Cyprus are the mixed bag of Eurovision, with varying results over the years, but yet to win the contest. Over the last few years, the nation have managed to build up a qualification streak, but in the final, they’ve fallen flat and struggled to move up from the bottom of the table. We’ve seen a reinvigorated Cyprus at Eurovision, with strong artists and strong stage shows, and this year is no exception. This year, Cyprus will be represented by Eleni Foureira and the song Fuego, but is the song hot as fire?
Yes, yes it is. I think Cyprus were on the money to choose the already successful star Eleni Foureira with a song that’s modern, catchy and hot! Although we really loved Minus One back in 2016, I think that this entry probably has the most Eurovision potential since Ivi Adamou with La La Love, but this song has more widespread appeal, since it fits into the current pop scene. It has a bit of an ethnic feel to it, but not so much that it wouldn’t appeal to anyone outside Cyprus or Greece, where she is already a popular artist.
I find Eleni to be incredibly captivating, not only in her presence but also in her voice. Even from the first few lines, you’re pulled into the song and you want to keep listening to it. It also helps that the song has an incredibly catchy melody, and it’s pretty easy to follow along with the lyrics, especially the universal ‘yeah-ah-yeah’s’. I also like that this song has some breaks from the vocals to highlight the ethnic sounding beat, and it’s those moments which I’m sure will be very intelligently used to flaunt some sexy dance moves!
Speaking of which, I can see the stage performance of this song being pretty epic. I have a feeling that the music video is just a taster of what’s to come, and I think we can expect something high energy and spectacular to close the first semi-final. Being in that position in the running order will likely help Cyprus to continue their qualification streak, and with a mega stage show with great vocals and great dancing, this will get audiences both in the arena and at home up and dancing.
All aboard… the fuego train!
I don’t think I could get bored of this song. It’s a total bop that deserves to be in the final, but being in semi-final 1, it’s a tough gig. Everything really needs to be spot on, from vocals to the stage show, but I have a good feeling about this one!
Our rating: 9/10
If you support Cyprus at Eurovision, make sure to vote for Eleni in our poll! Watch her official video below, and follow our Eurovision 2018 playlist on Spotify
