It’s only been out for two days, but Elena Tsagrinou’s “El Diablo” is already causing a storm. Cyprus’ Eurovision 2021 entry is the subject of a rapidly-growing petition from a religious group who are campaigning for the song to be axed. The religious group claims that “El Diablo” is “scandalous” and goes against Christian values.
But the country’s broadcaster is standing their ground. CyBC has released a response to said petition, and say the song will not be withdrawn from Eurovision. They defend it as a song with a message that could inspire many.
CyBC respond to “El Diablo” petition from religious group
The petition — titled “Cancellation of El Diablo song participation in Eurovision” — comes from the Association of Theologists in Cyprus.
“Dear fellow citizens”, petition creator Demetris writes. “The participation of Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song EL DIABLO is scandalous for us Christians. Join us in the voice of protest.” At the time of writing, the petition on Avaaz.org titled has more than 4,000 signatures.
But CyBC remains committed to its Eurovision project. Elena Tsagrinou will take “El Diablo” to Rotterdam as planned, as their statement published today reads:
“The song which will represent Cyprus to the 65th Eurovision Song Contest tells the tale of this girl that has found herself entangled in a relationship with someone as bad as ‘El Diablo’. It regards the eternal struggle between good and evil. Through this problematic relationship with signs of the Stockholm syndrome and despite the paranoia she is experiencing, she is seeking help towards freedom. In the end, as they say, the truth always shines. Especially these days, we hope the song and its proper interpretation will inspire not only women but also everyone who faces similar situations.”
This statement follows threats of violence towards the broadcaster after the release of “El Diablo”. Cypriot news channel Sigma claims that one individual threatened to burn down the RIK CyBC headquarters. This incident has since been reported to the police.
Elena Tsagrinou at Eurovision 2021
CyBC internally selected Elena Tsagrinou to represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2021. Her song “El Diablo” features the songwriting talents of Melodifestivalen veteran songwriters Jimmy “Joker” Thornfeldt and Laurell Barker, as well Brazilian-born songwriter Oxa and Eurovision champion Thomas Stengaard — one of the writers behind Emmelie de Forest’s “Only Teadrops”. Additionally, Marvin Dietmann — the creative visionary behind Conchita Wurst’s “Rise Like a Phoenix” stage show — will create the stage show for “El Diablo” in Rotterdam.
At Eurovision, Elena will sing “El Diablo” in the second half of the first semi-final this May.
Read more Cyprus Eurovision 2021 news here
Well from the performance she even did a little move from the exorcist + the children’s voice repeating “I love el diablo” is a bit too weird for my liking.
Not fair to blame ALL Cypriots for a few fanatics. See below comments for some non-Cypriots’ objection to the song on religious grounds. There are religious fanatics everywhere. No need to generalize.
Now the Church of Cyprus has issued a statement against the song:
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/03/europe/eurovision-cyprus-satanic-scli-intl/index.html
The Church of Cyprus owns hotels, restaurants, breweries, etc, and they DO NOT pay taxes. There have been so many scandals involving priests and corruption within this institution. It is the richest “corporation” in Cyprus, and it rarely and barely helps people in need. Yet, they find the time and energy to launch petitions against silly songs with silly lyrics… The main issue here is how much Cypriots allow the Church of Cyprus to get away with. Tax them and take away their infinite power!!!
I think the song is appropriate. The contest is a circus and a parody anyway. And with that the song works like a charm. It is a pity though that such a contest is organized by EBU.
I am bewildered, in a contest that has to be family friendly with no cursing it is suddenly okay to declare your love for pure evil?? I know the meaning of the song but to me this has gone over the top, the last line litterly stating “I love the devil”. Are you serious??? This song shouldn’t be allowed in the contest simple as. The devil is a religious figure that signifies pure evil and in my opinion religion has no place in the eurovision with the amount of cultures involved.
Oh for crying out loud, get off the cross, we need the wood! 😛
Well said Mark! The contest is about bringing people together, leave religion and politics out of it! This is meant to be a family show and this nonsense is killing the contest, but wee Benny loves to troll away
Christian fanatics and their nonsense aside, what about CyBC’s response to this? They describe the song lyrics as tackling issues like Stockholm syndrome, paranoia, toxic relationships, etc, that will inspire people. I seem to have lost these deep insights right about when the tacos and tamales came up.
You think it is nonsense not everybody agrees though, be respectful for other peoples beliefs
Anyone can believe whatever they want, but it’s not respectful to attack other people’s freedom of expression. So, yes, it’s nonsense when a silly song offends you so much that you resort to terrorism (there were arson threats for CyBC).
I am an atheist but I don’t have an issue with churches and temples and synagogues being part of culture. If you’re a religious person, you should similarly be able to tolerate people who want to write a song about the devil and sriracha.
I don’t agree with violence whatsoever and there is no need for it! I have heard there were threats or whatever against CyBC and that should not be the case! Is it directly linked though to El Diablo or is it possible it could be coincidence? I know there are many religions out there, some are peaceful and some are extreme! You are right though no need for threats of terrorism!
I don’t care what people’s religious beliefs are, but don’t put in my or other people’s faces. I don’t think religion should be brought into the contest!
wow religious fanatism
““Why is it so difficult to select artists from our island (…) who can promote our culture and our musical tradition in international music competitions?” They are right here, fed up with Eurovision becoming a mainstream english pop contest !
hey Paul in the comments: be quiet please babe. thanks xx
This is where the freedom of speech ends, right? Let people speak! Leftists have their extremists, it is true.
I believe religious people are right, not as if I were religious, but calling your song El Diablo. … you made the religious reference in the first place.
Why the downvotes? I’m not religious, but if you are talking about the devil, then you are talking about religion, people of god deserve to have a say too.
Look why don’t they just change the name of the song to Alejandro? Jesus Maria this time last week we were musing as to what degree this would be Fuego # 499, and not launching into an evangelical and theological discussion. Leave the poor girl alone.
I agree
Lmao
I keep looking at the comments of this and I’m like “omg a lot of people are quite angry with this” then I just realise that all of the comments are from Paul
Also El Diablo is a bop and considering it’s comparing a man to the devil, it shouldn’t be taken this far, a songs a song.
Being Greek I am just disappointed by the amount of religious fanatics that exist in Greece and Cyprus. I am not a fan of the song but the Christian movement is trying to impose censorship which is anti-democratic. And I also can’t see why they got so triggered in the first place tbh. This is unacceptable in today’s society.
In a family friendly contest with no cursing and is meant to be apeasable to all cultures you think its alright to declare your love for pure evil?? I know the underlying meaning for the song but the reference to the devil in this song is over the top. The devil is a religious figure signifying pure evil and whether you are religious or not it is morally numb to have a song like this in the eurovision. There is nothing to do with extremism in this.
First of all, I believe we can all agree that these lyrics are not made to offend anyone. Also a reference to the devil and a METAPHOR as far as devil is concerned are by no means an attack on Christian faith. But even if it were an attack on Christian faith, don’t we live in a free world? I didn’t see any Norwegian people getting offended by Jorn’s song that dealt with religious extremism and the crimes of religion. I am an atheist and I totally agreed with the message behind Faith bloody Faith and I don’t mind the… Read more »
In 2021, when technology has evolved, when the biological origin of man has been proven, when all this is happening in our world, when there are people with really important health problems, why should anyone believe that this specific song is Satanic? All of you fanatical Christians have criticized artists before, such as when you said that Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michael Jackson, various Greek artists and general artists around the world are members of the Illuminati’s. Also, burning someone’s property is a criminal act, which, as far as I know, is outside the beliefs of Christianity. I can’t take… Read more »
As a Greek i feel embarrassed, i mean we were the first that made metaphor a thing lol.
I do not really care about religion but… I must admit that this song is getting so much promotion (for better or for worse) ever since its release. I find it curious!
I agree- seemingly bad publicity is still publicity and it will bring the song to the attention of more ESC voters who don’t really care about the politics of the song.
As an orthodox christian,this is embarrassing and I never found this song offensive or satanic or whatever.Damnit,just enjoy the song as it is
So….. Europe has crazy far right christians too? I thought the United States was the only one. It really is a growing problem here, though. Dont make the same mistakes overseas. It’s hard to get rid of. And not worth it. Cyprus is currently my #2, and I have no issues with the lyrics.
some would argue far left “liberalism” is a problem in the USA.
Being “liberal” should involve being able to accept another point of view,rather than attach a liberal label to your own point of view!
