The Malta Eurovision Song Contest is back for its 12th edition and the final will take place on February 8th. TVM have announced the format changes for 2025 as well as the opening of submissions for artists and songwriters.
The format of quarter finals and pre-recorded shows and performances is finally ditched. Instead, 24 artists and songs will compete in two live semi finals on February 4 and February 6. Twelve songs will be performed in each semi final and eight from each night will make it to the final round where 16 finalists will compete to represent Malta in Basel.
The biggest relief for artists and fans is perhaps that all three shows will be held in a live arena with a live audience. This change was expected after Minister for National Heritage and Arts Owen Bonnici announced in February last year that the live audience will not be excluded. Last year’s edition was held through four shows on another TVM programme and finished with a 12-song final filmed without an audience and with pre-recorded performances. Needless to say, this was poorly received by the fans and television ratings were historically low.
TVM have also announced that the submission window for songs is now open. Artists and songwriters have until the November 29 to send in their submissions. A selection committee will choose 24 semi finalists after listening to the studio cut of the songs without any live performance. These will be announced on December 12.
One notable conclusion from this format change also means that we will not see any revamps of the songs during the selection. In the rules published by TVM, it is explained that changes to the song can only be made until the 23rd of December. However, it is not clear when the songs will be published nor is it clear if and when they will be made available on streaming platforms. You can find the full document of the rules and regulations here.
Last year, Malta was represented by Sarah Bonnici and the song ‘Loop.’ The song came last in the semi final only scoring 13 points.
Are you excited about these format changes for MESC? Let us know in the comments section below!