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Eurovision and the Republic of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus has taken part in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1981. As of 2026, the country has no wins, but it has achieved several top-5 finishes. Its best result is 2nd place, earned by Eleni Foureira with the song “Fuego” in 2018. In 2026, at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, the Republic of Cyprus is represented by 30-year-old Antigoni Buxton with the song “Jalla”.

History of the Republic of Cyprus’ participation

The Republic of Cyprus made its Eurovision debut in 1981. The first representative was the group Island with the song “Monika”, which finished in 6th place. Since then, the country has participated almost every year, with Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) serving as the main broadcaster.

Over the years of participation, representatives of the Republic of Cyprus have performed songs in Greek, English, and in mixed formats. In recent years, the country has increasingly favored contemporary pop, dance-pop, and an international sound. Its best result is 2nd place, earned by Eleni Foureira with the song “Fuego” in 2018.

The Republic of Cyprus at Eurovision 2026

In 2026, the 70th anniversary edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is being held. The Republic of Cyprus is represented by 30-year-old singer Antigoni Buxton, performing under the stage name Antigoni, with the song “Jalla”.

Antigoni was born and raised in North London, has Greek Cypriot roots, and works in the genres of pop, hip-hop, and urban. Her music combines a modern British sound with Mediterranean motifs. The song “Jalla” is a dance track with elements of Cypriot and eastern Mediterranean звучание.

Parameter Data
Contest Eurovision 2026
Edition number 70th
Country Republic of Cyprus
Performer Antigoni Buxton
Stage name Antigoni
Song Jalla
Selection Internal selection by CyBC
Semi-final Second semi-final, 14 May 2026

Best results

The Republic of Cyprus has not yet won Eurovision. Its highest result is 2nd place in 2018, when Eleni Foureira performed the song “Fuego”.

Year Performer Song Result
2018 Eleni Foureira Fuego 2nd place
1982 Anna Vissi Mono I Agapi 5th place
1997 Hara & Andreas Constantinou Mana Mou 5th place
2004 Lisa Andreas Stronger Every Minute 5th place

All representatives of the Republic of Cyprus

Year Performer Song Result
1981 Island Monika 6th place
1982 Anna Vissi Mono I Agapi 5th place
1983 Stavros & Constantina I Agapi Akoma Zi 16th place
1984 Andy Paul Anna Maria Lena 15th place
1985 Lia Vissi To Katalava Arga 16th place
1986 Elpida Tora Zo 20th place
1987 Alexia Aspro Mavro 7th place
1988 Yiannis Dimitrou Thimame Disqualification before the contest
1989 Fani Polymeri & Yiannis Savvidakis Apopse As Vrethoume 11th place
1990 Haris Anastasiou Milas Poli 14th place
1991 Elena Patroklou S.O.S. 9th place
1992 Evridiki Teriazoume 11th place
1993 Zymboulakis & Van Beke Mi Stamatas 19th place
1994 Evridiki Eimai Anthropos Ki Ego 11th place
1995 Alexandros Panayi Sti Fotia 9th place
1996 Constantinos Christoforou Mono Yia Mas 9th place
1997 Hara & Andreas Constantinou Mana Mou 5th place
1998 Michalis Hatzigiannis Genesis 11th place
1999 Marlain Tha'nai Erotas 22nd place
2000 Voice Nomiza 21st place
2001 The Republic of Cyprus did not participate
2002 One Gimme 6th place
2003 Stelios Constantas Feeling Alive 20th place
2004 Lisa Andreas Stronger Every Minute 5th place
2005 Constantinos Christoforou Ela Ela 18th place
2006 Annet Artani Why Angels Cry Did not qualify for the final
2007 Evridiki Comme Ci, Comme Ça Did not qualify for the final
2008 Evdokia Kadi Femme Fatale Did not qualify for the final
2009 Christina Metaxa Firefly Did not qualify for the final
2010 Jon Lilygreen & The Islanders Life Looks Better in Spring 21st place
2011 Christos Mylordos San Aggelos S'Agapisa Did not qualify for the final
2012 Ivi Adamou La La Love 16th place
2013 Despina Olympiou An Me Thimase Did not qualify for the final
2014 The Republic of Cyprus did not participate
2015 John Karayiannis One Thing I Should Have Done 22nd place
2016 Minus One Alter Ego 21st place
2017 Hovig Gravity 21st place
2018 Eleni Foureira Fuego 2nd place
2019 Tamta Replay 13th place
2020 Sandro Running Contest cancelled
2021 Elena Tsagrinou El Diablo 16th place
2022 Andromache Ela Did not qualify for the final
2023 Andrew Lambrou Break a Broken Heart 12th place
2024 Silia Kapsis Liar 15th place
2025 Theo Evan Shh Did not qualify for the final
2026 Antigoni Jalla Participation in the second semi-final

How the participant is selected

The Republic of Cyprus uses two main ways to choose its representative: an internal selection by the CyBC broadcaster and a national competition. In recent years, internal selection has been used more often: the broadcaster chooses the artist and song in advance and then presents the entry to the public.

This approach makes it possible to prepare a performance with an international team of songwriters, producers, directors, and choreographers. That is why the Republic of Cyprus’ modern entries are often designed not only for radio airplay but also for a television performance.

Frequently asked questions

Who is representing the Republic of Cyprus at Eurovision 2026?

The Republic of Cyprus is represented by 30-year-old Antigoni Buxton, performing under the stage name Antigoni, with the song “Jalla”.

Is this an anniversary Eurovision?

Yes. The 70th Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in 2026.

Has the Republic of Cyprus ever won Eurovision?

No. The Republic of Cyprus has not won the contest yet. Its best result is 2nd place in 2018.

Who achieved the best result for the Republic of Cyprus?

The best result was achieved by Eleni Foureira with the song “Fuego” in 2018.

When did the Republic of Cyprus first take part in the contest?

The debut took place in 1981. The first representative was the group Island with the song “Monika”.

Who selects the participant from the Republic of Cyprus?

Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) is responsible for participation. The entrant may be chosen by the broadcaster’s internal decision or through a national selection.

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