Eurovision 2026 Grand Final Set for Vienna
On the night of Sunday, May 17, Vienna will host the grand final of the milestone 70th Eurovision Song Contest. Representing Malta is Aidan Cassar, who secured his spot after the results of the second semi-final were announced, delivering standout performances throughout the selection rounds. His song 'Bella' is performed in Maltese for the first time in 54 years, marking a historic moment for the nation.
Cassar has competed in Malta's Eurovision selection process four times. His first entry was in 2018 with 'Dai Laga', where he placed fourth. He later submitted two more songs: 'Ritmu' and 'Reġina'. This year, he returns with 'Bella', which the artist describes as a 'very romantic song' in a classic style.
Preparations and Support for Ukraine
Cassar remarked that 'finally, after 54 years, Malta has presented a song in Maltese.' The track 'Bella' also incorporates elements of English and Italian. One of its co-writers is Sarah Bonnici, who represented Malta at Eurovision in 2024 with her song 'Loop'.
In the lead-up to the contest, Cassar traveled to Australia, becoming the first European artist to perform there, and also visited Romania, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Lithuania. 'I was the first European artist to visit Australia before heading to Eurovision,' he stated in an interview.
In 2022, Cassar was runner-up to winner Emma Muscat in Malta's national selection, and in 2023, he was disqualified for excessive social media promotion. According to bookmakers, Cassar rounds out the top ten contenders for victory, ranking sixth among potential winners according to juries and fifteenth according to the public vote.
Cassar expressed his support for Ukraine: 'Not only Teresa Maria. I am a big fan of Ukraine in general.'
Cassar noted that Malta is one of the smallest participating countries in Eurovision and urged viewers to vote for him: 'Malta is one of the smallest countries in Eurovision, and we need your votes.'
As anticipation builds, the grand final in Vienna will determine the winner of Eurovision 2026, with Malta presenting its historic song 'Bella'.
The Eurovision 2026 final promises to be compelling, as Cassar introduces a fresh cultural dimension to the competition by performing 'Bella' in Maltese. This could spark greater international interest in Maltese culture. At the same time, Cassar's success on stage may inspire artists from smaller nations, proving that their music can also gain recognition on the European stage.
As the excitement builds for the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final, it's worth noting the fierce competition that Malta will face, especially considering how Ukraine is also vying for a place in the final. Their journey has been marked by determination and resilience, making the stakes even higher for all participating nations. For a closer look at how Ukraine is preparing to secure its spot, check out this article on Ukraine's battle for the final.