Eurovision means a dream fulfilled for me

Cyprus: John Karayiannis John Karayiannis with Nikki Lee Dre Photo Work, Dre Photo work, Louis Loizides Mitsu, Dre Photo work

Author: Sándor Mádi

Cyprus is participating in the contest since 1981, their best result is the 5th place, they reached this on three times. Since the introduction of the 2 semifinals system, they only reached the final on 2 occasions, here they did not enter the top 10. This time John Karayiannis represents the country with the song One thing I should have done. Enjoy the interview I made with him!

What was your first step in your music career?
Getting a pair of glasses so I could read music! And singing lessons from the age of 9 with the same tutor as I still have now.

This year you were selected to represent Cyprus at Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Vienna. What does it mean for you?
It means a dream fulfilled. Makes me very proud to represent Cyprus. Since I first watched Eurovision in 2004, I always wanted to go to ESC. I remember watching Lisa Andreas sing ’Stronger Every Minute” in Istanbul and I thought – I want to do that!

If you could pick up only one word which word describes your life best and why?
Content. Life has been good to me so far – as Joe Walsh said or rather sang! – and the future is very exciting for me. So I’m lucky and at this moment in my life – very content.

Who are your favourite singers?
This is always the easy question. Ed Sheeran and John Mayer. Two truly great singer/songwriters. And I also love Mr Cool – Michael Buble.

This year there are 40 entries in the contest. Do you have your favourites?
Well I’ve only just started hearing the others. I was trying to avoid listening but performing at the parties in Amsterdam & London I’ve started to hear the competition. I don’t have a favourite yet but I can tell you Boggie has as good a chance of winning as anyone. Like my song, it is so simple with a strong message. We’ll see!

What would you like to achieve in the contest?
Well I think like everyone else, I’d like to take Eurovision to my home country in 2016, but I’ll be happy achieving what Lisa achieved in 2004 for Cyprus.

What inspires you?
Music. Different music. Great songs, great voices….and great lyrics.

Would you like to leave a message for the readers of this interview at ESCHungary?
Sok sikert Boggienak! ? (Good Luck to Boggie!) Thanks for the interview ESCHungary!

Thanks to John for this interview and special thanks to Mcasso Music Production.
The whole team of ESCHungary wish all the best in Vienna!