Eurovision’s Malta Takeover: From TV Show to National Obsession

Every May, Malta’s streets buzz with a unique energy. It’s not the usual football fever; it’s Eurovision mania. From Valletta’s Republic Street to the quiet corners of Birkirkara, households are glued to their screens, cheering for their tiny island nation to shine on the global stage.

From Zero to Hero

In 2000, Malta’s first Eurovision performance was a humble affair. The late Mike Spiteri, Malta’s first Eurovision entrant, sang “Reason Why” in a blue suit, finishing 23rd. Fast forward to 2022, and Malta’s Eurovision journey has become a national passion, with local acts like Jeff Khalifa and Clean Bandit’s Clean Bandit making waves internationally.

Malta’s Eurovision Machine

Malta’s success isn’t just about the glitz and glamour of the contest. It’s about the people. Thousands of Maltese tune in to the national selection shows, X Factor Malta and Malta Eurovision Song Contest, to vote for their favourites. Local songwriters, producers, and artists are at the heart of Malta’s Eurovision strategy, with the Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) leading the charge.

Take Jeff Khalifa, for instance. Born and raised in Birkirkara, his journey from local talent to Eurovision star is a testament to Malta’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.

Eurovision’s Economic Impact

Eurovision isn’t just about pride; it’s about pocketbook. In 2019, when Malta hosted the contest, it brought in €20 million, according to the Malta Tourism Authority. Local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, saw a boost in revenue. Even the post office cashed in, selling special edition stamps and collectors’ items.

Eurovision also puts Malta on the global map. In 2019, the contest was watched by 182 million viewers worldwide. That’s a lot of potential tourists seeing Malta’s name and beautiful landscapes flash across their screens.

But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Hosting the contest is expensive. In 2019, it cost Malta €15 million to host. That’s a hefty price tag for a small island nation. But Malta’s love for Eurovision runs deep, and the economic benefits often outweigh the costs.

As the world gears up for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, Malta is already buzzing with excitement. Who will be our next hopeful? Will we bring home the trophy again? . But one thing’s for sure: Malta’s love affair with Eurovision isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

“Eurovision is more than just a song contest for Malta,” says PBS CEO Charles Flores. “It’s a chance for us to show the world who we are, what we’re made of. And we always bring our A-game.”

So, this May, when the streets of Malta fill with cheers and tears, remember: this isn’t just about a TV show. It’s about a nation coming together, proud and loud, to shine on the global stage.