CyBC director defends Eurovision 2026 entry Jalla amid controversy

CyBC General Director Thanasis Tsokos on Thursday defended the selection of Cyprus's 2026 Eurovision entry "Jalla," performed by Antigoni Buxton and produced by Claydee. The broadcaster confirmed a total expenditure of €170,000, including a €50,000 EBU entry fee and €120,000 in production costs, with record label Minos EMI covering approximately €100,000 of the expenses. A five-member committee selected the artist from a shortlist of candidates—reported differently as either 10 or 15—proposed by the label. The entry faced an open letter from dozens of public figures calling for its withdrawal due to aesthetic concerns and its perceived failure to reflect national identity. Additionally, the music video was pulled for editing after critics identified traffic violations, such as motorcycle stunts performed without helmets. Tsokos dismissed claims that the broadcaster acted improperly, characterizing the contest as a music festival rather than a museum-style cultural institution. The revised video will be re-uploaded by the European Broadcasting Union following the removal of the controversial scenes. Tsokos emphasized that the production aims to balance traditional and modern Cypriot identity for a global audience of 180 million.