Greece kicks off its Eurovision 2026 journey as ERT unveils 28 national final contenders
Greece is officially switching to Eurovision mode and, unlike some countries that prefer to procrastinate until March, the Hellenic broadcaster is starting early. Very early.
On Sunday 4 January 2026 at 19:00, ERT1 will air a special prime-time show titled Sing for Greece – Greek Final 2026 – The Finalists, during which the 28 competing songs for Greece’s Eurovision 2026 selection will be officially revealed.
Yes, twenty-eight. Greece is not doing half measures.
28 songs, two semi-finals, one ticket to Vienna
The programme will introduce all 28 finalists who will compete across two semi-finals, leading up to the Greek National Final and the selection of the country’s representative for Eurovision 2026.
Viewers will get their first taste of the competing entries through song excerpts, giving eurofans plenty of material to analyse, rank, overanalyse and absolutely argue about online. Tradition matters.
The ultimate destination is Vienna, where the contest will be held as part of Eurovision’s 70th anniversary, hosted by Austria. Historic milestone, no pressure.
“Sing for Greece”: more than a reveal show
According to ERT, the special will feature exclusive content, musical surprises and a strong production identity, positioning it not just as a reveal show, but as the official starting line of Greece’s Eurovision campaign.
In other words, this is where the narrative begins. Songs are introduced, favourites are born, dark horses emerge and at least three entries will be declared “robbed” before the semi-finals even happen.
Greece gets serious about the long game
By launching its national final season in early January, Greece is clearly embracing a long-form selection strategy. More exposure, more discussion, more time for songs to grow on the audience… or completely divide it.
Either way, the message is clear: Greece is playing the Eurovision game properly this year.
The date is set.
Sunday, 4 January 2026. 19:00. ERT1.
Eurovision season has officially begun. In Greek.
Source: ERT
