Cyprus unveils Eurovision 2026 entry Jalla by Antigoni amid mixed reactions

On February 9, 2026, the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (RIK) officially presented Jalla by Antigoni Buxton as the nation's entry for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. Produced by Claydee and released under Minos EMI Universal, the song features ethnic uptempo elements and lyrics in the Cypriot dialect. The contest is scheduled for May 12, 14, and 16, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, with Cyprus performing in the second half of the second semi-final. While the entry has seen a rise in betting odds and positive reviews from fan channels, it has also sparked significant local controversy. A group of artists and professionals submitted a formal letter to RIK demanding the withdrawal of the song and its music video, claiming it misrepresents Cypriot tradition and promotes unacceptable standards. These critics also requested a full disclosure of the production costs for the project. In response, RIK broadcast the music video during its main news bulletin and addressed the financial concerns raised by the public.