Greece: Victor Vernicos to Eurovision 2023
Greek broadcaster ERT has just revealed their artist for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023
Today, Greek broadcaster ERT revealed the artist that will represent Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. The announcement was made during the 21 news bulletin on ERT 1.
Greece will be represented at Eurovision 2023 by their youngest ever representative, Victor Vernicos, with the song "What They Say."
His song, "What They Say," was written and produced by Victor himself more than a year ago. The song will be released at a later date.
Internal Selection
Over the last few months, Greece held an internal selection process with 106 songs submitted. The songs were shortlisted to just seven which were evaluated by two juries; a public jury (50.6% weight) and a professional jury (49.4% weight).
The public jury consisted of 70 members that were chosen by lottery, and a process that ensured the immutability and age representativeness of the Eurovision audience. 25 members in the 18-24 age group, 20 members in the 25-34 age group, 15 members in the 35-44 age group, and 10 members in the 45+ age group were drawn.
The two juries selected the final three songs:
- Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragou – "Shout Out"
- Melissa Mantzoukis – "Liar"
- Victor Vernicos – "What They Say"
A seven-member committee put together by ERT chose the representative from the three.
Victor Vernicos
Victor Vernicos Jørgensen (16) is half Greek and half Danish, and has been involved in music since he was 4-years-old. He has taken vocal and guitar lessons, and also attended music seminars.
He characterizes his Eurovision song as a festive, atmospheric ballad.
In 2021 he released his first song. He wrote both the music and lyrics for the song, and also produced it himself. At the moment he is taking vocal and performance lessons with Nina Lotsari.
Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest
Greece started its Eurovision adventure back in 1974, and has participated in the contest 42 times.
They won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005 with the song "My Number One," performed by Helena Paparizou. Since that victory, they have been very successful in Eurovision.
Greece has qualified for the Grand Final 16 out of 18 times, only missing the Grand Final in 2016 and 2018. Well done, Greece! Since 2004, they have finished in the top ten 11 out of 18 times. They have never finished last in the contest.
