Love Island Star Antigoni Sparks Major Eurovision Debate After Viewers Question How Her Performance Reached the Competition Stage

LOVE Island’s Antigoni Buxton took to the stage to represent Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest but she was slammed by viewers who asked “how did she qualify?” The 30-year-old singer-songwriter made waves when she entered the famous Mallorca villa back in 2022. Cypriot singer Antigoni Buxton looked incredible as she took to the stageCredit: AFP…

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LOVE Island’s Antigoni Buxton took to the stage to represent Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest but she was slammed by viewers who asked “how did she qualify?”

The 30-year-old singer-songwriter made waves when she entered the famous Mallorca villa back in 2022.

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Cypriot singer Antigoni Buxton looked incredible as she took to the stageCredit: AFP
Second semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna
Fans slammed Antigoni’s performance of Jalla during the second semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song ContestCredit: Reuters

And, it seems she certainly did the same tonight as she left fans less than impressed.

North-Londoner Antigoni made her debut at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, wearing a barely-there showgirl inspired ensemble dripping in sequins and lace.

The former reality star was looking to bag herself a place in the grand final as 15 countries competed for the 10 remaining spots.

Antigoni sang her heart out to dance floor hit Jalla and while she put on a sizzling display some fans were not happy with her vocals.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026

Viewers were not impressed by Cyprus entrant Antigoni’s vocalsCredit: PA
70th Eurovision Song Contest - 2nd Semi Final
Antigoni was over the moon when it was revealed she had bagged herself a spot in the grand final on SaturdayCredit: EPA

One fan wrote on X: “Antigoni… wow. And not in a good way. Singing lessons needed #eurovision.”

Another person penned: “Yeah how the hell did antigoni qualify.”

A third viewer added: “Antigoni isn’t as good without the auto tune she’s been promoting for months.”

However others felt Antigoni’s performance was “Incredible” and “Vibrant.”

One fan said: “#CYP This is very catchy. Makes me really want to dance.”

The tune was written by Antigoni alongside Connor Mullally-Knight, Trey Qua, Paris Kalpos, Klejdi Lupa, Charalambous Kallona and Demetris Nikolaou, and was released through Minos EMI on February 8, 2026.

Despite the backlash, the reality TV personality secured her place in Saturday’s final.

Singer Antigoni is half English and has Greek-Cypriot roots from her TV chef mum Tonia Buxton‘s side of the family.

After applying to be the entrant for both Greece and Cyprus, she was finally announced as a contestant in November last year.

She was internally selected from a shortlist of nine artists put forward by Greek record labels, with the verdict reached via a five-strong expert committee and online questionnaire.

Stunning blonde Antigoni joined Love Island series eight as a bombshell on Day 17.

Davide chose to couple up with her a day later before she decided to jump ship and couple up with Charlie.

Unfortunately Antigoni was dumped from the villa less than 10 days after she joined the cast and left without finding love.

Since she left the show, Antigoni has released around 15 singles as a lead artist.