Malta Lines Them Up: The Running Order for MESC 2026 Is Here (And Yes, It Matters)
Malta has done the thing.
After Thursday semi-final, PBS quietly dropped the running order for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final, taking place tonightt. No cliffhanger, no countdown, just twelve songs neatly lined up and ready to make their case.
And as every Eurovision fan knows, a running order is never just a running order.
First, Last and Everything in Between
Opening the final is Janice Mangion with “Univers”, setting the tone for the night. Closing it? Adria Twins with “Nerġà nqum”, a slot that traditionally screams “remember us when voting closes”.
Here’s how the full night will unfold:
- Janice Mangion – “Univers”
- Kelsie Borg – “Let a Girl Breathe”
- Matt Blxck – “Ejja lejja ħdejja ‘l hawn (The flute)”
- Denise – “Trophy”
- Nathan Psaila – “Ganador”
- Ema – “Achikuku (Don’t Think About It)”
- Franklin Calleja – “Guide You Home”
- Mychael Bartolo Chircop – “My Sweet Angel”
- Mark Anthony Bartolo – “Mumenti sbieħ”
- Aidan – “Bella”
- Matthew Cilia – “Brutality Mentality”
- Adria Twins – “Nerġà nqum”
A mix of English and Maltese, big emotions and bigger hooks, with a few strategic placements that already feel… intentional.
Some Slots Feel Friendlier Than Others
Let’s be honest. Being sandwiched in the middle of a long national final is never easy, while closing the show gives you that last-minute advantage when phones are already in people’s hands.
Aidan landing at number ten feels like a late push without the pressure of closing. Meanwhile, Adria Twins get the final word, which could work very nicely if the performance lands.
Opening with Janice Mangion, on the other hand, is brave. You set the mood, but you also risk being remembered as “the first one” rather than the one. Eurovision maths is cruel like that.
Not Just a Competition Night
The MESC 2026 final isn’t only about picking Malta’s next Eurovision representative. PBS has also confirmed guest performances from Baby Lasagna (Croatia 2024) and Miriana Conte (Malta 2025), giving the show a proper Eurovision-aftertaste.
It’s a clever move. Familiar faces, recent memories, and a reminder of what’s waiting on the other side of the national final bubble.
One Night, One Ticket to Vienna
Tonight, jury votes and public voting will once again join forces to decide who gets the Maltese ticket to Vienna for Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
Twelve songs enter. One leaves with the suitcase packed.
The running order is set, the stage is ready, and now it’s down to three minutes, good lighting, and that elusive thing Maltese finals love: connection.
Because at this point, everyone has a song.
What they need is a moment.
Source: Instagram (PBS)
