In the early hours of Sunday, Victor Vernicos and the entire Greek delegation that will represent the country in this year's Eurovision song contest left for Liverpool.
The singer gave an interview to ERT in Amsterdam shortly before departing for his final destination, Liverpool.
On Tuesday, May 2, the first technical rehearsal of the Greek song "What They Say" will take place on the stage of the competition.
Victor Vernicos is scheduled to compete in the second Semi-Final to be held on May 11.
"I feel great, ready," said Victor Vernicos and when asked by the journalist if he can reveal anything about his performance, the young singer replied: "I like surprises, there will be surprises."
Greece made their Eurovision debut in 1974. Over the decades they had various degrees of success until 2001 when Greece finished in third place with Antique’s ‘(I Would) Die For You’. Greece managed to stay in the top 10 for most of the 2000’s decade and also won the Contest for the first time in 2005 with Helena Paparizou’s ‘My Number One’.
At last year’s Contest, Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord secured Greece a top ten finish in the Grand Final in Turin with her entry ‘Die Together’. Greece’s 8th place finish gave Greece their second consecutive top ten finish, following Stefania’s 10th place finish in Rotterdam with ‘Last Dance’.
2023 Entry: Victor Vernicos - ‘What They Say’
Victor Vernicos will perform 8th in semi-final 2
Odds to win ranking: 29th
About the artist
Victor Vernicos Jørgensen was born on 23 October 2006 in Athens to a Greek mother and Danish father. Both parents play instruments: his mother plays the piano, and his father plays the trumpet.
Victor can play the piano and guitar, and cites Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, and Coldplay as his musical influences. At the age of 11, Victor composed his first song . The young talent is also a keen baker.
The last two years have been very productive for the young Greek artist, as he is studying Music Technology and continues to produce his own music.
‘What They Say’ will make Victor Vernicos the youngest Greek representative in their 49 year history.
About the song
‘What They Say’ is written by Victor Vernicos himself. The lyrics tell a story of struggle and depression, with the protagonist saying he’s overwhelmed and doesn’t look forward to anything. In the end, he says he’ll save the others ‘cause for [him], it‘s too late’.
The song is reminiscent of a mix of his cited musical influences: Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, and Coldplay.
How Victor Vernicos was chosen for Eurovision
Victor Vernicos was revealed on January 30 as Greece's internally-selected entrant for Eurovision 2023 by national broadcaster ERT following a song submission and evaluation process.
Seven shortlisted acts were announced on December 28, 2022, which was further cut to three final contenders.
There has not been a public national final to select the Greek artist since 2015, and to select the Greek song since 2017.
READ MORE: Lefteris Pantazis: I sold ice, wrapped souvlakia, and was a plumber before I sang.
