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Greece: Regulations for the national final to be announced | End of ERT and RIK Dispute

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The strategy for Eurovision is changing. ERT is preparing to publish the rules for the process of selecting the artist who will represent Greece in the song contest. This open process involves some risks, which is why it is deemed necessary to publish the regulations to avoid misunderstandings and complaints.

According to Typologies and our own sources, the details of the national final will be announced soon, as previously mentioned by the company’s CEO, Katerina Kaskanioti, during the presentation of ERT’s new program. ERT will release the complete rules of the process, so that all interested parties are aware of the exact method and specific timelines that will be followed to select Greece’s representative for Eurovision 2025.

ERT aims to create television shows that will lead to the selection of the artist who will represent Greece at Eurovision 2025, which will take place in Basel. However, this does not necessarily mean there will be preliminary rounds, as reported in the press in recent days. At the same time, the streaming services Eurovision Channel and Radio Eurovision will be in operation. It is worth noting that the 2024 Eurovision final, featuring Marina Satti, achieved record viewership on ERT1, surpassing even the UEFA Europa Conference League final, where Olympiacos won the trophy.

Last Wednesday, ERT’s program was presented at the Athens Conservatory, with RIK President Stavros Georgiadis as a guest. After the tension that arose between Greece and Cyprus last year—initially due to ERT’s reaction to RIK’s intention to select its representative through STAR’s Fame Story, and later with the revelations from the Cypriot Ambassador in Athens about former ERT President Konstantinos Zoulas’ statement that Greece could not award Cyprus high points because “Liar” had been rejected by ERT’s jury the previous year—the relationship now seems to be returning to the excellent level it had always enjoyed.

Will the traditional exchange of 12 points between Greece and Cyprus happen again? We remind you that the last time the two countries exchanged 12 points was in 2021.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Source: typologies, eurovisionfun

EBU Director General Praises ERT During Official Visit to Athens

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The Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson, Pavlos Marinakis, met with the Director General of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Noel Curran. Mr. Curran was accompanied by ERT’s CEO, Katerina Kaskanioti, and the company’s President, Yiannis Papadopoulos. During his first official visit to Athens, the EBU’s Director General spoke highly of the Greek public broadcaster.

Deputy Minister Pavlos Marinakis highlighted the significant upgrades that Greek Public Television has undergone over the past five years, as well as its innovations, such as the launch of ErtFlix and its investment in continuous and objective news coverage through ERTNews.

The Director General of the EBU congratulated ERT for its programming, stating that it ranks among the top in Europe in terms of viewership among younger audiences and within the top ten among older viewers. He also expressed the EBU’s satisfaction with Greece’s improvement in the areas of the rule of law and media transparency, referring to the recent European Commission Rule of Law report, which noted progress from the Greek side.

The Deputy Minister, the EBU’s Director General, and ERT’s President and CEO committed to further collaboration between the organizations, with the aim of improving the services provided by Public Broadcasting and modernizing production through Artificial Intelligence.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

EXCLUSIVE: 30 more artists join the race for the Greek National Final!

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In recent days, interest in the Eurovision national final has reached a peak, as artists and bands from all over Greece and abroad, either through Eurovisionfun or publicly, confirm their intention to represent the country on the Eurovision stage. Following the publication of the first list with 26 names, it’s time to reveal the second batch. A total of 30 more artists, including well-known names from the music scene as well as newcomers, have confirmed their intention to compete for the ticket to Eurovision 2024.

One of the most commercially successful artists in Greece in recent years is Trannos. As an authentic representative of the local trap music scene, Trannos, according to his own statements, has submitted his proposal to ERT again this year. This time, he is determined to more actively pursue the opportunity to represent Greece by participating in the national final.

With over 81 million views on YouTube, Konstantinos Koufos can proudly claim that his song “Η Πιο Ωραία Στην Ελλάδα” is one of the most-viewed Greek songs. He is open to submitting an entry for the national final.

Ian Stratis is considered by many to be an ideal candidate for Eurovision. In the past, his name has been rumored several times, both for Greece and Cyprus. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will also be present in the national final, either as a solo artist or with his band.

