This morning, Australian time, the first semi-final of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2026 (MESC) took place at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre in the town of Ta’ Qali.
18 songs competed with 12 songs making it through to the Grand Final, which will be held on the evening of Saturday 17th January (this Sunday morning Australian time).
The hosting team was a who’s who of Maltese Eurovision talent, including Destiny Chukunyere (Junior Eurovision winner 2015, Eurovision 2020 and 2021) and Gaia Cauchi (Junior Eurovision 2013 winner).
The results of the semi-final were determined by a 50% combination of jury and public voting.
The 12 acts that qualified for the MESC 2026 final are:
Aidan – Bella
Ema – Achikuku (Don’t Think About It)
Franklin Calleja – Guide You Home
Matthew Cilia and The AfterParty – Brutality Mentality
Mark Anthony Bartolo – Mumenti sbieħ
Denise – Trophy
Matt Blxck – Ejja lejja ħdejja ‘l hawn (The Flute)
Adria Twins – Nerġa’ nqum
Kelsie Borg – Let a Girl Breathe
Mychael Bartolo Chircop – My Sweet Angel
Janice Mangion – Univers
Nathan Psaila – Ganador
Those eliminated from the contest are:
Chess Galea – Shout It Out
Liston – Mela
Kelsy Attard – Perfectly Broken
Kurt Anthony – On the Borderline
Rhiannon Micallef – Hold Myself Up
Stefan Galea – Pose
You can watch the 12 finalists below:
The MESC Grand Final will take place the evening of Saturday 17th January (Sunday morning Australian time) where 12 artists will battle it out to see who will represent Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria.
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