‘Confident and excited’ Aidan is ready to ‘make Malta proud’ at Eurovision

Malta’s 2023 Eurovision hopeful, Aidan, is not your average 20-year-old. As he sat in his St. Julian’s apartment, surrounded by lyrics sheets and a guitar, he wasn’t just another university student. He was a young man on the cusp of representing his country on the world’s biggest music stage. But how did this local talent get here, and what does Malta hope to see from him in Liverpool?

From local gigs to the big stage

Aidan Abela, a familiar face in Malta’s local music scene, has been making waves with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. From busking on Republic Street to performing at local festivals like the Isle of MTV, Aidan’s journey is a testament to Malta’s thriving music culture. His breakthrough came with his participation in X Factor Malta, where he placed third in 2021. Now, he’s set to take the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest, following in the footsteps of Maltese icons like Ira Losco and Destiny.

Malta’s song: ‘Je Maintiens’ – a love letter to resilience

Malta’s entry this year, ‘Je Maintiens’, is a powerful ballad that echoes the resilience of Malta’s people. Penned by Aidan himself, along with Greek composer Dimitris Kontopoulos and Swedish songwriter Jimmy Thörnfeldt, the song is a poignant reflection on Malta’s strength in the face of adversity. “It’s about maintaining who you are, no matter what life throws at you,” Aidan explains. “It’s a message that resonates with Maltese people, and I hope it will resonate with Europe too.”

Malta’s hopes for Eurovision 2023

Malta has a chequered history at Eurovision, with memorable moments like Chiara’s second place in 2005 and Destiny’s third place in 2021. This year, Malta is hoping for another strong showing. “I want to make Malta proud,” Aidan says, his eyes sparkling with determination. “I want to show Europe what Malta is made of, musically speaking. I want to do my best and give it my all.”

Back home in Malta, the support for Aidan is overwhelming. From his family and friends in St. Julian’s to the wider Maltese community, everyone is rooting for him. “It’s incredible to see how much love and support there is,” Aidan says, grinning. “It’s a reminder of why I do what I do. It’s for moments like these.”

As Aidan prepares to take the stage in Liverpool, Malta watches with bated breath. This isn’t just about winning; it’s about showing the world what Malta is capable of. It’s about a young man from St. Julian’s, with a guitar and a dream, making his mark on the global stage. And as Aidan himself says, “I’m confident, I’m excited, and I’m ready to make Malta proud.”