The winner of “The Voice 2” and well-known traditional Greek music songwriter Kostas Ageris will also be among the contestants. In 2015, he was the producer for Thomai Apergi in the national final for Eurovision.

The talented and unique Antonia Kaouri, although she didn’t represent Greece in 2023, despite being ERT’s jury’s choice, returns this time with a song she believes in more, aiming to do it right this time.

Another standout artist, like Antonia Kaouri, is Daphne Lawrence, who also emerged from “The Voice”. With a successful career, countless live performances, and millions of views, she believes the time has come to vie for Greece’s Eurovision representation in 2025.

Artists who have participated in past national finals, both in Greece and Cyprus, are already preparing their submissions. Nikos Ganos, Nearchos Evaggelou, Kyriakos Georgiou, Nicole Paparistodimou, and Leea Nanos from Australia will once again try their luck.

Also making their mark on this list are artists who became known through talent shows. Giannis Lafis, Holly Grace, Konstantinos Frantzis, Thanos Lambrou, Sindorela Sindy and Fani Melemeni (known for her cover of “Eίναι Στιγμές” in the Cosmote TV ad) are ready to submit their entries.

Additionally, several bands will also be making their presence felt, covering a range of musical genres. Rec, Decho, Mobvibe, Majovoli, Dinamiss, and Enorasis are ready to bring their unique perspective to the national final.

The Greek diaspora, which has often supported our country in Eurovision, is also returning strongly for 2025. Eleni C from the UK and Desi G from Canada hope to fulfill their dream and appear on the Eurovision stage representing Greece.

Finally, established artists such as Han Nah, Naira Alexopoulou, Xenia Ghali, Akylas and Giannis Chatzigeorgiou will send their proposals to ERT, hoping for victory and to represent Greece in Switzerland.

Of course, this list doesn’t end here, as more artists confirm their interest in participating in the national final daily. Eurovisionfun will return soon with a third part. The ball is now in ERT’s court, which is expected to officially announce the start of submissions and provide details about the national final, through which the artist and song representing us at Eurovision 2025 will be selected.

Summary of the artists mentioned above:

  1. Trannos
  2. Konstantinos Koufos
  3. Ian Stratis
  4. Kostas Ageris
  5. Antonia Kaouri
  6. Daphne Lawrence
  7. Nikos Ganos
  8. Nearchos Evaggelou
  9. Kyriakos Georgiou
  10. Nicole Paparistodimou
  11. Leea Nanos
  12. Giannis Lafis
  13. Holly Grace
  14. Konstantinos Frantzis
  15. Christina Zioga
  16. Thanos Lambrou
  17. Fani Melemeni
  18. Rec (band)
  19. Decho (band)
  20. Mobvibe (band)
  21. Majovoli (band)
  22. Dinamiss (band)
  23. Enorasis (band)
  24. Eleni C
  25. Desi G
  26. Han Nah
  27. Naira Alexopoulou
  28. Xenia Ghali
  29. Akylas
  30. Giannis Chatzigeorgiou

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

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Greece: A New Surprise from ERT – Preliminary Rounds Before the National Final?

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After nearly 20 years of selecting Greece’s Eurovision entry through internal selection or committee decisions, the process is once again returning to public involvement. The song and artist who will represent Greece at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, will be chosen through a national final, as announced by ERT’s CEO, Katerina Kaskanioti.

The idea to bring back the competitive selection process surfaced two years ago, following Greece’s failure to qualify for the Eurovision final. Interest grew further after Marina Satti’s success in 2024. The final decision was made recently, due to the increasing demand from artists eager to participate.

According to Realnews, ERT is considering not only a national final but also the possibility of preliminary rounds, depending on the number of entries. This would turn the selection process into a multi-stage competition, similar to music talent shows.

Already, 26 artists have confirmed their intention to submit their entries to ERT, with the number steadily rising. On Wednesday, more names are expected to be announced in a follow-up article.

However, according to our information for this first year, it appears that ERT is leaning toward holding a single final night featuring 10-15 finalists.

