Melissa Mantzoukis, who had been shortlisted to represent Greece at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, has been denied an injunction against Greece’s national broadcaster, reports Giannis Argyriou at EurovisionFun. Mantzoukis had requested an investigation into the transparency of Greece’s selection process and claimed she had received fewer points than was mathematically possible from the professional jury.
Greece’s 2023 Selection Process
Greece internally selected their artist this year using voting from both a citizen committee and a professional jury. To reflect this year’s changes to Eurovision voting rules, the citizen committee was given more weight in the voting than the professional jury.
After receiving over 100 submissions, ERT shortlisted seven songs, later cutting that list down to three. Victor Vernicos was announced in January to be representing Greece with his song “What They Say”. The song was released earlier today.
Mantzoukis’ legal challenge denied
On March 6, it was announced that Mantzoukis’ injunction would not go forward, due to the EBU’s requirement that all participating songs be finalized by March 13; Greek courts ruled that there was too short a time between Mantzoukis’ request and the song deadline. It had previously been speculated that, had Mantzoukis’ injunction been granted, Greece would have to withdraw from the 2023 contest.
However, this ruling means that Greek participation will move forward as planned. Mantzoukis will continue with her lawsuit, but it will be resolved in May.
Greece’s Eurovision Journey
In 1974, Greece made its debut to the Eurovision Song Contest with “Krasi, thalassa ke t’agori mou” (Κρασί, θάλασσα και τ’αγόρι μου) which placed 11th. Since then they have participated on 42 occasions (40 of which made the Grand Final), and have one once in 2005.
Greece’s most recent Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Amanda Tenfjord with the song “Die Together”, which saw Greece qualify for the Grand Final, where they placed 8th, after receiving 215 points from the Jury and Televoters.
Should Melissa Mantzoukis be representing Greece this year? Would you like to see her get another chance at Eurovision? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok as the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 approaches!
News Source: EurovisionFun
Photo Credit: Melissa Mantzoukis
