As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 captures audiences across Europe, one contestant has already sparked conversation long before the final votes are counted.
Antigoni Buxton, known professionally as Antigoni, is representing Cyprus this year with her energetic dance anthem Jalla, but many UK viewers already recognise her from reality television.
The Cypriot singer will be representing her country during the contest
|GETTY
The 30-year-old singer-songwriter first rose to mainstream fame after appearing on Love Island in 2022.
Entering the villa as a “bombshell” contestant during the show’s eighth season, Ms Buxton quickly became one of the most talked-about Islanders thanks to her confident personality, musical background and glamorous image.
Although her time on the ITV dating show was short-lived, the exposure dramatically increased her profile in Britain.
However, music has always been Ms Buxton's main ambition after attending the prestigious Brit School, whose alumni include stars such as Adele and Amy Winehouse.
She said people shoudn't be shocked to see her there
|GETTY
Ms Buxton is also the daughter of television chef and presenter Tonia Buxton, further cementing her connections to British entertainment culture.
Before Eurovision, she had already released multiple singles independently and toured with established Greek performers, including Marina Satti and former Eurovision star Eleni Foureira.
In late 2025, Cyprus’ national broadcaster internally selected her to represent the country at Eurovision 2026 after reviewing submissions from several artists.
Her Eurovision entry, Jalla, blends Mediterranean pop, R&B and traditional Greek musical influences.
The singer previously appeared on Love Island
|ITV
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Performed in both English and Cypriot Greek dialect, the upbeat track celebrates nightlife, dancing and Mediterranean culture.
Ahead of the contest, Ms Buxton described representing Cyprus as a proud personal moment and an opportunity to showcase the island on one of the world’s biggest entertainment stages.
Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, she explained that people shouldn't be shocked about her involvement and said: “If anything, doing Love Island was random.
"I've been wanting to be a singer, that has been my dream since I was as young as I can remember.
"And I had an obsession with Eurovision ever since I saw Helena Paparizou win for Greece [in 2005].
"Love Island was a great moment because it gave me the chance to introduce myself to a lot of people and now I'm on that path I always wanted to be on.”
Over the years, several artists with TV talent or reality show backgrounds have gone on to compete in the competition, using the global platform to relaunch or elevate their music careers.
Whether Jalla can deliver Cyprus its first Eurovision victory remains to be seen. She'll face stiff competition from Greece, Finland, Australia and Israel, all of whom have emerged as this year's frontrunners.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter