The Cypriot national broadcaster CyBC recently unveiled eight candidates, most of them familiar faces, for Eurovision 2026. The list has since narrowed to two finalists. Has a final decision now been made ahead of the contest in Vienna?
Cyprus has already confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026 and announced that its representative would be selected by a professional committee. After confirming participation and outlining the selection process, the national broadcaster CyBC published a list of eight singers shortlisted to represent the island in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. Soon after, the Greek website Eurovisionfun revealed that only two artists remain on the shortlist. Could this mean the Cypriot entrant – and potential return to the Grand Final after missing it by only two points – has finally been chosen?
The Two Finalists
About two weeks ago, the Greek website Eurovisionfun reported that only two artists were still in contention, both of whom appear on the list below. The two differ significantly in musical style, meaning the final choice will shape the artistic direction of Cyprus’s Eurovision journey this year.
According to the same report, record label proposals focus not on the songs themselves but on the creative teams behind them – composers, directors, choreographers, and more. A special committee, composed of professionals independent of the national broadcaster, will select the most suitable artist and concept to represent Cyprus at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.
Has the Representative Been Chosen?
Today (Wednesday), Eurovisionfun reported that Greek TV host Giorgos Liagas announced live on the morning show “To Proino” that Cyprus’s 2026 representative has been selected – and it is none other than the popular singer Josephine! After years of speculation linking Josephine’s name to both Greek and Cypriot Eurovision entries, Liagas claimed that there’s a 99% chance Josephine will represent Cyprus in Vienna!
CyBC’s Response
CyBC swiftly dismissed the host’s claims, insisting that the selection process has not yet begun. The broadcaster asked fans to be patient, emphasizing that no final decision has been made because the selection committee has not yet convened to choose Cyprus’s Eurovision 2026 entry. CyBC also hinted at several “exciting announcements” in the coming weeks for Eurovision enthusiasts before the official representative is revealed.
Contestants: Familiar Names and Fresh Faces
Josephine
The first on the list is a highly popular singer. Rumors of her attempts to represent either Greece or Cyprus at Eurovision have circulated for years.- Evangelia
Another artist often mentioned among Eurovision fans as a likely contender. Once again, her name appears this year, maintaining her consistent presence. - Nina Mazani
This year’s surprise inclusion. Though she emerged in recent years, she already has a unique career and notable collaborations. - Mikay
Already confirmed to submit a song for Greece’s national selection, Mikay is also listed among Cyprus’s potential representatives. - Giorgos Perris
The first male candidate has a long and distinguished career in classical and orchestral music. His selection could bring a unique tone to the Cypriot entry. - Katerina Stikoudi
A longtime favorite among Eurovision fans, Katerina previously ruled out participating in a national selection – yet she has now submitted her candidature for the internal choice. - Good Job Nicky
This singer has previously attempted to represent Greece and openly expresses his desire to participate. His pop yet fragile style makes him a particularly appealing candidate. - Antigoni
Born in Cyprus, Antigoni recently joined Marina Satti’s world tour. Satti represented Greece at Eurovision 2024. In interviews and on social media, Antigoni has frequently voiced her wish to represent her homeland at Eurovision.
Josephine – Who Are You?
Greek pop star Josephine, whose full name is Jessica Josephine Wendel, was born on August 22nd, 1990, in Athens. She first gained Eurovision attention in 2014 when she competed in “Greece Eurosong 2014” alongside DJ Mark Angelo with the song “Dancing Night”. Unfortunately, they finished fourth among four entries. Her setback didn’t last long – by 2020 she joined the fourth season of “Just the 2 of Us” and won the competition with actor and entrepreneur Nasos Papargyropoulos.
Will Josephine finally represent Cyprus at the long-awaited contest? Eurovision fans will have to wait for the official announcement from CyBC.
Cyprus in Eurovision 2025
“Shh” is the song performed by Theo Evan, who represented Cyprus at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. The song, performed in English, finished 11th in the first semi-final with 44 points and did not qualify for the final – marking the first non-qualification for Cyprus since Eurovision 2022.
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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
