Antigoni representing Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
Antigoni Buxton quickly sparked comments as she took to the stage to represent Cyprus at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest as it took place on Saturday night (May 16).
The grand final of the world’s biggest music competition was taking place at the Wien Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria, following JJ’s victory in the 2025 edition of the song contest.
Broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for those watching in the UK, alongside Eurovision legend Graham Norton’s commentary, the world’s biggest music event kicks off with last year’s winner returning to the stage, while the 25 countries were also seen being welcomed to the stage during the iconic flag parade.
As the competition unfolded, former Love Island contestant Antigoni, who competed in the eighth series of the reality TV show in 2022, performed in 21st place, a few songs after the UK’s entrant, Look Mum No Computer, whose real name is Sam Battle, performed his song Eins, Zwei, Drei while dancing energetically with people dressed as computers.
Antigoni, who was born in London, sang her song Jalla while wearing a white bralette and dress, as hands reached up from the stage below her, while flames shot out from behind her and her backing dancers waved towels.
The former Eurovision star sang her song Jalla while wearing a white bralette and dress(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
Midway through her performance, the 30-year-old turned to the audience and told them: “You want more.” At the end of her performance, she said: “Thank you Europe.”
But Eurovision viewers wasted no time in flocking to social media as they spoke about who Antigoni reminded them of as she performed on stage.
@miss_kattz said: “Shakira from Cyprus, but you didn’t order the original. #eurovision.” @missvlbrown commented: “Antogini looks AMAZING. Giving new era Shakira #Eurovisión2026@LeonOnTheRadio wrote: “#eurovision is Antigoni, Shakira’s love child?” @KBuurd quipped: “Okay Shakira you’re hips don’t lie #Eurovisión2026 #Eurovisión.”
@EuroWynner posted: “Cyprus hiring Shakira for Eurovision was a great decision.” @_Rubbercar noted: “There’s always one that looks like Shakira #Cyprus #eurovision #eurovision2026.” @Ema_from_venus added: “Shakira, Shakira is that you?! #ESC #Eurovisión2026 #Eurovisión.”