It's time to get your dancing shoes on as the Eurovision Song Contest returns for another electric semi-final.

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Tonight, the final 15 countries will perform all hoping for a chance to qualify for the grand final but, as per the rules, only 10 of those nations will make it to Saturday night.

Last year, Malta was represented by Miriana Conte whose song was caught up in a bit of controversy before the name of it was changed. While she made it to the final, Malta didn't come close to winning - but could this be the year their luck changes?

As we wait to find out, here's everything you need to know about Malta's Eurovision 2026 entry.

Who is Malta's Eurovision 2026 entry AIDAN?

Aidan stood on stage singing into a microphone with one arm stretched out.
AIDAN, who will represent Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

Instagram: @itsaidanofficial

TikTok: @itsaidanofficial

Aidan Cassar, known professionally as AIDAN, is a singer and songwriter representing Malta at Eurovision 2026.

He first made his Eurovision debut in 2015 when he competed in the junior version of the song contest and over the years he has entered the Malta Eurovision Song Contest hoping for a spot in the competition.

He entered the contest for a third time earlier this year and won, earning him a spot in this year's competition.

The singer recently made history with 10,000 attending his concert - the largest attendance ever recorded for a local solo artist in Malta.

How old is AIDAN?

AIDAN is 26 years old.

What nationality is AIDAN?

AIDAN is a Maltese artist, having been born in Żejtun.

What is Malta's Eurovision 2026 song

Malta's Eurovision 2026 song is called Bella, written by AIDAN alongside Joep van den Boom and Sarah Bonnici.

You can listen to the song below.

What has AIDAN said about representing Malta at Eurovision?

Following his win securing him a spot in Eurovision, AIDAN said on a post on Instagram: "It's an honour to bring back the unique Maltese language to Eurovision with Bella after 54 years! And for the anniversary 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest!"

Where did Malta place in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest?

Malta came in 17th place and scored 91 points at last year's Eurovision.

The Eurovision Song Contest has faced significant criticism over its decision to allow Israel to take part in the event due to the ongoing war in Gaza.

This year, a number of countries will boycott the contest following the European Broadcasting Union’s decision not to expel Israel from the competition.

At the EBU general assembly in December 2025, a vote was held to introduce new rules that would stop governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters. No vote was held on Israel’s participation.

The EBU said in a statement: "A large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place."

Following this, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland confirmed they would not participate in this year’s Eurovision.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ said: "RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk."

The BBC, which broadcasts the competition in the UK, has said it supports the decision made by the EBU. "This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive," it said in a statement.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026.

You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision.

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Authors

Katelyn Mensah is smiling and looking at the camera, her head slightly tilted. She is wearing a navy blue V-necked top with her long hair cascading down one side
Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

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