Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

What They Say

"What They Say" is a song written and performed by Greek singer-songwriter , released on 12 March 2023 by Panik Records as Greece's entry for the in , . The track, a rhythmic pop , explores themes of self-confidence and ignoring external judgments to follow one's own path, drawing from Vernicos's personal experiences. At the contest, Greece performed the song in the second semi-final on 11 May 2023 but did not advance to the final, placing 13th with 14 points. Victor Vernicos, born Victor Vernicos Jørgensen in , was just 16 years old at the time of the Eurovision performance, making him the youngest artist ever to represent in the competition's . He began his musical journey at age four with lessons, later adding guitar at ten and pursuing studies in music technology and vocals. Selected internally by Greek broadcaster (ERT), Vernicos penned "What They Say" himself at age 14, also serving as co-producer alongside mixing engineer Steve Sovolos. His selection highlighted Greece's focus on emerging young talent for the 67th edition of the contest. The song's release was accompanied by an official music video directed by Yiannis Georgioudakis, featuring Vernicos in introspective settings that underscore the lyrics' message of . Despite not qualifying for the grand final, "What They Say" garnered attention for its modern production and Vernicos's charismatic stage presence during rehearsals and promotional events. Following Eurovision, Vernicos (now performing as ) continued his career, releasing subsequent singles including "Go Away" in 2025 and building on the international exposure from the contest.

Background and Composition

Development

, a young Greek-Danish singer-songwriter, wrote and composed "What They Say" at the age of 14 in 2021. The song drew inspiration from a personal period of anxiety that served as an eye-opening experience, which Vernicos channeled into an uplifting message encouraging resilience and self-expression amid mental and emotional challenges. He completed the composition in just two days as an initial acoustic piece, working solo without a songwriting . Vernicos produced the track himself, a process that required significant refinement; the original version ran over four minutes, but it was shortened and enhanced with a climactic finale before submission to Greece's public broadcaster ERT in 2022. The song was finalized in late 2022, evolving into a mid-tempo rhythmic that combines intimate acoustic foundations with modern pop production elements.

Lyrics and Themes

"What They Say" follows a conventional verse-chorus structure typical of contemporary pop , consisting of two verses that build emotional tension through introspective narratives, a repeating that serves as the emotional core, and a bridge leading to a climactic finale. The song is performed entirely in English, a deliberate to broaden its appeal to international audiences at the , while its rhythmic flow combines piano-driven introspection with a swelling, anthemic build suitable for a pop- hybrid genre. The emphasize empowerment amid personal turmoil, with verses depicting the onset of anxiety—such as "Late August / Feet start to shake, heart starts to ache / Can't focus / , I lay on the floor and I hate"—to convey the disorientation of teenage . The reinforces through lines like "Well you know what they say / Lost souls make sure no one loses their way / Hurt ones can’t stand seeing others in pain / Oh I am both now I got too much on my plate," highlighting self-confidence by prioritizing authenticity over external judgments and societal expectations. Core themes revolve around overcoming criticism and internal pressures, promoting the idea that individual struggles can foster and rather than defeat. These elements draw directly from Victor Vernicos's teenage experiences, as the song was written at age 14, inspired by his first encounter with overwhelming anxiety at 13, triggered by interest from overseas managers in his music and realizing the reality of "as much as you give is as much as you get." The repetitive enhances catchiness, making the message of memorable, while incorporating subtle personal anecdotes—such as the fear of breaking under pressure—without explicit autobiographical details, allowing listeners to relate universally to themes of authenticity and emotional release.

