Greek music echoed through Constitution Square in Bucharest on Thursday evening as Nikos Vertis performed at the opening of Unforgettable Festival 2025, singing his most beloved songs in front of a large audience, and, together with the crowd, he braved the rain, which, according to the singer, only enhanced the romantic atmosphere of the event.

Romanian artist Andra joined the Greek performer on the stage set in front of the Palace of Parliament, blending the emotion of Greek melodies with that of Romanian music in a unique fusion appreciated by the audience.

The 49-year-old Greek singer, born in the Netherlands, with ten studio albums and numerous hits to his name - the most famous being 'Thelo Na Me Nioseis,' which has over 240 million views on YouTube - helped 'warm up' Unforgettable Festival 2025, as noted by event hosts Iuliana Tudor and Mihai Morar.

His appearance on stage was a special moment, organisers said, as it marked Nikos Vertis' first-ever performance at an open-air music festival.

With his warm voice and the sound of traditional instruments in the background, including the essential bouzouki, the singer, one of the most loved Greek artists of the moment, delighted the audience for two hours. He performed both older songs, including from his debut album, and his biggest hits, eagerly anticipated by Romanian fans, who overcame the language barrier and sang along to the choruses.

Despite the rain and their raincoats, many in the crowd danced between the seats to Balkan rhythms and the Greek artist's hits. Vertis began his career singing in clubs and released his first album, 'Poli Apotoma Vradiazei,' in 2003.

I'm starting to like the rain. It makes the concert more romantic, said the artist, who spent most of the performance on a stage extension in the middle of the crowd, engaging with fans and even signing autographs.

Midway through the concert, Andra returned to the stage to join Nikos Vertis. Clearly moved, she said it was 'a pleasure to sing alongside such an artist.'

'If you're staying out in the rain, then we'll stay in the rain too,' Andra told the audience, thanking them - alongside the Greek singer - for enduring the weather. The two performed several duets, including 'Aseara ti-am luat basma,' while Andra also sang her solo hit 'Iubirea schimba tot' ('Love Changes Everything').

It's amazing that you didn't leave after all that rain, Nikos Vertis said near the end of the concert, as the rain finally stopped. I love you because you have so much respect for music and for artists. More than I've ever seen in my life. That's why I can sing for you until morning, said the artist, who received flowers and shook hands with people in the crowd.

2025 Unforgettable Festival, described by organisers as the largest symphonic pop festival in Romania, continues on Friday with performances by Nicole Cherry, Gheorghe Zamfir and Andrea Bocelli. On Saturday, the final day of the festival, the stage will feature Subcarpati, José Carreras & Katherine Jenkins, Arash, and Loreen. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Dana Purgaru; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)