Antigoni Buxton Represents Cyprus at 2026 Eurovision With Jalla After 2022 Love Island Stint
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 14
Antigoni Buxton Represents Cyprus at 2026 Eurovision With Jalla After 2022 Love Island Stint
5 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 14
30-year-old Antigoni Buxton will perform Jalla for Cyprus in Eurovision's second semi-final, taking the stage in Vienna as the country's latest bid for a first win.
Buxton said Eurovision, not Love Island, has always been the goal, describing the 2022 reality-show appearance as a detour that helped introduce her to a wider audience.
Jalla leans heavily into her Greek-Cypriot roots, using traditional instruments, a Tsifteteli reference and a title drawn from Cypriot-Greek slang meaning roughly "more" or "again."
Cyprus is making its 42nd Eurovision appearance — the most by any country without a victory — after failing to reach the 2025 final.
Buxton said her priority is to make Cyprus, her family and team proud, though she also sees a chance to make history for the island nation.
Did Antigoni's Love Island fame or her controversial video ultimately cost Cyprus its spot in the Eurovision final?
With Eurovision facing boycotts, can its 'loving community' ideal survive the contest's escalating political turmoil?