Malta’s Aidan: From Underdog to Contender in Eurovision’s Semi-Final

As the sun sets over the historic city of Valletta, casting a golden glow on the Grandmaster’s Palace, Malta’s Eurovision hopeful, Aidan, is not in the usual bustling streets of our capital. Instead, he’s thousands of miles away, in Turin, Italy, preparing for the biggest musical battle of his life. The semi-final is just days away, and Aidan is no longer the underdog he was when he first stepped onto the Eurovision stage.

From Local Gigs to Global Stage

Aidan, a 20-year-old from the quiet streets of Msida, has come a long way since his days of performing at local bars and cafes like ‘Café Society’ and ‘The Brew’. His journey began when he won Malta’s X Factor in 2019, catapulting him into the local music scene. But it’s his Eurovision journey that has truly put him on the global map.

Malta’s Eurovision history is a rollercoaster of emotions. We’ve had our highs, like Chiara’s second place in 2005, and our lows, like the year we failed to qualify. But Aidan’s performance in the first semi-final last year, where he finished a respectable 16th, has given us hope that this year could be different.

Climbing the Rankings: Aidan’s Eurovision Evolution

Fast forward to 2022, and Aidan is back, stronger and more confident. His entry, ‘I Am What I Am’, has been praised for its powerful message of self-acceptance and resilience. The song, written by Aidan himself, has resonated with fans and critics alike, earning him a spot among the bookies’ favourites to win the whole competition.

But it’s not just about the song. Aidan’s charisma and stage presence have also played a significant role in his rise up the rankings. His energetic performances, including a stunning rendition of ‘I Am What I Am’ at the Eurovision Preview Party in London, have left audiences wanting more. He’s proven that he’s not just a singer; he’s a performer.

Malta Rallies Behind Aidan

Back home in Malta, the support for Aidan is overwhelming. From the streets of Rabat to the beaches of Golden Bay, the #IAmWhatIAm hashtag is everywhere. Local businesses are flying the Maltese flag with pride, and even the Prime Minister, Robert Abela, has shown his support on social media.

But it’s not just about national pride. Aidan’s message of self-acceptance has resonated with many young Maltese people. In a country where LGBTQ+ rights have been a contentious issue, Aidan’s openness about his own journey of self-discovery has been inspiring.

“Aidan’s story is a story of courage and resilience,” says Dr. Maria Attard, a psychologist from the University of Malta. “His message is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to be who you are, and that’s a message we need now more than ever.”

What’s Next for Aidan?

As Aidan prepares for the semi-final, the pressure is on. But he’s not letting it get to him. “I’m just going to go out there and do what I do best,” he says with a smile. “I’m not thinking about the rankings or the odds. I’m just thinking about the music and the message.”

And what about after Eurovision? Aidan is already thinking about the future. “I want to keep making music, keep performing,” he says. “I want to inspire people, to make them feel good about who they are.”

As we wait for Thursday’s semi-final, one thing is clear: Aidan has already won. He’s shown us that no matter where you come from, no matter who you are, you can make your voice heard. And that’s something worth singing about.