Cyprus’ Eurovision 2026 representative, Antigoni, held her first rehearsal in Vienna with the song “Jalla”. Stay tuned for all updates from Austria.
Vienna is burning: Cyprus shifted gears in the first rehearsal and proved that when it comes to a Mediterranean celebration, they have no competition. The singer Antigoni, Cyprus’ representative, arrived in Austria with one clear goal – to turn the hall into the biggest party in town. This is a visual display of power that stretches the known boundaries of the competition stage and generates immediate interest at every given moment on the Eurovision 2026 stage.
Cyprus’ First Rehearsal: More Details
Under the stage lights in Vienna, the artist performed her song “Jalla” dressed in a sparkling white “Aphrodite” dress, looking as if it were specially tailored for the hot summer nights of Nicosia. The song, which will be performed eighth in the second semi-final on May 14th, opens with an impressive visual display against a backdrop of giant ancient pillars lit in deep blue, creating a mythological atmosphere. The detail that caught everyone’s attention is a massive, giant table.
On top of the monstrous table, which also serves as an improvised catwalk, she and her four dancers perform a mesmerizing choreography that even includes traditional plate breaking, which was well-captured by the cameras. The table is equipped with a smart LED strip that creates powerful visual effects during the climax, especially during the addictive “?you want more” section that leaves viewers wanting more. The chairs in this spectacular display are not around the table but are placed on top of it in an unusual manner, adding to the sense of endless energy from the Cypriot delegation.
A Charged Ending with Stage-High Flames
Towards the end of the performance, Antigoni leaves the table and walks with absolute self-confidence toward the catwalk, accompanied by pyrotechnics and flames that are usually reserved for heavy rock shows. The combination of the classic Greek look and the modern, daring production manages to perfectly convey the song’s message to everyone watching the stage in Vienna. The energy in the room reached a new peak at the conclusion of the rehearsal, leaving critics with the feeling that Cyprus is aiming as high as possible on the scoreboard this year.
Will the giant table and the explosive energy of the artist be enough to grant Cyprus a guaranteed spot in the Grand Final?
Cyprus at Eurovision 2026
“JALLA” (in English: “More”) is the song that will be performed by the singer Antigoni, which will represent Cyprus as song number 8 in the second semi-final on May 14th, in Vienna, Austria. The song was written and composed by Antigoni Buxton herself, alongside Connor Mullally-Knight, Trey Qua, Claydee Lupa and Paris Kalpos. This is the first Eurovision entry by all songwriters. The song is performed in Greek and English.
Currently, Cyprus is ranked 12th in the betting tables ahead of Eurovision 2026.
