Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023
{{Short description|none}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox song contest national year
| Year = 2023
| Broadcaster = Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT)
| Country = Greece
| Selection process = Internal selection
| Selection date = Artist: 30 January 2023
Song: 12 March 2023
| Artist = Victor Vernicos
| Song = What They Say
| Writer = Victor Vernicos Jørgensen
| SF result = Failed to qualify (13th)
| Final result =
}}
Greece was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with the song "What They Say" written and performed by Victor Vernicos. The Greek participating broadcaster, Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), internally selected its entry for the contest. Vernicos was announced as the artist on 30 January 2023, while the song was presented to the public on 12 March. The entry selection process was subject to a legal challenge by second-place candidate Melissa Mantzoukis; however, Vernicos' participation was ultimately allowed to continue.
To promote "What They Say" as the Greek entry, a music video for the song was created as well as an acoustic version. Vernicos subsequently attended a meet-and-greet and gave interviews to foreign press. Greece was drawn to compete in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest which took place on 11 May 2023. Performing during the show in position eight, "What They Say" placed 13th in the semi-final with 14 points, failing to qualify for the contest's final. This marked Greece's third non-qualification and also its worst result to this point in terms of points received in a semi-final.
Background
{{main|Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
Prior to the 2023 contest, Greece had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 42 times since its debut in {{Escyr|1974}}.{{cite web |title=Countries – Greece |url=https://eurovision.tv/country/greece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509180646/https://eurovision.tv/country/greece |archive-date=9 May 2023 |access-date=28 May 2023 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}} The nation has won the contest once to this point, in {{ESCYr|2005}} with the song "My Number One" performed by Helena Paparizou. Following the introduction of semi-finals for the {{escyr|2004||2004 contest}}, Greece managed to qualify for the final with each of their entries for several years. Between 2004 and 2013, the nation achieved nine top ten placements in the final. The first entry to not qualify for the final was Argo's song "Utopian Land" in {{Escyr|2016}}. Its 16th place finish marked Greece's worst placing at the contest and led to its absence from the final for the first time since 2000, when they did not send an entry. In the {{escyr|2018||2018 contest}}, Greece failed to qualify for the second time with Yianna Terzi and the song "{{lang|el-latn|Oniro mou|i=no}}" finishing 14th in the semi-final. For the three contests prior to 2023, the nation once again returned to qualifying for the final, including in {{escyr|2022}}, when Amanda Tenfjord and her song "Die Together" went on to place eighth with 215 points.
The Greek national broadcaster, Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), broadcasts the event within Greece and organises the selection process for the nation's entry.{{cite web |last=Floras |first=Stella |date=11 June 2013 |title=Greece shuts down public broadcaster ERT |url=https://esctoday.com/65476/greece-shuts-down-public-broadcaster-ert/ |access-date=13 September 2022 |work=ESCToday}} ERT had been in charge of Greece's participation in the contest since their debut in 1974 until 2013 when the broadcaster was shut down by a government directive and replaced firstly with the interim {{lang|el-latn|Dimosia Tileorasi|i=no}} (DT) and then later by the New Hellenic Radio, Internet and Television (NERIT) broadcaster.{{cite web |last1=Savaricas |first1=Nathalie |date=11 July 2013 |title=Greece's state-run TV service resumes with a blast from the past |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/greeces-state-run-tv-service-resumes-with-a-blast-from-the-past-8703956.html |access-date=18 January 2016 |newspaper=The Independent}}{{cite web |date=4 May 2014 |title=Greece's replacement public broadcaster launched |url=http://www.dw.com/en/greeces-replacement-public-broadcaster-launched/a-17612095 |access-date=18 January 2016 |publisher=Deutsche Welle}}{{cite magazine |last=Paravantes |first=Maria |date=11 June 2005 |title=Joy In Greece Over Eurovision Win |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fRQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA17 |magazine=Billboard |volume=117 |issue=24 |page=17 |access-date=16 January 2009 |via=Google Books}} Following the victory of the {{lang|el-latn|Syriza|i=no}} party at the January 2015 Greek legislative election, the Hellenic Parliament renamed NERIT to ERT that June.