In 2018, she set Lisbon on fire and gave Cyprus its best Eurovision result ever with “Fuego”. Now Greek media is reporting that Eleni Foureira has been invited back. Cyprus broadcaster CyBC is said to have made an official proposal for Eleni to represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2021.

The tea was spilled on the Greek morning show STAR. There it was claimed that  Cypriot broadcaster CyBC has officially made a proposal for Eleni Foureira to represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2021.

But it’s by no means a done deal. STAR also said that the Albanian-Greek popstress has not yet responded. She is said to be in discussions with her record label, PANIK.

Greek Eurovision blog Eurovision Fun also report that PANIK records are looking to only propose an artist of Cypriot origin. Cyprus was last represented by a Cypriot artist in 2017, when Hovig Demirjian sang “Gravity”. Since then, they have selected two Greek stars and a German singer with Greek heritage.

But perhaps the return of the luminous Eleni is enough to put that intention aside for another year.

In July, Cyprus’ Head of Delegation Evi Papamichael denied rumours that Eleni Foureira had been selected for Cyprus. Papamichael said she didn’t understand all the hype centred around one artist and noted that Cyprus’ participation at Eurovision is very much a team effort.

Everyone wants to represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2021

With Greece having already invited back Eurovision 2020 Stefania to be their supergirl in Rotterdam, Greek music stars are turning to Cyprus as their best chance to make it to Eurovision in 2021.

So far, interested artists include The Voice Australia‘s Despina Savva, Greek X Factor star Ian Stratis, Kazakh-Greek X Factor star Eirini Papadopoulou, Australia Decides act Leea Nanos, Cyprus’ Eurovision 2012 star Ivi Adamou, reality stars Konnie Metaxa & Tasos Xiarcho, pop-rock group Melisses, pop icon Vangelis Kakouriotis and singer/model/actress Katerina Stikoudi.

Recently a Greek morning show on Open TV claimed that Eirini Papadopoulou and Katerina Stikoudi were the two frontrunners. But now with a potential Eleni Foureira comeback in the mix, the fuego just got hotter.

Eleni’s marathon mashup

Meanwhile, Elenei Foureira showed what a versatile performer she is on a recent episode of the Greek talk show Kaló Mesimeráki. Kicking off the new season and performing alongside show host Nikos Moutsinas, the pair went through a medley of Greek hits.

But Eleni also proved herself the queen of quick-change, by rapidly changing costumes and scenes in order to tell a story. The segment has a similar set-up as talk show host James Corden’s “Soundtrack to a…” musical segments — only with a uniquely Greek flavour.

What do you think? Would you like to see Eleni Foureira return to Eurovision? Or should Cyprus go with a local act? Tell us your thoughts below!

Read more Cyprus Eurovision news here

65 Comments
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Anthony Koo
Anthony Koo
3 years ago

What’s the big deal about one country (in this case Cyprus) sending foreign artists (technically not foreign, but Foureira and Tamta are Greek). I think countries should send local talent more often instead of constantly relying on another country’s singers!
[San Marino is a different story]

MartyMcCu
MartyMcCu
3 years ago

let her participate, she will slay again and more than likely next year , after no Eurovision for 2 years a bouncy number will win. A melancholy orientated song will not win. Europe wants to get up dancing again.

Deryk
Deryk
3 years ago

OH SLAY!!! I’m not mad about this

Maurice
Maurice
3 years ago

I think the main thing about Eurovision is that we see each country putting their best foot forward and being represented by a class artist. This allows the competition to flourish and remain interesting, and I hope this will be the case for many decades to come – the trend in the last few years is that there are often 5-6 songs that could win the whole thing, indicating that the annual competition is of a very decent standard. An artist like Eleni is of the highest calibre – it doesn’t matter if she ends up with 10th place… we… Read more »

Karmele Marchante
Karmele Marchante
3 years ago

The queen of Europe is back

JDS
JDS
3 years ago

Most Eurofans still can’t seem to accept Fuego didn’t win. If Eleni’s song next year is just her on stage farting for three minutes and whipping her hair, most of the fandom will be screaming on Twitter that it’s ‘the greatest Eurovision song ever.”

