The rumour mill in Cyprus has a habit of being right. Back in September we reported that Cypus’ CYBC would opt for an internal selection — BAM! And now, just days after local media suggested Minus One would sing at Eurovision 2016, RIK has confirmed that the rock band is in fact headed to Stockholm.

Speaking to wiwibloggs, the band made it clear they are super stoked to sing for their country.

We are excited with the news of the official announcement about us representing Cyprus in ESC16. We are overwhelmed by the love people are showing us with their messages and we are trying to keep up with personally replying to each and every one.

Last year the group — that’s Francois Micheletto (vocals), Harrys Pari (guitar), Constantinos Amerikanos (guitar and vocals), Antonis Loizides (bass) and Chris J (drums) — finished third in Cyprus’ Eurovision Song Project with their song “Shine”. (They also came third with the Wiwi Jury). Our blogger Kristin was obsessed with their song, giving it a perfect 10 and drawing comparisons with another famous group:

Once I was 19, and listened to Live, like all the time. This song takes me back and it feels gooooood! This is my other favorite song in the Cypriot finals, and if Hovig doesn’t win, I really, really want Minus One to rock it out in Vienna. Now, where is my Live CD?….

Thomas G:Son collaboration

The group’s song won’t be revealed until a later date, but we have a feeling it’s going to be a hit. They’re working with Eurovision and Melodifestivalen legend Thomas G:Son — he of “Euphoria” fame. His other recent Eurovision tracks — “Warrior,” “Amanecer”, “Waterfall” and “Quédate conmigo” — sound nothing like Minus One. So it’ll be interesting to see what they come up with. But hey: if he’s good enough for Måns Zelmerlöw, he’s good enough for anyone!

Follow all of our Cyprus Eurovision news here

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Ian
Ian
8 years ago

Shine isn’t doing much for me.
I hope they at least bring more energy with their song this year.

Alex
Alex
8 years ago

they do not need Gson…

mocosuburbian
mocosuburbian
8 years ago

also what is up with the new profile pictures

mocosuburbian
mocosuburbian
8 years ago

oh man, I was supporting Minus One all the way last year
surprising to see them pop up all of a sudden but pleased nonetheless

sarah
sarah
8 years ago

rock musicians can make pop songs but pop musicians cant make rock songs…

sarah
sarah
8 years ago

sweden are taking over the contest!

Thiefo
8 years ago

I wasn’t following the cypriot final last year, but I’m listening to “Shine” now and I’m liking it! So I’m perfectly fine with this.
Even if rock usually doesn’t do well in ESC, I’m glad to have more of it in the contest.

Denis
Denis
8 years ago

So MOR radio rock entries seem to be a trend this year? Not the trend I wanted.. What’s wrong with sending rock a la Lordi and harder stuff?
I hope they come up with something more interesting than the track above cause that wasn’t to impressive. Thomas G:son is good but isn’t known for rock-songs simply due to the fact they aren’t good enough.They always end up solid but to polished and MOR.
After their success last year I expected something spectacular..

ct greece
ct greece
8 years ago

Cyprus is buying from Sweden now. Last year they brought Bjorkmann to book them a place to the final (he did), this year Thomas G:sonn.

Mario = Legend
Mario = Legend
8 years ago

I loved ‘Shine’ and backed them to win the NF last year, so this is fantastic news for me. 🙂

Bogdan Honciuc
8 years ago

Cool! This already sounds like an interesting collaboration.

jr esc nl
jr esc nl
8 years ago

o i’ve forgotten to change my name xD

reality
reality
8 years ago

good choice!

MTD
MTD
8 years ago

Tomas G:Son? You’re kidding, right? Aaaahahaha…

From which song he’ll make a rip-off now?

Erin
Erin
8 years ago

Refreshing new approach. 2016 spells 10 years to ‘Lordi’ and I bet they’ll turn that minus into a plus (with some makeup, re-branding, sex-appeal and rockers’ outfits). Don’t ever change inside though…

Azaad
Azaad
8 years ago

Well this is new for Cyprus

Paul D
Paul D
8 years ago

Looking foward to hear the song, and please G:son I want a proper rock song, not a romantic rock ballad …

Julian
Julian
8 years ago

Cyprus is increasingly becoming team Sweden 3. Because Sweden 2 is Azerbaijan. ESC will soon be rebranded as Eurosong Swedish Contest.

Timselvision
Timselvision
8 years ago

Yesss, rock at Eurovision! Really missed that this year xD

Sparrow
Sparrow
8 years ago

Who knows, maybe they’ll end up with a great song from their collaboration and pull a Turkey 2010.

beccaboo1212
8 years ago

To me, they’re like a Cypriot Bon Jovi 🙂

DenizNL
DenizNL
8 years ago

I really like the artists so far! But I am not that much of a Rockfan. I hope it will be poprock.