The Head of Delegation for Cyprus has stated that they are looking hold a national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2018.
Evi Papamichael the Head of Delegation for Cyprus, confirmed at a press conference earlier this week that Cyprus will ‘probably’ hold a selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2018. The Head of Delegation explained that Cyprus has opted to spread out their national selections due to the limited music industry on the island nation. By holding selections every two to three years the country is able to work with the local music industry to build talent.
Mrs Papamichael went on to add that the country does not have issue with finding singers to compete in the contest, as evident from Cypriot success in Greek contests. But that it is composition side of the contest which they struggle with, the creation of songs suitable for competing in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Cyprus last held a national selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015. The winner John Karagiannas went on to represent the country in Vienna, Austria. While this years entrant Hovig and last years participants Minus One made it through to the final of the competition in 2015.
To date the following countries have confirmed their national selection processes for 2018:
- Estonia
- Finland
- Lithuania
- Norway
- Portugal
Cyprus are competing in the first semi final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 on May 9. Hovig will be performing the song “Gravity” in slot 15 in the show.
Source: Cypriot Press Conference
[tw-accordion class=””] [tw-accordion-section title=”Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest”] Cyprus debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981. Cyprus’ best result in the contest came in the form of three fifth place finishes. Their highest points finish came in 2004 when Lisa Andreas performed “Stronger Every Minute” in Istanbul, Turkey. She finished 5th in the final scoring 170 points, this included 12 points from Greece. Cyprus withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014 due to financial difficulties but returned again in 2015 where they were represented by John Karagiannis.[/tw-accordion-section] [/tw-accordion]
