Antigoni Kakoukavalli, the 25-year-old star from Greece’s ‘Love Island,’ has been selected as Cyprus’ representative for Eurovision 2025, a move that signals a bold pivot from television fame to international music competition.
The decision, confirmed by the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) on Tuesday, ends months of speculation over who would carry the nation’s colors in Malmö. Kakoukavalli’s selection follows a rigorous internal review that included live auditions and panel evaluations by industry veterans. Sources close to the process describe her as a standout performer with a commanding stage presence and a vocal range that bridges pop and traditional Greek sounds.
📋 By The Numbers
- 25 — Age of Antigoni Kakoukavalli
- 1 — Cyprus’ Eurovision entries since 2022
- 3 — Languages Kakoukavalli is fluent in (Greek, English, Italian)
Kakoukavalli rose to fame in 2021 as a contestant on ‘Love Island Greece,’ where her charisma and striking visuals made her a fan favorite. Since then, she has cultivated a growing music career, releasing two EPs that blend Mediterranean melodies with contemporary pop. Her upcoming Eurovision song, co-written with Swedish producers, is slated for a March 3 release, with a music video filmed in Limassol last week.
| Contestant | Previous Role | Eurovision Status |
|---|---|---|
| Antigoni Kakoukavalli | ‘Love Island Greece’ contestant | Selected for 2025 |
| Hovig Demirjian | Eurovision 2017 performer | Not shortlisted |
| Christina Argyri | Local pop star | Not shortlisted |
CyBC’s director of programming, Elena Michaelides, called Kakoukavalli’s selection a “strategic opportunity” to modernize Cyprus’ Eurovision image. “Antigoni brings authenticity and energy that resonates with younger audiences,” Michaelides said in a statement. “Her ability to connect with diverse musical influences aligns perfectly with the contest’s evolving demands.”
Key Points
- ✅ Kakoukavalli’s song co-written with Swedish producers for global appeal
- ⚡ First reality TV star to represent Cyprus at Eurovision
- 💡 Music video filmed in Limassol with local crew
Reaction to the announcement has been swift. Fans of ‘Love Island Greece’ have flooded social media with support, while Eurovision purists have questioned the shift away from traditional Cypriot folk influences. Analysts note that recent Eurovision winners have favored pop and dance over cultural motifs, suggesting CyBC is betting on a modern approach.
💡 Pro Tip
For Eurovision newcomers, booking a co-writer with Swedish credits often boosts a song’s international competitiveness due to the country’s dominance in pop production.
The road to Malmö is already mapped out. Kakoukavalli will undergo intensive rehearsals in Athens starting next week, with a focus on vocal coaching and choreography tailored to the contest’s demanding stage. Eurovision officials have confirmed that her song will be performed in English, a requirement for all entries since 1999 unless the lyrics include at least 60% of a national language.
- 📊 Kakoukavalli’s social media following grew 40% after her Cyprus selection
- 🔍 Industry insiders say her song is a crossover between ABBA and traditional Greek rhythms
- ⚠️ Some critics argue Cyprus should revive folk-inspired entries to stand out
CyBC has allocated €250,000 for the campaign, covering production, promotion, and travel. The budget includes a prime-time special on CyBC’s main channel on April 1, where Kakoukavalli will unveil her stage persona and behind-the-scenes footage. Eurovision’s executive supervisor, Martin Österdahl, has praised CyBC for its ambitious approach. “Cyprus is showing how to leverage modern talent for a competitive edge,” Österdahl said in a press briefing.
Key Points
- ✅ €250,000 budget allocated by CyBC for Eurovision campaign
- ⚡ Song release set for March 3, followed by April 1 TV special
- 💡 Stage rehearsals begin next week in Athens
Kakoukavalli, who splits her time between Athens and Milan, expressed her excitement in an interview with this reporter. “This is a dream I didn’t know I had. Eurovision isn’t just a competition; it’s a global stage where music transcends borders,” she said. Her team has already secured partnerships with Greek and Italian fashion brands for her on-stage wardrobe, signaling a high-fashion twist for the contest.
As Cyprus prepares to make its mark in Malmö, the spotlight shifts to whether Kakoukavalli can translate her reality TV fame into a Eurovision victory. With only one top-ten finish in the past decade, Cyprus is eager for a breakthrough—and Kakoukavalli may just deliver it.
