Eurovision fans slam Love Island star’s performance as a ‘vocal trainwreck’

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Love Island star Antigoni Buxton has qualified for the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 despite fans calling her performance a ‘huge disappointment’. The 30-year-old Greek-English Cypriot performed her dancefloor song Jalla in tonight’s second semi-final of the song contest. Joining Albania, Australia, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Malta, Norway, Romania and Ukraine, Cyprus was named as one of the 10 countries to make it through to Saturday’s final. However, reacting to the reality star’s performance online, some fans claimed that the singer’s vocals were ‘terrible’. Writing on X, Kerem said: ‘I‘m sorry Cyprus but what the heck were these vocals?’ Patty also commented: ‘Cyprus everything about this was perfect except the obvious, the vocals,’ as George pointed out how there were ‘vocal struggles’ and ‘playback delay’. Keep in the loop at Eurovision Want to be in the know with the latest news from Eurovision 2026, and what it's like at the Song Contest in Vienna this year? Sign up to our TV Daily newsletter or join our Eurovision WhatsApp channel for live show coverage, a personalised selection of exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes gossip and frontrunner predictions. Simply click on the above link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in. Don't forget to turn on notifications! The former Love Island star represented Cyprus in the second semi final of the Song Contest (Picture: Jens Büttner/dpa Picture Alliance GmbH/Avalon) Antigoni performed her song Jalla in front of the live audience (Picture: AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Another user called Devon added: ‘Cyprus the vocals are a mess and not enough energy on stage,’ as Charlie similarly argued: ‘LOVED the cyprus song but her vocals were lacking unfortunately.’ Echoing the previous sentiment, Jamie called Antigoni’s performance a ‘trainwreck’ as Gabby claimed she had ‘terrible vocals’. Despite the backlash to her performance, not all fans were as negative, with many praising her song Jalla as being extremely catchy. Also writing on X, John commented: ‘Bravo young lady great performance!’ as Elle added: ‘Yes Antigoni, smashed it.’ Ellena, meanwhile, said that ‘she was amazing’ as Edward wrote: ‘This song is so fun… I love it. Previously, Antigoni – who appeared in series eight of Love Island in 2022 – told BBC Newsbeat that people shouldn’t be shocked she is competing in Eurovision. The former Love Island star’s performance drew mixed reviews from fans (Picture: EPA) Antigoni will perform in Saturday’s Grand Final after she made it through the second semi-final (Picture: AFP) ‘If anything doing Love Island was random,’ she said. ‘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.’ So far this year astaggering 95,000 tickets have been sold for the live shows and dress rehearsals as 35 acts will perform over three nights. On Saturday, an estimated 166 million people around the world expected to tune in to see who takes home the Eurovision trophy. The Eurovision Grand Final will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm on Saturday. Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. Deals of the Day K-beauty is taking over skincare in 2026 – and this new serum is leading the way The best outdoor candles to buy now for alfresco dining and bug-free nights This tablet recreates the feeling of writing on paper – without the mess Shopping for new bedding? Simba Sleep’s latest launch has options for every sleeper Buy one, get 50% off – stock up on SPF for less with iHerb's limited time deal Arrow MORE: ‘I’m a Eurovision superfan in Vienna – one thing is really getting on my nerves’ Arrow MORE: It’s the most controversial Eurovision ever – the mood in Vienna has shocked me Arrow MORE: Angela Scanlon: ‘I’m not trying to replicate Scott Mills on Eurovision’ TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.