Blast from the past: Ireland 2001

Road to Vienna: Cyprus As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Road to Vienna:  Cyprus. Antigoni: From Major Label to Independent Artist Antigoni Buxton (born March 9, 1996) is a North London–raised singer-songwriter with Greek-Cypriot roots. Growing up bilingual in English and Greek, her bicultural background strongly shapes her music, blending Western pop with Mediterranean influences.                                                                                                    Antigoni discovered her passion for music as a teenager, writing songs inspired by personal experiences. She trained at the prestigious BRIT School in London—alma mater of Adele and Amy Winehouse—where she refined her vocals and stage presence. At just 20, she signed with Island Records, marking her official entry into the music industry. After her time at Island Records, Antigoni chose independence, launching her own label, Sirena Records. This move gave her full creative control, allowing her to craft a unique sound combining R&B, pop, and Greek musical elements. Early independent releases like “Hit List” and “Way Too Much” helped build her fanbase and artistic identity. Breakthrough Singles & Musical Style Antigoni’s music often explores themes of love, empowerment, and heartbreak. Key releases include:                Her signature style blends modern beats with Greek influences, often featuring bilingual lyrics. In 2022, Antigoni appeared on Love Island (Season 8), gaining widespread recognition. Although her time on the show was brief, it significantly boosted her visibility and introduced her music to a broader audience. Eurovision 2026: Representing Cyprus In 2025, Antigoni reached a major milestone: she was selected to represent Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Her entry song “Jalla” highlights her modern sound and cultural fusion, positioning her as a rising voice in European pop. Jalla:  A Mediterranean Dance Anthem Jalla is an energetic, feel-good track that captures the essence of Mediterranean nightlife. Performed in a lively mix of English, Greek, Cypriot Greek, and Arabic expressions, the song creates a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere from the very first beat. A Celebration of Music, Dance & Freedom At its core, “Jalla” is about letting go and living in the moment. The song places listeners in the middle of a festive night, where rhythm and movement take over. Dance becomes a powerful form of self-expression, encouraging confidence, joy, and freedom. Multilingual Vibes & Cultural Fusion By blending multiple languages and musical influences, Antigoni highlights her Cypriot and Greek heritage while embracing a broader Mediterranean identity. This fusion gives “Jalla” a unique, global appeal that stands out in the pop landscape. The track carries a playful, carefree attitude. Outside opinions fade into the background, while connection, laughter, and shared experiences take center stage. It’s a song that invites everyone to join the celebration—no matter where they’re from. Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest Cyprus has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 40 times since its debut in 1981. The nation’s best result came in 2018 when Eleni Foureira’s “Fuego” achieved second place in Lisbon. Other top5 successes were Anna Vissi‘s “Mono I Agapi” in 1982, Chara & Andreas Konstantinou‘s “Mana mou” in 1997 and Lisa Andreas‘ “Stronger Every Minute” in 2004. Despite not having secured a win yet, Cyprus has consistently showcased diverse musical talents and remains a dedicated competitor in the contest.  The Bookmakers Cyprus holds a solid 11th place overall and ranks 5th in the semi-final — it would take something unexpected to keep them out of the final