Akylas on stage at the “Sing for Greece” final that gave him his ticket to Eurovision. [Intime News]
Greece’s pick for the Eurovision song contest, Akylas, is “pinching himself” after qualifying Sunday to represent the country in Vienna in May.
“I can’t believe I actually experienced this moment, that everything that happened truly happened, that it’s real and not just a dream,” the 27-year-old artist said in an Instagram post. “I keep pinching myself. I’m so happy, so proud,”
The performer’s high-energy entry, titled “Ferto” (Bring it) is a blend of electro pop with the Cretan lyra and contemporary slang whose departure from heavier folkloric styles often associated with the contest earned the song a passionate following on social media.
Akylas Mytilineos attended the music school in his native Serres, in northern Greece, where he first performed publicly during school events. He has spoken about being bullied about his weight and overcoming hardships, adding that Lady Gaga is a powerful symbol of empowerment for him.
“Always be proud of who you are, because you were born this way. Love yourself. Embrace yourself even more. Never stop chasing your dreams. Don’t let anyone take away your shine. Everything is possible,” he said in his social media post.
Akylas wrote the lyrics to “Ferto” with Orfeas Nonis. The music was composed by Papatanice and TEO.x3, who represented Greece at Eurovision in 2014 as a member of Freaky Fortune.
Beyond its upbeat sound, “Ferto” carries a personal message. In the bridge, Akylas addresses his mother, singing about overcoming past hardships and striving to ensure that the family never feels deprivation again.