Selection and Promotion

Internal Selection by ERT

The (ERT), Greece's public broadcaster, opted for an internal selection process to choose the country's entry for the , forgoing the national final format used in previous years. Submissions for songs and performers opened on October 6, 2022, with a total of 106 proposals received by the deadline; these were evaluated by an internal committee, leading to a shortlist of seven acts announced on December 29, 2022, and further narrowed to three finalists. The final decision combined votes from a seven-member ERT expert panel—comprising music professionals—and an audience committee of 70 members selected via public application, emphasizing a balanced approach to ensure broad appeal. This method was part of ERT's strategy following Greece's non-qualification in 2022, focusing on original compositions by emerging talents to refresh the country's Eurovision presence. Sixteen-year-old Victor Vernicos, a Greek-Danish , was selected as the artist through this process after submitting demos that highlighted his vocal talent and songwriting potential. At the time of selection, Vernicos was noted for his youthful perspective and international background, aligning with ERT's aim for an entry with global resonance. The choice marked Greece's youngest-ever Eurovision representative, underscoring a shift toward innovative, artist-driven submissions over established . The public announcement of Vernicos as Greece's entrant occurred on January 30, 2023, during the main evening news bulletin on , where the song title "What They Say"—co-written by Vernicos—was also revealed for the first time. Although the full song was not premiered until March 12, 2023, the reveal generated immediate buzz, with ERT highlighting Vernicos' potential to connect with diverse audiences. This internal approach allowed for a streamlined preparation period ahead of the contest in .

Pre-Eurovision Promotion

Following the internal selection announcement, promotional efforts for "What They Say" commenced with ERT sharing teaser announcements and snippets on their social media platforms in late January 2023 to build anticipation among domestic and international audiences. Nationally, the campaign emphasized building support through Greek media outlets, including the release of the official music video on 12 March 2023 via Panik Records' YouTube channel, which featured Victor performing the track in urban settings to highlight its energetic vibe. The song subsequently received rotation on Greek radio stations and television programs, contributing to increased domestic visibility in the lead-up to the contest. Victor made notable TV appearances on Greek media, where he discussed his preparation and performed excerpts of the song. Internationally, ERT amplified reach by posting short teaser clips from the music video on their accounts, targeting Eurovision enthusiasts. participated in interviews with prominent Eurovision fan sites, including a with Eurovisionworld on 17 March 2023, in which he elaborated on the song's origins and its aim to inspire . Additional promotional activities included a joint event with Cyprus's entrant at Panik Records in on 13 February 2023, fostering regional buzz ahead of the contest. The overall strategy focused on Victor's youth as Greece's youngest-ever Eurovision participant at age , paired with the song's empowering message of overcoming negativity and self-expression, to engage younger demographics and spark viral interest. This approach was supported by an acoustic rendition released on 18 April 2023 as part of the official Eurovision "A Little Bit More" series, further extending online promotion.

At the Eurovision Song Contest

Rehearsals

The first rehearsals for participants in the second semi-final, including Greece's with "What They Say," took place from May 2 to 4, 2023, at the M&S Bank Arena in . Vernicos's session on May 2 emphasized basic staging with a minimalist design, featuring a central platform and a large circular LED screen displaying abstract visuals to complement the song's introspective yet energetic rhythmic structure. He performed solo, focusing on acoustic elements and simple lighting to highlight his youthful authenticity, dressed in a casual short sand-coloured suit. The second rehearsals occurred from May 5 to 9, 2023, with Vernicos's turn on May 5 allowing for refinements to camera angles and vocal delivery based on feedback from (EBU) supervisors, who noted the need to sustain high energy levels throughout the performance. Staging remained minimalist, relying on the LED screens for dynamic abstract patterns rather than elaborate props, while Vernicos wore similar casual attire to maintain a grounded presence. Challenges during rehearsals centered on adapting to Vernicos's age of 16—the youngest in Eurovision —including targeted vocal warm-ups to ensure consistent delivery and blocking adjustments to enhance his stage presence and signature bouncing dance moves without overwhelming the intimate setup. These sessions resulted in a polished, solo-focused presentation that prioritized emotional connection over complex visuals.

Semi-Final Performance

delivered "What They Say" as the eighth performer in the second semi-final of the , held on May 11, 2023, at the in , . The song ran for 2:58 minutes, adhering to the contest's standard format. In the live performance, Vernicos appeared solo on stage, dressed in a short sand-coloured suit, delivering an energetic rendition characterized by his signature infectious bouncing and confident stage presence. The staging featured a massive LED displaying an enlarged projection of Vernicos himself, integrated with pre-recorded visual elements to amplify the song's rhythmic style, while live effects introduced dramatic heat and smoke for added intensity. Dynamic lighting supported the performance's uplifting tone, contributing to a visually engaging execution that built from intimate verses to a powerful chorus. Adjustments from rehearsals ensured seamless integration of these elements. The live audience responded enthusiastically, with the performance noted for sending chills through the and eliciting strong for its youthful and vocal delivery. Broadcast live, it reached viewers in via and internationally through the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) network of over 50 public broadcasters. Technically, the audio mix was executed flawlessly, prominently featuring Vernicos' clear and emotive vocals against the without any reported distortions or imbalances. No wardrobe malfunctions or prop failures occurred, allowing for a polished and uninterrupted delivery.

