A demo version of “Fuego”, the Cypriot entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, sung by Eurovision 2005 winner Helena Paparizou, has been leaked online.
Helena Paparizou was one of several singers in line to represent Cyprus at this year’s contest. However, after days of talks between the Cypriot delegation and Helena Paparizou and her management, that the singer has decided against taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest for a third time. The Head of RIK, as well as senior executives and songwriter Alex Papaconstantinou, traveled to Athens to in the past few days, to try and convince the singer to take part in Eurovision. Despite thinking highly of the offer and having a strong working relationship and personal friendship with Alex Papaconstantinou, Helena decided that taking part in Eurovision this year was not for her. However, she did record a demo version of “Fuego”.
Eleni has attempted to represent Greece at the contest multiple times in the past 10 years. Her first attempt was in 2010, where she came second in the Greek national final show. In 2013, she starred once again in the national final, performing “Wild Dances” with Ruslana. Most recently, she attempted to represent Greece in 2016 and 2017 but was rejected by the broadcaster.
Eleni Foureira will represent Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal this May. Eleni was internally selected by Cypriot broadcaster CyBC, and her she will be singing “Fuego”.
Source: Eurovisionary
Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest
Cyprus debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981. Their 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, which 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.