Dawid
Dawid
3 years ago

Is there anyone who still believe that they’ve scrapped Sandro because he was busy? Xd

Eleni’s clone didn’t work so they go back to original.

JoVla
JoVla
3 years ago

If Helena Paparizou and Dima Bilan have won on their second attempt, so Eleni can do it!

David J
David J
3 years ago
Reply to  JoVla

True and the key is don’t wait too long to try again

Denis
Denis
3 years ago
Reply to  JoVla

Yes but both years they won in were weak. If Eleni competes again her competition must be weak or she won’t have a chance..

JDS
JDS
3 years ago
Reply to  Denis

I don’t agree, 2005 and 2008 were very strong years.

Iván el Conquistador
Iván el Conquistador
3 years ago
Reply to  JoVla

Johnny Logan won in his return (as well), which was seven years later! And let’s not forget about Linda Martin, runner-up in 1984 and winner in 1992, eight years later!
If Logan and Martin can wait over five years for a victory, Eleni can do it too.

Last edited 3 years ago by Iván el Conquistador
TheDr Mistery
TheDr Mistery
3 years ago

Yeah but they had Irish-British (and then Maltese) advantage of singing in English when other countries couldn’t do that or they were facing disqualification. ESC is not the same contest nowadays, obviously. 2005 and 2008 are, after 2009, the best years of 2000s and it’s not even close. 2008 in particular was really strong but weak winner who won based on political reasons mostly clouds that fact. I might be in minority but I consider “Fuego” just fine (still better than “Toy”, though). There were better songs that finished way lower. 2018 was the year of the biggest disproportion between… Read more »

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago

Given that ERT may never select her due to Greek ethno-nationalism, she’s the one Greek artist I’d be happy for Cyprus to have represent them. However Fuego was so iconic a return would be unlikely to live up to 2018. Remember, Eleni cannibalised Greece’s usual support as Oniro Mou was not televote friendly and ERT seemingly gave up on Gianna by April (see the staging for this- maybe they realised Eleni would win a lot of votes that would’ve otherwise gone to Greece?). However, Stefania + The Dream Team is a lot more competitive, and being Dutch she’ll have a… Read more »

Nikko
Nikko
3 years ago

I don’t get it. If the same songwriters comeback the next year, no one bats an eye. But if an artist comes back 3 years later, she/he is not welcomed.

I would rather see Eleni than 3 songs from each Boris Milanov, G:son, or Doron Medalie

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Nikko

I just said that exact thing two comments down!

Denis
Denis
3 years ago
Reply to  Nikko

Because no one really pays attention to songwriters, unfortunately. Mainstream audience doesn’t really know that Milanov has three songs per year .It’s all about the performer..

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago

She’s taking it higher.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago

Eleni is welcome back. I don’t understand why it’s okay for songwriters to have three entries in the one year, but performers shouldn’t come back after three years. The winner of 2018, the songwriter who actually beat Eleni, has already made a return this year – but she shouldn’t come back? Kinda unfair.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

I am absolutely pro seeing Eleni on ESC again. I just wouldn’t advise them to try to replicate Fuego once again. Eleni with a different type of song, but equally passionate on stage, could lead to another amazing result for Cyprus, perhaps even victory.

Iván el Conquistador
Iván el Conquistador
3 years ago

I feel divided.
Do I want Eleni to have her revenge? Yes, I do!
Do I think this might be a desperate tactic and be detrimental for both the artist and the broadcaster? Yes, I do as well!

Dawid
Dawid
3 years ago

My thoughts exactly. If there’s some hot topic around winner that gives them (imo) unfair advantage and 2nd place was amazing without any vote boost, the runner up is a true winner for me. Since its a song contest. Not personality, message or believs contest. At least officially.

