Lisa Jayne Porter (née Large; 22 December 1987), better known by the stage name Lisa Andreas (Greek: Λίζα Αντρέας), is an English singer, dancer and artist, best known for representing Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 with the song "Stronger Every Minute".
Lisa Andreas | |
|---|---|
 Lisa Andreas during a rehearsal at the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 in Istanbul | |
| Born | Lisa Large 22 December 1987 |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Kent, England |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
Early life
Andreas was born in England to a British father and Greek Cypriot mother. She was christened in Cyprus, where she lived for two-and-a-half years, before moving with her family to Gillingham.[1][2]
She attended Chatham Grammar School for Girls.[3] She graduated from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance with a bachelor's degree in Voice and Musical Theatre.[4][5]
Career
At the age of 13, Andreas began performing as a solo artist, singing mainly in pubs and karaoke competitions; winning one held at The Strand in Gillingham, Kent.[3][6]
On 26 January 2004 it was announced that Andreas had been selected to compete in the Cypriot national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 with the song "Stronger Every Minute".[7] She later went on to win the competition with 96 points, earning her the right to represent the country at the contest.[8] Following her selection, the song, which featured one line in Greek, was reworked to be performed entirely in the English language.[9] In Istanbul, she performed 14th during the semi-final and qualified for the grand final, where she later placed 5th overall with a total of 170 points.[10][11]
Following her participation, Andreas joined a female hip-hop dance troupe, performing at the London Palladium and Her Majesty's Theatre. She later worked as a teacher at a dance school.[12]
In 2007, she participated in the fourth series of The X Factor, where she advanced to the second round.[13]
Personal life
In 2014, she moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she currently resides with her family.[4][5]