Reality TV star turned singer Antigoni Buxton is set to represent Cyprus at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, marking a major career shift from British reality television to one of the world’s biggest music competitions.
Antigoni, who previously appeared on Love Island in 2022, will perform her entry “Jalla” in the second semi-final, bringing a dance-driven track infused with Greek-Cypriot cultural influences, including traditional instruments and references to the Tsifteteli dance style.
Speaking about her journey, she said her appearance on reality TV was unexpected, stressing that music has always been her lifelong passion. According to her, Eurovision represents a long-held dream inspired by watching past winners as a child, particularly Greece’s Helena Paparizou in 2005.
Born in London to Greek-Cypriot parents, Antigoni says she grew up deeply connected to Cyprus, spending summers on the island and embracing its culture and identity. She described her Eurovision participation as a proud moment to showcase her heritage on an international stage.
Her song title, “Jalla,” is a Cypriot slang expression loosely meaning “more” or “again,” which she says carries cultural significance and reflects the energy of the track.
The music video for the entry also features members of her family, alongside a surprise appearance from the viral dance duo Stavros Flatley, known for their performances on Britain’s Got Talent. Antigoni said their inclusion was a tribute to Cypriot culture and identity in the UK.
She added that unlike reality TV, which can often attract harsh public criticism, Eurovision offers a more supportive and celebratory environment focused on music and cultural exchange.
Cyprus, which has competed in Eurovision for more than four decades without winning, is hoping for a strong result this year. Antigoni’s staging reportedly features high-energy choreography, symbolic props, and large-scale pyrotechnics designed to match the song’s intensity.
Despite the pressure of representing her country, she says her focus is on delivering a performance she can be proud of rather than solely chasing victory, adding that making Cyprus proud would be a personal highlight of her career.