So 2018 and 2014. Winners were top5 for sure, but without LGBT support for Conchita and metoo movement for Netta, they wouldn’t be even 2nd. Now hate me for having an opinion, I’m used to it.

Iván el Conquistador
Iván el Conquistador
3 years ago
Reply to  Dawid

I don’t see any lies on your comment. There are truths the world is not ready to admit.

Denis
Denis
3 years ago

Ok why? It wasn’t that long ago she participated and most likely it won’t do as well as Fuego. In this corona time with artists struggling it would be nice with someone new from Cyprus entirely.

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

I don’t mind comebacks but I like them better when they are voted by the public winning a national final.
As for Eleni, she’s very good but she should offer something else since I feel going again with a Bop and dance routine will not be enough to make an impact and fight for the win.

Last edited 3 years ago by Alex
Jo.
Jo.
3 years ago

It must be a big name since they quickly ditched the previous guy.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
3 years ago

If she’s available and willing, it would be negligent not to try and work something out with her. She’s proved she can do well at ESC and it’s not like you can say that about every other act that Cyprus have sent.

Cray'
Cray'
3 years ago

I’d love to see her returning, but it’s too soon!

Maurice
Maurice
3 years ago
Reply to  Cray'

Not that soon – Sergey returned 3 years later, Elena Paparizou 4 years later, and Dima 2 years later… I think it’s a good amount of time tbh!

1998
1998
3 years ago

She was my favourite in 2018, but please God no! I wanna see new artist.

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  1998

wouldn’t mind their 1998 artist Michalis Hatzigiannis either, his voice gotten better since genesis, Horevo is a summer gem, but still also having something authentic ethnic either as well as a dance bop

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago

I don’t get people who hate on an artist just because he/she did esc already. Broadcaster should do what they think will get them a good result, it’s their money after all. I mean yeah I wouldn’t like to see Eleni every year, but returning isn’t nothing shameful. And her song “Yayo” is something she could do next year since it isn’t the same as Fuego, but still very “her”

Neil
Neil
3 years ago

What a ride with Cyprus here…
First they let go Sandro cuz of unexplained reasons
then they deny they called Eleni
Then they denied her AGAIN
then she is in the running for Eurovision 2021

I don’t have anything against Cyprus and Eleni, in fact think it could be a Dima Bilan Situation because 2nd in 2006 and 1st in 2008. Who knows??

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Neil

Sandro is a nobody

Eleni deserves her comeback and then take the win with her eurofan fanbase

Neil
Neil
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

But let’s be honest, If Sandro had a better song everyone would be all over
him just like Eleni. You can’t call someone a “nobody” just because of ONE song.

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Neil

Eleni is a QUEEN, we must have her back for Cyprus again and i would love for her to be in Ahoy, her performances here are top notch what she did for fuego, at pride in amsterdam (2018) and last december in songfestivalfeest <3

Neil
Neil
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

I agree but that doesn’t mean that other people aren’t better.

JDS
JDS
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

Don’t forget that only a small % of televoters each year are Eurofans. Most of the voting public in 2021 will have no recollection of her from 2018.

milky
milky
3 years ago

Why?? She already GOT 2ND PLACE

Malo
Malo
3 years ago
Reply to  milky

Eleni was the reason Fuego got the attention though. I remember distinctly that before the contest eurofans were dissing the song.

Frisian esc
3 years ago

If it’s her or not. I’d be supportive either way. I get some people want room for ‘something new’ but with 42 countries there will be more than enough new talent and having one recognized name can be fun in the mix.

Jose
Jose
3 years ago

I usually don’t like when artists return years after a short time of their participation, but with Eleni I would make an exception. I would love to see her back! I don’t know if she could win, but for the line up of ESC2021 would be amazing – ‘Fuego’ has become one of the most beloved entries even outside the fandom. But it would depend on the song, of course.

