The biggest national final ever held in Cyprus kicked off earlier this evening, and so far it was filled with highs…and lows. The talented and beautiful host — a former Miss Cyprus Universe — welcomed us all to the Eurovision Song Project, and its first audition, a pre-recorded show where hopefuls sang their hearts out for a chance at continuing in the contest. (Just like tonight, you can watch all of the upcoming shows live on RIK Sat). As for now, here are some comments from our Greece correspondent Billy Xifaras on the very first entrants of this fabulous show.
Eva Diva
“Come and Fight for Freedom” was the first song to be performed. With a name like Eva Diva we expected big things — and she delivered! This is a familiar rhythm. I would call it a nice entry with meaningful lyrics and an 80’s sound. Love that dress, although she could dance a little bit more. Eva persuaded all four jurors that she has what it takes and procceeded to the next round, dubbed “The Eurochallenge”.
Pass!
Nikolas Leventis
That’s sweet. But strange and certainly not Eurovision. That’s why he was eliminated.
Fail!
Aimili Charalampos
The “Voice of Greece” entrant performed a not-so-powerful entry, but managed to pass through the auditions. Perhaps his rising name helped him through this one? CyBC certainly wants ratings, y’all…
Pass!
Nikolas Mavromichalis
He lives in Finland, comes from Greece and decided to perform a Greek entry. “Ena Kafe Mazi” sounded really weak to me, and it doesn’t fit for Eurovision. His voice wasn’t very good, and he was eliminated from the show. I’m not really surprised.
Fail!
Christodoula Tsaggara
I understand nothing, but it feels good to listen to a song with Cypriot lyrics. She really shouldn’t have sung the acapella part of Despina’s Olympiou song “An Me Thimasai”, though. She was eliminated. How can one compare to a goddess like Despina?!
Fail!
Ifigeneia Loukaidou feat. Lyrical Eye
Their song “Remember My Love” was too repetitive. I agree with Alex Panayi — it sounds old. There are so many styles in this that it can’t help but be unstylish. The jurors were right to kick this group to the curb…
Fail!
Charalampos “Luna” Iosif
This a happy song. It would be interesting to see the man on the stage in Vienna. (Please note: “interesting” does not mean “good”). Bring some dancers and flames and perhaps everything is going to be alright? “I Wanna Dance” (I Say Tempo) proceeded to the next phase. Not sure why, though.
Pass!
Elena Kousi
Cyprus and Africa mixed together. The result is just great! Her entry has an interesting sound, and it would have been great to hear the entire thing. Her voice was really nice, too. Should have passed to the next phase…
Fail!
Maria Evangelou
Love her accent! Her style and voice are good, though I’m not sure about her song “Still”. She was, however, the best performer of the first audition, and she proceeded to the Eurochallenge.
Pass!
See you all at the second audition on Sunday, December 14 at 20:30 CET! Let’s hope we hear some better entries!
there are some good songs..be patient!and keep in mind that a ballad with a male voice will the entire thing..
Any of Heat 1 qualifiers will be in the Grand Final. Don’t worry. A guy told us in OGAE Greece who works on CyBC.
Noteworthy is four songs pass from first program. They go the twenty in Euro Challenge. That is notable cause precariously if four will pass in every program
it will be more than twenty. how could they know it landed with twenty acts?
I think this reveals it prearranged! This is taped programs all but the final but the six artists are selected before the show begin! Do I have to say I agree with the critics that this show songs and artists were substandard
They’re not allowing the entrants to sing the entire song? Don’t do that… that’s a bad idea. Switzerland did that for ESC 2012 and it was a shame.
Don’t like this don’t really sure who was the biggest amateurs the Cyprus TV program makers or
the participates? LOL
This was the badest show (can any one call it for that??) Not a music show, not an eurovision contest only a talk show by the jury members! Badest ever! A big shame for Cyprus
The show is a DISASTER so far 🙁 I had high hopes