Malta is once again choosing its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest the traditional way. In short, The Malta Eurovision Song Contest is back and is getting closer than ever! 😍 In light of this, we thought we’d share 7 fun facts about Malta’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest over the years!

1. Malta has yet to get its hands on the Eurovision trophy, but it has managed to place second twice, the first time in 2002 with Ira Losco’s “7th Wonder” and again in 2005 with Chiara’s “Angel”.

Check out this major throwback posted by Ira herself!

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A post shared by Ira Losco (@iralosco)

2. Malta has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest an impressive 33 times since its debut in 1971.

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3. Malta took a 16-year hiatus from the contest between 1975 and 1991 and has participated every year since it’s re-entry.

via GIPHY

4. Every single one of Malta’s entries since 1991 has been in English!

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5. Malta has never shied away from selecting familiar faces, in fact, Chiara has represented Malta a total 3 times, in 1998 with “The One That I Love”, then in 2005 with “Angel”, and finally in 2009 with “What if We”.

Check out a short clip containing each performance below!

6. The majority of Malta’s representatives have been female solo acts, accounting for 54.6% of Malta’s entries thus far.

via GIPHY

7. While Malta has yet to win the Eurovision Song Contest, it is one of the most successful countries in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, having won the competition twice, first in 2013 with Gaia Cauchi then in 2015 with Destiny.

Since then, the girls have grown into young women, and have recently collaborated with local artists Maxine and Michela in the song "Skin Deep".

Eurovision lovers, don’t miss out on Malta’s most popular song contest. Experience unforgettable live performances and get your tickets now!