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 at Eurovision 2026
- Best results
- All representatives of the Republic of Cyprus
- How the participant is selected
- Frequently asked questions
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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