WATCH: Who Will Make It to Vienna? Malta Chooses Its Eurovision 2026 Finalists
The road to Eurovision 2026 officially intensified last night as the Malta Eurovision Song Contest (MESC) Semi-Final wrapped up, revealing the 12 artists who will compete in Saturday’s highly anticipated Grand Final. One of them will earn the right to represent Malta on the Eurovision stage in Vienna.
After a competitive semi-final showcasing a wide range of musical styles and performances, the following acts successfully secured their place in the final, listed in no particular order:
Ema
Denise
Kelsie Borg
AIDAN
Adria Twins
Mark Anthony Bartolo
Janice Mangion
Matthew and The After Party
MATT BLXCK
Nathan Psaila
Mychael Bartolo Chircop
Franklin Calleja
With the final lineup now confirmed, all eyes turn to Saturday, when the winner will be chosen and crowned Malta’s Eurovision 2026 representative.
Malta made its Eurovision debut in 1971 and has participated 37 times in the contest. While the country is still searching for its first victory, it has come tantalisingly close on two occasions, finishing runner-up in 2002 with Ira Losco’s “7th Wonder” and again in 2005 with Chiara’s “Angel.”
However, Malta’s Eurovision history has also had its setbacks. The nation finished last in 1971, 1972, and 2006, and more recently failed to qualify from the semi-finals in 2023 and 2024. Since the introduction of Eurovision semi-finals in 2004, Malta has reached the Grand Final 11 times out of 21 attempts.
With a diverse mix of established names and fresh talent in this year’s final, the question now is simple: who will rise above the rest and book their ticket to Vienna?
The answer will be revealed on Saturday night, as Malta takes its final step toward Eurovision 2026.