Not all viewpoints are acceptable. That’s not what ‘liberal’ means, in any of its meanings. Being socially liberal involves respect and tolerance. Respecting a wide and complex variety of viewpoints does not mean that hateful or destructive viewpoints should be accepted, and to suggest otherwise is completely fallacious.
you prove my point,because people dislike the meaning or content of the cyprus video.doesnt make that “hateful or destructive” because you and many people dont agree with it. you dont unilateraly get to decide whats acceptable,because it fits your narrative. people who consider themselves liberal or the least liberal of all.The fact that you are not even able to enter open minded debate on this song again proves my point
Hence why I have always been anti-religious. Brainwashed sheep.
perhaps people like you,who find this and lady gaga entertaining are brainwashed sheep?
Well, I still don’t find this as entertaining as I was expecting. Although it’s growing on me.
And yes, I admire Lady Gaga because she’s talented, humble, creative, compassionate. I haven’t heard of anyone being killed in the name of Gaga, nor she requires regular donations or praying to. 😛
people who pray are entitled to do that if they so choose,isnt that a huge liberal thing “the right to choose” or is that only when it comes to aborting babies? as for lady gaga not having any requirements,she certainly needs to engage in certain activities to get noticed,swallowing rosary beads or crucifixes upside down on her private area. some have the point of view that is neither creative or talented.
You are so miserable you should have your freedom of speech taken away from you. 😛 You’re worse than Trump. 😀
Why are you bringing politics into this?
Pay no heed Paul to the haters, I have your back!
No need to be rude and resort to name calling! You could be labelled yourself as a brainwashed sheep
Sorry, not sorry. Stalin was a tyrant but he was right about the religion and I am fully behind it.
I personally believe that the only thing we should believe in is ourselves. And devil doesn’t exist. People turn evil due to greed or the desire of power or lust, but the actual mythical creature and the whole concept of hell was made up by the early Christians to scare people.
You are entitled to your opinion and will all see the truth when our time comes
Spoken like a true religious extremist. 🙂 I’m done with this conversation. My mother has taught me before she passed away that you can’t argue/win with stupid. I’m not wasting my energy on fanatics from now on.
Oh are you making an ass out of yourself by ASSuming I am religious? Actually, I am not stupid and am a qualified educator with 20 years experience and I can prove this if you like with my qualification certificates! Would you like to swap e-mail addresses and I can show you?
Not interested. But I can tell you’re the same person under 3 or 4 different nicknames.
Anywhooo, reverse psychology worked. And now I want Cyprus to win. Just to rub extremists’ noses in it. 😛
I really don’t know why you are thinking I have 3 or 4 different nicknames, but whatever! You seem to be doing a lot of ASSuming! I don’t really care if you want Cyprus to win or not, cause that says more about how sad and lost you are!
I have been in juries before for selecting songs and this will not get much support from juries! I can guarantee you with all my life saving and possessions this is not winning!
Keep religion and politics out of Eurovision!
Whatever anyones point of view,cyprus is a deeply religous country where the greek orthodox church has a huge influence. The reality is,the song and video does seem to imply she is in love with the devil,why do we increasingly see this in todays music? Its also lady gagas alejandro with diffrent lyrics,another video complete with swallowing rosary beads and a crucifix upside down on gagas crotch,again whats it all about? If people who make this crap,claim not to be religous,why mock something you claim not to beleive in? furthermore leaving this particular debate aside,who at cybc is signing off on… Read more »
Oh, cheer up you miserable sod. 😛
Oh more name calling from yourself because somebody disagrees with you!
Well said
Paul and Dee, 2 bitter, jaded, boring people. You two should get married. 😛
Lol,,,bitter? How so? Boring? How so? Sorry I am already married! I am 37 and been following Eurovision since 1991 which is 30 years ago! You are just a child who thinks knows it all and brainwashed like a screaming queen!
I’m 35, been watching ESC since 1994. Fortunately despite my depression and anxiety I still have a sense of humour. And if you’re married, good on you. Take care and God bless. 😉
Thank you!
What a bunch of nutters
many would argue,the world has gone mad and is now full of nutters,who find stuff like this entertaining. Isnt everyone entitled to there opinion
trying to burn down a company headquarters isn’t an opinion babe
there will be many people who dont support burning down anything,but still have issues with this entry.I am also not your “babe”
What evidence suggests CyBC was targeted by fans of the contest who are religious? It is also worth noting there are many religions out there, some are peaceful, others are extreme! There is no need for religion to be brought into eurovision and no need for violence!
Oh having to resort to name calling I see! People could say the same about you easily!
