Eurovision: Malta’s Unlikely Football Season Alternative

It’s a Saturday night in late May, and Republic Street in Valletta is buzzing. But it’s not the usual weekend crowd. Instead of the hum of local chatter, you hear a medley of European languages. The reason? A TV screen in a bustling bar is not showing a football match, but the Eurovision Song Contest. Welcome to Malta’s annual alternative ‘sporting’ event.

From Underwhelming Debut to National Obsession

Malta’s Eurovision journey began in 1971 with a lackluster debut. Our first entry, ‘Marija I-Maltija’, finished dead last. But fast forward five decades, and Eurovision has become a national obsession. Every year, Malta’s streets, bars, and homes transform into makeshift fan clubs, cheering for our local hopefuls.

How did we go from zero to hero? The turning point was 2000. Malta’s entry, ‘Desire’, by Fabrizio Faniello, finished third. It was our best result to date and sparked a newfound passion for the contest. Since then, we’ve become a Eurovision powerhouse, consistently delivering high-quality performances.

Malta’s Eurovision Strategy: Quality over Quantity

Malta’s success in Eurovision isn’t down to luck. Our national broadcaster, PBS, has a strategy: quality over quantity. They invest heavily in song selection, collaborating with international producers and songwriters. This approach has paid off, with Malta qualifying for the Eurovision final more times than many larger countries.

Take 2018’s ‘Toy’, sung by Eleni Foureira. It was written by Greek composer Alex P and Swedish songwriter Tommy Urhaug. The song finished second, our best result ever. Or 2019’s ‘Chameleon’, sung by Michela Pace. It was written by Johnny Sanchez, a Grammy-winning producer from the US. Michela may not have won, but her performance was a testament to Malta’s commitment to quality.

Eurovision: A Unifier in Divided Times

In a world divided, Eurovision stands out as a unifier. It brings together people from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds. In Malta, it does the same. Every year, as we gather to support our local act, we’re reminded of our shared identity. It’s a moment of collective joy, a break from our daily routines.

Eurovision also fosters local talent. Many Maltese artists have used the contest as a stepping stone to international success. Think Ira Losco, who represented Malta in 2002 and 2016, and now tours the world. Or Destiny Chukunyere, our 2020 representative, who’s already making waves in the UK music scene.

So, as you walk down Republic Street next May, don’t be surprised to see Malta’s streets filled with European flags and cheering crowds. It’s not a football match they’re watching, but a testament to our little island’s big impact on the global stage.

“Eurovision is more than just a song contest. It’s a celebration of diversity, of unity, of Malta’s place in Europe,” says Ira Losco. “And every year, we prove that size doesn’t matter. We’re here, we’re loud, and we’re proud.”