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Greece: These are the titles of the 7 shortlisted songs for Eurovision 2023!

The titles of the 7 shortlisted songs have been announced today by the Greek Public Broadcaster ERT. One of these will represent Greece at Eurovision 2023.

The titles are:

  • Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou – Shout Out! 
  • Konstantina Iosifidou – We are Young
  • Klavdia – Holy Water
  • Leon of Athens – Somewhere to Go
  • Melissa Mantzoukis – Liar
  • Monika – I’ m Proud
  • Victor Vernicos – What They Say

The Greek entry for Eurovision 2023 will be selected by a combined vote of a demoscopic jury counting for 50,6% and a professional jury counting for 49,4%, a voting pattern similar to the new system which was announced a few months ago by EBU, to be used at the Grand Final of Eurovision 2023.


Don’t miss our YouTube live at 20.00 Greek Time, where we’ll be talking all about everything, commenting on today’s announcements and the voting process of the public committee!

 

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates on the Greek entry and more!

source: ΕΡΤ

Greece: The 7 artists of ERT’s shortlist have been revealed!

After the completion of the voting of the public committee – demoscopic jury, the names of the seven artists who remain in the running to represent Greece at Eurovision 2023 were revealed! These are four female and two male solo artists as well as a female duet!

Who are the 7  shortlisted artists?

ERT’s seven-member panel of experts selected the seven songs which were evaluated today by the 70-member demoscopic jury. The lucky eurofans, who were randomly selected by an electronic draw among approximately 3,000 applicants, had the opportunity to listen to the seven songs, one of which is the 43rd Greek entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. Immediately after the voting was over, ERT, in order to prevent any leaks, revealed the names of the seven artists who are in the final phase of the selection process.

But let’s see in detail who are the seven artists who are still hoping to represent Greece in the 67th Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool next May!

(The names are in alphabetical order)

Konstantina Iosifidou

The young singer-songwriter Konstantina Iosifidou, who is part of the Final Touch record label (label of Walnut entertainment), submitted her proposal for Greece’s participation in the 67th Eurovision Song Contest to ERT. Her song is an English pop-rock ballad with lyrics and music by her. It is an anthem for the joy of life, love and freedom of youth.

Konstantina Iosifidou is 22 years old and became known through her participation in The Voice of Greece in 2018 in the team of Panos Mouzourakis. In 2022, the young and talented Konstantina made her recording debut with the song ‘Let you go‘.

Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou

One of the surprises of this year’s shortlist is the female duo of Antonia Kaouri and Maria Maragkou. Apart from her solo entry, Antonia Kaouri also submitted a duet with Maria Maragou, which managed to make it to the final selection phase.

You have been reading about Antonia Kaouri for quite some time on Eurovisionfun, and she was one of our suggestions this summer. Antonia has released two singles since her participation in The Voice of Greece. Kostis Maraveyas described her as one of the best young pop artists of Greece. Antonia is signed by MINOS EMI.

Maria Maragkou is an actress, but she loves singing just as much. Her origin is from the island of Syros, and as you will see, apart from a very beautiful voice, she has a unique look. Undoubtedly, this is a female duet that would not remain unnoticed.

Klavdia

Klavdia Papadopoulou is yet another artist who gained recognition in The Voice of Greece. Klavdia’s submission, with her very special voice and the signature of the ARCADE songwriting and production team, managed to qualify for the final selection phase.

The song she submitted to ERT is an English melodic slow ballad with a build-up, adressing important social issues. The song showcases the young singer’s powerful voice and features emotional explosions. Klavdia is one of PANIK Records‘ proposals.

Leon of Athens

Another one of our summer proposals that shows up in the final shortlist of ERT is Timoleon Veremis aka Leon of Athens. The successful songwriter, who already has Eurovision experience, since he is one of the creators of Greece’s 2019 entry with Katerine Douska, wants to return as a performer this time around.

The creator of the song is himself, together with David Sneddon, and if we could describe his entry we would say that it is a happy uptempo song, with 80s vibes, reminiscent of Harry Styles’ latest releases. The lyrics of the song are in English. Leon of Athens is the proposal of Cobalt Music.

Melissa Mantzoukis

The finalist of German Pop Idol, Melissa Mantzoukis was another one of Eurovisionfun’s suggestions last summer for the Greek representation at Eurovision 2023.

Melissa’s proposal includes a song, written by a team of Greek and Dutch songwriters. Melissa recorded it this summer in Greece during her summer holidays. It is a modern pop dance track, which could easily be played in all the clubs. The song is a female emprowerment anthem, adressing the issue of how each modern woman has to find the confidence and protect herself from all the toxic and offensive behaviors she faces.

Monika

One of the surprises of this year’s Greek Eurovision selection process was the participation of Monika. Monica Christodoulou aka Monica or Monika is undoubtedly one of the biggest names taking part.

She and her team put a lot of thought into the song they submitted. It wasn’t the only one, as they submitted a total of three songs, one of which made it to the final shortlist. Her entry is a mid tempo track in her unique musical style and has English lyrics. Royal Music is the record label that signs her entry.

Victor Vernicos

Victor Vernicos Jorgensen is the youngest participant of this year’s selection process, as he is only 16 years old. Despite his young age, his remarkable talent led him to the final shortlist.

Victor writes, arranges and produces his songs himself.  That was the case with the song he submitted to ERT. His song is an English ballad and can be described as very emotional and powerful. It’s a song that wouldn’t be out of place in a Scandinavian National Final, which is not surprising considering Victor also has Danish roots. Victor Vernicos is a proposal of PANIK Records.

What’s next?

After the completion of the voting by the demoscopic jury, the shortlisted artists will meet privately with the 7-member panel of experts and the ERT management.

The artists and their teams will get to present their plans and vision for their participation, if they are selected. The professional team who will accompany them in Liverpool, their plans for directing and staging, promotion etc will be discussed. These meetings are very important, as last year they played a pivotal role in the selection of Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord and Die Together.

After the completion of the meetings, the ERT panel – expert’s jury will convene again to give their own rating. The final result will be decided by the public – demoscopic jury’s rating (50.6%) and the expert jury’s rating (49.4%), the same way the results of Eurovision 2023 final will be determined.

A final decision and announcement of the artist and the song that will represent Greece in the upcoming song contest is expected by mid-January.

Who will get to fly the Greek flag in Liverpool? Tell us in the comments below!


We would like to wish all 7 (+1, as we have a duet) artists good luck! May the best song win and he, she or they bring us the best result in Liverpool!

Congratulations to each and every one the artists who continue to hope for the Greek representation, and to all those who submitted entries but weren’t chosen to be in the shortlist.


Don’t miss our YouTube live at 20.00 CET, where we’ll be talking all about everything, commenting on today’s announcements and the voting process of the public committee!

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for real-time developments about Greece in Eurovision 2023!

Greece: 7 songs on ERT’s final shortlist!

A short while ago, during a broadcast on Greek public television, more details were revealed about the process that will be followed from now on for the final selection of the country’s participation in Eurovision 2023. The most important thing that was revealed is that seven songs were selected for the shortlist, as opposed to last year’s five.

As it was said in the broadcast the “Public Committee”, a number of Greek civilians that will be involved in the final song selection, has already been completed through the electronic lottery held at ERT’s radio building yesterday.

The members of the committee will listen on Wednesday 28/12 with headphones and in small groups, but also in different rooms, to the seven songs that remain in the process and have been selected by the creative committee.

Furthermore, ERT’s legal department has drawn up specific confidentiality protocols, which the 70 members of the Public Committee will be asked to follow. so that none of the songs are leaked.

Immediately after the evaluation of the seven songs by the Public Committee, the names of the seven artists who continue to compete for the Greek representation in the 67th Eurovision Song Contest will be publicly announced.

After the audition and scoring of the seven songs by the Public Committee, the artists will have separate appointments with their teams and the ERT committee, in order to present their plans for the contest, in case they are selected.

The final decision on the artist and the song that will represent Greece will be announced in early January.

Which seven artists do you think are on ERT’s final shortlist? Let us know in the comments below!

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Greece: Jimmy Sion submitted his proposal to ERT! | EXCLUSIVE

We met Jimmy Sion, through his taking part in the Greek House of Fame, where he reached the Final.

Last year, he was not among ERT’s five final artists claiming the Greek representation, but now he returns with more dynamism and surprises.

 

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A post shared by Jimmy Sion (@jimmysion)

What does Jimmy Sion’s proposal consists of

According to Eurovisionfun’s exclusive information, Jimmy Sion submitted his own proposal to claim the Greek representation for Eurovision 2023.

Jimmy Sion’s proposal, consists of one dance song, while Chali Jennings is his choreographer (Greece 2018, Cyprus 2019, Cyprus 2021)

 

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A post shared by Jimmy Sion (@jimmysion)

Who is Jimmy Sion?

27 year old Dimitris Evripiotis, known as Jimmy Sion, was born and lives in Athens, but he is coming from Naxos and Koufonisia. He got inspiration for his stage name by a japanese video game as everyone in school called him Sion.

He grew up with 90’s boy bands such as Backstreet Boys, as models, but in the end psychedelic music got his heart.

Sion is not only a singer. He is a composer, director and creative art director.

The singer appeared in the music reality Greek Idol in the past, having a completely different look but he managed to impress with his voice.

In 2021, he took part in the music contest House of Fame, where he reached the Grand Final.

Below you can listen to his latest song “Super Mega Bowl”:

Would you like to see Jimmy Sion waving the Greek flag in Eurovision 2023? Write us in the comments down below!

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Greek participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, in Liverpool!

Greece: Antonia Kaouri submitted her proposal to ERT! | EXCLUSIVE

Antonia Kaouri has submitted her proposal to ERT a while ago, hoping to be the one that claims the Greek representation in Eurovision 2023!

Totally confirming our article from the summer, that wanted the young performer to be interested in waving the Greek flag in Eurovision 2023, just moments ago she has sent her proposal to ERT.

What does Antonia Kaouri’s proposal include?

Antonia Kaouri’s proposal includes a song she wrote herself, both lyrically and musically. The song describes the inner battle from somebody that has to balance between what the society defines as what they must do and what they personally wish to do.

It’s a mordern uptempo song, with sounds that have never represented Greece before in the contest. Taking into consideration that the piece has Antonia’s unique style and her voice quality combined, it’s a proposal with the absolute meaning of the word.

If Antonia Kaouri gets selected as our representative, expert Fokas Evangelinos is going to take over the direction, Ilias Kokotos the general admission of the attempt and Dimitris Kontopoulos the musical revision.

Who is Antonia Kaouri?

We met Antonia Kaouri through her participation in The Voice of Greece where, as early as her Blind Audition, Sakis Rouvas stated that he has already found the winner. She turned all four chairs fast and fairly easily, performing Purple Rain. Although she managed to progress upto the final, the fact that she caught Covid-19 did not allow her to compete and get crowned as the winner.

Antonia Kaouri, despite the fact that she did not win The Voice of Greece, signed a contract with MINOS EMI. Last year she released her first single which is a re-release from Iro’s and Dimitris Kontopoulos‘s great hit, Etsi Einai oi Sheseis (tr. That’s How Relationships Are). The music video is directed by Kostas Karydas, while the instrumentation and production are signed by Dimitris Kontopoulos himself.

Many TV appearances followed, where Antonia with her striking appearance and unique voice quality stood out for her unique style. Kostis Maraveyias in Dynata characterized her as the representative of quality pop music in Greece, while Dimitris Kontopoulos trusted her to perform another one of his songs.

We remind you not to miss our YouTube livestream at Sunday at 00:00, after the closing of the submission window at ERT for Eurovision 2023, where we are going to discuss all the last details for the song selection process for the Greek participation in Eurovision 2023!

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the news!

 

 

Greece: Evangelia submitted her proposal to ERT! | Exclusive

Just a few hours before the deadline of ERT’s open call for Eurovision 2023, many artists have sent their proposal to the channel. One of them is Evangelia who is part of Panik Records label.

Evangelia has mentioned many times before that she will apply again for Greece this year, as she was one of the artists that submitted a song also last year, so as to participate in this year’s contest. We may not know a lot of things for the songs that she submitted, however her style is a mix of trational Greek elements with modern pop sound. The artist is among the three of the ones that Panik Records is participating in 2022’s selection.

Last year, she sent three tracks to ERT for the national selection and she published one of them a few months later with the title “Onira“, translated to “Dreams”. Despite the fact that she failed to proceed to the second round of the selection and be among the top five songs, Evangelia also submitted her proposal to RIK so as to represent Cyprus in Eurovision 2022.

A few days ago she also cooperated with Amanda, the Greek artist for Eurovision 2022, and published to song “Aman”. Amanda mentioned before that she would do her best to help Evangelia be her successor.

Would you like to see Evangelia represent Greece in Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Liverpool? Write your opinion on the comment section below!

Greece: Vasilis Kourtis submitted his proposal to ERT! | EXCLUSIVE

One of the most anticipated candidates for claiming the Greek representation in Eurovision 2023, was submitted moments ago in ERT. We refer to the candidacy of the 28 year old tenor Vasilis Kourtis.

The submission of the proposal of Vasilis Kourtis for Eurovision 2023 was something that we have already inclined you towards early on. Vasilis was one of our proposals in the summer and now he takes part in ERT’s internal selection process for the artist that is going to represent us in Liverpool the coming May in the 67th Edition of Eurovision Song Contest.

 

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A post shared by Vasilis Kourtis (@vasiliskourtis)

What does Vasilis Kourtis’s proposal include?

Vasilis Kourtis’s proposal contains one song. It is an epic, festive ballad that compliments his range and vocal abilities, that of course is one of the strong points of his candidacy.

The lyrics of the song are signed by Sharon Vaughn (Ireland 2012, Russia 2019, Greece 2021, Estonia 2021, Moldova 2021) and describe the silence that comes in a relationship after a breakup. The song is quite dark and creates a lot of feelings and pictures in your head.

It is a very carefully crafted proposal, with a song that fits perfectly, artistically, musically and aesthetically to Vasilis Kourtis and is one of the candidacies that are definitely going to concern us.

If Vasilis Kourtis gets selected as our representative, expert Fokas Evangelinos is going to take over the direction, Ilias Kokotos the general admission of the attempt and Dimitris Kontopoulos the musical revision.

 

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A post shared by Vasilis Kourtis (@vasiliskourtis)

Who is Vasilis Kourtis?

Vasilis Kourtis chased his dream from a very young age far from his homeland Larisa, he is just at his 28 and has studies and collaborations to boast with the greatest of the genre, building with talent, hard work and planning a bright future.

His artistic plans include discography prescence and international career centered by his other passion, theater.

Vasilis Kourtis started his studies in classical singing at age 12 with the world renowned Greek soprano Katerina Oikonomou while he was attending piano lessons. In 2013 he attended classical singing masterclass at Milano, Italy with the Russian instructor Tamara Novichenko (Anna Netrebko) and later in that year – aged 19 – traveled to London in order to continue his musical studies.

More specifically, he attended acting lessons at “Giles Foreman Center for Acting”, vocal lessons with Mark Meylan and dancing lessons at “Pineapple Studios” with Maria Yacoob.

@vasiliskourtis ‘Scream’ cover #fyp #coversong #singing ♬ original sound – vasiliskourtis

A year later he continued his studies in musical theater at “Arts Educational Schools London“. He has collaborated with renowned Greek composers, songwriters and performers. He has collaborated with Orchestra Camerata “Armonia Atenea” at “The Beatles Tribute Project” and also with ERT’s Contemporary Music Orchestra.

The productions he has made are “West Side Story” at Megaron-The Athens Concert Hall (2016), “Erotokritos” at the Greek National Opera (2017) and the original musical “Moby Dick” at Pallas Theatre in which he starred as Starbuck (2020).

He has also completed two summer tours (2020-2021) in Greece and Cyprus with the world renowned tenor Marios Fragkoulis, their last destination being Odeon of Herodes Atticus for the play “Cielo Y Mar”. He has recently released his two first original songs. His ambition is to play at West End and at Broadway and this is the reason that led him back at the United Kingdom to prepeare and attend to castings in order to make his dream come true.

Would you like to see Vasilis Kourtis represent Greece in Eurovision 2023? Write in the comments below!

Don’t miss our YouTube livestream at Sunday at 00:00, after the closing of the submission window at ERT for Eurovision 2023, where we are going to discuss all the candidacies and reveal unknown details.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Greek participation in Eurovision 2023!

 

Greece: Leon of Athens submitted his proposal to ERT!

Leon of Athens has submitted his complete proposal to ERT, in order to bid for the Greek representation in the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, fully confirming our coverage earlier this summer, which had the artist interested in flying the Greek flag at Eurovision 2023.

What does Leon of Athens’ proposal include?

