Eurovision is back! Delegations have landed/arrived in Vienna these last few days and rehearsals started yesterday. Just like last year, for the first rehearsal, the EBU releases information on the day of each reharsal, with a sets of three photographs publishe the day after. As such, today, we cover yesterday’s rehearsals, from the first half of the first semi-final (automatic qualifiers excluded). Fourth in the running order is Akylas from Greece, with his song “Ferto”.
🇬🇷 Greece – Akylas – First rehearsal
The following pictures have been published by the official Eurovision accounts.
What happened on stage?
This description is sourced from indications given by the official Eurovision Reddit account and other sources.
- The video game aesthetic from the videoclip and preparties is back, with apparently some immersive elements: the game “creates multiple illusions for the viewer”, with additional characters on stage which we may not know about until the first press rehearsal
- Akylas was wearing a tiger-like orange outfit with black spots, orange furry boots, and the trademark sunglasses and cat ears hat
- The shades are taken off during the “emotional” section towards the end, where he adresses his mother
- Although the official descriptions do not mention it, the pictures show that a large prop is used during the performance, with a circular base and a cross-like shape on top
- The prop will likely be brought on stage during the performance as the second picture shows Akylas running towards the catwalk, with the LED floor behind him showing a circular shape that looks very “technical” which is very likely the guidance for the staff to know where to put the prop
- This would mean Akylas will perform part of the song on the catwalk or the “orbiting” stage, with camera angles hiding the main stage when the prop is put in place
- The emotional section, and possibly the final part of the song, will likely take place on the prop, as the LED screen on the first picture shows the English translation from a line of the “emotional break”: “I buy things to fill the gaps” (“Agorázo na klíso kená“)
- The prop will likely be brought on stage during the performance as the second picture shows Akylas running towards the catwalk, with the LED floor behind him showing a circular shape that looks very “technical” which is very likely the guidance for the staff to know where to put the prop
The stage director for the Greek delegation is once again Fokas Evangelinos, just like in 2024 and 2025, but his portfolio included many other Eurovision entries (like Russia 2016, Ukraine 2008, Greece 2005, etc.), some of which were not scared of using large props.
Since some of the imagery seems to be reminiscent of the music video, here it is for reference:
Here’s the small message Akkylas had for the Eurovision fans after his rehearsal:
Stay tuned for further coverage today, with the rehearsals of yesterday, and for our live coverage on the ground starting on May 9, which will include (among other things) the full dress rehearsals and the live shows, live from Vienna!
