Malmö Messages: dancing, ballads and demons

Based on the posted photos, we can still share some details about today’s rehearsals.

Cyprus: Not much seems to have changed compared to last time. The Cypriot song is mainly a dance act. The singing seemed to be of secondary importance at least. Cyprus once scored a 2nd place with Eleni Foureira in 2018. Whether Silia Kapsis can achieve the same is a big question mark. At the moment, the bookmakers predict a 23rd place for “Liar.”

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

Serbia: Thunder and lightning and rocky landscapes during Teya Dora’s performance. In her song about Ramonda, she sang well before, and we have no reason to believe it’s different now. It was Marija Šerifović who once won for Serbia. Now, with a 24th place according to the bookmakers, it might be a bit more complicated.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Lithuania:  Especially the cheerfulness of the song and Silvester’s charisma are winning over many hearts. The lighting is still red and blue. The masks (or rather a kind of oversized hoodies) of the background singers are more noticeable now. The bookmakers predict a 16th place.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

Ireland: If you’re into witchcraft and demons, you’re in the right place. Bambie Thug is surrounded by candles, forming a sort of witches’ circle around her. The white-painted face with black remains the same as during the previous rehearsal. Her hair is styled as if they are two horns. The demon on stage is now much more heavily made up. With her song “Doomsday Blue,” Bambie Thug is currently in a good 9th place according to the bookmakers, something Ireland could only dream of in recent years.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Ukraine: Jerry Heil wears a train that she drops, while Alyona Alyona wears a white coat. With Teresa & Maria, they once again manage to make Ukraine one of the competitors to beat. Sitting on the ground or standing back to back, the two ladies deliver their song with strong vocals. It’s no surprise that the bookmakers currently predict a fifth place for them.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Poland: Pointed shoulders are not reserved for Joost alone. Polish Luna also has them as she sings “The Tower.” Additionally, she is followed by three demons (there they are again). However, the pop tune she brings might be just a bit too average to score high. The bookmakers, at least, are not too enthusiastic, giving her a 28th place.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

in collaboration with Eurovision Artists

Related news

Eurovision 2026

Road to Vienna: Greece

Road to Vienna: Greece. We cannot wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Therefore, we take a closer look at one of the contestants each day. Today, we highlight Greece. Akylas: Emerging Greek Pop Artist Making Waves Akylas Mytilinaios, known as Akylas, is a fast-rising Greek pop artist from Serres. Born in 1999, he transformed a challenging upbringing into creative motivation. He developed his sound through formal training at the Music School of Serres and early theater experience. He later gained international stage experience as a cruise ship singer, performing across multiple regions. This helped him refine both his voice and stage confidence. In 2021, he reached a wider audience on The Voice of Greece. Although he didn’t win, the show significantly boosted his visibility in the Greek music scene. Building a strong online presence, Akylas gained momentum through TikTok, where his viral cover songs attracted thousands of fans. His debut track “Fthinókrasso” introduced his storytelling style. The real breakthrough came in 2024 with the indie-pop hit “Atelier,” produced with Papazó. Ferto: A Bold Take on Ambition and Modern Luxury Culture Akylas’s track Ferto explores ambition, excess, and the constant drive for success. Drawing inspiration from pop and hip-hop, the song highlights wealth, luxury, and visibility as modern symbols of achievement. At its core, Ferto focuses on materialism and status. It celebrates success and indulgence while revealing a deeper truth—the endless desire for more. This contrast exposes the tension between outward confidence and the emptiness linked to overconsumption. Ultimately, the track captures the dual nature of ambition. It feels both empowering and, at times, unfulfilling. Through this lens, Ferto delivers a sharp and relevant commentary on how identity and success are shaped in today’s image-driven, material world. Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest Greece has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 44 times since its debut in 1974. The country achieved its sole victory in 2005 with Helena Paparizou‘s “My Number One.” In recent years, Greece has experienced varying results, with a notable return to the final in 2024 when Marina Satti’s “Zari” placed 11th, and a 6th place last year in Basel, with Asteromata, performed by Klavdia The Bookmakers Akylas Mytilinaios’ Ferto climbs to 5th place  in the bookmakers’ ranking. Could this rising Greek pop star be heading for the win?   

Read More »
Eurovision 2026
Anja Kroeze

Road to Vienna: Greece

Road to Vienna: Greece. We cannot wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Therefore, we take a closer look at one of the contestants each day. Today, we highlight Greece. Akylas: Emerging Greek Pop Artist Making Waves Akylas Mytilinaios, known as Akylas, is a fast-rising Greek pop artist from Serres. Born in 1999, he transformed a challenging upbringing into creative motivation. He developed his sound through formal training at the Music School of Serres and early theater experience. He later gained international stage experience as a cruise ship singer, performing across multiple regions. This helped him refine both his voice and stage confidence. In 2021, he reached a wider audience on The Voice of Greece. Although he didn’t win, the show significantly boosted his visibility in the Greek music scene. Building a strong online presence, Akylas gained momentum through TikTok, where his viral cover songs attracted thousands of fans. His debut track “Fthinókrasso” introduced his storytelling style. The real breakthrough came in 2024 with the indie-pop hit “Atelier,” produced with Papazó. Ferto: A Bold Take on Ambition and Modern Luxury Culture Akylas’s track Ferto explores ambition, excess, and the constant drive for success. Drawing inspiration from pop and hip-hop, the song highlights wealth, luxury, and visibility as modern symbols of achievement. At its core, Ferto focuses on materialism and status. It celebrates success and indulgence while revealing a deeper truth—the endless desire for more. This contrast exposes the tension between outward confidence and the emptiness linked to overconsumption. Ultimately, the track captures the dual nature of ambition. It feels both empowering and, at times, unfulfilling. Through this lens, Ferto delivers a sharp and relevant commentary on how identity and success are shaped in today’s image-driven, material world. Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest Greece has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 44 times since its debut in 1974. The country achieved its sole victory in 2005 with Helena Paparizou‘s “My Number One.” In recent years, Greece has experienced varying results, with a notable return to the final in 2024 when Marina Satti’s “Zari” placed 11th, and a 6th place last year in Basel, with Asteromata, performed by Klavdia The Bookmakers Akylas Mytilinaios’ Ferto climbs to 5th place  in the bookmakers’ ranking. Could this rising Greek pop star be heading for the win?   

Read More »
Follow Us: