According to oikotimes.com, Sakis Rouvas thanked ERT for the honor, but politely declined to represent the country for a second year in a row. His response was belated, since the Greek broadcaster was allegedly waiting for a definite answer by mid-July. It seems that the artist thought hard about the prospect, but finally decided that another artist should have the opportunity to try their luck in the next Eurovision Song Contest.

Sakis’ decision is expected to sadden Greek fans, who generally supported the idea of him competing again. Last May, the artist managed a successful third place for Greece and received outstanding reviews in Istanbul. His entry Shake It went on to become a massive hit in the country, staying for almost two months at the top spot of the Greek charts. Rouvas has previously stated he would consider representing Greece again