Video from Akylas’ impressive performance
Akylas stole the show as Greece’s representative in the First Semi-Final. On stage, a digital fairytale unfolded — a videogame-inspired performance directed by Fokas Evangelinos, conveying the messages of Ferto about overconsumption.
The singer was joined by Parthena Chorozidou, Michalis Michaelidis, Christos Nikolaou, and Konstantinos Makrypidis.
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Croatia’s performance
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Sweden’s performance
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Akylas received huge applause at the Wiener Stadthalle
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Akylas took the stage with Ferto
The contest: Fifteen countries are competing, including Greece.
Akylas’ performance: Greece’s representative, Akylas, will perform fourth in the running order with the song Ferto, aiming to secure the coveted ticket to Saturday’s grand final. Actress Parthena Chorozidou will also appear on stage with him.
Finland the favorite: According to bookmakers, the Nordic country has been considered the frontrunner to win the contest from the very beginning.
The countries competing in order of appearance are: Moldova, Sweden, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Georgia, Italy, Finland, Montenegro, Estonia, Israel, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania, San Marino, Poland, and Serbia.
🇦🇹 The official recap of #Eurovision 2026 first semi final. pic.twitter.com/B0mvb4bmtU
— Eurovision News (@EurovisionNewZ) May 11, 2026
The ten countries that qualify for the final will be announced in random order.
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LIVE UPDATES
Video featuring all First Semi-Final performances released
Just before the start of the First Semi-Final of Eurovision Song Contest 2026, the official video featuring all the performances from the countries competing on Tuesday night, May 12, was released.
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Full presentation of Ferto at Eurovision – What we will see tonight
A few hours before Akylas takes the stage in Vienna during the First Semi-Final of Eurovision, rehearsal videos of the artist were released, revealing in detail every aspect of his stage performance.
The Greek representative will compete on May 12 in fourth position with the song Ferto, seeking qualification for Saturday’s grand final.
Through videos published on social media from the Wiener Stadthalle and the Jury Rehearsal — the rehearsal viewed and scored by national juries — the entire directorial concept prepared by creative director Fokas Evangelinos has been revealed.
His goal is to present a digital fairytale, a video game with different levels, combining modern and classical elements.
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Mando’s prediction – “Akylas will come first”
A few hours before the First Semi-Final of Eurovision, in which Greece will compete, singer Mando shared her opinion on the Greek entry. The singer had participated in the contest in 2003 and said she is certain that Akylas will finish in first place. Her confidence stems from the fact that Ferto is a highly polished song that fits the Eurovision style perfectly.
Appearing on the TV show Koinonia Ora Mega on Tuesday, May 12, Mando said about Akylas’ Ferto:
“I liked the song very much. Before the national final even took place, I was saying this is the one that should go. It’s a song with many elements. It’s a very well-crafted piece, very targeted for Eurovision. Very smart, actually. I think it’s very smart — the theme, the production, the sound. Eurovision nowadays wants something highly original, something different that stands out.”
Watch the video.
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Eurovision broadcast
The semi-final is being broadcast live from the Wiener Stadthalle on ERT1, with Giorgos Kapoutzidis and Maria Kozakou serving as commentators for the tenth year.
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