Cyprus has dominated headlines across the Eurovision world throughout this week. Nevertheless, it seems we have ended up no closer to finding out exactly who will represent the island nation in the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest. However, OGAE Greece reports that a final announcement is due within a “few days”, with INFE Greece reporting Christiana Loizu as the new favourite.
Helena negotiations unsuccessful
Earlier this week, Greek media reported that CyBC was in advanced talks with 2005 Eurovision winner Helena Paparizou to perform their chosen Eurovision song written, as previously announced, by Alex Papaconstantinou. Nevertheless, despite initial reports that those talks had been successful, follow-up reports explained that the deal had eventually fallen through.
Christiana Loizu the new favourite?
However, according to INFE Greece, X Factor Bulgaria winner Christiana Loizu is now in pole position to be selected by CyBC. Born in the beautiful town of Larnaca, Christiana entered the Cypriot national selection in 2015 alongside Mariana Moskofian with the song Sailing Ships, Pirates and Dragons. Despite advancing through the initial phase of the competition, Christiana and Mariana did not qualify for the final. So far, three artists from that final have gone on to represent Cyprus at Eurovision: John Karayiannis in 2015, Minus One in 2016 and Hovig in 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zQTuu95dDQ
Nevertheless, Christiana pushed on with her career. In 2015, she entered the Bulgarian version of The X Factor. While living in the United Kingdom at the time, Christiana’s Bulgarian connection was that she had lived in the country after moving there from Cyprus as a teenager. She won the competition, beating Eurovision 2017 runner-up Kristian Kostov who placed second. Christiana signed with Virginia Records in Bulgaria with debut single Phoenix becoming a “radio hit” in Bulgaria and Cyprus.
An “uptempo ethno-pop” track with “instrumental breaks”
OGAE Greece reports that like Helena Paparizou, Tamta also loved the song Alex Papaconstantinou has written for Cyprus this year believing it is to be a massive radio hit. The song is described as “uptempo”, “dance” and “ethnic” with several instrumental breaks within the song. Nevertheless, prior commitments prevented Tamta from accepting CyBC’s approach. Eleni Foureira is also believed to be in the frame. However, Christiana, who reportedly took part in the auditions for the now cancelled 2018 Cypriot national final, is now expected to be the favourite.
More details expected imminently
OGAE Greece also reveals that CyBC is expected to announce further details regarding their 2018 Eurovision entry, including the name of their performer, within a matter of days. We look forward to finding out more!
Would you like to see Christiana represent Cyprus in Lisbon? Furthermore, does the description of the chosen track excite you? Let us know!
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