Three weeks before taking the stage in Vienna, where the First Semi-Final of Eurovision 2026 will be held, Akylas revealed that he will perform using a headset microphone, giving him greater freedom of movement. At the same time, he explained the reasoning behind his eccentric stylistic choices.

Greece’s representative in the 70th song contest, shortly before presenting “Ferto” to the European audience, shared several details about his upcoming performance during a press conference held by ERT on Tuesday, April 21.

Despite the anxiety he feels as the performance approaches, the artist said he has secured the use of a headset mic for the Semi-Final, which he considers a major advantage. Throughout the “Sing for Greece” show and the promo tour, he had been performing with a handheld microphone. As he explained, he now expects to surprise viewers with his dancing abilities—something he hasn’t fully showcased until now.

Speaking about the headset mic, he said:
“The headset mic is very advantageous because I can use my hands freely for all my movements. I think it’s good that during the entire promo tour I performed holding a microphone, so the big surprise will come there, in the First Semi-Final.”

Regarding his fashion choices during appearances in Greece and abroad, he emphasized that the bold colors, unique patterns, and varied textures in his outfits are intentional. His goal is to attract attention, spark discussion, and ensure he does not go unnoticed.

More specifically, about his iconic looks, the singer explained:
“I’m fully enjoying wearing these extravagant looks, because if I don’t wear them now that I’m going to Eurovision, when will I? There’s a reason I do it, and one of them is that we want to provoke reactions. Whether someone likes an outfit or not, the important thing is that it gets talked about. At this stage, the key is not to go unnoticed. That’s one of the reasons I wear all these.”

When asked what he will wear on the Vienna stage, Akylas avoided revealing too much, saying his outfit will be a surprise but will follow the same concept as his appearance in the Greek final:
“It’s the evolution of that ‘Pokémon’ you saw at ‘Sing for Greece.’ Together with my stylist, everything I’ve worn during this period and the promo tour has been designed by Greek designers. We’ve done this because we truly want to support Greek fashion and promote it abroad, since Greece has so many talented designers.”

At the same time, the artist and his creative director, Fokas Evangelinos—who was also present at the press conference—announced that Parthena Chorozidou, along with Michalis Michaeilidis, Christos Nikolaou, and Konstantinos Karypidis, will join him on stage.

Commenting on the choice of performers, Evangelinos said:
“These are four characters who will meet our hero during this three-minute story. We’re keeping the character that Akylas created with his team, inspired by a video game.”

Akylas also spoke about his anxiety ahead of the performance:
“I do feel it. I’m afraid something might happen to me from so much stress, but at the same time I feel confident because the whole team has worked so hard on this project. I believe we’re safe and that we’ll do well. It’s impossible not to feel anxious—I always do. Before I step on stage, I’m shaking, but once I get up there, something magical happens.”

ERT will broadcast the First and Second Semi-Finals on May 12 and 14, and the Grand Final on May 16, with full coverage on ERT1, Second Programme 103.7, ERT World, and ERTFLIX.