A few minutes ago, ERT, announced the final three names (out of seven) which continue in the race to represent Greece in the 67th contest in Liverpool. The names were revealed through the show “Πρωΐαν σε εἶδον, τήν μεσημβρίαν”, presented by Fotis Sergoulopoulos and Jenny Melita. The final contestants are:
- Melissa Mantzoukis – Liar
- Victor Vernicos – What They Say
- Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou – Shout Out
The three candidates were chosen by public and Ert’s committee. The Public Committee, scored the 7 nominated songs according to the Eurovision system and determined 50.6% of the final score. The remaining 49.4% was determined by the scores given by the 7-member ERT Special Committee, following meetings with each candidate artist and their team. The Commission, like last year, will evaluate not only the song but also the idea and concept behind its presentation on the Eurovision stage.
Melissa Mantzoukis – Liar
The 18-year-old Melissa Mantzoukis from Ingolstadt, Bavaria, of Greek origin (Igoumenitsa) was early on considered as a possibility to be one of the 7 candidates for Eurovision with Greece. The extremely talented Melissa captivated audiences in Germany with unique performances and came 3rd in the German TV talent show “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” last May.
Her song is a pop-dance track, very uplifting, exclusively in English lyrics, with the collaboration of Greek and Dutch artists. The song is about female empowerment.
Victor Vernicos – What They Say
As we had informed you with exclusive information from ogaegreece.com, 16-year-old Victor Vernicos is the “youngest” proposal that Panik Records has submitted for Eurovision, and the youngest amongst the 7 candidates! Victor is a particularly gifted, innate talent who has been involved in music since the very young age of 4 years old. At the age of 8 he took vocal lessons and at 10 he took guitar lessons, and when he was 13 he attended music technology seminars. His ability is special as he writes his own songs. In 2021 he released his first song titled “Fake Club”, in which he wrote music, lyrics and also produced the song himself. He is currently taking vocal lessons with vocal coach Chryssanthemis and performance lessons with the one and only Nina Lotsari.
Victor’s proposal for Eurovision 2023 is a very personal and emotional ballad that he has written himself, in English lyrics, and has stress and anxiety as its central theme.
Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou – Shout Out
Antonia Kaouri is the proposal of MINOS-EMI for this year. We got to know Antonia through the music reality show “The Voice of Greece” where she managed to reach the final. Immediately after, she signed a contract with her company and she has released her first works such as the re-release of “Etsi Ine I Shesis (That’s how relationships are)” and “Gia Fantasou (Just Imagine)” with music by Dimitris Kontopoulos. Also, Antonia Kaouri was an alternative member of last year’s Greek jury in Eurovision in Turin. Joining her in a nominated entry – a duet for Eurovision is actress Maria Maragou, who has participated in well-known TV series, most recently “I Pagidevmenoi (The Trapped Ones)”.
The song “Shout Out” is a rock alternative song, with English lyrics.
Since yesterday, both the artists and their teams have been invited to ERT, in order to present their detailed proposals for Eurovision 2023. The ERT’s Committee will evaluate all candidates once more, before final choice. The ERT’s Committee consists of Dimitris Papadimitriou (chairman), Petros Adam, Leonidas Antonopoulos, Fotis Apergis, Maria Kozakou, Konstantinos Bourounis and Yannis Petridis.
Stay tuned to ogaegreece.com for all the news from the Greek participation in Eurovision 2023!
