Malta’s national broadcaster PBS has confirmed that the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in January, with a Semi-Final on January 15 and concluding with a Grand Final on January 17.
🇲🇹 MESC 2026 song submission window opens
Early next year, Malta’s national selection for Eurovision, the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in January. Over two nights, a Semi-Final will be held on January 15, with the Grand Final set for January 17.
The song submission window is currently open and will remain so until November 23. A total of 18 artists will be announced for the Semi-Final on December 1. All artists can submit an unlimited amount of songs, however only one song per act will be advanced to the live Semi-Finals. At least one writer or composer per entry must be of either Maltese nationality or citizenship. Solo acts must be of Maltese nationality or have resided in Malta for two-years. For groups and duos, the same applies, but to 50% of the lead vocals.
During the live Semi-Final the combination of the viewer televotes and jury votes will decide the 12 acts that will compete in the MESC 2026 Grand Final to represent Malta on the Vienna stage at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 next May.
Earlier this year, details of the songwriting camp for the national final were revealed. Already a number of rumoured acts and composers include: Dav Jr and Jean-Paul (The Busker), Peter Borg, Christina Magrin (Malta JESC 2016), Lon Kirkop, Sarah Bonnici (Malta 2024), Cyprian Cassar, Matteo Depares, Muxu, Emil Calleja, Bayliss, Alejandro Monsegneur. Furthermore, various songwriters have confirmed attendance, including: Linnea Deb (co-writer of Eurovision winner ‘Heroes’), Marcus Winter John, Melanie Wehbe (co-writer of Denmark 2019, 2024, 2025), Bas Wisnik, Patrik Jean, and Abi Jones.
Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest
Malta first participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971 with Joe Grech and his song, ‘Marija I-Malitja’, which finished in last place with 52 points. They also finished last on their second attempt in the contest in 1972. After a third appearance in 1975, Malta withdrew from the contest until 1991, when they returned and finished in sixth place with 106 points.
Since their return in 1991, Malta has finished in the top three on four occasions – Mary Spiteri with ‘Little Child’ in 1992 and Chiara with ‘The One That I Love‘ in 1998 which both finished in third place. Also, Ira Losco with ‘7th Wonder’ in 2002 and Chiara with ‘Angel’ in 2005, which both finished in second place. Thus, making the Mediterranean island one of the most successful to never win the contest outright.
Last year, Malta was represented by the MESC 2025 winner, Miriana Conte. During the Basel contest, ‘Kant’ finished in 17th place in the Grand Final with 91 points.
Who should represent Malta at Eurovision 2026? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra.bsky.social on Bluesky, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see interviews and reactions to the latest Eurovision news.
