Aidan’s Star Rises as Eurovision Semi-Final Nears

Malta’s Aidan Corkery is no stranger to the spotlight, but this week, the 20-year-old singer-songwriter finds himself in a whole new league. As the 66th Eurovision Song Contest kicks off in Turin, Italy, Aidan’s ‘I Am What I Am’ has climbed the rankings, making him a hot favourite ahead of Thursday’s semi-final. But how did this small-town boy from Birkirkara end up on the world’s biggest stage?

From Birkirkara to Turin

Growing up in a bustling town like Birkirkara, Aidan’s musical journey began in the humble surroundings of his home. His mother, a former singer, nurtured his talent, while his father, a local mechanic, ensured he stayed grounded. “I’d sing along to the radio in our garage, and my dad would join in,” Aidan recalls with a smile. “Those were some of my earliest performances.”

Fast forward to 2022, and Aidan’s journey has taken him from the streets of Birkirkara to the grand stage of the PalaOlimpico in Turin. His Eurovision journey began last year when he won the Malta Eurovision Song Contest with ‘Je Me Casse’, a powerful ballad that resonated with audiences. This year, he’s back with ‘I Am What I Am’, a song that celebrates self-acceptance and resilience.

Climbing the Rankings

As the contest approaches, bookmakers have Aidan as one of the favourites to win. His odds have been slashed in recent weeks, reflecting the growing confidence in his chances. But Aidan remains humble, attributing his success to the support of his team and the Maltese public.

“The support I’ve received from Malta has been incredible,” he says. “From my family and friends to the people I meet on the street, everyone’s behind me. It’s a real boost of confidence.”

What Lies Ahead?

With the semi-final looming, Aidan is focused on delivering a strong performance. “I want to do Malta proud,” he says. “I want to show the world what we’re made of. We might be a small country, but we’ve got big hearts and big voices.”

If Aidan qualifies for the final on Saturday, he’ll be the first Maltese artist to do so since 2016. It’s a tall order, but with the Maltese public behind him and a strong song in his repertoire, Aidan is ready to take on the challenge.

As Aidan prepares to take the stage, Malta watches with bated breath. This isn’t just about winning a song contest; it’s about showing the world what we’re made of. So, here’s to Aidan, our small-town boy made good, ready to shine on the biggest stage of all.