The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) opened a submission period for Cypriot artists and composers to submit songs until 10 January 1997.

[2] On 26 January 1997, in radio room one of the CyBC studios, a 9-member jury listened to the received submissions and chose eight songs to compete in the national final.

[2] The final was broadcast live at 21:15 EET on RIK 1 on 18 February 1997 in a show titled Diagonismós Tragoudioú Giourovízion 1997 (Διαγωνισμός Τραγουδιού Γιουροβίζιον 1997).

[3][4] The contest was held at the Monte Caputo Nightclub in Limassol, and was hosted by Marina Maleni.

[4][5] The running order was decided by a random draw which was done in the presence of the songwriters of the competing entries on 29 January 1997.