{{cite web |last1=Maltezou |first1=Renee |date=28 April 2015 |title=In symbolic move, Greece to reopen shuttered state broadcaster |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/eurozone-greece-television-idUSL5N0W723020150428 |access-date=18 January 2016 |publisher=Reuters}}{{cite web |date=11 June 2015 |title=Greece's state broadcaster ERT back on air after two years |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33090373 |access-date=18 January 2016 |publisher=BBC News}} ERT confirmed their intentions to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 on 26 August 2022 when the announced details of their upcoming selection process for their entry.{{Cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=2022-08-26 |title=Greece: ERT Commences Search For Eurovision 2023 Entry |url=https://eurovoix.com/2022/08/26/greece-submissions-eurovision-2023/ |access-date=2022-12-26 |work=Eurovoix}}{{cite web|url=https://company.ert.gr/proskliseis/prosklisi-ypovolis-protaseon-gia-ton-67o-diagonismo-tragoydioy-tis-eurovision/|title=Προσκληση υποβολης προτασεων για τον 67ο διαγωνισμο τραγουδιου της eurovision|trans-title=Call for Proposals for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831155344/https://company.ert.gr/proskliseis/prosklisi-ypovolis-protaseon-gia-ton-67o-diagonismo-tragoydioy-tis-eurovision/|archive-date=31 August 2022|access-date=28 May 2023|date=26 August 2022|publisher=Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT)}}
Before Eurovision
= Internal selection =
File:Victor Vernicos TQ23.jpg was selected internally by the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.|239x239px]]
On 26 August 2022, ERT opened a submission period where artists and composers were able to submit their proposals for consideration by the broadcaster until 9 October 2022. Artists were required to be signed to record labels and their proposal had to contain up to three songs, indicate the accompanying artistic group, and include ideas or concepts for the song's promotion and presentation. There were 106 songs received by the submission deadline.{{Cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=2022-10-11 |title=Greece: 106 Songs Submitted For Eurovision 2023 |url=https://eurovoix.com/2022/10/11/greece-106-songs-eurovision-2023/ |access-date=2022-12-26 |website=Eurovoix }} Seven entries were then shortlisted by a 70-member committee and were announced on 28 December 2022.
The seven acts were then evaluated by public and artistic committees. The public committee consisted of a total of 70 members randomly selected from 2,982 applications based on five age groups: 25 members in the 18 to 24 category, 20 members in the 25 to 34 category, 15 members in the 35 to 44 category and 10 members in the over 45 category.{{Cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=2022-12-19 |title=Greece: Public Jury to Assess Entries on December 28 |url=https://eurovoix.com/2022/12/19/greece-public-jury-tdecember-28/ |access-date=2022-12-26 |website=Eurovoix }} The artistic committee consisted of Petros Adam (music producer), Leonidas Antonopoulos (journalist and music producer), Fotis Apergis (ERT radio director), Konstantinos Bourounis (head of ERT's youth program), Maria Kozakou (director of the Second Programme of Hellenic Radio), Dimitris Papadimitriou (music composer) and Yannis Petridis (music producer).{{Cite web |date=2023-01-19 |title=Βερνίκος, Μαντζούκη, Μαραγκού/Καούρη στην τελική φάση για τη Eurovision |trans-title=Vernikos, Mantzoukis, Maragos/Kauris in the final phase for Eurovision|url=https://press.ert.gr/eurovision/vernikos-mantzoyki-maragkoy-kaoyri-stin-teliki-fasi-gia-ti-eurovision/ |access-date=15 January 2024 |website=press.ert.gr|publisher=Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) |language=el}} On 19 January 2023, ERT shortlisted three final songs from the seven, which was the outcome of the public committee vote, followed by a respective evaluation by the artistic committee. The final three were announced through ERT1 show, Proian se eidon tin mesimvrian (Greek: {{lang|el|Πρωίαν σε είδον την μεσημβρίαν}}; I saw you in the morning, at noon).{{Cite web |last=van Waarden |first=Franciska|title=Greece: 3 Songs Remain in Eurovision 2023 Selection |url=https://eurovoix.com/2023/01/19/greece-3-songs-remain-eurovision-2023-selection/ |access-date=15 January 2024 |website=Eurovoix|date=19 January 2023 }}
The combination of votes from the public committee (50.6%) and the artistic committee (49.4%) then selected the Greek entry.{{Cite web |last=Charalambopoulos |first=Sotiris |title=Eurovision 2023 – Ελλάδα: Έτσι θα επιλεγεί το τραγούδι, η ανακοίνωση του προέδρου της ΕΡΤ |url=https://www.ieidiseis.gr/media-news/175004/eurovision-2023-ellada-etsi-tha-epilegei-to-tragoydi-i-anakoinosi-tou-proedrou-tis-ert |trans-title=Eurovision 2023 – Greece: This is how the song will be chosen, the announcement of the president of ERT|access-date=2022-12-26 |website=iEidiseis.gr |language=el-gr|date=2 December 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://esctoday.com/189100/greece-ert-shortlists-potential-esc-2023-acts-to-three/|title=Greece: ERT shortlists potential ESC 2023 acts to three|date=19 January 2023|access-date=28 May 2023|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani|work=ESCToday}} This marked the first time that ERT had opted for a format where the entry was selected by two panels.{{cite web|url=https://www.tanea.gr/2023/02/22/lifearts/patonei-sta-stoiximata-tis-eurovision-i-ellada/|language=el|trans-title=Greece 'floors' in Eurovision bets|newspaper=Ta Nea|date=22 February 2023|access-date=5 March 2023|title='Πατώνει' στα στοιχήματα της Eurovision η Ελλάδα}} Greek-Danish singer Victor Vernicos was announced as the Greek representative for the 2023 contest through ERT1's newscast on 30 January 2023.{{Cite web |last=Jiandani |first=Sanjay |title=Greece: Victor Vernicos will fly to Liverpool! |url=https://esctoday.com/189131/greece-victor-vernicos-will-fly-to-liverpool/ |access-date=30 January 2023 |work=ESCToday |date=30 January 2023}} At 16 years-old, he became the youngest entrant to be selected to represent the nation.{{cite web|url=https://esctoday.com/190730/greece-the-inspiration-and-story-behind-victors-eurovision-staging/|title=Greece: The inspiration and story behind Victor's Eurovision staging|date=2 May 2023|access-date=28 May 2023|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani|work=ESCToday}}{{cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2023/03/27/victor-vernicos-what-they-say-lyrics-greece-eurovision-2023/276355/|title='I'm overwhelmed and heated' — Victor Vernicos goes on an emotional journey in Greece's Eurovision entry 'What They Say'|first=Oliver|last=Adams|date=27 March 2023|access-date=28 May 2023|work=Wiwibloggs}} Vernicos' entry, "What They Say", was released on 12 March 2023 through Panik Records alongside its music video.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-12 |title=Greece: Victor Vernicos releases his Eurovision entry 'What They Say' |url=https://esctoday.com/189849/greece-victor-vernicos-releases-his-eurovision-entry-what-they-say/ |first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani|access-date=28 May 2023 |work=ESCToday}}
| class="sortable wikitable plainrowheaders" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
|+Shortlisted artists and songs in the first round{{Cite web |date=2022-12-28 |title=Εφτά τραγούδια στην τελική ευθεία για την Eurovision – Τα άκουσαν πριν απ’ όλους 70 πολίτες που μετέχουν στην Επιτροπή Κοινού |trans-title=Seven songs in the final stretch for Eurovision – 70 citizens participating in the Audience Committee heard them first |url=https://press.ert.gr/eurovision/efta-tragoydia-stin-teliki-eytheia-gia-tin-eurovision-ta-akoysan-prin-ap-oloys-70-polites-poy-metechoyn-stin-epitropi-koinoy/ |access-date=15 January 2024 |website=press.ert.gr |publisher=Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) |language=el}}{{Cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=2022-12-28 |title=Greece: Seven Artists & Songs in Eurovision 2023 Selection Revealed |url=https://eurovoix.com/2022/12/28/greece-seven-participants-eurovision-2023-selection/ |access-date=15 January 2024 |website=Eurovoix}} ! scope="col" |Artist !Song ! class="unsortable" |Songwriter(s) |
| style="background:navajowhite;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:navajowhite;" | Antonia Kaouri and Maria Maragkou |"Shout Out!" |{{N/a|Unknown}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left" |Klavdia
|"Holy Water" |Arcade, Pantelis Loupasakis |
|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:left" |Konstantina Iosifidou
|"We're Young" |Konstantina Iosifidou |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left" |Leon of Athens
|"Somewhere to Go" |Timoleon Veremis, David Sneddon, Katerine Duska |
| style="font-weight:bold; background:navajowhite;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:navajowhite;" |Melissa Mantzoukis |"Liar" |Dimitris Kontopoulos, Elke Tiel |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left" |Monika
|"Proud" |Monika Christodoulou, Stavros Xenides |
| style="font-weight:bold; background:navajowhite;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:navajowhite;" | Victor Vernicos |Victor Vernicos Jørgensen |
= Reception and legal challenge =
Following the announcement of Vernicos as the Greek entrant, Mantzoukis publicly protested the results of the process, threatening legal action.{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2023/02/06/melissa-mantzoukis-challenging-selection-results/|title=Greece: Melissa Mantzoukis Officially Challenging Eurovision Selection Results|date=6 February 2023|first=Anthony|last=Granger|access-date=25 February 2023|website=Eurovoix}}{{cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2023/02/06/melissa-mantzoukis-protests-greek-selection-results/|title=Melissa Mantzoukis protests Greek selection results|date=6 February 2023|access-date=25 February 2023|first=Dimitris|last=Ioannou|work=ESCXtra}}{{cite web|url=https://eurovisionfun.com/2023/02/%ce%b5%ce%bb%ce%bb%ce%ac%ce%b4%ce%b1-%ce%b1%cf%83%cf%86%ce%b1%ce%bb%ce%b9%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b9%ce%ba%ce%ac-%ce%bc%ce%ad%cf%84%cf%81%ce%b1-%ce%ba%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%ad%ce%b8%ce%b5%cf%83%ce%b5-%ce%b7-melissa/|date=23 February 2023|access-date=25 February 2023|title=Ελλάδα: Ασφαλιστικά μέτρα κατέθεσε η Melissa Mantzoukis κατά της απόφασης της ΕΡΤ!|trans-title=Greece: Melissa Mantzoukis filed an injunction against ERT's decision!|language=el|first=Giannis|last=Argyriou|website=EurovisionFun}} Mantzoukis and her legal team cited two concerns in their challenge of the results. Prior to the artistic committee's vote, it was reported that Kaouri and Maragkou had withdrawn themselves from consideration, leaving only two entrants as options. Despite this, all three acts were awarded points by the committee. Secondly, they alleged that even if all three acts were considered, the point values awarded do not sum to the quantity of points available, and if they had, Mantzoukis would have won. Artistic committee member Kozakou then explained in an interview on ERT's Proian se eidon tin mesimvrian that point values were not awarded based on awards of first, second and third place by the committee (12, 10 or 8 points, respectively, in Eurovision fashion), but from 12 through 4 points (first through seventh) to align the total point values with the quantity awarded by the public committee.{{cite web|url=https://www.ieidiseis.gr/media-news/185608/eurovision-2023-maria-kozakou-etsi-epelegi-to-tragoydi-tis-elladas|title=Eurovision 2023 – Μαρία Κοζάκου: Έτσι επελέγη το τραγούδι της Ελλάδας|trans-title=Eurovision 2023 – Maria Kozakou: This is how Greece's song was chosen|language=el|date=17 February 2023|access-date=25 February 2023|website=iEidiseis.gr|first=Sotiris|last=Charalambopoulos}} Mantzoukis' lawyer Christos Zotiadis responded during an interview on Star Channel's show Breakfast @ Star that they were unsatisfied with ERT's response, and requested that the detailed committee votes for each member at each voting stage be released for transparency.{{cite web|url=https://www.flash.gr/showbiz/2067856/eurovision-2023-dyskoli-xronia-gia-tin-ellada-teleytaia-me-vasi-tis-apodoseis-sto-stoixima|trans-title=Eurovision 2023: Difficult year for Greece – Last based on betting odds|language=el|title=Eurovision 2023: Δύσκολη χρονιά για την Ελλάδα – Τελευταία με βάση τις αποδόσεις στο στοίχημα|first=Marios|last=Boulis|date=22 February 2023|access-date=25 February 2023|website=Flash.gr}}
A temporary injunction halting the Greek participation was denied by Greek courts on 6 March, citing the short time period between then and the EBU's 13 March deadline for entry submissions.{{cite web|url=https://www.ieidiseis.gr/media-news/187908/eurovision-2023-ti-apofasise-to-dikastirio-gia-ti-symmetoxi-tis-elladas|trans-title=Eurovision 2023: What the court decided on Greece's participation|title=Eurovision 2023: Τι αποφάσισε το δικαστήριο για τη συμμετοχή της Ελλάδας|language=el|first=Sotiris|last=Charalambopoulos|date=6 March 2023|access-date=6 March 2023|newspaper=iEidiseis.gr}} Mantzoukis' lawsuit to be declared the winner and awarded damages was anticipated to be heard in mid-May following the contest. Arguments in the lawsuit ended on 4 July, with the judge expected to make a decision within six to seven months of that date.{{cite web|url=https://eurovisionfun.com/2023/07/%ce%b1%cf%80%ce%bf%ce%ba%ce%bb%ce%b5%ce%b9%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b9%ce%ba%ce%bf-%ce%b7-%ce%bc%ce%b1%ce%b8%ce%b7%ce%bc%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%b9%ce%ba%ce%ae-%cf%80%cf%81%ce%b1%ce%b3%ce%bc%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%bf%ce%b3/|title=ΑΠΟΚΛΕΙΣΤΙΚΟ: Η μαθηματική πραγματογνωμοσύνη που κατέθεσε η Melissa Mantzoukis στο δικαστήριο!|trans-title=Exclusive: The mathematical expert report Melissa Mantzoukis filed in court!|first=Giannis|last=Argyriou|website=EurovisionFun|language=el|date=6 July 2023|access-date=14 July 2023}} Mantzoukis' song, "Liar", ended up representing Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, sung by Silia Kapsis.{{Cite web |last=Bijuvignesh |first=Darshan |date=22 February 2024 |title=🇨🇾 Cyprus: Silia Kapsis Releases "Liar" Snippet |url=https://eurovoix.com/2024/02/22/cyprus-silia-kapsis-releases-liar-snippet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301065932/https://eurovoix.com/2024/02/22/cyprus-silia-kapsis-releases-liar-snippet/ |archive-date=1 March 2024 |access-date=29 February 2024 |website=Eurovoix |language=en-GB}}
=Promotion=
To promote the entry, a music video of the song, directed by Yiannis Georgioudakis, was filmed.{{Cite web|url=https://youfly.com/tileorasi/eurovision-2023-anavalletai-i-parousiasi-tou-ellinikou-tragoudiou/|title=Eurovision 2023: Αναβάλλεται η παρουσίαση του ελληνικού τραγουδιού|trans-title=Eurovision 2023: The presentation of the Greek song is postponed|first=Christos|last=Christou|date=5 March 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|language=el|website=youfly.com}} The video was produced by PickCodes, with Kostas Kalimeris, Steve Sovolos, and Vangelis Gialamas taking part in its production.{{cite web|url=https://dailypost.gr/eurovisionology/eurovision-2023-ston-aera-to-tragoydi-tis-elladas-ayto-einai-to-episimo-video-clip-toy-what-they-say-video/|title=Eurovision 2023: Στον αέρα το τραγούδι της Ελλάδας- Αυτό είναι το επίσημο video clip του 'What They Say' (video)|trans-title=Eurovision 2023: The song of Greece airs - This is the official video clip of "What They Say" (video)|language=el|date=12 March 2023|access-date=25 March 2023|first=Marili|last=Kouvara|newspaper=Daily Post}} It was scheduled to be released on 6 March alongside the song itself, but was delayed due to the Tempi train crash. The song and video were eventually released on 12 March during the show Dio sti 1 (Greek: {{lang|el|Δύο στη 1}}; Two in 1) and were available later that day through ERT's over-the-top media service ERTFlix and on the ERT's YouTube channel.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-12 |title='What They Say': Το τραγούδι της Ελλάδας σε πρώτη προβολή από την ΕΡΤ στις 12 Μαρτίου 2023|trans-title="What They Say": The song of Greece premiered by ERT on March 12, 2023| url=https://eurovision.ert.gr/what-they-say-to-tragoydi-tis-elladas-se-proti-provoli-apo-tin-ert-tin-kyriaki-12-martioy-2023/ |access-date=15 January 2024 |website=eurovision.ert.gr|publisher=Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT)|language=el}} To further promote the entry, Vernicos took part in a meet-and-greet event on 6 April organised by ERT. The event was attended by the Greek Eurovision delegation, local British embassy representatives, as well as mainstream print, television and radio media. He sang his entry "What They Say" live with a guitar and covered a number of past Eurovision entries.{{cite web|url=https://esctoday.com/190437/greece-victor-vernicos-slays-at-special-meet-greeet-event/|title=Greece: Victor Vernicos slays at special Meet & Greet event|date=7 April 2023|access-date=9 April 2023|work=ESCToday|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani}} Further promotion involved an acoustic version of the song being released on the official Eurovision YouTube channel as part of its A Little Bit More series.{{cite web|url=https://esctoday.com/190559/greece-victor-vernicos-releases-the-acoustic-version-of-his-esc-entry/|title=Greece: Victor Vernicos releases the acoustic version of his ESC entry|date=20 April 2023|access-date=28 May 2023|work=ESCToday|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani}} Vernicos was largely absent from the Eurovision touring circuit and did not attend pre-parties,{{cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/showbiz-news/greeces-eurovision-star-victor-vernicos-26834494|title=Greece's Eurovision star Victor Vernicos doesn't want to be labelled 'an underdog'|first=Christopher|last=Megrath|date=4 May 2023|access-date=28 May 2023|newspaper=Liverpool Echo}} although he made several appearances and performed at The Cavern Club and the EuroClub in Camp and Furnace upon his arrival in Liverpool.{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.ert.gr/sto-thryliko-club-ton-beatles-tragoydise-o-viktor-vernikos/|title=Στο θρυλικό club των Beatles τραγούδησε ο Βίκτωρ Βερνίκος|trans-title=In the legendary club of the Beatles sang Victor Vernikos|language=el|date=4 May 2023|access-date=23 May 2023|publisher=Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT)}}
At Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 took place at the Liverpool Arena in Liverpool, United Kingdom, and consisted of two semi-finals held on the respective dates of 9 and 11 May and the final on 13 May 2023.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-07 |title=Liverpool will host Eurovision 2023 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/liverpool-will-host-eurovision-2023 |access-date=2022-10-07 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU) }} According to Eurovision rules, all nations with the exceptions of the host country and the "Big Five" (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) are required to qualify from one of two semi-finals in order to compete for the final; the top 10 countries from each semi-final progress to the final. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) split up the competing countries into six different pots based on voting patterns from previous contests, with countries with favourable voting histories put into the same pot. On 31 January 2023, an allocation draw was held, which placed each country into one of the two semi-finals, and determined which half of the show they would perform in. Greece was placed into the second semi-final, to be held on 11 May 2023, and was scheduled to perform in the first half of the show.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2023-allocation-draw-results|title=Eurovision 2023: Allocation Draw results |date=2023-01-31|access-date=2022-01-31|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}} Once all the competing entries for the 2023 contest had been released, the running order for the semi-finals was decided by the producers of the contest to prevent similar songs from being placed next to each other.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-22 |title=Eurovision 2023: Semi-Final running orders revealed! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2023-semi-final-running-orders-revealed |access-date=2023-03-22 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}} Greece was set to perform in position eight, following the entry from the {{esccnty|Iceland|y=2023}} and before the entry from {{esccnty|Poland|y=2023}}.
In Greece, all shows were televised on ERT1 with commentary by Maria Kozakou and Jenny Melita.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-16 |title=Τζένη Μελιτά για την παρουσίαση της Eurovision: "Θα δουλέψω σαν το σκυλί" |trans-title=Jenny Melita on Eurovision presentation: 'I will work like a dog'|url=https://www.protothema.gr/life-style/article/1350460/tzeni-melita-gia-tin-parousiasi-tis-eurovision-tha-doulepso-san-to-skuli/ |access-date=2023-03-16 |newspaper=Proto Thema |language=el-GR}} A radio broadcast on Deftero Programma included the commentary by Kozakou and Melita, with Dimitris Meidanis covering the commercial breaks with interviews and contest history.{{Cite web |date=11 May 2023 |title=Eurovision 2023: Όλες οι εμφανίσεις του β' ημιτελικού |trans-title=Eurovision 2023: All performances of the second semi-final|url=https://www.protothema.gr/life-style/article/1369863/eurovision-2023-xekinise-o-v-imitelikos-o-victor-vernicos-diekdikei-mia-thesi-ston-megalo-teliko/ |access-date=28 May 2023 |newspaper=Proto Thema |language=el}}
=Performances=
File:Eurovision 2023 - Jury Semi-final 2 - Greece - Victor Vernicos (04).jpg
Prior to leaving for the contest, Vernicos took part in rehearsals daily at ERT's studios in Athens in late April.{{cite web|url=https://www.iefimerida.gr/zoi/biktor-bernikos-pote-anahorei-gia-eurovision|title=Βίκτωρ Βερνίκος: Πότε αναχωρεί για Eurovision η ελληνική αποστολή, η πρώτη πρόβα στη σκηνή|trans-title=Victor Vernikos: When does the Greek delegation depart for Eurovision, the first rehearsal on stage?|language=el|newspaper=iefimerida|date=26 April 2023|access-date=29 May 2023}} This was followed by technical rehearsals in Liverpool on 2 and 5 May, and dress rehearsals on 10 May.{{cite web|url=https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/eurovision-2023-rehearsal-schedule|title=Eurovision 2023: Rehearsal Schedule|date=30 April 2023|access-date=28 May 2023|publisher=Eurovision World}} The latter included the jury show where the professional back-up juries of each country watched and voted in a result used if any issues with public televoting occurred.{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2023/05/10/today-dress-rehearsals-jury-voting-for-eurovision-2023-semi-final-two/|title=Today: Dress Rehearsals & Jury Voting for Eurovision 2023 Semi-Final Two|date=10 May 2023|access-date=28 May 2023|website=Eurovoix|first=Anthony|last=Granger}}
The stage presence for "What They Say" was organised by Konstantinos Rigos who served as artistic director for the entry. Rigos had previously directed the Greek entries in {{esccnty|Greece|y=2011|t=2011}} and {{esccnty|Greece|y=2012|t=2012}}. The performance consisted of Vernicos being alone on stage with no backing dancers or vocalists.{{cite web|url=https://www.iefimerida.gr/zoi/eurovision-2023-pos-tha-emfanistei-skini-biktor-bernikos|language=el|title=Eurovision 2023: Ολομόναχος θα εμφανιστεί στη σκηνή ο Βίκτωρ Βερνίκος -Χωρίς φωνητικά, χωρίς χορευτές|trans-title=Eurovision 2023: Victor Vernikos will appear on stage all alone - No vocals, no dancers|newspaper=iefimerida|date=25 April 2023|access-date=29 May 2023}} He wore a beige-coloured shorts-suit by costume designer George Segredakis,{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2023/05/05/greece-victor-vernicos-second-eurovision-rehearsal/|title=Greece: All The Details About Victor Vernicos' Second Eurovision Rehearsal|first=Anthony|last=Granger|date=5 May 2023|access-date=28 May 2023|website=Eurovoix}} and was surrounded by a video wall showing rainfall, a large-scale video of himself, as well as lyrics of the song in English and the Greek alphabet.{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/what-they-say-about-victor-vernicos|title=Greece's young hopeful: What they say about Victor Vernicos|date=8 May 2023|access-date=28 May 2023|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}} Rigos described the inspiration for the stage presence as "Greek summer".
At the end of the second semi-final, Greece was not among the ten countries announced as qualifiers for the final.{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2023-second-semi-final-qualifiers|title=Eurovision 2023: The Second Semi-Final Qualifiers|date=11 May 2023|access-date=28 May 2023|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}} It was later revealed that Greece placed 13th in the semi-final, receiving a total of 14 points.{{cite web|title=Results of the Second Semi-Final of Liverpool 2023 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/liverpool-2023/second-semi-final/results/greece |access-date=22 May 2023 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}} This marked Greece's third non-qualification to the final and also its worst result to this point in terms of points received in a semi-final.
= Voting =
{{see also|Voting at the Eurovision Song Contest}}
Below is a breakdown of points awarded to Greece in the second semi-final as well as by Greece in the second semi-final and final of the contest. Also included is the breakdown of the jury voting and televoting conducted during the two shows. Voting during the shows involved each country awarding sets of points from 1-8, 10 and 12: one from their professional jury and the other from televoting in the final vote, while the semi-final vote was based entirely on the vote of the public.{{cite web |title=Voting–Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/voting |access-date=14 May 2023 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}}{{cite web |title=The Rules of the Contest 2023 |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/rules |access-date=21 August 2023 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}} Each nation's jury consisted of five music industry professionals who are citizens of the country they represent. This jury judged each entry based on: vocal capacity; the stage performance; the song's composition and originality; and the overall impression by the act.{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/it-is-decision-time-for-the-juries|title=It's decision time for the Juries|date=9 May 2016 |access-date=28 May 2023|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}} The exact composition of the professional jury, and the results of each country's jury and televoting were released after the final; the individual results from each jury member were released in an anonymised form. The Greek jury consisted of Christos Giakoumopoulos, Fotios Giannoutsos, Nikolaos Nikolakopoulos, Claudia Matola, and Evanthia Theotokatou.{{cite web|title=Grand Final of Liverpool 2023 - Jurors|url=https://eurovision.tv/event/liverpool-2023/grand-final/jury|access-date=28 May 2023|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}}
In the second semi-final, Greece finished in 13th place out of 16 entries and received 14 points total from two countries: the top 12 points from {{esccnty|Cyprus|y=2023|t=Cyprus}} and two points from {{esccnty|Armenia|y=2023|t=Armenia}}. Over the course of the contest, Greece awarded its 12 points to {{esccnty|Cyprus|y=2023|t=Cyprus}} in the second semi-final and to {{esccnty|Belgium|y=2023|t=Belgium}} (jury) and {{esccnty|Cyprus|y=2023|t=Cyprus}} (televote) in the final. The Greek spokesperson, who announced the top 12-point score awarded by the Greek jury during the final, was {{Ill|Fotis Sergoulopoulos|el|Φώτης Σεργουλόπουλος}}.{{Cite web |date=13 May 2023 |title=Eurovision 2023 Spokespersons – Who will announce the points? |url=https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/eurovision-2023-spokespersons-who-will-announce-the-points |access-date=28 May 2023 |website=Eurovision World}}
== Points awarded to Greece ==
== Points awarded by Greece ==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
| class="wikitable" |
| + Points awarded by Greece (Final){{cite web|title=Results of the Grand Final of Liverpool 2023 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/liverpool-2023/grand-final/results/greece |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU) |access-date=22 May 2023}} |
| scope="col" width="20%" | Score
! scope="col" width="40%" | Televote ! scope="col" width="40%" | Jury |
