BBC has tipped Greece’s “Ferto” by Akyla as one of the standout entries of Eurovision Song Contest 2026, placing it just behind Finland in the race for victory.

Dressed in an outfit inspired by The Little Prince, the iconic hero of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Akylas arrived in the Austrian capital to the sound of Zorba’s Dance, performed live by an orchestra.

The Greek Embassy in Austria held a reception in honor of Akylas and the Greek delegation competing at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna

Akylas is set to perform fourth, in the line-up, at the first semifinal on May 12

Spectators attending the event will undergo security checks comparable to those at international airports, with entry permitted only to those carrying small, transparent bags.

On stage, Akylas interacts with four distinct characters before breaking the narrative in a striking moment: stepping out of his role, removing his glasses, and addressing his mother in an emotionally charged segment.

Greek singer Akylas attended farewell event at the Austrian ambassador’s residence in Athens ahead of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, marking the competition’s 70th anniversary

With just days to go before Eurovision 2026, Greece’s delegation hosts a farewell event to Akylas

The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Vienna, Austria, at the Wiener Stadthalle venue on May 16, 2026

The appearance served as an early “crash test” ahead of Eurovision, demonstrating the song’s potential to stand out beyond Greece’s borders.

Akylas stars in a video game-inspired journey across Greece in the official music video for the country’s Eurovision 2026 entry, “Ferto.”

The Greek Eurovision 2026 national final winner, Akylas, shared childhood experiences of homophobic bullying in Thessaloniki and spoke about the overwhelming support he received from fans, highlighting the importance of representation for LGBTQ+ youth

Akylas' "FERTO" has captured the hearts of fans across Europe, placing Greece in second place for Eurovision 2026 with a unique performance concept on the horizon.

Akylas, the 27-year-old Greek artist representing Greece in Eurovision, from school performances to TikTok fame.

The singer will represent Greece at this year’s Eurovision in Vienna after winning the national final, with votes split between the public, a Greek jury and an international panel

Fourteen acts will take the stage tonight as Greece decides who will compete at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, with the public holding more power than ever before.

As the race for Greece's Eurovision 2026 entry intensifies, 24 artists will battle for a spot in the final during the second semi-final, set to air this Friday night. The event promises star-studded performances and exciting competition.

Public voting picked the first seven finalists in Greece’s national selection, with another semifinal set to complete the lineup for Sunday’s final and the ticket to Eurovision 2026.

Cypriot singer Antigoni Baxton’s Eurovision 2026 entry “Jalla” sparks controversy for allegedly misrepresenting Cypriot culture, prompting a public letter and official response from Cyprus’ national broadcaster RIK

The first Greek semi-final of “Sing for Greece 2026” airs tonight at 21:00 on ERT 1, featuring 24 acts including Akylas, Marseaux, and Evangelia, with public voting deciding who advances to the national final