Chris
Chris
3 years ago

This “news” we hear every year since 2018. I doubt there’s any truth in this. Better wait until a formal announcement. I think my country should try something different this year though. Ian Stratis perhaps?

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Ian is very amateurish, his english also very weak, music wise very outdated 00’s pop

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

god can u stop? we dont need another rasmus on this site

Aris
Aris
3 years ago

Yas Queen

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago

hmm idk how I feel about this. Eleni was my 2018 winner and I love her as much as the next Eurovision fan, but I was looking forward to new artists, and I’m worried that if she is picked it won’t be as good as Fuego and be a Selma situation. I guess we’ll see

Jofty
Jofty
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton

I agree with you Ashton. Or a Dana International situation. I’m not keen on returnees though I do think Selma should have qualified in 2005.

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago
Reply to  Jofty

omg I had erased the memory of how bad ding dong was until you just said that hahaha

Jofty
Jofty
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton

Ding Dong – say no more!

stommie
stommie
3 years ago

Dima Bilan managed to finish second and a few years later first. But I fear he is the exception to the rule. I don’t think Eleni can surprise us like she did in 2018. Her song will probably be a Fuego knock off with a hair flipping staging. She better protect her legacy.

FanESC
FanESC
3 years ago
Reply to  stommie

Even if she didn’t came 2nd or 1st in 2021, it wouldn’t necessary be shameful to end up top 5 or top 10, after all.

Last edited 3 years ago by FanESC
Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  stommie

i’d hope for somewhat of a showstopper like Ukraine had with Ruslana, i think Eleni is well capable of slaying that too

Eleni needs more complicated lyrics too than just a fun summer hit what fuego is

Eleni is well capable of slaying at literally anything i think

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  stommie

He’s not the exception to the rule when Linda Martin had already done it before him.

FanESC
FanESC
3 years ago

I know that I’m gonna be downvoted because fans around there usually don’t like returning artists, but personally I’m 100% hyped because she could deliver an amazing performance by dancing and singing at the same time that few artists can do live.

So I would love to see her returning, but only if she has the right song, because Eurovision is at least 50% about the song. I don’t want her back just to have her back, I want the perfect (or almost perfect) song. I want to trust Panik Records.

Last edited 3 years ago by FanESC
JDS
JDS
3 years ago
Reply to  FanESC

Um, singing and dancing at the same time? It wasn’t a secret in 2018 that most of the heavy lifting vocally was done by her backing singers.

Lollipop ESC
Lollipop ESC
3 years ago

OMG ….the queen could be back to finish what she came for. Go girl, get your crown! Best news of the day for me. She was my winner in Lisbon 2018

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

I was so excited when I heard they were only going to consider Cypriot acts, and part of that was because I thought it would move them AWAY from the “Eleni again or bust” line of thinking. You guys! You’ve SEEN how many people are interested in representing you! You already GOT Eleni before! Pick someone new!!!

Last edited 3 years ago by Joe
Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

no, either Eleni or pick Hatzigiannis (he had a summer hit this year with Horevo)

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

You said the contest is irrelevant anyway on another post, why are you even commenting?

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

because i Adore eurovision and i luv my Queen diva Eleni <3

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

You’re full of it, with all due respect.

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

lol, but it is true, i follow everything about eurovision, also via my tablet, got official eurovision app, and escradio app too love hearing many past esc, nf songs <3

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

Then why’d you call it irrelevant??!

Safiya
Safiya
3 years ago

I love Eleni and on one hand I would like her to return, but on the other hand it’s always exciting to see new artists. It’s also not about the artist, but the song. Just because Eleni was so succesful in 2018, it is not guaranteed that her new song will be as good. And I would love to see some Cypriot artists representing Cyprus. I think that it is always good when the artist actually has something to do with the country they represent. But then again, it seems that Greek artists are usually equally popular in Cyprus, so… Read more »