Despina Vandi Biography: Age, Net Worth, Height, Siblings, Parents, Children, Husband, Films, Awards, Songs

Despina Malea, professionally known as Despina Vandi, is an iconic Greek singer celebrated for her powerful vocals and dynamic presence in pop and laïko music.

Rising to fame in the late 1990s with her breakthrough album Deka Entoles (1997), she became one of Greece’s best-selling artists, earning multi-platinum certifications and awards like the World Music Award for Best-Selling Greek Artist in 2000.

Vandi’s international appeal grew through hits like “Gia” and performances at venues such as London’s Royal Albert Hall, cementing her as a leading figure in Greek music.

Profile

• Full Name: Despina Malea
• Stage Name: Despina Vandi
• Born: July 22, 1969
• Age: 56 years old
• Birthplace: Tübingen, Germany
• Nationality: Greek
• Occupation: Singer, Actress
• Height: 1.67m
• Parents: Mr. Maleas and Mrs. Malea
• Siblings: 1
• Spouse: Demis Nikolaidis (m. 2003–2021)
• Children: Melina Nikolaidis, Giorgos Nikolaidis
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Despina Malea, known as Despina Vandi, was born on July 22, 1969, in Tübingen, Germany, to Greek parents, Mr. Maleas and Mrs. Malea. She has an older sister, though her name is not publicly disclosed. At age six, her family moved to Kavala, Greece, where she was raised.

Vandi studied psychology, philosophy, and education at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, but left before completing her degree to pursue music. Her early exposure to music came through singing at local events, and her ethnicity is Greek; her religious background is not publicly known.

Career

Despina Vandi began her professional music career in 1994 after being discovered singing at a friend’s bar in Athens, leading to a contract with Minos EMI.

Her debut album, Gela Mou (1994), marked her entry into the Greek music scene, followed by Esena Perimeno (1996), which included hits like “Den Yparhi Tipota.”

Her breakthrough came with Deka Entoles (1997), featuring the chart-topping single “Spania,” which earned multi-platinum status and established her as a household name.

Collaborations with songwriter Phoebus on albums like Profities (1999) propelled her to superstardom, with tracks such as “Opa Opa” becoming international club hits.

Vandi’s global reach expanded with Gia (2001), which achieved six-times platinum status in Greece and charted across Europe, earning her the 2000 World Music Award. She performed at prestigious venues, including a sold-out show at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2002, and collaborated with artists like Schiller on “Destiny” (2008).

Her role as a coach on The Voice of Greece (2014) and Rising Star (2016–2017), along with her acting debut in the musical Mamma Mia! (2010), showcased her versatility.

Vandi’s English-language releases, such as Come Along Now (2005), gained traction in markets like Russia and Turkey, and she represented Greece in various international music festivals.

Vandi’s influence endures through her 2023 album My Way, which blends modern pop with traditional Greek elements, and recent singles like “Ego S’ Agapisa” (2024). She has performed at major events, including the MAD Video Music Awards, and has collaborated with artists such as Vasilis Karras and Natassa Theodoridou.

Her sold-out tours across Greece, Cyprus, Australia, and the U.S., combined with her mentorship of young artists, highlight her lasting impact. Vandi’s ability to evolve while staying rooted in Greek musical traditions keeps her at the forefront of the industry.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @desp1navandi
• Facebook Handle: Despina Vandi
• Twitter Handle: @DespinaVandi

Personal Life

Despina Vandi, currently appearing single, was previously married to former soccer player Demis Nikolaidis in 2003, and they have two children, Melina Nikolaidis (born 2004) and Giorgos Nikolaidis (born 2007).

Their divorce was publicly announced in mid-July 2021, with both parties emphasizing that the welfare and protection of their children remained their top priority.

Discography

• Gela Mou (1994)
• Esena Perimeno (1996)
• Deka Entoles (1997)
• Profities (1999)
• Gia (2001)
• Ante Geia (2002)
• Come Along Now (2005)
• Stin Avli Tou Paradisou (2005)
• 10 Hronia Mazi (2007)
• Iparhi Zoi (2009)
• C’est La Vie (2010)
• Allaxa (2012)
• De Me Stamatises (2014)
• Afti Ine I Diafora Mas (2016)
• To Asteri Mou (2018)
• My Way (2023)
• Ego S’ Agapisa (2024)

Net Worth

Despina Vandi has an estimated net worth of $10 million. Her wealth primarily stems from her extensive music career, including album sales, streaming revenue from platforms like Spotify and YouTube, and sold-out live performances across Greece and internationally.

Her television appearances, acting roles, and endorsements, including collaborations with fashion and beauty brands, also contribute to her financial success.