Rotterdam 2021🇨🇾 Cyprus

🇨🇾 Eleni Foureira will NOT represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2021

But other returnees are still in contention...

As rumours about Cyprus’ representative continues to gain intensity, one thing is now certain – it will not be Eleni Foureira. Panik Records, via a Greek morning show, confirmed that she had declined the offer from the label. Discussions with other artists from both Panik and Minos EMI will proceed in the coming weeks.

Just this morning, journalist Giannis Poulopoulos informed viewers via Eftychite that Eleni had decided not to proceed with the participation for 2021. A reason for this has not been given publicly. However, it is being speculated that the potential restrictions due to the pandemic may have played a role.

As she was willing to have the talks in the first place, this shouldn’t rule out a return in the future, but just not next year. He also confirmed the rumours that two prior Eurovision artists Kalomira (Greece 2008) and Elias Kozas (Greece 2013) are still in contention.

Another returning artist?

In a recent interview, Kalomira revealed that she is in discussions with RIK to represent Cyprus in 2021:

Yes, it is something we are talking about…I don’t know if it’s quarantine, but I have to get out of the house. I am in the mood  to go to the Eurovision Song Contest! My team has contacted the Cypriot broadcaster, so it remains to be seen how everything turns out.

Kalomira in response to a question from Songfestival.be about a potential return

Another returning artist in discussions with RIK is Elias Kozas, who represented Greece in 2013 with “Alcohol Is Free”. Note that this would be as a soloist, rather than with his band Koza Mostra.

However, fans will also remember that Ivi Adamou, also signed to Panik Records, has yet to be ruled out after the label revealed that they would only be putting forward Cypriot acts from their roster.

Will we see one of these returning artists in Rotterdam (/Zoom) next year, or will it be one of Minos EMI’s fresh faces? The decision is due to be revealed in November.

Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest

Cyprus made their Eurovision Song Contest debut 37 years ago, back in 1981. The island nation has participated in every contest since, with the exception of 1988, 2001 and 2014. Prior to 2018, Cyprus’ best results had come in the form of three fifth place finishes. These came courtesy of Anna Vissi’s “Mono i agapi” (1982), Hara & Andreas Constantinou’s “Mana you” (1997) and Lisa Andreas’ “Stronger Every Minute” (2004).

While Cyprus secured seven top 11 finishes in the 1990s, their form dipped during the semi-final era. Cyprus failed to qualify in six out of eight occasions between 2006 and 2013, withdrawing in 2014 for financial reasons.

In 2018, following a string of qualifications, Eleni Foureira brought them to second place for the first time with “Fuego”. The following year, Tamta brought them their fifth consecutive qualification with “Replay”. 

In 2020, CyBC selected ‘Sandro’ to represent Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song “Running”. Sandro was set to perform 13th in semi-final one of the 2020 contest, which was ultimately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who are you hoping will represent Cyprus next year? Let us knowBe sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter@escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see our reactions to the over the coming months.

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