Eurovision Winners of the 2000s: Where Are They Now?

2000: Olsen Brothers

Denmark

Jørgen and Niels "Noller" Olsen soared into Eurovision legend with their victory. Their rock-pop ballad, “Fly on the Wings of Love,” secured 195 points, bringing the contest to Denmark for the first time in 37 years. This win proved that seasoned musicians could still dominate with heartfelt melodies. The track became a massive international hit, selling millions of copies. Following their triumph, they released successful albums like “Wings of Love” and toured extensively. Despite Noller’s later health challenges, his recovery allowed for continued performances. Even now, their music still pops up across Europe. Though less active today, they still reunite for special events, celebrating over five decades of an enduring, beloved musical legacy.

2001: Tanel Padar, Dave Benton & 2XL

Estonia

This was Estonia’s very first win, and a historic one at that. Dave Benton became the first Black winner and the oldest at that time. Scoring 198 points, the track proved a small Baltic nation could dominate the European stage. They didn’t stay together for long, but each took that win and ran with it in their own way. Padar fronted the hit band The Sun before launching a successful solo career. Benton remained a popular personality, even appearing on TV shows like “Dancing with the Stars.” The backing group 2XL changed their name to Soul Militia and continued to shape the local music scene. Still, together, they remain linked by Estonia’s only “Eurovision” triumph so far.

2002: Marie N

Latvia

The Baltic winning streak kept rolling when Latvia stepped up to the winner’s circle with Marija Naumova a.k.a Marie N, and her vivacious performance of “I Wanna.” Her victory was a masterclass in staging; she famously shed layers of clothing to reveal a vibrant outfit, earning 176 points and bringing the 2003 contest to Riga. Since her win, Marie N has grown into a versatile performer. Rather than sticking strictly to pop, she pivoted toward musical theatre and released albums in Latvian, French, English, and Russian. Marie N is still on the Latvian arts scene, her career a testament to the lasting impact of a charismatic, theatrical performance.

2003: Sertab Erener

Turkey

Continuing the streak of first-time winners, in 2003, Sertab Erener served up some Turkish delight with her evocative performance of “Everyway That I Can.” Her groundbreaking fusion of modern pop and traditional motifs featured belly-dance choreography that earned 167 points. This narrow victory over Belgium became a massive point of national pride. Her triumph served as a significant step in bringing Turkish pop to the global stage. Meanwhile, her Eurovision glory offered a hearty career boost, firmly establishing her among Turkey’s most celebrated pop divas. She enjoyed this international exposure through extensive touring and the release of successful albums. Sertab has stayed active, performing at festivals and advocating for causes close to her heart.

2004: Ruslana

Ukraine

In 2004, Ruslana unleashed a force of nature with "Wild Dances," putting her own stamp on the song contest. Her explosive energy, blending traditional Ukrainian Hutsul rhythms with a warrior-like presence, created an unforgettable spectacle. This became a bold cultural statement, earning Ukraine its first victory (yes, another first-timer) with 280 points, then a record-breaking score! Beyond the stage, Ruslana became a powerhouse of activism. Serving in parliament and supporting the Orange Revolution. Even amidst ongoing conflict, she’s a vocal advocate for peace and sovereignty. These days, her legacy endures as she balances artistic passion with humanitarian outreach. Ruslana is still one of Ukraine’s strongest voices, both in music and beyond.

2005: Helena Paparizou

Greece

Greece was enjoying a “Golden Era” of triumphs in 2005, including Helena Paparizou bringing home the country’s first “Eurovision” victory. After her “My Number One” performance, Helena went from Eurovision winner to a lasting pop star. Over the last two decades, she has dominated charts, releasing numerous platinum albums that solidified her legendary status. Beyond the recording studio, Paparizou became a beloved television personality, most notably as a long-standing coach on The Voice of Greece. She continues to headline massive tours, proving her stage presence is as electric as ever. Two decades after becoming Europe’s “Number One,” Helena is still celebrating success and has continued to be a cherished household name.

2006: Lordi

Finland

Get ready to rock! The Finnish monster rock band Lordi obliterated the Eurovision stage with “Hard Rock Hallelujah.” Shattering every preconceived notion of the contest, they secured Finland’s first-ever victory with a (then) record-breaking 292 points. This cultural phenomenon proved that “Eurovision” could embrace extreme genres, turning the band into global sensations overnight. Two decades later, Lordi still has a stronghold on the heavy metal scene. In 2024, the band set out on tour and released their nineteenth studio album, “Limited Deadition.” Beyond the stage, Lordi has also appeared in Vogue Scandinavia and partnered with Swedish recycling campaigns. They’ve built a monster of a career, unleashing their signature shock-rock spectacle on devoted fans everywhere.

2007: Marija Šerifović

Serbia

Serbia’s independent debut culminated in a stunning victory with Marija Šerifović’s “Molitva.” Rejecting flashy spectacles, her stunning, emotionally charged ballad prioritized vocal mastery and authenticity, earning a decisive 268 points. Since then, Šerifović has solidified her status as one of the Balkans’ highly respected vocalists. Her career flourished with several successful albums, while her charismatic presence led her to become a long-standing judge on the popular talent show “Zvezde Granda.” Beyond music, Marija is a vital figure for the regional LGBTQIA+ community after openly sharing her personal journey. She continues to perform and recently embraced motherhood. As a powerful, outspoken personality, Šerifović is still deeply admired for her integrity and that unmistakable, incredible voice.

2008: Dima Bilan

Russia

Dima Bilan finally clinched the “Eurovision” trophy with his heartfelt ballad “Believe.” After narrowly missing out in 2006, he returned with a polished performance featuring Olympic skater Evgeni Plushenko and palpable determination. His powerful vocals and emotional connection earned a commanding 272 points, securing Russia’s first-ever win. This triumph marked Bilan’s career coronation, establishing him as one of Russia’s most celebrated musicians. He released numerous chart-topping albums and served as a coach on “The Voice” for years. Today, he remains a prominent, albeit polarizing, figure due to his support for the invasion of Ukraine. Most recently, he was named an official ambassador for “Intervision” 2025 and even experimented with AI-generated music in 2026.

2009: Alexander Rybak

Norway

Closing our 2000s retrospective, Alexander Rybak is one of “Eurovision’s” most iconic figures. “Fairytale” earned a record-breaking 387 points with its enchanting blend of folk-pop and virtuosic violin, marking Norway’s third victory. Since that global sensation, Rybak has released five albums and expanded into writing children’s books and voice acting. Recently, he even earned an MFA in film music composition from Columbia College Chicago. As of 2026, he’s still part of the “Eurovision” family, captivating fans with his new single “Rise” during Norway’s “Melodi Grand Prix.” Though he narrowly missed another chance to represent his country, Rybak remains a vibrant force, proving his musical “fairytale” is far from over.

Who is your ultimate “Eurovision” champion of the 00s? Let us know in the comments.