The race to the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 has begun, and Cyprus has dramatically thrown down the first gauntlet. They’ve selected a surprising representative: Antigoni Buxton, known to millions as a former star of Love Island UK.
Vienna, Austria, will host this landmark event, transforming the Wiener Stadthalle – the nation’s largest indoor arena – into a dazzling stage from May 12th to 16th. Two semi-finals will precede the highly anticipated grand finale, promising a spectacle of music and national pride.
Antigoni’s selection marks a unique moment in Eurovision history. She is the very first artist confirmed for the 2026 competition, and with that honor comes the responsibility of unveiling the new artist introduction videos.
These introductory visuals are set to a captivating musical backdrop crafted by Thomas Thurner, the talent behind Austria’s 2025 winning song, “Wasted Love.” The familiar melody will provide a thematic link across all artist announcements, creating a cohesive and exciting build-up to the contest.
Antigoni herself expressed immense gratitude and determination, stating on Instagram her commitment to making Cyprus proud. Her excitement was further amplified in her stories, where she described herself as “humbled, honoured & grateful” for the opportunity.
Beyond her reality TV fame, Antigoni is a British-Cypriot singer-songwriter with a growing catalog of original music. Tracks like “Man Behind the Wall,” “Sleeping Alone,” and “Habibi” showcase her artistic range and hint at the potential for a compelling Eurovision performance.
She also comes from a prominent family; Antigoni is the daughter of Tonia Buxton, a well-known Greek-Cypriot television presenter and chef. This heritage undoubtedly fuels her connection to the nation she will represent.
Cyprus has long sought victory at Eurovision, coming tantalizingly close in 2018. Eleni Foureira’s electrifying performance of “Fuego” captivated audiences, ultimately securing a strong second-place finish – a result that still resonates with Cypriot fans.
However, the upcoming contest is already shadowed by controversy. Concerns surrounding Israel’s participation have sparked debate and even threats of withdrawal from several nations, including Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain, before the recent ceasefire.
Organizers initially planned a vote on Israel’s inclusion but postponed it following the ceasefire. The issue remains unresolved and is scheduled for discussion at a general assembly in December, highlighting the complex political landscape surrounding the event.
The 2025 contest also faced significant criticism regarding Israel’s participation, with over 70 Eurovision acts signing an open letter demanding the country’s exclusion. Protests further underscored the strong feelings surrounding this sensitive issue.
