1) The Result
One of the shock non-qualifications from the semis was probably Cyprus, as Andromache’s “Ela” finished 9th in the televote, but was sunk by the juries into 12th place overall.
2) The Process
As has been the case for the past several years, Cyprus opted for an internal selection in partnership with the label Panik Records. Cypriot-Australian Andrew Lambrou was the one to be given the nod.
3) The Artist
Keen Eurovision fans may remember Andrew Lambrou from the 2022 edition of Australia Decides, where he finished 7th. Lambrou has been active as a musician since participating in the 2015 season of X Factor Australia. In 2021 he began releasing songs via the label City Pop Records in Sydney. This is his 5th single.
4) The Song
Look at the songwriting credits and you’ll see some familiar names from Scandinavian countries, including writers who had songs in this year’s Melodifestivalen. Hence, it should come as no surprise that this is a slick, polished piece of pop with the usual peaks and troughs.
5) The Verdict
This is solidly middle of the pack for me. Happy to hear it, but not trying to find it in the playlist. Lambrou elevates the song with his strong vocal abilities, and he seems to be enjoying the challenge of those falsetto notes. I don’t think this is a sure qualifier, but Cyprus tend to do better in the televote than juries, so in a semi-final which feels fairly open, he should be in the mix to advance.
My ranking: 22th
EUROVISION, SERIOUSLY 