Lunatics are getting too much space in the media lately, as if they should get any.
you have your space in media,to make your post.
There is also a subjective and opposing opinion in everything,if the other opinion offends you so much smile and politely disagree.You can then return to watching what you find so highly entertaining
I see you are struggling to find the difference between an opinion and a literal THREAT, honey.
it is you who is clearly struggling,basic common sense would tell you,that some may dissaprove of this entry,but would stop short of advocating violence or burning anything.The fact that this has to be pointed out to you,is again clear evidence of how easily your simple mind finds crap like this entertaining.
Those threatening to burn anything,only draws atention to this lady gaga,rip off that will have fools like you rushing to vote for it in mass numbers come eurovision night
you can write your opinion and express your thoughts in a random internet webpage…or you can have support and a platform to promote your opinion as a fact…
there’s a big difference between those two…
I dont think it is appropriate for you to have to resort to name calling! They could say the same about you!
As a practicing Catholic, i don’t see the “scandal” about the song. Yes, she is in love of a bad guy (represented by El Diablo), but that’s something that every girl have done at least once hehehehe… and if we have to me deeper in the interpretation of the lyrics (which are not deep at all), it’s s the eternal fight between good and evil, to accept our shadows as the beginning of our redemption process… but, f9r me this really good song, is just what i like to dance on a club, being really bitchy while I’m drunk with… Read more »
There is never any need to be bitchy to anybody ever on the dance floor or anywhere
This is why this crap sells because its easy to fool,people just like you.
Your post actually makes the arguement for the other point of view.
The video clearly implys she is in love with the devil,with an explanation attached like the one you have so easily fallen for and many many others in this mad world.
what I actually find realy scary and its not the devil,its the fools at cybc who hand a huge chunk of cash over for something we have heard dozens of times before
What’s wrong in being with love with the devil? I don’t even know him, the devil. Maybe the devil is a good guy and stuff.
Sonia sang about the devil in 1993 but I don’t remember any such consternation?
It was clear sonia was singing about a person,and many people refer to someone as the devil,but this is much more darker in nature and content.
thats your opinion at least your being honest,so at least likewise respect the opinion of others who say they like god.
So far my top 5 is:
This song brings a lot of drama this year…….is the devil who is behind all of this…….lol maybe.
Never seen a eurovision like it in my 30 years with obsession of demons and middle fingers lol
Why are you being rude and resorting to name calling? They may find you a “nutcase”
Some religious groups are literally crazy and no one should listen to them. Threats of arson? Like which religion supports this?
Not all religious groups are the same
Times like these, I’m glad I’m Jewish
Stuff like this makes me feel like it’d be better if strongly religious people would be banned from the internet, if a song title is enough to trigger them this far. Welcome to the internet sweethearts, if you can’t handle people’s other thoughts or stuff like this, we don’t need you here.
If you started banning people from the internet because they can’t handle other people’s thoughts…wow, there might not be that many left.
Same happened in 2006 when Lordi won in Finland. Religious groups have contacted Finnish president to stop it but without success. As evangelical Christian I do support El Diablo song. It is a sign of times we live in and I wouldn’t be surprised if there is more such songs to appear this year as already we have Fallen angel and Dark side.
What would have changed if she had sung ‘ I gave my heart to Zeus my one and only Lord’ would christian greeks get offended again?
Well, if they said “to Zeus” again “christian Greeks” would be offended again. But the majority of us do not bother about it, even tho giving your heart to “el diablo” might sound kinda meh.
I wish all those “religious” people were dealing with serious problems like sickness and poverty around the world and not with the song titles of the Eurovision Contest. Go Elena, make us lose our minds with your banger song… WE LOVE EL DIABLO… WE LOVE EL DIABLO!!!
It is offensive to some people and I don’t blame them for starting a petition. Why have “religious” in speech marks? They are either religious or they aren’t. How do you know they are not dealing with problems like sickness and poverty already? More than likely, they already are!
Looks like the concept of a metaphor is lost on them…
Why do religious people always think they have to interfere with everything! Talk to your imaginary friend and leave the rest of the world alone!
It’s very impolite to talk about people’s beliefs as imaginary friends
Stop it, please!
How did he? Is it because you said so? Can you prove it is just an imaginary friend?
How exactly are they interfering? You seem like a lost soul and full of anger. Can you prove there is an imaginary friend? I will wait!
