Eurovision: Malta’s Unlikely Football Season

It’s a Saturday night in late May, and Republic Street in Valletta is buzzing. But it’s not the usual weekend revelry. The city’s main thoroughfare is a sea of red, white, and green, as Malta’s Eurovision enthusiasts have taken over. They’re not cheering for their local football team, but for a singer on a stage thousands of miles away. Welcome to Malta’s biggest ‘sporting’ event outside football: Eurovision.

From Small Island Nation to Global Stage

Malta, with its population of just over 500,000, has punched above its weight in the Eurovision Song Contest. Since debuting in 1971, the Mediterranean island nation has qualified for the final 11 times, including a remarkable five times in the past decade. But how did a small island nation become so invested in this international music competition?

To understand Malta’s Eurovision fever, we need to rewind to the late 1960s. Malta was on the cusp of independence, and the Eurovision Song Contest was seen as a way to showcase the island’s culture and music to the world. The first Maltese entry, ‘Marija Imsirrixa’ by Joe Grech, may not have won in 1971, but it sparked a love affair with the contest that has endured for over five decades.

Malta’s Eurovision Strategy: Quality Over Quantity

Malta’s success in Eurovision can be attributed to its strategic approach. Unlike some countries that send a different artist every year, Malta has honed its process to select the best possible candidate. The Malta Eurovision Song Contest, held annually since 2005, is a rigorous selection process that involves public voting and expert juries.

Malta has embraced the English language, which has opened up its musical horizons. While many countries stick to their native tongue, Malta has found success with English-language entries like ‘Chameleon’ by Glen Vella (2011) and ‘Warrior’ by Ira Losco (2016). This strategy has allowed Maltese artists to connect with a broader European audience.

Eurovision Night in Malta: A Night to Remember

Eurovision night in Malta is an event like no other. The national broadcaster, PBS, broadcasts the contest live from the Television Malta studios in Msida. The atmosphere is electric, with fans gathering in bars and restaurants across the island to watch and cheer on Malta’s entry.

In 2018, when Malta’s entry ‘Toy’ by Eleni Foureira finished second, the entire island seemed to stop and watch. The streets of Valletta echoed with chants of “Eleni, Eleni!” as the country celebrated its best-ever result. It was a moment that underscored the power of Eurovision to unite Malta, if only for one night.

But it’s not just about the results. The Eurovision Song Contest has also provided a platform for Maltese artists to showcase their talent on a global stage. Artists like Ira Losco, Glen Vella, and Eleni Foureira have all gone on to achieve international success after representing Malta at Eurovision.

Eurovision in the Time of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a spanner in the works for many things, including Eurovision. The 2020 contest was cancelled for the first time in its history, and the 2021 edition was held without an audience. But Malta’s Eurovision fever has not been dampened.

In fact, the pandemic has seen a resurgence of interest in Malta’s Eurovision history. Fans have been reminiscing about past entries and debating what could have been. The Malta Eurovision Song Contest may have been held behind closed doors in 2021, but the spirit of Eurovision lived on in the hearts of Maltese fans.

As we look ahead to the 2022 contest, Malta’s Eurovision enthusiasts are already gearing up. The selection process is underway, and the island is abuzz with speculation about who will be Malta’s next Eurovision star. One thing is for sure: come May, Republic Street will once again be alive with the sound of music, and Malta will be ready to take on the world.

As Malta’s Eurovision fan club president, Joe Mizzi, puts it, “Eurovision is more than just a song contest. It’s a celebration of music, culture, and unity. It’s a night when Malta comes together, and that’s something truly special.”