been written by an astounding list of famous Greek songwriters including Phoebus, Andreas Lambrou and Christos Papadopoulos.

The album features 11 modern laika songs and has already hit the top of the charts.

Natalia Mavrogiannis

Born in Melbourne, Mavrogiannis is only 22 years old and is taking Greece by storm.

She moved to Athens four years ago to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional Greek singer, and has embarked on a number of world tours spanning various countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Germany.

Natalia has also toured Greece and Cyprus and has had the great privilege of working with some of the biggest names in the Greek music scene today such as Mazonakis, Karas, Kourkoulis and Merkouri to name just a few.

Despina Ricci

Greek French singer Despina Ricci may be dark horse entrant for next year’s national selection. Not to say that she is not worthy of a having a go, but Ricci is currently in the middle of compiling a new CD album, which is currently taking up much of her schedule.

Further to Ricci’s packed timetable, the singer is not as well-known to the wider Greek audience as her competitors. However, she has had much exposure outside of Greece, which may help boost the country’s profile if she should succeed in entering the finals.

Despina’s performing experience spans over a vast collection of the arts.

She began her career on stage as a dancer for various French dance companies and Ricci has also dabbled in acting, scriptwriting and directing her own short movies.

The ‘complete’ artist vows that singing is her first and foremost passion, and enters the Eurovision finals arena with a lounge-style pop song.