Record viewing figures have been recorded in Cyprus, as the nation records their best ever result in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Nearly 250,000 viewers on average watched the Grand Final of the 63rd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, as Eleni Foureria finished 2nd with the song “Fuego”. On average 245,740 viewers watched on Saturday night, with the contest achieving a viewing share of 77.4% for the time slot. This year is the highest viewing figures achieved for the contest according to the available data.
The full viewing figures for the contest in Cyprus were as follows:
- Semi-Final One – 158,420 – 35.9% share
- Semi-Final Two – 65,230 – 25.4% share
- Grand Final – 245,740 – 77.4% share
Viewing figures for Eurovision Song Contest finals in Cyprus:
- 2005 – 180,000 viewers
- 2006 – 181,000 viewers
- 2007 – 140,000 viewers
- 2008 – Unknown
- 2009 – 158,000 viewers
- 2010 – 148,000 viewers
- 2011 – 134,000 viewers
- 2012 – 223,000 viewers
- 2013 – 125,000 viewers
- 2014 – 132,000 viewers
- 2015 – 150,000 viewers
- 2016 – 150,000 viewers
- 2017 – 136,170 viewers
- 2018 -245,740 viewers
Cyprus was the favourite to win the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, they were represented by Eleni Foureria and the song “Fuego”. Eleni was internally selected in 2018 by the Cypriot broadcaster to perform the Alex P written track, Fuego. However, she has attempted to represent Greece in Eurovision on several previous occasions. In 2010, 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.
Cyprus finished second in the competition Lisbon, Portugal. Eleni scored a total of 436 points, ending up 93 points behind winners Israel. Cyprus finished 5th with the juries and 2nd in the public televote.
Source: AGB