The clear choice for Cyprus: Maria Pissarides is burning bright

Maria’s creative journey started with a love of dance, before she discovered musical theatre. Before long, she was learning the violin and piano. She’s taken this passion all the way, and is now studying at a performing arts school in the United Kingdom. 

As well as singing she loves to write her own music, and was a runner up in the European Radio 2023 competition.

Maria has even had a hand in writing the lyrics for her Junior Eurovision song, Crystal Waters, along with a duo of songwriting talent. 

Singer-songwriter Sophia Patsalides has had her music featured by BBC Introducing and used in several top television productions. But perhaps most importantly (according to us) she represented Cyprus at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with the banger I pio omorfi mera.

She was joined on the Crystal Waters songwriting team by Swedish producer and songwriter Armin “HIGHMØRE” Gilani, who’s famous for blending musical styles from around the world. He’s achieved exactly that in Maria’s song, with a mix of upbeat pop rhythms and traditional Cypriot melodies. Do we feel a dance break coming on?

When it came to writing Crystal Waters, Maria told the songwriters about how much she misses Cyprus when she’s away. 

Although she lives and studies in a beautiful location, there’s nothing quite like the sun and crystal sea waters back home. She also wanted to show how much she loves nature and to inspire people to protect the planet — very in-keeping with the 'Let’s Bloom' theme.

The trip to Madrid will be Maria’s second visit to Spain in 2024, as she visited Barcelona with her family over the summer. 

She spent her time at a flamenco show and a trip to the Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall, where she was mesmerized by all the flower motifs. She said: “No wonder the theme of Junior Eurovision is Let's Bloom!”

Maria can never help dancing to Dua Lipa’s Dance the Night Away, and we get the same feeling with Clear Waters. 

She’s also inspired by one the world’s most famous singer-songwriters, Taylor Swift. She loves how Taylor performs and engages with her audience, and Maria herself loves performing on stage. She told us that if she could be invisible for the day, she’d go backstage to see Taylor getting ready for a concert, so that she can understand how she’s feeling and how she prepares.

One thing that makes Maria really happy is her dog Benji, who is a terrier mix. She adopted Benji from a dog shelter in Cyprus and he’s been a member of the family ever since. Maria describes him as the kindest dog ever, who loves playing catch. But most importantly, he loves his daily naps. We hear you, Benji.

After reminiscing about a call with her songwriting team, Maria said she was: “so grateful for this incredible journey and for the love and support from my team and family.”

You can learn more about Maria Pissarides from Cyprus right here.

You can now stream the official #JESC2024 album and watch all 17 songs over on the official #JESC YouTube channel! 

Make sure to keep up to date with all the latest news and BTS action by following #JESC2024 on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, before Junior Eurovision returns LIVE from the Caja Mágica in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday 16 November.

You can watch the show live on the #JESC YouTube channel and don't forget to vote for your favourites over at JESC.TV when voting opens!