The details of the national final format will be announced soon, providing clarity for all involved.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

EXCLUSIVE: Revealing Greece’s Exciting Contenders for the National Final

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The countdown to the Eurovision 2025 contest has already begun, and Greece is preparing to select its representative through a highly anticipated national final. Following a successful run in last year’s contest, ERT returns in 2025 with an open national final for the first time in 22 years, offering both emerging and established artists the chance to compete for a spot on the stage of the contest to be held in Basel on May 13, 15, and 17.

A Landmark National Final for ERT

The process announced a few days ago by ERT’s CEO, Katerina Kaskanoti, has already captured public attention, with numerous talents confirming their intention to participate. Public interest is high, as every year the Eurovision contest becomes more intense, with the level of artists and songs rising sharply.

ERT aims for this national final to not only be a musical celebration but also an opportunity to showcase the evolution of the Greek music scene, bringing together artists from various genres and musical cultures with a common goal: to represent the country with dignity on the biggest musical stage in Europe.

So, let’s take a look at the artists vying for a spot in Eurovision 2025 and what they bring to the table in this year’s musical showdown. Some of them have exclusively confirmed their intentions to us, while others have publicly expressed their interest in recent months.

Who Will Raise the Greek Flag in Basel?

Almost all the hot names that capture the interest of Greek and international eurofans seem set to enter the national final.

You read about ZAF in a previous exclusive article. The young artist has repeatedly expressed his interest in the contest and intends to submit a song that he will write himself. With his recent performance with Coldplay this summer at OAKA and a large fan base, ZAF hopes to be the winner of the national final and represent Greece in Switzerland.

Staying with PANIK Records, another beloved artist who many would like to see represent us at Eurovision is Tania Breazou. Her participation was confirmed just days ago by the CEO of PANIK Records, Giorgos Arsenakos. She is likely to participate with a song penned by Nikos Terzis.

Good Job Nicky has been circling the contest for many years. In 2022, he came very close when he secured second place in ERT’s closed selection with his song “Heaven is a Sin.” In a conversation with us, he mentioned that he might submit an entry for the national final. As he has revealed in previous interviews, he already has the song ready and is optimistic about achieving a good placement.

Klavdia was also very close to representing Greece in 2023. With her song “Holly Water,” she reached the final five but did not win the closed selection of ERT that year, which was marred by controversial decisions by the artistic committee. Klavdia wants to submit a new song and is currently searching for it.

Another frequent contender is Evangelia, who has tried to reach the Eurovision stage through both Greece and Cyprus. Having switched labels and with a song from the creators of “ZARI” by Marina Satti, she hopes that 2025 will be her year to finally realize her dream.

While Biased Beast did not manage to represent Cyprus in Eurovision 2025, as RIK chose Theo Evan, he is not giving up and will try to make it to Basel via ERT.

However, these are not the only well-known artists trying their luck in the upcoming ERT national final. Artists such as Zoe Papadopoulou, Nafsiika, Melina Makri, Shaya, and Kianna are just a few names that have confirmed their intentions to participate.

Artists who had previously applied for ERT’s closed selections in previous years also plan to enter the national final for 2025. Specifically, Lou is and Artemis Matafia from 2022, Konstantina Iosifidou, Antigoni, and Jimmy Sion from 2023 are preparing their proposals.

Notably, artists who gained fame through talent shows will also participate. Aristea Alexandraki from Fame Story 2023, Angelos Arhaniotakis from X Factor 2022, Alexandra Sieti from The Voice 2021, and Dodona from The Voice 2023. Additionally, newer generation artists who have become known through social media, such as Mikay and ARIÁDNE, are also planning to submit entries.

From our previous suggestions, Steve onemanshow and Socrates Charis are also positive about submitting entries for the national final. Both are very talented and capable of making a surprise.

Finally, representation from the Junior Eurovision is anticipated, as two artists who previously represented our country in the children’s contest are now ready to take the big step to the main Eurovision. This includes Alexandros Chountas and Kalli Georgelli (Xannova Xan), who will attempt to become the first artists to compete for Greece’s colors in both the children’s and adult Eurovision.