Results

In the second semi-final of the , "What They Say" by the entrants placed 13th out of 16 participating countries, earning a total of 14 points and failing to advance to the grand final. The entry received 14 points entirely from the televote, with 12 points from and 2 points from . This marked 's fourth non-qualification from the semi-finals since their introduction in 2004, continuing a trend of non-qualification following previous years' attempts. The entry achieved the lowest televote score for since 2018. The performance, which occupied the eighth slot in the semi-final running order, sparked broader discussions on youth representation in Eurovision, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for young artists in the .

Release and Reception

Music Video and Release

The digital single "What They Say" was released on March 12, 2023, through Panik Records in association with Greece's public broadcaster ERT, and became available on major streaming platforms including and . The official music video, directed by Ani Chatziioannoglou and Andreas Tsourapas under the production banner PickCodes, premiered on YouTube via the Panik Records channel on the same date and runs for 3 minutes and 4 seconds. The video depicts Vernicos in an intimate studio environment, conveying the song's empowering message about confronting anxiety through visuals of emotional expression amid simulated rain and rising water. In addition to the standard audio single, the release encompassed an acoustic version to further promote the track ahead of the . No official remixes were produced following the contest, though live performances from Vernicos's promotional appearances, including a meet-and-greet event in , have been archived on online platforms. Physical formats were limited to promotional CDs distributed at Eurovision-related events.

Critical Response

Critics praised "What They Say" for Victor Vernicos's maturity and the song's relatable lyrics, which convey themes of against external judgment. In the Wiwi Jury review by , several panelists highlighted Vernicos's vocal maturity beyond his 16 years and the emotional depth of the self-penned lyrics, with one juror noting it as "pleasant, easy listening" suitable for radio and appeal among younger audiences. The overall jury score averaged 6.03 out of 10, reflecting its professional pop quality and potential inspirational impact for young artists. However, the song faced criticisms for its simplistic production and lack of memorable hooks. Reviewers pointed out generic elements and thin instrumentation that failed to distinguish it from other ballads, with the Wiwi Jury describing it as "forgettable" and "shapeless" in places, marred by poor and clunky phrasing. Concerns were also raised about Vernicos's youth impacting stage command, as noted in a preview by About The Contest, which attributed the entry's unpolished feel to his inexperience. Insight's labeled it a "," critiquing inconsistent that sometimes lacked coherence despite the evident heartfelt effort. Fan reception was mixed on social media platforms, where discussions highlighted both admiration for Vernicos's boldness as Greece's youngest entrant and disappointment in the entry's execution. The hashtag #WhatTheySay gained traction in Greece following the song's release, sparking debates on its youthful energy versus perceived weaknesses in staging and performance nerves. Pre-contest polls reflected divided opinions; for instance, in a Wiwibloggs reader poll for favorite male solo acts, "What They Say" garnered only 4.54% of votes, placing it low among competitors. User ratings on Eurovisionworld averaged 2.9 out of 10 from over 14,000 votes, underscoring broader fan skepticism. In post-Eurovision retrospectives, the entry has been commended for its role in inspiring young performers, with Eurovision.tv reflecting on Vernicos as a "young hopeful" whose participation broke age barriers and encouraged emerging talent in the contest.

Chart Performance

Following its release in conjunction with the , "What They Say" achieved moderate commercial success primarily within . Internationally, the song had no significant impact on major European charts like . Streaming metrics highlighted the Eurovision boost, with the song surpassing 2 million streams on by the end of 2023. The official music video on accumulated over 1.5 million views during the same period. Post-contest, streams declined. As of November 2025, Vernicos remains active in the music scene, including commenting on Greece's Eurovision 2025 selection process.

