On Monday 11^th May 2026, the Ambassador of Malta to Austria, H.E. Dr. Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, and the Chairwoman of Malta’s Public Broadcasting Services (PBS), Ms. Anna Bonett, hosted a reception to celebrate Malta’s participation in the 70^th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, the world’s largest music competition, taking place in Vienna, Austria.

Over 250 high-level dignitaries and distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps and the media attended this unique event to celebrate Malta’s music excellence and cultural identity in the true spirit of Eurovision’s unifying motto “United by Music”. Among them, several Ambassadors and representatives from European and Eurovision’s participating countries, representatives of the EU National Institutes of Culture, journalists, broadcasters, media representatives and members of the Maltese community in Austria.

Guests were delighted by a live performance from the Maltese Eurovision Contestant Aidan, who captivated the audience with his Eurovision song Bella, alongside a curated selection of original compositions from his repertoire.

The Ambassador of Malta to Austria, H.E. Dr Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, delivered an opening speech in which she highlighted the unifying role of the Eurovision Song Contest, as “a living tapestry of cultures where nations reveal themselves through music, language, emotion, and history”. She praised Aidan’s Eurovision song Bella as a truthful representation of Malta’s layered identity and cultural consciousness. She reflected on how Bella not only mirrors how Maltese people communicate; but through the symbolism of red roses also portrays the country’s resilience, openness, and fortitude shaped by centuries of change. Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger invited guests to show Aidan their support and to experience in his song Bella the vibrant soul of Malta and its people.

The Chairwoman of PBS, Ms. Anna Bonett, introduced the Maltese Eurovision contestant Aidan and highlighted his exceptional music, which has gained widespread popularity across Malta. She also expressed admiration for his commitment and dedication, noting his extensive Eurovision tours across many countries, which have further strengthened his international following. She invited everyone to join her in wishing Aidan and Malta every success in the 70^th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest and thanked supporters for backing him during the semi-final on Thursday, 14 May, and, hopefully, again at the grand final on Saturday, 16 May.

Aidan is one of Malta’s most successful artists of recent years, establishing himself as a consistent presence both on stages and in national music charts. Songs such as Naħseb Fik and Ritmu have topped local radio airplay rankings and achieved millions of streams on platforms including Spotify and YouTube. He released his debut album, This Is AIDAN, in 2023, followed in 2025 by the seven-track EP Wild, Wild, Wild. Widely regarded as one of the country’s leading live performers, Aidan has shared stages with international artists at the Isle of MTV concert and headlined major events such as EuroPride. Most recently, he set a new milestone by drawing a crowd of 10,000 people to AIDAN THE SHOW, marking the largest audience ever recorded for a solo local artist in Malta.

The event, which showcased Maltese talent alongside a selection of local beverages, was made possible through the invaluable support of PBS. The organisers also expressed their gratitude to Strand Palace for its generous in-kind sponsorship of Twistees, one of Malta’s most beloved snacks, which guests were invited to take home with them.