The Greek representative for Eurovision 2026 returned from an exciting European tour, handed the reporter a “Ferto” hat, and declared: “Mom will be with me at the final with moussaka and soups.”
Preparations for Eurovision 2026 are shifting into high gear. Greece’s Eurovision representative, Akylas, landed at Athens airport this week straight from an intensive European tour, and it seems like his energy is sky-high. Despite recent reports regarding the singer’s hospitalization due to tonsillitis, he looked more vital and energetic than ever. Akylas shared experiences from meeting the audience at the Eurovision pre-parties, and the support he is receiving from other contestants in the competition. He clarified that despite the heavy workload and grueling rehearsals with director Fokas Evangelinos, he is focused on the goal and cannot wait to show us what he has prepared for Vienna.
The reunion with his mother and the menu for the final
One of the most moving moments of the trip was Akylas’s reunion with his mother, who came from The Hague specifically to see him. “She is very proud and excited about everything that’s happening,” Akylas shared, “She gets a bit stressed when I’m sick, she tells me ‘please be careful, eat, dress well,’ just like every Greek mother says.” When asked if she would accompany him to the contest, the singer confirmed: “Of course, she will be at the final as well and we are looking forward to it.” He even added that the menu would include “meatballs, soups, moussaka, everything!” It is implied from their conversation that Akylas and the interviewer have no doubt whatsoever regarding “Ferto” qualifying for the final.
Regarding the work with choreographer and director Fokas Evangelinos, Akylas said:
“Rehearsals are going great, he is simply sweet and wonderful. I can’t wait for you to see what we’ve prepared.”
He also excitedly recalled the reception at the pre-parties:
“It was madness there! I didn’t expect it. There was a little boy whose parents sewed the word ‘Ferto’ onto his hat, it moved me deeply.”
Akylas didn’t forget to bring the reporter the hat he had requested long ago, and even helped him adjust it on his head.
The number 4 and support from colleagues
When asked about being placed as song number 4 in the first semi-final, Akylas responded optimistically:
“It’s symbolic, it means something. If we perform later as song number 12 in the final, we will be in excellent shape. Even on X Factor, I performed fourth and everything went great.”
His ambition is to be song number 12 in the final, similar to his success in the “Sing for Greece” competition, where he participated as song number 4 in the semi-final and number 12 in the final.
Finally, Akylas addressed the praise he receives from other singers and artists:
“It is truly a great honor for me. I thank them very much. What I am doing now is difficult, there are also negative comments, so their support is very important for my morale.”
Watch the full interview:
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Akylas – Who are you?
Akylas, whose full name is Akylas Mytilinaios, competed this year for the first time for a place at Eurovision – and clinched first place in the Greek national final. His road to the big stage is far from ordinary: he is the son of a mother who migrated from Georgia to Greece at the age of 17, and he began his musical journey as an anonymous street singer on Athens’ famous Ermou pedestrian avenue.
In recent years he has built a name for himself on the Greek indie scene as an up-and-coming pop singer, thanks to a unique persona and artistic identity that blend pop music, emotional lyricism and a queer-leaning edge. Throughout the national final season, Akylas was considered a leading favourite to win, both domestically and among international Eurovision followers. Data from betting platforms, YouTube and Spotify consistently and clearly pointed to his expected victory – a prediction that indeed came true in the grand final. Since the release of his Eurovision song “Ferto“, social media has been flooded with enthusiastic reactions, and many fans have drawn comparisons between the artist and song and Käärijä, who represented Finland and placed second at Eurovision 2023 with the hit “Cha Cha Cha”.
Greece at Eurovision 2026
“Ferto” (in English: “Bring it”) performed by Akylas will represent Greece in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. The song, co-written by Akylas and Teo Pouzbouris, embodies ambition and desire for greatness.
The song presents a manifesto of boundless ambition and an uncompromising desire to reach the top. The lyrics describe a character driven by inner fire and hunger for success – someone unwilling to settle for a small step forward, but instead demands it all: fame, money, power, and influence. The repeated call of “bring it” sharpens the feeling of a constant demand for more, as though the world itself is required to yield to the speaker’s aspirations.
Currently, Greece is ranked 4th in the betting tables ahead of Eurovision 2026.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Greece’s 46th 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”.
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Writer and content creator at EuroMix, providing cultural insights into the world of Eurovision. Talor is a second-generation Eurovision enthusiast who grew up attending family viewing parties. The 1999 Eurovision, at just five years old, was the event that shaped his love for the contest. He holds a BA degree in Culture – Creation and Production, and his articles combine academic knowledge with a passion for pop and trash, appreciating humor and clever references in the competition’s songs. He specializes in cultural and social analysis, offering in-depth commentary.
Outside the Eurovision world, Talor works as an independent content and media manager.
