Antigoni Buxton
Singer and former Love Island contestant Antigoni Buxton has been confirmed as Cyprus’s representative for Eurovision 2026, marking her biggest career move since her reality TV debut. antigoni/Instagram

The journey from reality television contestant to global music ambassador is rare, but for singer-songwriter Antigoni Buxton, it is now a reality. The 29-year-old, who first rose to fame under the intense glare of Love Island in 2022, has officially been chosen to represent Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.

The announcement, made by the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) on 3 November 2025, confirmed that Buxton will perform a brand-new, original track at next year's competition in Vienna, Austria—a move that marks the biggest, boldest step yet in her quest to prove her musical purpose.

CyBC confirmed Buxton's participation, describing her as 'a modern voice for a new generation of Cypriot music.' Her internal selection followed a rigorous two-part process that involved a committee of five experts evaluating nominated artists from Greek record labels, combined with an online public questionnaire asking the Cypriot public for their views on the ideal artist profile.

Antigoni Buxton, who is of Greek Cypriot descent and can speak Greek fluently, ultimately secured the highest score. She captured the enthusiasm of both the expert panel and the public, securing the nomination that she had openly dreamt of for years, having previously attempted to represent Greece in past bids.

From The Villa To Vienna: Antigoni Buxton's Unconventional Path To Eurovision

Buxton's ascent has been unconventional, blending high-visibility reality stardom with serious musical training (she attended the prestigious BRIT School, whose alumni include Adele and Amy Winehouse). She rose to fame after appearing on Love Island in 2022, where her musical background and warm personality made her a standout contestant.

Following the show, she channelled her increased platform entirely into her musical career, releasing singles such as 'Never Gonna Love,' 'Messy Love,' and '2 Cups.'

This trajectory has been a key component of her narrative. Antigoni Buxton openly stated that her love for music predates her reality fame: 'Music was always my first love,' and she noted the clear difference between the two fields: 'Love Island gave me a platform, but Eurovision gives me a purpose.'

The official announcement sparked widespread celebration online, with fans describing her as a 'perfect ambassador' for Cyprus. Her mother, celebrity chef Tonia Buxton, also shared her pride on Instagram, writing: 'Our girl is representing Cyprus! We couldn't be prouder.'

Unpacking The Sound: Antigoni Buxton's Mediterranean Pop Mission

The significance of Antigoni Buxton's selection lies not just in her celebrity status but in her unique musical mission. Her sound is a distinctive blend of soulful vocals, contemporary R&B, and pop influences, deeply infused with Mediterranean-inspired rhythms and Greek instrumentation. Her goal is to celebrate her roots while connecting with a diverse international audience.

Buxton revealed that her entry would blend 'Mediterranean pop with modern production,' stating, 'This song is about pride, passion and connection. It represents Cyprus in every beat.' The track, which she is co-writing with her production team, is anticipated to feature both English and Greek lyrics, directly reflecting her Cypriot-British heritage.

This choice aligns perfectly with her existing discography, which includes tracks like 'Red Flag' and 'Tomboy' that successfully fused modern pop beats with Greek-inspired melodies, demonstrating her effort to merge her cultural sound with mainstream music.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be hosted in Vienna, Austria, following Switzerland's win in 2025 with the song The Code by Nemo. The competition will take place in May 2026, with the semi-finals held earlier that month.

For Cyprus, the stakes are incredibly high: the nation, which first entered Eurovision in 1981, continues its long search for its first-ever victory, having come excruciatingly close in 2018 when Eleni Foureira finished second with Fuego.

For Antigoni Buxton, the focus is simple: 'This is more than a performance. It's a celebration of who we are, and I can't wait to share it with the world.' She carries the weight of a nation's dream on her shoulders, hoping to translate her personal purpose into national glory.

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