The Malta Eurovision Song Contest (MESC) kicks off tonight at 9:00PM CET (3:00PM EST/12:00PM PST) on TVM with 18 acts competing in a semifinal round to determine the 12 songs that will make this Saturday’s final (January 17 @ 3:00PM EST/12:00PM PST, also on TVM). Hosts Destiny Chukunyere, Gaia Cauchi, and Keane Cutajar will present both the semifinal and final shows out of the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre in Ta’ Qali, Malta.
Here is the running order for tonight’s semifinal. As usual with Malta, you’ll notice a LOT of returning contestants who have competed in multiple prior years:
- Aidan – Bella
- Ema – Achikuku (Don’t Think About It)
- Chess Galea – Shout It Out
- Liston – Mela
- Franklin Calleja – Guide You Home
- Kelsy Attard – Perfectly Broken
- Matthew Cilia and The AfterParty – Brutality Mentality
- Mark Anthony Bartolo – Mumenti sbieħ
- Denise – Trophy
- Kurt Anthony – On the Borderline
- Rhiannon Micallef – Hold Myself Up
- Stefan Galea – Pose
- 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
Based on early indications, it appears that Aidan, Denise, Kelsie Borg, Matt Blxck, and Nathan Psaila may be the fandom’s favourites to win.
Voting in both the semifinal and final will feature 50% of the points coming from a professional jury and the other 50% of points via a public televote. As per the MESC 2026 Regulations, the professional jury will consist of 5 people with “relevant experience (e.g. music production, performance, broadcast) and a mixed background representing diverse perspectives. A majority must be independent of the Entries”.
Who do you think will win this year’s MESC and who are you most excited to see perform? Let us know in the comments!