After many months of speculation, Elena Tsagkrinou was finally announced as Cyprus’ representative for Eurovision 2021 in November. However, you may remember that Kalomira revealed that she was also in talks to represent the island nation. She’s now said in an interview that she pulled out of those talks due to coronavirus concerns.
It’s not the first time Kalomira has been rumoured to be returning to the contest – she was also rumoured to be in talks to represent Greece in 2019. Eurovision fans will know Kalomira from her 2008 entry, “Secret Combination”, which brought Greece their third 3rd-place finish of the 2000s.
“It was a risk to travel”
Speaking on Greek morning show, Happy, Kalomira revealed that she decided against continuing talks to represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2021, due to concerns about travelling during the ongoing pandemic.
It was a risk with the coronavirus to travel with my children. There I put the brake.
– Kalomira, speaking on Happy
She revealed in an interview with Songfestival.be back in September that her team had contacted the Cypriot broadcaster about a possible return to Eurovision. Clearly, that didn’t go ahead. However, she has not ruled out a return altogether.
Yes, I would go to Eurovision in the future. My children have now grown up. I would like my children to see me on stage. They have not understood that I am a singer.
– Kalomira, speaking on Happy
Kalomira at the Eurovision Song Contest 2008
With over 50% of the vote at the national final, Ellinikós Telikós, Kalomira was selected to represent Greece at Eurovision 2008 in Belgrade. Her song, “Secret Combination”, was released in February 2008 and featured on Kalomira’s fourth studio album, also titled Secret Combination.
At the contest, Kalomira won her semi-final with 156 points and, in the final, she scored 218 points, placing her in third behind winners Russia and runners-up Ukraine.
Are you sad that Kalomira won’t be returning to the contest in 2021? Do you want to see her back in the future?
Let us know in the comments below and on social media @ESCXTRA.
