Miriana Conte, Malta’s representative at this year’s Eurovision, captivated fans during her performance at the semi-finals held in Basel, Switzerland. The talented 24-year-old stepped onto the stage in a striking black and red leopard print jumpsuit and immediately caught the audience’s attention with her racy dance moves and unique staging, which featured a dramatic entrance through oversized lips.
Originally titled “Kant,” her song faced scrutiny due to its phonetic resemblance to a profane word. As a result, the European Broadcasting Union demanded adjustments in March, leading to an on-stage pause where that word would have naturally appeared. Despite this restriction, fans were highly supportive of her performance, taking to social media platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), to express their admiration. Many praised Miriana for still managing to convey her message and style despite the challenges.
Comments ranged from shock at the muted audience reactions to enthusiasm about her performance, with one user stating, “Miriana, you absolutely rock.. you totally served Kant tonight!” Others chimed in with support, emphasizing Malta’s vibrant representation and hoping for her success in the final.
In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Miriana expressed her surprise and disappointment regarding the song’s title changes but emphasized that her performance aimed to celebrate culture and unity through music. “Kant” is a Maltese word that signifies “singing,” highlighting the deep connection it holds within their language.
Miriana’s impressive performance secured her spot in the Eurovision Grand Final, marking the first time in four years that Malta has progressed this far in the competition. This year’s final will feature a diverse lineup, including countries like Estonia, Sweden, and Ukraine, and will be broadcasted on BBC One and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
The Eurovision spirit shines bright through Miriana’s efforts, reminding us that music can transcend language barriers and bring people together, a sentiment echoed throughout the event. Looking ahead, her journey serves as an inspiration for other artists navigating similar challenges, showing that with creativity and resilience, one can still shine on international stages.