So the artists who are mentioned in the above article are:

  • ZAF
  • Tania Breazou
  • Good Job Nicky
  • Klavdia
  • Evangelia
  • Biased Beast
  • Zoe Papadopoulou
  • Nafsiika
  • Melina Makri
  • Sayia
  • Kianna
  • Lou is
  • Artemis Matafia
  • Konstantina Iosifidou
  • Antigoni
  • Jimmy Sion
  • Aristea Alexandraki
  • Angelos Arhaniotakis
  • Alexandra Sieti
  • Dodona
  • Mikay
  • ARIÁDNE
  • Steve onemanshow
  • Socratis Haris
  • Alexandros Chountas
  • Kalli Georgelli (Xannova Xan)

Let’s get ready to welcome the voices that will represent us and support their efforts with all our hearts. Eurovision 2025 is just around the corner, and Greece is ready to shine!

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Giorgos Arsenakos on Eurovision 2025: PANIK Records Aims to Send Tania Breazou, Denies Eleni Foureira Rumors

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On Katerina Kainourgiou’s show Super Katerina, statements were featured from the CEO of PANIK Records, Giorgos Arsenakos, regarding Eurovision 2025 and the involvement of artists from the record label in Greece’s representation.

Initially, Giorgos Arsenakos denied all reports suggesting that Eleni Foureira would represent Greece in Eurovision 2025, either through direct selection or by participating in the national final announced by ERT. The CEO of PANIK Records stated that Foureira had not received any proposal from ERT for Eurovision 2025.

As Arsenakos specifically mentioned, the goal for PANIK is to send Tania Breazou to Eurovision 2025, for whom they are currently searching for a strong song, hoping she will win the national final and represent Greece in Basel.

The situation, as you can imagine, is expected to become very interesting, as all record labels will gradually reveal their plans for the open national final by ERT, which has certainly shaken things up.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Breaking News: ERT announces an open national final after 22 years

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ERT CEO Aikaterini Kaskanioti announced some minutes ago, during the presentation of ERT’s program at the Athens Conservatory, that the artist and song representing Greece at Eurovision 2025 will be selected through a national final, with an open invitation to all. As noted, this will happen for the first time in 22 years.

The announcements fully confirm what we previously revealed in our earlier article. Ms. Kaskanioti informed the journalists attending the event at the Athens Conservatory about the method through which Greece’s entry for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest will be selected.

This year, therefore, the choice of the Greek representative for Eurovision will be made through a process “open” to the public. In this way we will address the growing demand and the interest shown by many artists who wish to participate.

After 22 years, the national final returns, with an open invitation to all interested parties.

We will have the opportunity to share many more details about Eurovision in a little while. We have all the time ahead of us.

The key points are as follows:

  • ERT will issue an open call to anyone interested in submitting a song for Eurovision 2025.
  • A national final will be held, a televised program with a competitive format, in which various artists will compete to represent Greece.
  • The television audience will have a say in the final result, likely in combination with a jury that will be formed specifically for this purpose.

Under the leadership of Aikaterini Kaskanioti, ERT is taking bold and innovative steps in selecting Greece’s entry for the next Eurovision, introducing an open process with an invitation to all, which will take place for the first time in 22 years.

We eagerly await the details and regulations of the national final, which we will update you on as soon as they are available. Eurovisionfun will closely follow ERT’s effort, which has been a long-standing wish of the contest’s fans for many years.

Stay tuned for all updates!

ERT Gears Up for Eurovision 2025: A Historic National Final on the Horizon After 22 Years!

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After a summer full of sports broadcasts and the recent administrative restructuring with the appointment of Giannis Papadopoulos as interim president of the company’s Board of Directors, alongside CEO Katerina Kaskanioti, ERT is now moving forward into the new television season. One of the key issues to address is the selection of Greece’s entry for Eurovision, with the method of selection being the main question.

The national final is closer than ever

According to information from various sources, ERT is seriously considering the possibility of holding an open national final to choose Greece’s Eurovision entry. Although the final decision has not yet been made, it is expected within the next two weeks.

ERT’s management, aiming to make the most of the Eurovision project both in terms of television and commercial success — a project that traditionally garners high viewership rates in Greece — is leaning towards holding a televised national final. The huge commercial success of Marina Satti, with the record-breaking viewership during the final of the contest, has bolstered this idea.

