Just months after facing financial hardship and contemplating a return to working on cruise ships, Greek singer Akylas is heading to Vienna this week to represent Greece at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest — a turnaround he describes as feeling like a dream.
Akylas won the national selection final on February 15 by a landslide, claiming both jury and public votes with his entry "Ferto."
Speaking to reporters at ERT broadcasting headquarters ahead of his departure, he reflected on a journey that took him from culinary school and busking in Athens' Monastiraki square to one of the world's most-watched music competitions.
"As recently as September, I faced financial hardship and nearly abandoned my musical aspirations," he said. "One month later, we wrote 'Ferto' and everything changed."
The singer said he remains unfazed by early betting odds, acknowledging they are hard to avoid on social media but saying his focus is on mental preparation.
His pre-performance ritual involves solitude and listening to Lady Gaga's "Brave Speech."
He also invoked Greek cinema icon Aliki Vougiouklaki as a personal lucky charm.
On the pressure of competing at the contest's landmark 70th edition, Mr. Akylas was direct. "Even if you lose, you have to hit 'try again' and fight even harder," he said.
The Eurovision semifinals begin next month in Vienna. Greece has a strong Eurovision pedigree, having won the contest in 2005 with Elena Paparizou.
By Christina Zachou