References

  1. [1]
    Greece: Victor Vernicos releases 'What They Say'
    Mar 12, 2023 · 16-year-old Victor Vernicos is Greece's youngest ever representative at the Eurovision Song Contest. The Athenian singer/songwriter will perform What They Say.
  2. [2]
    Victor Vernicos – What They Say Lyrics - Genius
    Mar 12, 2023 · “What They Say” is Greece's entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Penned by Victor himself when he was just 14 years old, this rhythmic ballad talks about ...
  3. [3]
    Eurovision 2023 Greece: Victor Vernicos - "What They Say"
    Rating 2.9 (14,530) "What They Say" by Victor Vernicos from Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Greece finished 13th at Eurovision 2023 Semi-final 2 with 14 points.
  4. [4]
    Greece: Victor Vernicos joins the Eurovision 2023 lineup
    Jan 31, 2023 · Greek broadcaster ERT has revealed the artist they'll be sending to Liverpool in May is 16-year-old Victor Vernicos - Greece's youngest ever ...
  5. [5]
    Victor Vernicos - What They Say | Greece | Official Music Video
    Mar 12, 2023 · Victor Vernicos - What They Say | Greece 🇬🇷 | Official Music Video | Eurovision 2023 1.4M views 2 years ago
  6. [6]
    Greece's young hopeful: What they say about Victor Vernicos
    May 8, 2023 · Victor Vernicos rehearsing What They Say for Greece at the Second Rehearsal of the Second Semi-Final at Liverpool Arena · Victor Vernicos ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Victor Vernicos - Eurovision.tv
    Victor Vernicos might be young (the youngest artist to represent Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest in fact) but he's got big dreams!
  8. [8]
    Victor from Greece: "I hope I can inspire people with my song"
    Mar 17, 2023 · Victor Vernicos will represent Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. We caught up with him to speak about preparations, expectations, and why his song " ...Missing: discography | Show results with:discography<|control11|><|separator|>
  9. [9]
    Here are the 37 entries competing in Eurovision 2023 - RETROPOP
    May 7, 2023 · Written when he was just 14 years old, Victor Vernicos has been holding on to What They Say for the past two years, waiting for the right ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    Victor Vernicos speaks to LGR about Greece's Eurovision entry ...
    May 11, 2023 · Victor with a deep, unique vocal-timbre is performing his introspective song about stress and anxiety. “What They Say“, a song that oozes a ...Missing: original | Show results with:original
  11. [11]
    [PDF] Eurovision Song Conters 2023, Liverpool - Handbook
    May 9, 2023 · “What They Say” is a mid-tempo ballad produced by Victor himself. It is an intimate and powerful song that may remind us of a proposal from ...
  12. [12]
    Victor Vernicos ahead of Eurovision 2023: 'My voice will be for all ...
    May 11, 2023 · Victor – who at 16 years of age is the youngest artist to ever represent Greece in Eurovision – shares the story behind the creation of his song ...Missing: engineer production
  13. [13]
    Greek Eurovision entrant hails international impact of British music
    May 8, 2023 · His slow-burning pop song, What They Say, was written when he was 13 and tackles the anxiety he experienced when faced with the choice of ...
  14. [14]
    Greece: Victor Vernicos' Eurovision Entry “What They Say” Released ...
    Mar 12, 2023 · “What they Say” was revealed during “Two in 1” on ERT this afternoon. Victor was internally selected by a combination of jury voting and an ...
  15. [15]
    Episode dated 23 April 2023 - IMDb
    Episode dated 23 April 2023: With Sofia Konstantinidou, Elena Patroclou, Victor Vernicos.
  16. [16]
    Greece's Victor Vernicos has unveiled his song for #Eurovision2023 ...
    Mar 12, 2023 · Greece's Victor Vernicos has unveiled his song for #Eurovision2023 Head over to Eurovision.tv to listen to What They Say!
  17. [17]
    Victor Vernicos - What They Say (Acoustic) | Greece - YouTube
    Apr 18, 2023 · Subscribe and to Eurovision https://www.youtube.com/user/eurovision?sub_confirmation=1 It's time for Eurovision.
  18. [18]
    Greece: All The Details About Victor Vernicos' First Rehearsal
    May 2, 2023 · Victor Vernicos from Greece is the next up to rehearse for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 for the first time with "What They Say".
  19. [19]
    Live Blog: Tuesday 2 May - Eurovision.tv
    May 2, 2023 · We stan the safari chic. Victor Vernicos rehearsing What They Say for Greece at the First Rehearsal of the Second Semi-Final at Liverpool Arena
  20. [20]
    Greece: All The Details About Victor Vernicos' Second Eurovision ...
    May 5, 2023 · Victor Vernicos from Greece is the next up to rehearse for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 for the second time with “What They Say”.<|control11|><|separator|>
  21. [21]
    Greece | Victor Vernicos - What They Say (Second Rehearsal)
    Victor Vernicos rehearsing What They Say for Greece at the Second Rehearsal of the Second Semi-Final at Liverpool Arena.
  22. [22]
    Greece: Staging Details for Eurovision Performance of “What They ...
    He is the youngest person in history to represent Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest. He is set to perform eighth in the Second Semi-Final of the Eurovision ...
  23. [23]
    It's time for Greece to rehearse again... - Eurovision.tv
    Greece's Victor Vernicos is back on stage - we saw him in Moroccanoil earlier getting a fresh fade, but otherwise it's the same staging and costume we saw ...
  24. [24]
    Eurovision 2025 Greece: Klavdia - "Asteromáta" - Eurovisionworld
    Rating 4.3 (30,926) Jan 30, 2025 · What They Say Victor Vernicos. Didn't qualify. #13 in semi 2 · #13 in semi-final 2 · 2022 · Die Together Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord · 8 · 215 · # ...
  25. [25]
    Greece: Victor's song for Eurovision 2023 released – Listen to "What ...
    Mar 12, 2023 · What They Say was written and produced by Victor himself more than a year ago. Victor Vernicos was internally selected by Greek broadcaster ERT ...
  26. [26]
    Victor Vernicos - What They Say - Music Video - YouTube
    Mar 12, 2023 · Comments · Victor Vernicos - What they say ( First Live Performance ) | Eurovisionfun · The 968 Paradox - Victor Vernicos (Official Lyric Video).
  27. [27]
    Victor Vernicos: What They Say (Music Video 2023) - IMDb
    Rating 4.3/10 (7) Victor Vernicos in Victor Vernicos: What They Say (2023). Music · Add a plot in ... Release date · March 12, 2023 (Greece). Country of origin. Greece. Official ...
  28. [28]
    "What They Say" — Greece's Victor Vernicos reveals his Eurovision ...
    Greece's Eurovision 2023 entry.Missing: Mad Awards
  29. [29]
    Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 - Wikipedia
    To promote "What They Say" as the Greek entry, a music video for the song was created as well as an acoustic version. Vernicos subsequently attended a meet-and- ...
  30. [30]
    Wiwi Jury: Greece's Victor Vernicos with “What They Say” - Wiwibloggs
    Apr 25, 2023 · The Wiwi Jury critiques Victor Vernicos and "What They Say", Greece's entry for Eurovision 2023 - read our review and find out our score.Missing: recording | Show results with:recording
  31. [31]
    Greece: Victor Vernicos – What They Say Review - About The Contest
    Apr 11, 2023 · He uses it well in the intro, but forgoes it thereafter, favouring more high-reaching vocals that don't fit the song as well. If Greece wants to ...Missing: live staging
  32. [32]
    Eurovision Insight Podcast: Juke Box Jury 2023 #3 - ESC Insight
    Greece: MISS. Victor wrote and composed this himself and really poured his heart out in the song. Some of the lyrics are good and some don't quite make sense.
  33. [33]
    Poll results: Käärijä is favourite male solo act of Eurovision 2023
    Apr 18, 2023 · ... votes); Greece: Victor Vernicos – “What They Say” | 4.54% (374 votes); Denmark: Reiley – “Breaking My Heart” | 3.93% (324 votes); Romania ...
  34. [34]
    IFPI Charts
    Rank. Artist. Title. Company. Catalog No. Week-1. Week-2. # of Weeks. Best Position. Best Week / Year. Status. 1. THE WEEKND. HOUSE OF BALLOONS.Missing: April | Show results with:April