Eurovision: Malta’s Unlikely Football Season Alternative

Every May, Malta’s football season comes to an abrupt halt. But don’t worry, locals, there’s a ‘sporting’ event that’s just getting started. It’s not played on a pitch, but it’s no less thrilling. It’s Eurovision, and it’s taken Malta by storm.

From Zero to Hero

In 2005, Malta’s first participation in the Eurovision Song Contest was met with a collective shrug. Fast forward to 2021, and the event has become a national obsession. Every year, Malta’s streets, from the bustling Republic Street in Valletta to the quiet lanes of Rabat, echo with the tunes of the latest Eurovision hopefuls.

How did this happen? Malta’s Eurovision journey is a tale of underdog spirit, strategic planning, and a nation’s love for music and spectacle.

Strategy: The Secret Weapon

Malta’s Eurovision success story is no accident. The Public Broadcasting Services (PBS), the national broadcaster, has a well-oiled machine behind the scenes. They’ve honed their strategy over the years, focusing on quality songwriting, innovative staging, and strategic voting.

Take 2016, for instance. Malta’s Ira Losco was tipped for a top-five finish with ‘Walk on By’. The PBS team worked tirelessly, securing crucial votes from countries that typically overlooked Malta. The strategy paid off; Losco finished 12th, Malta’s best result to date.

Local Talent, Global Stage

Eurovision has also become a launchpad for Maltese talent. Singers like Glen Vella, Amber, and Destiny Chukunyere have all represented Malta on the global stage. Destiny, a 17-year-old with Maltese and Nigerian heritage, won the Junior Eurovision in 2015, setting the stage for her senior debut in 2021.

But it’s not just about the singers. Behind every Maltese Eurovision entry is a team of local songwriters, producers, and choreographers. The event has fostered a vibrant music scene, with artists and industry professionals collaborating year-round.

Malta’s love affair with Eurovision is more than just a ‘sporting’ event. It’s a testament to the power of collective passion, strategic planning, and the celebration of local talent on a global stage.

So, this May, when the football season ends, don’t despair. Turn up the volume, join your neighbours, and cheer on Malta’s Eurovision hopeful. It’s a ‘sporting’ event like no other, and it’s happening right here in Malta.