Newsroom
Cyprus has emerged as a surprise contender in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, with its entry “Shh” by Theo Evan climbing sharply in betting odds just days before the semifinals.
The song, directed by Sergio Jaén, the same creative mind behind Austria’s top-ranked entry, has gained momentum as one of the dark horses with potential to break into the top 10. Cyprus’s rising prospects are part of a broader field of 37 competing countries, set to perform May 13, 15, and 17 in Basel’s St. Jakobshalle arena.
This year’s contest, returning to Switzerland for the first time since 1989, is taking place under tightened media restrictions and new rules aimed at keeping the event apolitical following last year’s controversy in Malmö. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has eliminated artist press conferences and restricted journalist access in an effort to minimize tensions, especially surrounding Israel’s participation amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Despite calls from artists and broadcasters to expel Israel, the EBU maintains that Israel has not violated contest rules and upholds the independence of its broadcaster, KAN. Political undertones have also surfaced elsewhere, with Georgia drawing criticism for selecting a pro-government artist to perform a song titled “Freedom.”
Back on the scoreboard, Sweden leads the odds with the comedic entry “Bara bada bastu” by Finnish-Swedish group KAJ, seeking a record-breaking eighth win. Austria follows closely with JJ’s operatic “Wasted Love,” also directed by Jaén.
Meanwhile, Cyprus’s momentum continues to grow ahead of the second semifinal on May 15. With strong staging and increased fan support, Theo Evan’s “Shh” has become one of the most closely watched entries in the final stretch of the competition.
