Eurovision Turns 70: A Landmark Edition
The 70th anniversary edition of Eurovision kicks off in Vienna on May 12 at 10:00 PM. Greece will be represented by Akylas, performing his song "Ferto." In a recent exclusive interview, Akylas discussed his musical journey, the meaning behind the track, his thoughts on fellow competitors, and his views on Ukraine. Bookmakers currently rank him as the second favorite to win, giving him a 13% chance of victory.
Connecting with Fellow Contestants
Akylas revealed that the first person he connected with was Finland’s Käärijä, a contestant from Eurovision 2023. Bulgaria’s representative, Dara, was the first to congratulate him after the Greek national selection. The singer is part of a group chat with other contestants, where they stay in regular contact.
'We actually have a group chat, so we mostly message each other all together' – Akylas
His first in-person meeting was with Dara, and if he could take anyone on a trip, it would be Moldova’s Satoshi. For Akylas, singing in Greek holds a significance of 10 out of 10. 'I simply decided to show my truth and honesty, and everything you see comes from me naturally!' he emphasized.
The song "Ferto" went viral after its release, boosting its popularity among fans. Akylas also shared his all-time favorite Eurovision tracks:
- Käärijä – "Cha Cha Cha" (Eurovision 2023, second place)
- Verka Serduchka – "Dancing Lasha Tumbai" (Eurovision 2007, second place)
- Conchita Wurst – "Rise Like A Phoenix" (Eurovision 2014, winner)
Ukraine will be represented at Eurovision 2026 by Leleka with the song "Ridnym." Akylas met Leleka and filmed a TikTok video with her. 'I absolutely adore her! I really like that song. Her voice is out of this world,' he said about the Ukrainian performer.
According to predictions, Akylas ranks seventh among jury favorites and third among contenders for the public vote, trailing only Israel and Finland. He has also become the subject of a video game called "Ferto The Game," where players navigate obstacles on their way to Greek singers like Helena Paparizou and Klavdia.
Akylas describes Ukraine as a musically fascinating country with deep meaning and high-quality songs. 'Be kind, follow your passion, and one day you will do what you dreamed of! If I did it, you can too,' he concluded.
Akylas’s participation in Eurovision 2026 highlights the contest’s role as a platform for emerging artists aiming to showcase their music globally. His commitment to singing in Greek and his recognition of Ukrainian talent reflect the cultural exchange that defines the event. With "Ferto" gaining momentum, Akylas has the opportunity not only to display his artistry but also to leave a mark on Europe’s music scene. This also underscores Eurovision’s growing importance as a stage for expressing identity and cultural values.
As the excitement builds for Eurovision 2026, fans are eager to learn more about the performance schedule and viewing options for Ukraine's representative. For those interested in the details surrounding Ukraine's upcoming performance, this information will be crucial in planning for the landmark event.