Greece officially launches its preparations for Eurovision 2026, with an announcement expected next week regarding its national selection show, as well as the opening of the application window!
Greece has officially begun preparations for Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which will mark the 70th edition of the world’s most popular music event. The Greek national broadcaster, ERT, is expected to announce its national selection show next week and simultaneously open the submission period for entries. Along with the announcement, details regarding the rules and format of the selection process are anticipated—potentially including information on any planned expansions to the show.
According to the Greek Eurovision site Eurovisionfun, Greece has invested significant effort in the selection process in recent weeks, particularly on the bureaucratic and organizational fronts. Now, the format is ready to be presented to the public. Sources at ERT emphasize that the primary goal is a reliable, high-quality and transparent process that enables artists to showcase their creativity and provides audiences with an authentic musical celebration.
It appears that Greece will expand its national selection from a single evening to three nights (two semifinals and a final), though the full details will only be revealed next week. Registration will open with the announcement and continue for two months, through the end of September.
Greece’s early preparations for Eurovision 2026 point to ambitions for a return to success, especially following last year’s impressive comeback to the top ranks of the competition.
Behind the Scenes: Tradition, Trends, and the Search for the Next Hit
Over the years, Eurovision has become not only a musical testing ground but also a political, cultural, and social arena – protests, social statements, and voting influenced by alliances between countries have all been recorded. Greece, which won Eurovision in 2005 with Helena Paparizou, aspires to repeat that success and stand out once again on the European stage, especially in an era where fashion trends, technological innovation, and global influences shape the competition. In conversations we held with Eurovision fans in Greece, some expressed hope for musical renewal and the incorporation of Greek traditions, while others emphasized the need for a powerful television production that will distinguish Greece among dozens of countries.
Greece Between Tradition and Innovation: What Lies Ahead?
Greece’s choice to begin preparations early and to consider innovations in the structure of the national selection is not coincidental. In an era where Eurovision is not just a song contest but also a stage for trends, fashion statements, and social messages, every country is searching for the formula that will set it apart. As we have seen in recent years, substantial investments in production, the combination of tradition with innovation, and audience involvement in the process – all these influence not only the chance of winning but also the strengthening of national pride and public interest. Greece, with its rich musical tradition and a passionate fan community, can benefit from early investment and an open approach – especially since the 2026 contest is expected to be one of the biggest and most intriguing ever, with anticipation for new viewing records and technological innovations that will impact the audience experience at home.
Greece at Eurovision 2025
“Asteromáta” (translated as: “Eyes of Stars”) is the song performed by Klavdia, who represented Greece in the grand final of Eurovision 2025. Greece finished sixth in the grand final with 231 points.
Eurovision 2025: This was Greece’s 45th participation in Eurovision. Greece joined the competition in 1974 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2005 when singer Helena Paparizou won first place with the song “My Number One”.
