Blast from the past: Romania 2004

Tomorrow the first  semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in the Wiener Stadshalle in Vienna. 15 countries compete for a spot in the final. One of them is Greece, represented by Akylas But who is he? Let’s give him a spotlight.   From Cruise Ships to a Eurovision Dream Akylas Mytilinaios, better known as Akylas, was born in 1999 in Serres, a city in northern Greece. He grew up in a close-knit family that often struggled financially. Those difficult circumstances later became an important source of inspiration for both his music and ambitions. From an early age, Akylas showed a strong passion for music and the performing arts. He attended the Music School of Serres, where he studied music theory and composition. At the same time, he participated in theatre workshops, helping him develop the striking stage presence that has now become part of his artistic identity. That blend of music and theatre is still clearly visible in his work today. The Voice and Life on Cruise Ships After finishing school, Akylas did not immediately enter the Greek music scene. Instead, he gained experience as a singer on cruise ships. For two years, he performed daily for international audiences across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. From disco to rock, the varied repertoire helped him sharpen both his vocals and his performance skills. Greek television audiences first got to know Akylas in 2021 through The Voice of Greece. He stood out with energetic performances of pop hits, including “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. Although he did not win the competition, the show gave him valuable exposure and introduced him to a wider audience. Shortly afterwards, he performed at Thessaloniki Pride, making a strong impression during one of his first major live appearances. Viral Success Thanks to TikTok and “Atelier” Like many young artists, Akylas successfully used social media to grow his audience. His cover performances quickly went viral on TikTok, helping him build a loyal and rapidly growing fanbase. That online success eventually opened doors within the Greek music industry. In 2021, he released his first original song, Fthinókrasso. The track reflects on his early experiences living in Athens and the struggles that came with it. His real breakthrough arrived in 2024 with Atelier, a catchy indie-pop single created together with Papazó. The song became a hit in Greece and firmly established Akylas as one of the country’s most exciting new pop acts. More releases followed, including Ela Kontá. His music combines modern pop and electronic influences with a clear theatrical flair. The Road to Eurovision 2026 By the end of 2025, Akylas had become a familiar name within the Eurovision community. With Ferto, he delivered a personal electro-pop track that criticises greed and overconsumption. In January 2026, Greek broadcaster ERT announced Akylas as one of the contestants in Sing for Greece 2026, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. “Ferto” quickly became a fan favourite among Eurovision followers and gathered millions of views online within just a few weeks. Akylas successfully advanced to the national final and is now considered one of the frontrunners to represent Greece at Eurovision. A Distinct Artistic Identity What makes Akylas stand out is his openness and authenticity. He proudly identifies as a queer artist and often uses his music to highlight themes such as self-love, acceptance, and freedom. His style blends modern pop, indie influences, and theatrical performance. He draws inspiration from both Greek and international artists, while his personal experiences and difficult upbringing frequently shape his songwriting. Beyond music, Akylas also shows interest in other creative disciplines. His background in theatre partly explains why his performances often feel like small stories unfolding on stage — something that naturally fits perfectly within the Eurovision world. Will he qualify for the final? We have no doubt about that. The real question is: just how high will he fly on Saturday?