Cyprus' least successful result was in the 1986 contest when it placed last with the song "Tora zo" by Elpida, receiving only four points in total.

[12] Ten entries competed and the winner, "Firefly" performed by Christina Metaxa, was selected exclusively by a public televote.

[14] Christina Metaxa made several appearances across Europe to specifically promote "Firefly" as the Cypriot Eurovision entry.

[16] On 17 April, Metaxa performed during the UK Eurovision Preview Party, which was held in London, United Kingdom and hosted by Nicki French and Paddy O'Connell.

[17] Metaxa also took part in promotional activities in Ukraine between 21 and 24 April which included several television and radio appearances.

[18][19] According to Eurovision rules, all nations with the exceptions of the host country and the "Big Four" (France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom) are required to qualify from one of two semi-finals in order to compete for the final; the top nine songs from each semi-final as determined by televoting progress to the final, and a tenth was determined by back-up juries.

The performance featured Metaxa and the two backing vocalists on shining white rotating boxes that were stapled at the end of the song.

The stage and LED screens predominantly displayed sea blue colours and a dark forest background with falling leaves and fireflies.

[26] At the end of the show, Cyprus was not announced among the top 10 entries in the second semi-final and therefore failed to qualify to compete in the final.