Participant Elena Tsagrinou of Cyprus performs during the first semifinal of the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, Netherlands May 18, 2021. Photo by Piroschka Van de Wouw /REUTERS
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NICOSIA It may have won audiences in Europe, but Cyprus’s entry for the Eurovision song contest has raised hackles at home, scandalizing the faithful for paying homage to the devil.
“El Diablo” (The Devil), a dance mix performed by Greek singer Elena Tsagrinou, sailed through the first semi final of the contest held in Rotterdam on Tuesday night, securing a place in the May 22 finals.
El Diablo takes Cyprus through to Eurovision final
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Cyprus’ Eurovision entrant Elena Tsangrinou on Tuesday night secured a spot in Saturday night’s final in Rotterdam.
She was among 16 acts taking part in the first of two semi finals to secure 10 places each in Saturday’s final.
Elena Tsangrinou gave a lively performance of the song ‘El Diablo’, which has caused a storm in some circles in Cyprus but appeared well received on the night.
Cyprus qualified along with Azerbaijan, Belgium, Israel, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Ukraine.
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest final in addition to the two semi finals will be held in Rotterdam, with each attended by 3,500 people with negative Covid-19 tests.
Could 2021 deliver a glittery triumph to one of these nations in waiting?
Debut: 1981
Take the best parts of vintage Gaga, sprinkle in some lyrics circa Katy Perry’s
California Gurls and you have the Cypriot dirty dance-pop thumper “El Diablo”. Greek songstress Elena Tsagrinou was internally selected to represent Cyprus in 2021 after the local broadcaster CBC decided not to offer Sandro, who was to represent the island nation at Rotterdam in 2020, the opportunity to return. On the release of “El Diablo” the Church of Cyprus called for an immediate withdrawl of the song due to its satanic undertones. You know you’re on to something when you’re courting controversy. Tsagrinou and the song are inspired choices, much like Eleni Foureria who almost clinched the win for Cyprus in 2018 with “Fuego”, and if Elena can deliver a devilishly good performance Cyprus’ Eurovision drought may be quenched.
Every weekday, between now and the contest in May, the team from wiwibloggs will round up the latest titbits from the world of Eurovision 2021. We trawl through Instagram, Twitter and elsewhere so that y’all don’t have to. In today’s Daily Digest James Newman takes us behind-the-scenes of “Embers”, Natalia Gordienko and Roxen meet and we talk to The Roop. But first…
Eurovision news: 14 April
Efendi releases slow version of “Mata Hari”
Azerbaijan’s Eurovision 2021 superstar has unveiled a new interpretation of her song “Mata Hari”. Dubbed the “slow version”, the new mix is simpler in instrumentation and gives a more serious feel to Efendi’s otherwise upbeat and dance-worthy track for Rotterdam. The accompanying music video set at the Azeri coast sees Efendi sat alone at a white upright piano. She’s surrounded by fog for an ominous and eerie effect.
Cyprus Eurovision song El Diablo slammed for Satanic lyrics theneweuropean.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theneweuropean.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.