Demy and Stereo Soul to face off in another Greek U-turn?

After a very quiet selection process in 2016, Greece have done the complete opposite in their approach for the upcoming 2017 Eurovision Song Contest. Since June 2016, rumour after rumour has been reported on by Greek media. Demy was the subject of the first rumour after she declared her interest in representing Greece in 2017. She was also linked to a potential collaboration with Dimitris Kontopoulos and Fokas Evaggelinos. These well-known names most recently worked with Sergey Lazarev on his 2016 entry You Are The Only One.

Reverting back to a national final… or not?

Nevertheless, by early December it was suggested ERT would revert back to a national final. Argo were Greece’s first internally selected artist since Sakis Rouvas in 2009. This quietened initial rumours that the aforementioned project surrounding Demy could be internally selected. Yet, less than a fortnight later Greek media were reporting that ERT had made a U-turn. As escXtra also reported, ERT were now going to favour an internal selection. This would be in collaboration with various record labels. Therefore, money that would be spent on staging a national final could be spent on promotion instead.

A complete U-turn

However, as we enter the new year it seems ERT have come full circle. Rumours in Greek media are now suggesting ERT will stage a national final. This will consist of only two acts, but each act will perform two songs each. The acts will reportedly be Demy and X Factor Greece finalists Stereo Soul. Demy’s bid was recently supported by 2008 Greek representative Kalomira who herself was subject to rumours of a comeback until a denial was issued last week. While Demy’s interest in Eurovision has been known since June, Stereo Soul have also previously declared interest in participating in the contest.
Judging by what has happened over the past few months, who knows whether this saga is finally over. Nevertheless, this indecision surely indicates that ERT are desperate to find a winning solution following their non-qualification last year. In addition, Greece’s run of three contests without a top 10 finish is their worst since the late 1990s which resulted in their relegation from the contest in 1999.
Who would you like to represent Greece in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest? Would a national final consisting of Demy and Stereo Soul be the best compromise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and via our social media pages!