Tune into Eurovision and it's becoming more and more common to spot someone you recognise - even if you aren't the biggest fan of the song contest.

San Marino in particular love a guest star, from Boy George's blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance this year to US rapper Flo Rida helping the country make the final in 2021.

But fans of Love Island might be surprised when they see who's performing in the second semi-final later.

Antigoni Buxton, who appeared in series eight of the reality show in 2022, will be representing Cyprus with her dancefloor banger Jalla.

But the singer-songwriter tells BBC Newsbeat that people shouldn't be shocked.

"If anything doing Love Island was random," she says.

"I've been wanting to be a singer, that has been my dream since I was as young as I can remember.

"And I had an obsession with Eurovision ever since I saw Helena Paparizou win for Greece [in 2005].

"Love Island was a great moment because it gave me the chance to introduce myself to a lot of people and now I'm on that path I always wanted to be on."

Antigoni was born in London but has Greek-Cypriot roots and says she's proud to be representing Cyprus, the third-largest Mediterranean island.

"I was born and raised in London but spent six to eight weeks every summer in Cyprus and grew up feeling very Cypriot," she says.

Her entry uses traditional Greek instruments and references the popular belly dance Tsifteteli.

And she says the title, Jalla, Greek-Cypriot slang which roughly translates as "more" or "again", has a "special" significance.

"So it's a specific word that they only use in Cyprus," says Antigoni.

"I am really proud to be able to share that, because sharing my roots is something I do across all my music."

Antigoni's family, including her mother and grandparents, make an appearance in the music video for Jalla - but she also roped in a few other big cameos.

Fans of Britain's Got Talent will recognise Stavros Flatley, the father-son dance duo who shot to fame on the ITV talent show in 2009.

"In the UK, if you had to name a Cypriot thing that's happened, it's that," says Antigoni.

"I contacted Demi, which is Stavros Flatley's real name, and was like, 'would you be in the video?'

"And he did it with such an open heart."

As a former reality TV contestant herself, Antigoni says she's looking forward to stepping into the public eye again after appearing on Love Island.

"That's the thing about Eurovision, it's almost the opposite of some things I've done in the public eye in the past where people want to judge and give bad comments," she says.

"People still do, but it's a very loving community. It's a really warm, happy, loving, supportive community.

"Everyone sees that it's a big opportunity to learn about culture, to have fun.

"So I feel overwhelmed with joy and with gratitude."

This year will be Cyprus's 42nd time competing in Eurovision - the most any country has participated without a win.

They didn't reach the 2025 final, but are - almost - bringing out the big guns this year.

Antigoni's live performance on the stage in Vienna takes her lyrics about dancing on tables literally, supersizing one from under which her dancers emerge.

As Jalla thunders towards its climax, it erupts amid what is presumably Cyprus's entire stock of pyrotechnics.

But 30-year-old Antigoni tells Newsbeat she's not come to Eurovision solely focused on the win.

"In terms of my career and in terms of success, the focus is just doing my very best," she says.

"If I can leave there and feel like I did myself proud, Cyprus is proud of me, my family and my team, if they're proud and we feel like we did an amazing job that is a win in itself.

"But I also feel like I have an opportunity to make history for my country and it would just mean so much to the people of Cyprus."

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c072pjldzezo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss