Akylas advances to Eurovision 2026 grand final in Vienna

On May 12, 2026, the artist Akylas successfully qualified for the grand final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, performing the song 'Ferto'. The performance, directed by Fokas Evangelinos, featured elaborate stage designs, including mirror tunnels and references to Greek culture. Ten countries qualified in the first semi-final, including Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Israel, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania, and Poland. Following the event, Akylas suffered a minor muscle strain in his back due to exuberant celebration, forcing him to cancel several scheduled appearances on May 13 to recover. Despite the injury, the artist attended a promotional event at the Wien Museum to thank supporters. His performance received praise from the BBC, which described it as one of the most ambitious acts of the night. The grand final is scheduled to take place on May 16, 2026, at the Wiener Stadthalle.