Greek TikTok singer Akylas takes the stage at Eurovision

Akylas is a young Greek artist who, in a short time, has transformed from a creator of viral social media videos into one of the country’s most prominent new performers. His real breakthrough came in 2024 following the release of the track “Atelié.” It was this song that brought him fame not only in Greece but also beyond its borders.

The singer began his musical journey while attending an arts school in Serres. There, he studied vocals, composition, and music theory. However, Akylas describes himself as self-taught, as he mastered many skills on his own—at home, with instruments, and while recording his own demos.

Later, the artist moved to Thessaloniki, where he began attending theater workshops. It was there that he learned how to work with the stage and an audience. After that, he moved to Athens to seriously pursue a career in music. Akylas gained widespread popularity thanks to TikTok. His covers of popular songs quickly racked up hundreds of thousands of views. Viewers loved his emotional delivery, live vocals, and the blend of modern sounds with Greek motifs.

The singer himself says he wants to create “modern music with a Greek soul.” His songs often feature elements of pop, electronic music, and traditional melodies. “I want people to hear Greece in my songs, even if it’s a modern track,” the artist said in an interview.

There haven’t been any major scandals surrounding Akylas yet, though the artist has still weathered several waves of criticism on social media. Some users accused him of becoming popular “too quickly” thanks to TikTok, rather than through live performances or a traditional music career.

His stage style has also been actively discussed in Greece. To some, it seems too modern and “non-conventional” for the traditional Greek stage. Akylas himself takes it in stride. “If music sparks controversy—it means it doesn’t leave people indifferent,” the singer said.

In addition, some Eurovision fans are debating his contest performance. Discussions have already emerged on social media about whether the artist’s team is focusing more on the visual aspect of the show than on the song itself. At the same time, Akylas’s supporters are confident that it is precisely this modern presentation that will help him advance to the final.

In the Greek media, Akylas is already being called a representative of a new generation of artists. He is active on social media, participates in the creation of his music, and targets an international audience. The artist’s producers say he pays a lot of attention to live vocals and stage energy. According to them, Akylas wants the audience to remember not only the performance but also the emotion that follows it.

Today, the singer will take the stage in the second semi-final of Eurovision 2026 as the fourth performer. A total of 15 contestants will perform this evening, competing for a spot in the contest’s final.