|---|
| scope="row" style="background:gold" | 12 points
| {{Esc|Cyprus|y=2023}} | {{Esc|Belgium|y=2023}} |
| scope="row" style="background:silver" | 10 points
| {{Esc|Finland|y=2023}} | {{Esc|Portugal|y=2023}} |
| scope="row" style="background:#CC9966"| 8 points
| {{Esc|Sweden|y=2023}} | {{Esc|Israel|y=2023}} |
| scope="row" | 7 points
| {{Esc|Israel|y=2023}} | {{Esc|Austria|y=2023}} |
| scope="row" | 6 points
| {{Esc|Norway|y=2023}} | {{Esc|Sweden|y=2023}} |
| scope="row" | 5 points
| {{Esc|Italy|y=2023}} | {{Esc|Australia|y=2023}} |
| scope="row" | 4 points
| {{Esc|Albania|y=2023}} | {{Esc|Cyprus|y=2023}} |
| scope="row" | 3 points
| {{Esc|France|y=2023}} | {{Esc|Albania|y=2023}} |
| scope="row" | 2 points
| {{Esc|Armenia|y=2023}} | {{Esc|Switzerland|y=2023}} |
| scope="row" | 1 point
| {{Esc|Czechia|y=2023}} | {{Esc|Serbia|y=2023}} |
{{col-end}}
==Detailed voting results==
The following members comprised the Greek jury:
- Christos Giakoumopoulos
- Fotios Giannoutsos
- Nikolaos Nikolakopoulos
- Claudia Matola
- Evanthia Theotokatou
After Eurovision
=Reception=
Greece's failure to qualify to the final led to media outlets once again citing Mantzoukis' lack of selection as a problem. As reported in TVNea, foreign press preferred Mantzoukis' entry "Liar" over Vernicos' from the beginning, and saw it as a contender for high placement at the contest.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvnea.com/2023/05/melissa-eurovision.html|title=Κι όμως! Η Ελλάδα με την Melissa στην Eurovision θα πήγαινε τελικό.. Αποτύχατε κύριοι στη ΕΡΤ|trans-title=And yet! Greece with Melissa at Eurovision would go to the final. You failed gentlemen at ERT|date=14 May 2023|website=TVNea|access-date=28 May 2023|language=el}} Giorgos Liagas, presenter of the show To Proino on ANT1, expressed that ERT had mocked the Greek people by including them in the selection process, but not sending their preferred candidate to represent them at the contest.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsbeast.gr/entertainment/music/arthro/9661463/giorgos-liagkas-pros-ert-mas-koroidevoun-sta-moutra-to-apotelesma-itan-prodiagegrammeno|title=Γιώργος Λιάγκας προς ΕΡΤ: Μας κοροϊδεύουν στα μούτρα – Το αποτέλεσμα ήταν προδιαγεγραμμένο|trans-title=Giorgos Liagkas to ERT: They make fun of us in the face – The result was predetermined|language=el|date=12 May 2023|access-date=28 May 2023|website=NewsBeast}} Appearing on the Alpha TV show Super Katerina on 12 May, the day after the second semi-final, lyricist Evi Droutsa opined that the song lacked a melody, that Vernicos was too young to compete at this level, and that his selection centered too much on his last name and family.{{cite web|url=https://www.neolaia.gr/2023/05/12/evi-drutsa-xespa-eurovision-2023/|title=Εύη Δρούτσα: Ξεσπάει για τη Eurovision 2023 - «Ένα παιδί που χτυπιέται είναι, δεν άκουσα μελωδία»|trans-title=Evi Droutsa: Breaks out for Eurovision 2023 - 'A child who is beaten is, I did not hear a melody'|date=12 May 2023|access-date=28 May 2023|website=Neolaia|language=el}} ERT released a statement following the non-qualification, reinforcing the integrity of the selection process and explaining that Vernicos met the demands of the contest and deserved applause.{{cite web|url=https://www.iefimerida.gr/zoi/eurovision-2023-ert-gia-apokleismo-bernikoy|language=el|date=12 May 2023|access-date=29 May 2023|newspaper=iefimerida|title=Η ανακοίνωση της ΕΡΤ για τον αποκλεισμό του Βερνίκου από τον τελικό της Eurovision με λόγια του Αντετοκούνμπο|trans-title=ERT's announcement on Vernikos' exclusion from the Eurovision final with Antetokounmpo's words}} The artist himself posted on social media shortly after saying "I love you guys. Many more to come soon. Thank you to all Eurovision fans for the amazing experience".{{cite web|url=https://www.iefimerida.gr/zoi/eurovision-2023-minyma-victor-vernicos-apokleismos|title=Eurovision 2023: Το πρώτο μήνυμα του Victor Vernicos μετά τον αποκλεισμό του|trans-title=Eurovision 2023: Victor Vernicos' first message after his disqualification|language=el|date=12 May 2023|access-date=29 May 2023|newspaper=iefimerida}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
{{Eurovision Song Contest 2023}}