Singer George Perris says he would like to represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2027 with a ballad, speaking publicly for the first time since his selection as the island's entrant for next year's song contest.
Speaking to CyBC on Thursday, the Greek-French artist described the moment he learned he had been chosen to represent Cyprus.
“I was out for a walk in the National Garden in Athens. I think the entire National Garden heard me scream,” he said with a laugh.
Last year's disappointment
Perris revealed that he had also submitted a proposal for the previous Eurovision contest but was not selected.
“We submitted a proposal last year as well, and I was quite disappointed,” he said.
This year, however, he approached the process differently.
“I had no expectations,” he explained, describing the mindset with which he entered the selection process.
The singer said he was deeply moved by the decision, describing Cyprus as his second home for many years.
Preference for a ballad
Asked about the type of song he would like to perform at Eurovision, Perris said a ballad would be his first choice.
“That's what I would like too, because that's my element. That's what I specialise in, in a sense. It's something I love very much. If the right ballad is found, that's what I would want to go with.”
The song that will represent Cyprus has not yet been selected.
According to CyBC, a song submission process will remain open until 13 December, while the final selection will be determined through a vote weighted 50 per cent by a jury and 50 per cent by the public.
Preparing for the challenge
Despite his excitement, Perris said he has already started to appreciate the scale of the challenge ahead.
Reflecting on the evening after the announcement, he admitted that he quickly realised the amount of preparation required.
“This isn't as simple as you thought. You need to focus a little more now,” he recalled thinking.
He added that the pressure is likely to increase as the contest approaches.
“I think the real nerves will arrive as the days get closer.”
Perris also revealed that he has already begun developing ideas for his stage performance as preparations for Cyprus' Eurovision 2027 entry get under way.
With information from Zappit.gr and CyBC.