Oh yes remind the poor Laura Bretan when 2 judges interfere in there in the name of an other religion….
It may be imaginary to you.but a lot of people in cyprus dont want this song in the name of there country.people need to get over that
Why does she even respond to these fools? If she felt so inclined to respond with something, she should have told them it was meant as a hymn to Satan.
Its not her who responded but cybc!its the states channel(not private)so they kind of have to!
anyways russia and iceland are top 2 in the odds now… reminds me of the eurovision movie
Maybe it is a paid petition done by Head & Shoulders to raise the attention for that song.
Those flakes. They’re liable to get scalped if they aren’t careful.
LOL
No comment from Head and Shoulders, I see. That must mean they’re SATANISTS! They’re working for Big Dandruff! Wake up, sheeple!
In all seriousness, why waste energy on this? Jeez, those groups have to get a hobby.
Then they need a new hobby. Jigsaw puzzles seem to be big nowadays.
Oh uneducated namecalling?
The clownery is infinite
Yes you are
I really like El Diablo’s chorus.. it sounds very Lady Gaga-ish but not in a Victoria way
Somehow Alejandro + Paparazzi
this is dumb
I agree…it’s to spooky and have that evilish vibe. Hate it. I don’t feel comfortable.??
When you don’t feel comfortable, you don’t listen to it. Not threaten people. Simple as that. A very Christian thing to do actually.
So I can’t post my opinion about song Jamie?
So you’re not that uncomfortable.
dont waste your time paulo,aiternative opinions are not allowed,even in an atempt to encourage debate
Don’t worry about them Paulo, plenty agree with you! Song won’t win and will fall with the juries
Cybc have paid money for this crap,to represent cyprus in an international singing contest,so its not as “simple as that”
It is also a public service broadcaster that is there to serve the public,not to hand over a small fortune,for something content aside,isnt even an original song.
I know the people of cypruscyprus quite well,and this wont go away between now and eurovision.
My only fear is that the publicity will drive the brain dead liberal mass public to vote for it in droves.
It won’t do well with juries! This song will also clash with the liberal Finn’s!
What would you know about Christianity when you are supporting this song about the Devil? Are you accusing Paulo of threating CyBC himself?
I am not religous,but have a look at gagas alejandro that this crap is obviously based on,It really does make you question the need to put such content in these videos.
Cyprus are just paying good money for old songs with new lyrics,none of them have anything to do with cyprus,and would be a win in name only
Ugh. There are poor people struggling extra hard during the pandemic. There are people spreading hate. There are people without access to vaccines, etc., etc. Why use energy to attack a Eurovision singer and a team working to entertain people?! What are these priorities?
The Christian faith is a joke at all but why do they mess with a song? I mean we have more important problems in the world
Christian faith is not a joke but religion is. Unfortunately majority of Christians do not know difference and usually pious people who never knew God will be the ones who object to these things.
Yes this,I always believed in god as in a personal faith,religion though was manmade and its purpose was to divide us thus creating wars between different religions with the same beliefs.
You think it is a joke, but not everybody agrees
Can they respond to the Zara Larsson cult as well please and thank you
Zara Larsson? The one who was accused by Mia Khalifa that she stole the video clip from Alice Chater?
As a greek myself, I feel so ashamed of those people living in 1940s and make such a big deal out of a simple song title and just for that. I am not a religious person but I respect everyone’s beliefs. That’s just so sad and humiliating, for the rest of us , to be that close minded and stupid, after all its just a song title and has nothing to do with God and religion, just a toxic relationship. Wake up my fellow Greeks, you are embarrassing yourself and stop hating on everything and be that disrespectful
So you saying evili stuff were only in a 1940’s?
Why should we worshiping devil’s name in any sense. You don’t have to be christian to see that “diablo” is representi g something evil. Well that’s my point of view.
Ok I told what I have against it, now tell me what you have against God? Because “right” relationship with God can’t be toxic, as I know. And you have the freedom to like the song or devil or anything you want. That’s the freedom God gave you.
Prove God is a myth! I will wait
I respect all the religions and i am also a believer but i am sick of when these groups protest Eurovision. All they do is spreading hate , threaten and using violence. They did the same for Esc 2019 and also Esc 2012
Exactly. Also, do these people not know about metaphors?
Yep, because nothing says religion like hate, threats and violence. Are these groups even self-aware.
You as a beliver like the title of the song and that children choir shouting love diablo? Well…