The fact that many artists want to represent Greece, combined with the fact that the last open national final was held in 2003, makes ERT’s management favor the idea of such a contest. Through this process, both the artist and the song representing Greece in Basel next May will be selected.

As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, ERT’s management aims to ensure a transparent and objective selection process. Public participation in this process is almost certain, as there has long been a demand for the public to have a say in choosing Greece’s entry, just as is the case in most European countries.

Record labels are already preparing

Naturally, this news has reached the record labels, which are already preparing for the now-likely national final. In fact, all record labels, without exception, will submit several candidates, as many artists on their rosters are eager to enter and compete for the chance to represent Greece in the contest.

The fact that the Eurovision contest attracts more and more interest from record companies each year — being perhaps the largest music platform worldwide — has whetted the appetite of Greek labels, who obviously want one of their own artists to represent Greece.

The conversation about potential names has already begun, with many well-known and talented artists expressing interest in participating in ERT’s national final. Some have already publicly declared their desire to compete, while others have yet to reveal their intentions. Of course, we will keep you updated in future articles, as the list of candidates continues to grow, including both artists from record labels and independent musicians.

Presentation of the new program and onwards to Eurovision…

On Wednesday, September 18th, at the Athens Conservatory, ERT will present its new programming. This is essentially the last pending issue before officially starting its preparations for Eurovision.

By the end of the month, we expect official announcements, and as long as no financial, technical, or procedural hurdles cause any setbacks, we will have the first open national final by ERT in 22 years.

ERT’s goal, once again, is not only to secure a place in the top ten but also to represent Greece in a way that will make Greeks proud, while keeping the audience’s interest at high levels.

Eurovisionfun will, of course, keep you updated on every development, providing you with timely and accurate information regarding Greece’s participation in Eurovision 2025.

Stay tuned here!

Greece Officially Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2025: ERT Prepares for Basel

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Greece’s participation in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest is now official, as ERT has confirmed its presence by submitting the required participation form to the EBU.

Despite minor doubts, Greece is now officially among the countries that will take part in Eurovision 2025. According to reliable information, the Greek public broadcaster has completed the process of submitting the participation form, thus reaffirming its commitment to the upcoming contest.

Greece is the 29th country to confirm its participation in the competition, which will be held in Basel, Switzerland, on May 13, 15, and 17, 2025.

At this time, the selection process for the artist and song that will represent Greece remains unclear. The administrative changes at ERT are expected to be completed within the week, and immediately after the presentation of the new program on September 18, the selection method for the Greek entry in Eurovision 2025 will be announced.

ERT emphasizes that the selection process will aim to maintain high viewer interest while ensuring a transparent and objective procedure to avoid any shadows that have appeared in the recent past.

This will be Greece’s 45th participation in the 69-year history of the contest. ERT’s new management aspires to start strong in Eurovision, aiming not only for a smooth year but also for a top-10 placement, three years after Amanda’s 8th place finish, which is Greece’s best result in the past decade.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates on Greece’s participation in Eurovision 2025.

ERT’s decisions for Eurovision 2025: What to expect after September 15

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After September 15, ERT will announce the details of how to select Greece’s entry in Eurovision 2025. This decision follows the appointment of Yiannis Papadopoulos as temporary President of ERT, which is expected to be formalized on September 12. The administration will then proceed to make decisions and make official announcements about the contest, which will be held in Basel, Switzerland in May 2025.

The ceo of ERT, Katerina Kaskanioti, aims for a transparent and unbiased selection process, which will determine the artist and the song that will represent Greece on the Eurovision stage. ERT is looking for alternative methods of selection, which will ensure maximum transparency and reliability, with the scenario of direct assignment moving away, which you also read in our previous articles.

The team dealing with the project has already started the preparations, although the final decisions will be taken after the new administration takes office. Rumors and scenarios give and take, but ERT’s pursuit is to find the best possible solution for Greek participation, avoiding the mistakes of the past and keeping the interest of the television audience high, always aiming for a position in the top ten of the Eurovision final.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates and official announcements that will determine Greece’s path to Eurovision 2025!