His proposal includes a happy, up-tempo track with a retro mood. We’d say that as a genre it belongs to British pop, and could be a Harry Styles song.

The creation of the track belongs to him, and to David Sneddon, both creators of Katerina Duska‘s Better Love.

If Leon of Athens is chosen as the Greek representative, the master of the genre Fokas Evagelinos will take over the direction, Ilias Kokotos the general management of the project and Dimitris Kontopoulos will be the sound manager during the rehearsals, just as happened with Amanda.

Who is Leon of Athens?

Leon of Athens is 35 years old. Besides being a performer, he is a composer and lyricist. In 2019, he was among the creators of Better Love, the song with which Katerina Douska represented Greece at Eurovision that year.

He started playing classical guitar at the age of 6 and at the age of 15 he created his first band “The Secret Show”. Although he was born and raised in Athens, he has spent a lot of time between America and London over the last 10 years, with Greece remaining his great love.

Timoleon Veremis was born in London and studied at one of the best music schools of Los Angeles. Another greek nominee with a solid education.

Leon of Athens is owned by the Cobalt record label. Below you can listen to one of his latest songs:

Would you like to see Leon of Athens representing Greece at Eurovision 2023? Let us know in the comments below!

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest news regarding the Greek participation in Eurovision 2023!

 

Greece: More than 40 songs have been submitted to ERT so far for Eurovision 2023!

The songs that are so far submitted to ERT for Eurovision 2023 have already surpassed the total number of songs submitted in last year’s selection process, and thus, there are lots of smiles in the public broadcaster in advance for the next Greek participant, the selection of whom is expected to be a hard one.

Last year, 43 songs were submitted to ERT, to claim the Greek representation in the contest, a number already surpassed this year, even if there are already two weeks until the deadline of the selection process, which is in October 9.

As we have said right from the beginning, the interest is really high this year and that is something even we in Eurovisionfun receive everyday, since we get messages from artists telling us that they have, or are planning to submit their songs soon.

The submission period ends within 15 days, and thinking that most artists will submit their songs in the last days, the total number of songs is expected to be much higher than last year. This is something that makes ERT’s team happy, because it really proves that their choices are more than welcomed by more and more artists each year, but also by the recording companies, as they are not afraid to “use” their roster in this music battle.

We remind you that in 2018, in ERT’s selection process, 18 songs were submitted, last year this number was increased to 43 and now there are already more than 40 songs and 15 days still left until the deadline of the submission process.

The artists that have somehow confirmed that they have or are going to submit their songs to ERT for Eurovision 2023 are:

  • Antonia Kaouri
  • Melissa Mantzoukis
  • Leon of Athens
  • Operatical
  • Klavdia
  • Evangelia
  • Vasilis Kourtis
  • Aretha
  • Artemis Matafia
  • Joanne
  • Cynthia Verazie

New names will be added to the list as the deadline is coming closer and closer in October 9. We think you understand that Eurovisionfun follows the process very closely and informs you of every new thing that we learn.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Greek participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, in the United Kingdom!

Greece: Areti Kosmidou is on the list of possible representatives for Eurovision 2023!

After returning to Greece, Areti Kosmidou was invited in the Greek morning TV show Breakfast@Star.

Now known as Aretha, Areti was introduced to us back in 2014 through The Voice, ending up second. When she was only sixteen years old, she was the girl that made a great impression in the famous talent show in Mihalis Kouinelis’ team.

Since then, she has been in America to study and worked on her music style and making music.

 The performer and now young mother of a little girl, said in the TV show that one of the main reasons of her return in Greece was to submit her proposal to ERT, aiming for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in the United Kingdom.
As she stated, representing Greece in the contest is one of her dreams, whether it happens in 2023 or one of the next years.

Speaking of 2023, she said that her song is ready, in its final version and the only thing left is submitting it to the Greek broadcaster.

It is an electro pop song and seems more like a maistream song rather than the indie pop style that she was used to when she started singing

Aretha is now the latest addition in the list of artists that are going to claim the Greek representation in Eurovision 2023. She is for sure moved by Greece’s latest entry, as Aretha and Amanda are singing in a similar musical style.

These are some of Areti’s songs you can listen to:

You can watch her interview in the Greek TV show HERE.

What do you think about a possible representation by Areti Kosmidou?

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Greek participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, in the United Kingdom!