Cyprus’ national broadcaster CyBC has confirmed that the country will not be returning to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2022.
No return likely for CyBC
In an article for the Spanish Eurovision fansite Eurofestivales, Cyprus’ national broadcaster confirmed that the island nation would not be returning for the upcoming edition of the Contest.
Cyprus initially withdrew from the Contest following the 2017 edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. The reasoning for the withdrawal stemmed from poor results in the Contest, alongside financial issues inside the broadcaster.
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2022 will take place in Yerevan, Armenia following Maléna’s victory in Paris with her song “Qami Qami”.
Cyprus’ Junior Eurovision journey
Cyprus first took part in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in its inaugural year of 2003. Theodora Rafti represented Cyprus at the first edition of the Contest, singing “Mia Efhi”, finishing in 14th place. The country’s best position came in both 2004 and 2006, when they finished in 8th place. Cyprus would go on to host the 2008 edition of the Contest in Limmasol.
The island nation’s most recent participation came in 2017 when Nicole Nicolaou sang “I Wanna Be A Star”. Performing first in the final, Cyprus eventually finished 16th in a field of 16. At the close of voting, Cyprus received 45 points, 40 of which came from the online vote. The remaining 5 points were awarded by professional juries across Europe.
What do you make of Cyprus’ decision? Would you like to see the island nation return to the Contest in the future? Which is your favourite Junior Eurovision entry from Cyprus? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as we prepare for Junior Eurovision 2022!
News Source: CyBC
Photo Credit: EBU / Thomas Hanses
