The Cypriot ticket to Rotterdam was one of the most-anciticipated and public internal selections of the year. With the announcement that Sandro would not be re-selected, a large roster of artists began to be rumoured ahead of the reveal of Elena Tsagrinou’s selection. Among the rumours were returning Eurovision finalists Eleni Foureira, Kalomira, Ivi Adamou and Elias Kozas.
However, one name that had not been uttered in the rumours was the legendary Helena Paparizou, who brought Greece to victory back in 2005. Despite this, she revealed on Alpha’s Tet A Tet that RIK had approached her to represent Cyprus in Rotterdam.
In the interview, she told Tassos Tryfonos that she declined the offer because it was not the right time. Notably, she had been approached by the Cypriot broadcaster back in 2018, and even recorded a demo of “Fuego”, which was eventually performed by Eleni Foureira.
She noted that the song she was approached with was not “El Diablo” – Cyprus’ 2021 entry – but another entry that was eventually given to another delegation. EurovisionFun speculates that based on social media comments following the interview, it was “Colors”. The Borislav Milanov-composed song had been handed between various delegations over the past few years, and eventually competed in Dora 2021 – Croatia’s national final.
Months of speculation
All throughout the summer of 2020, new rumours and leaks were emerging weekly about the Cypriot selection.
After rumours of a return of 2018 runner-up Eleni Foureira, she went on to decline the invitation. However, a return from another artist remained on the cards. Potential returnees who were rumoured included Kalomira, Elias Kozas and Ivi Adamou.
However, there was always the possibility of us seeing a fresh face represent the island nation. Earlier, it had emerged that record label Minos EMI are putting forward Katerina Stikoudi and Irini Papadopoulou. The ‘fresh face’ in question turned out to be Elena Tsagrinou.
Who knows who we will see representing Cyprus in 2022…
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Oh wow! Colours actually sounds pretty good. Lov\’in Cyprus entry btw!!!