A little bit of history...
The past few years have seen just two good results for Cyprus, 5th in 2004 and 6th in 2002. Other years they have
found themselves in the low teens and twenties of the scoring. Cyprus are renowned in Eurovision for their favour to
Greek entries and vice versa. Each country is guaranteed the elusive "douze points" from the other, regardless of how
good or bad the songs are. Due to their lack of neighbours, Cyprus have difficulty scoring any other points, and therefore
need a strong entry to get recognised.
Singer & Song
Annette Artani Why Angels Cry
I'm rather surprised and bewildered at how popular this song is in Eurovision land. I really find it utterly unmoving.
Annette's performance at the Cypriot selection was far from good (although I have been made aware she had bronchitus
- so good for her for the effort). She is a polished performer but I would expect better from what I've seen so far,
considering she'd used to performing to big crowds (as a member of Britney Spear's backing singers). The song's average,
and at some points even on the recorded version I think Annette's voice begins to strain. Nevertheless, the song isn't
a total travesty, and could do well, if Annette can pull it off.
Prediction
Might Qualify: 9th-13th in Semi, 15th-19th in Final if she makes it there.
I don't see a winner here and I wouldn't be surprised to see this repeat other poor Cypriot performances. I doubt
she'll do as poorly as most though and if the current fan polls are anything to go by she stands a chance of qualification,
but I don't think this will get very far at all in the Final.
Prediction after Semi-Final
Cyprus failed to make it through to the Final after an impressive vocal from Annett.
Review of the Eurovision Performance
And so it turns out that this was the Glennis Grace of 2006! Annett gave a wonderful performance of 'Why Angels Cry',
and I take bakc everything I said about the song being utterly unmoving. Annett sang with emotion and confidence, she was
very powerful and had a wonderful stage presence. Appart from the song and performance, there wasn't much else great about
it - Annett didn't look well at all - so curses to her fashion designer. The dress wasn't really that pretty at all - she
had an overdose of fake tan on and her hair was too straight - it needed a bit of volume whereas it just looked flat. You
all know I think stage presence is everything, and Annett could have found herself in the Final if she simply was better presented.
As for the prediction of 9th - 13th, I guess I was just outside when Cyprus came 15th, so yet again, another close.
