“Conte” is reported to be the new title for the Maltese entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland.
The Times of Malta reports that Miriana Conte’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest has a new title. According to sources close to the Maltese delegation, “Kant” is due to be changed to “Conte”, the surname of the Maltese representative Miriana Conte. In addition, “Kant” within the songs lyrics will not be replaced by a new lyric, but instead is expected to be replaced by a sound.
The changes to the Maltese entry come as a result of a ruling from the European Broadcasting Union requiring “Kant” to be removed from its entry. The broadcaster is complying with the ruling but has stated that it will be appealing the ruling and may take the EBU to court.
The Maltese broadcaster PBS has not confirmed the reporting, nor has it confirmed when the revised Maltese entry will be released.
How did the ruling come about?
According to TVM News reporting on March 4, a broadcaster which they understand to be the BBC, requested that the song title be changed and the word be removed from the song. The EBU and BBC have not commented on the matter.
The word that “Kant” sounds like is viewed as a highly offensive term in the United Kingdom. Broadcasters in the United Kingdom need to comply with OFCOM rules regarding swearing and strong language. OFCOM rules set clear criteria and guidelines that prohibit its use before 21:00. Broadcasters state that the use of the term requires clear justification for its use after 21:00 due to its offensive nature.
Image Source: TVM | Source: The Times of Malta
Malta debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971 and was represented by Joe Grech and the song “Marija L-Maltija”, which finished last. Malta competed again in 1972 and 1975 but then withdrew until their return in 1991. During the 1990s Malta only once finished outside of the top 10, and in 1998 they came within just 7 points of victory. It was Chiara who brought the country their 3rd place finish in 1998, and who went on to finish in 2nd at the 2005 contest in Kyiv. The only other artist to finish 2nd for Malta is Ira Losco, who was 12 points away from victory in 2002. They are the longest and most successful participating country never to have won the Eurovision Song Contest.
Tags: Headline Miriana Conte
