Ira Losco

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Ira Losco (born 31 July 1981 in Sliema, Malta) is a Maltese pop singer and songwriter. She is regarded as one of Malta’s most successful musicians. Ira discovered her passion for music early, performing in school shows and fronting a college band called Tiara. With Tiara, she even released an album in 2001 before going solo. In 1999, Losco debuted as a solo artist in a Maltese youth song festival, where she placed 5th with the song “Thallinix.” Her performance earned her a prestigious FIDOF award as the festival’s most promising singer. 

Eurovision Journey and Breakthrough

Building on her early success, Ira Losco entered Malta’s national Eurovision selection (Malta Song for Europe) in 2000. Impressively, her first attempt saw two of her songs reach the final that year. Around the same time, she showcased her versatility in musical theatre by playing the lead role in the 2000 stage production Rita ta’ Cascia. Losco’s true breakthrough came in 2002 when she won the national selection and represented Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tallinn. Singing the catchy pop anthem “7th Wonder,” she finished as the Eurovision runner-up. 

Music Career and Albums

After her Eurovision success in 2002, Losco parted ways with her band Tiara and focused on a solo pop career. She released her debut studio album Someone Else in 2004, followed by the albums Accident Prone (2005) and Unmasked (2006). By 2008 she had four studio albums, including Fortune Teller, showcasing a mix of pop and rock influences. Ira Losco also produced a string of chart-topping singles throughout the 2000s. She toured extensively, performing in over 15 countries and appearing for crowds as large as 80,000. Along the way, she opened for international stars such as Sir Elton John and performed on the same bill as popular acts like Maroon 5, Enrique Iglesias and Ronan Keating. Over the years, Losco has won more than 20 music awards, confirming her status as Malta’s leading pop artist.

Continued Success and Eurovision Return

Ira Losco remained at the forefront of Maltese music through the 2010s. In early 2016, she made a much-anticipated return to Eurovision after winning Malta’s national selection again. She went on to perform the dance-pop track “Walk on Water” at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 in Stockholm, where she delivered a powerful show and finished 12th in the grand final. Two years later, Losco celebrated her 15th anniversary in music by releasing a double album titled No Sinner No Saint in 2018. She also continued to release popular singles. Notably, her 2019 collaboration “Hey Now” became a hit in Malta and earned her the Lovin Music Award for Best Collaboration that year. Losco’s enduring chart presence and evolving sound have kept her among the top Maltese artists well into the 2020s.

Media Roles and Public Appearances

Beyond her recording career, Ira Losco has become a prominent media personality in Malta. She joined the judging panel of X Factor Malta in its inaugural season in 2018, bringing her experience to the TV talent show. Her expertise led her to return as a judge in subsequent seasons in 2019, 2021, and 2023. In these roles, Losco has mentored new Maltese singers and frequently appeared on national television. She also headlined major concerts at home; in 2019 she was the Maltese headliner at a large Radio Italia Live concert in Valletta attended by 35,000 people. 

Activism and Honors

Ira Losco is known for using her fame to support important causes. She has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has supported anti-bullying initiatives for youth. During Eurovision 2016, she even hosted an inclusive party in Stockholm to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. Losco has lent her voice to charity as well. In 2022 she co-wrote and performed the official song for the Special Olympics when Malta hosted the games. She also embraced the EuroPride 2023 festivities, opening for Christina Aguilera at the event’s closing concert to a crowd of 38,000 in Floriana. In recognition of her contributions to music and society, Ira Losco was honored with the Medal for Service to the Republic in 2008, a national award presented by the President of Malta.