Greece's Eurovision representative, Victor Vernicos, is ready to bring the contest home to Athens.
His track, What They Say, has been praised by fans across Europe as having the potential to be the biggest mainstream hit. Eurovision builds stars out of up-and-coming artists and Victor strongly believes this is the jumping-off point for the start of a successful career.
The response from fans solidifies this belief as he's skyrocketed in favouritism following his dress rehearsals and with only a few days to go, he can't believe how fast the journey has gone.
READ MORE: Order your 48-page Eurovision souvenir guide from our online shop
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said: "It's gone quite quickly. I'm just trying to take everything in and I'm trying to really be grateful for everything that's happening around me."
The 16-year-old is not only the youngest entry this year, but he's the youngest-ever Greek representative. Despite his age, Victor has already solidified himself as a well-respected artist due to his drive and focus.
He said: "One side is the perfectionist who just wants to keep his head down and keep working and the other just wants to stay grateful and happy. What I'm learning to do is to put those two together, and I think I've slowly started to find my footing in that way."
"I just aspire to be the best version. Always. I want to reach folks that haven't been reached before and just do the best I can from a musical and personal perspective."
Victor has been absent from the pre-party touring circuit but the strain of constant travel has still taken its toll. He said: "Everybody's doing the job just as much as I am but I mean, I'm not not really exhausted mentally but I am tired physically. I remember that [fans] are showing interest in me, which is something I didn't have before, so I'm just coming with loads and loads of gratitude, but yeah, it's physically exhausting. I'm trying to keep positive.
"There's been good support and a lot of criticism but I expected there to be a little bit of doubt because because the fact that I'm 16, my song is in English and coming from a country that's so proud of its heritage. All I want to do is just show that I'm a Greek boy, no matter what colour, born and raised here, and I'm going to do this for my home. My eyes are on the prize and I'm just taking it from the heart and expressing it on stage. That's the ultimate goal."
This year's contestants seem like one of the most close-knit lineups we've had in years. Whereas some may find it daunting stepping onto a global stage and bumping shoulders with legends, the intimidation hasn't affected Victor at all.
He said: "I'm more of an extrovert so I do like talking to people and have a high energy all the time. I pretty much struggle to relax. This is the only interview that I've ever relaxed. It's quite funny because I've met the Estonians and the Croatians - [Let3] are the oldest and I'm the youngest and we just greet each other with a big hug. They don't speak much English but yeah, I love meeting everyone."
This year sees a previous winner, Loreen, reenter the competition in order to snatch a second trophy. Quite a few well-known heavyweights are joining her in the fight but fans are still showing Victor the love and affection he deserves. However, not willing to be classed as an underdog, he said: "I love the fact that people don't know me and when they see me live it all changes. I love playing it lowkey.
"Don't get it twisted. I want to win." Victor has been compared to last year's breakout star, Rosa Linn, which he takes as a great compliment. He added: "What [Rosa] showed was the power of Eurovision and how much it can really snowball into a career of success."
Already preparing the world for Greece 2024, Victor declared Athens the prime location to hold the contest after his win. He said: "I'm a big fan of positive manifestation but again it's up to the crowd. My number one goal is to perform to the best that I can and bring it back to Greece where we can have beautiful food and go to the beach while we watch Eurovision. What do you say?"
Get all the latest Eurovision 2023 news straight to your inbox
Order your 48-page Eurovision souvenir guide from our online shop
ABBA Voyage outfits on display at Liverpool's British Music Experience
LUSH Liverpool holding Eurovision Song Contest performances and meet and greets
Frankie Goes to Hollywood reunite for Eurovision Lottery party
Plan your Eurovision Song Contest itinerary with the VisitLiverpool App
The countdown has officially started. Join our Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool Facebook group
