Greece has received a total of 106 song submissions as part of its Eurovision 2023 selection process.
As you’re well-aware by now, Greece is conducting an internal search for its Eurovision 2023 artist and song. Record labels were invited to submit proposals. Sunday’s deadline means the broadcaster ERT can now start combing through the submissions.
As OGAE Greece reports, interest was high for this edition. This may come down to the overwhelmingly positive reception for the country’s ’22 artist Amanda Tenfjord, whose song “Die Together” placed eighth in the final.
Speaking on the ERT 1 programme “Proian se eidon,” presenter Fotis Sergoulopoulos explained that the broadcaster’s selection committee is enthused by the submissions it has received. They must now listen to each song individually and assign their scores, which will help them narrow the list. OGAE Greece also lists several artists who are confirmed to have submitted. Among them is Panagiotis Tsakalakos.
Born in the USA, Panagiotis went on to win the second season of Greek Idol back in 2011. He has attempted to represent Greece in the past, and even made a run in San Marino. “I feel very happy to finally have the opportunity to be a candidate, as a composer and as a singer, to represent my country,” OGAE Greece quotes him as saying. “The Eurovision Song Contest has at times featured some excellent songs. I would like to believe that my song will be one of them.”
Nineteen-year old Cynthia Verazie has also applied. Born in Cyprus with Polish roots, she came to fame on Rising Star, working with legendary singer Despina Vandi. She later competed on The Voice in Norway, where she now lives.
Below you can watch her cover of “Je suis malade” during her blind audition on The Voice.
Who else do you hope submitted? Let us know down below!
Well, I don’t know what to expect from Greece musically, but I’m sure they’ll do well next year. They’re on a roll after their slump and they’re getting better year after year since! 😀
The hype is really strong this year. Quality is more important that quantity! Hopefully, another top10 for Greece in 2023.
I wouldn’t go for Panagiotis unless he has a killer song. I don’t like his voice at all and he’s too theatrical.
The public broadcaster of a country with a population of about 11.000.000 people receives just… 106 songs. I hope the number of artists is not even smaller, because, if my memory serves me right, a record label could submit up to 3 songs for each of their artists. I guess the extremely small number of entries has to do with the fact that the Greek broadcaster does not allow indie artists to submit their songs. Most Greek artists are indie artists, and I really cannot understand why the Greek broadcaster excludes all indie artists. For example, the Greek broadcaster could… Read more »
106 songs is a massive number for Greece compared to the 43 entries last year. Also, we’ve got to remember that this is a pretty new procedure and not many artists are going to be familiar with it. Now for the indie part, I don’t think there are many, so it doesn’t make a huge difference.
Evangelia really wants to go to Eurovision, but I’m just not sure if she would do well. There’s nothing particularly special about her music, it’s just the standard greek-influenced pop music that nearly every female singer with Greek roots does.
Greece produces some amazing hip-hop and dance music, just look at their top-charting songs at the moment! I’d like to see them go down that route instead of the usual substandard entry with Greek elements that’s been done to death over the past few years.
For the people who think 106 songs are not many, I would like to inform you that last year only 43 songs were submitted to ERT! 106 songs are more than the double of last years submittions. Also in 2018, only 18 songs were submitted. That’s a steady rise after two consecutive top-10 results.
Most notable names are: tenor Vasilis Kourtis, Evangelia, Leon of Athens and Melissa Mantzoukis.
Evangelia announced on Instagram that she said a proposal
the rumored artists being from anywhere but greece is just funny at this point. what happened to them sending huge stars the entire country was backing (and it showed in the results)? they had a string of top ten results between 2004 and 2009 because of that.
Big Greek names are not going to Eurovision because they are scared to do it
Can we just have someone who actually lives in Greece?
Well I don’t mind a Singer with Greek heritage. It is better than a song that represents a country where none of the composers or writers are from that country
No.
Last year i remember most of the fans wanted Good Job Nicky and Evangelia to win , i don’t remember any Amanda supporters during the selection.
And this year it could be someone unexpected and again outside Greece.
Good Job Nicky released his entry few months later but it was not that good
Wow only 100 entries? Very disappointing number for a country that did well this year and used to be a powerhouse in the past.
I think the problem is the approach of ERT. Internal selections with questionable criteria. No national finals. They also seem to prefer Greeks living abroad and songs in English.
Why is it so hard for them to host a nice national final with 5 songs let’s say.
Greece didn’t do well in televoting this year and even in 2021 (if you exclude some suspicious results)
Also, why do they have unknown singers only or/and singers from talent shows? No big names want to represent Greece anymore?
Honestly, I’ll be happy if Leon of Athens is selected. First male singer since 2014 (exxcl. Argo) and he’s talented based on his discography.
It’s so clear you are Greek that’s hilarious, only Greeks and a certain fb group wants “big names” as if popularity brings you good results, ask Rasmus for example.
In 2018 they got 18 and last year 43. Your argument is invalid.
According to Eurovisionfun tenor Vasilis Kourtis has submitted a ballad and I am so hyped he is gorgeous