Eurovision 2023 Greece profile: ‘What They Say’ by Victor Vernicos

Photo credit: Nikos Zikos

Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest

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

• My Eurovision Scoreboard ranking: 34th

• Odds to win ranking: 29th

(Rankings as of 2 April 2023)

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.

Greece will compete in semi-final 2 on May 11 (European time) in Liverpool.

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