The first Eurovision 2026 singer has been revealed, for Cyprus – and it’s a Love Island UK star
Antigoni Buxton will represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2026. (Getty)
Antigoni Buxton will represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2026. (Getty)
We already have our first contender for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Cyprus, who will be represented by the former Love Island UK star.
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Vienna between 12 and 16 May 2026. The two live semi-finals and the grand final will all take place at the Wiener Stadthalle, Austria’s largest indoor arena.
Today (Thursday 6 November) Cyprus became the first country taking part in Eurovision 2026 to announce who would be competing on its behalf. It has chosen the singer Antigoni who will be performing a yet-to-be-announced song.
As the first performer confirmed for Eurovision 2026, Antigoni also had the honour of being the first to showcase the introduction videos to be used when announcing the artists taking part.
These feature music created by Thomas Thurner, who contributed to Austria’s winning song in 2025, “Wasted Love.” That song serves as the basis for the musical accompaniments to the visual announcements.
Reacting to the announcement on Instagram, Antigoni commented, “I’m so honoured 🥹 Cyprus I will make you proud.” In her Instagram stories she added, “I am so humbled, honoured & grateful”
Antigoni Buxton was a contestant on season eight of Love Island UK in 2022. She coupled up with Davide Sanclimenti and Charlie Radnedge. She was subsequently voted off on her ninth day in the villa.
Antigoni is also the daughter of Tonia Buxton, a Greek-Cypriot television presenter and chef. The British-Cypriot singer-songwriter has released tracks such as “Man Behind the Wall,” “Sleeping Alone,” and “Habibi.”
Cyprus has never won Eurovision but came close in 2018 when Eleni Foureira’s fiery banger “Fuego” finished in second place.
Eurovision 2026 has already proven to be controversial due to Israel’s involvement. Before the current Gaza ceasefire came into effect, several countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain, threatened to withdraw from the competition if Israel is allowed to take part in 2026.
Once the ceasefire came into effect, organisers postponed a planned vote on whether to exclude Israel. The issue is due to be discussed at a general assembly in December.
Israel’s involvement in the 2025 event was also strongly criticised. More than 70 Eurovision acts signed an open letter calling for the country’s broadcaster, KAN, and contestant Yuval Raphael to be removed. The signatories said that silence was “not an option” and condemned the EBU for continuing to offer Israel a platform. Protests also took place.
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