Next Up: 2021 – Cyprus

Despite their lengthy history at Eurovision, Cyprus is yet to triumph at Eurovision. This year they selected Sandro, who would have been performing the song Running. But Cyprus did not believe he is still the man to give them their desired success.

In today’s episode we look at Cyprus in 2021. For a full review of their potential entry for 2020, check out this article on our partner website Eurovision Union. Check out our thoughts for next year below.

Key takeaways: Radio-friendly pop from Sandro

Cyprus wanted to come to Rotterdam with a contemporary song, though it stayed a bit under the radar in the odds and fanbase. On first listen it might not stick with a lot of people, but it definitely firts in the box of ‘radio-friendly pop’, that Cyprus has been giving us in recent years.

The composition of the song gave it potential for an interesting stage presentation. It always remains a risk, because if the singer doesn’t deliver in a live televised performance, it will fail. But it could also work out well. It’s understandable why Cyprus and Sandro took this road for their Eurovision song.

Exploring other options

We would like to see Cyprus continue with the momentum that they have had in recent years. Apparantly, they didn’t feel they had done so by sticking to Sandro as their artist. Considering Sandro was internally selected, it feels like a strange move to not select him again. But it was broadcaster CyBC and his management decided to do.

A strong songwriting team and performance vision could guarantee new success. Cyprus is a small country with limited boundaries, being an island. Like before, they could always ‘import’ someone from Greece or beyond.

Rumour has it that Helena Paparizou was tempted to sing for Cyprus in 2018, when Eleni Foureira eventually stole the show with Fuego. On the internet, a demo by Helena even appeared. So who knows, for the future, the former winner of 2005 is still an option?

This was supposed to be Cyprus Eurovision 2020 entry

About “Next Up: Eurovision 2021”

In our series Next Up: 2021, we look ahead to the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. After the cancellation of Eurovision 2020, all participating countries now face the choice: Stick with their Eurovision singer, or come up with a new preselection or internal selection.

We make an analysis based on what we know so far. What will this country do, or most likely do? And is that the wise choice, looking at the fact that the Eurovision Song Contest remains a music competition?