In the spotlights: Sam Ryder

As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Road to Vienna: Malta.   Aidan: Inspired by the Eurovision Song Contest Aidan Cassar, known professionally as Aidan, is a Maltese singer-songwriter born on 17 December 1999 in Żejtun, Malta. Inspired by the Eurovision Song Contest from a young age, he set his sights on performing on that stage early in life. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he competed in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest (MESC) with “Dai Laga,” finishing fourth and launching his music career. Breakthrough and Growing Success Following his debut, Aidan steadily built a strong fanbase in Malta. In 2021, he gained major attention with “Naħseb Fik,” his first Maltese-language song, which won Video of the Year at the Lovin Malta Social Media Awards. His music blends modern pop with Mediterranean influences, helping him stand out in the local music scene. National Fame with “Ritmu” Aidan’s popularity surged in 2022 with “Ritmu,” which finished second at MESC but became a chart-topping hit in Malta. The song’s success established him as one of the country’s leading young pop artists, known for catchy tracks and energetic performances. Challenges and Continued Growth In 2023, Aidan faced a setback when he was disqualified from MESC due to rule violations related to social media promotion. Despite this, he released his debut album This Is Aidan, followed by the EP Wild, Wild, Wild in 2025. By then, he had achieved over ten number-one hits in Malta, confirming his status as a top pop act. Bella: A Multilingual Song with Global Appeal “Bella” is an emotional pop song performed in English, Maltese, and Italian. This multilingual approach gives the track a unique identity while making it accessible to an international audience. By blending languages, Aidan adds depth and authenticity to the song’s storytelling. What “Bella” Is About At its core, “Bella” explores love without closure. The lyrics focus on heartbreak, confusion, and the lingering feelings that remain after a relationship ends. Instead of anger, the song highlights vulnerability and honesty, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced unfinished love. Deep emotional attachment that refuses to fade In “Bella,” Aidan weaves together a story of deep emotional attachment that refuses to fade, even after a relationship has ended. The song captures that lingering sense of longing—where memories and feelings remain vivid despite time or distance. At the same time, there is a quiet but powerful sense of hope running through the track, as it imagines the possibility of reconnecting and finding love again in the future. This emotional narrative is further enriched by the song’s multilingual nature, where English, Maltese, and Italian blend seamlessly. The use of the word “Bella,” meaning “beautiful,” becomes both a symbol of affection and a central emotional thread, enhancing the song’s intimacy and universal appeal Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest Malta has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 36 times since its debut in 1971. The country’s best results came in 2002 and 2005, achieving second place with Ira Losco‘s “7th Wonder” and Chiara‘s “Angel,” respectively. The most recent success was in 2021, when Destiny‘s “Je me casse” was 7th, after she won her semifinal. The Bookmakers Malta currently stands at a respectable 14th place with the bookmakers—surely a place in the final is within reach. But could a top ten finish be next?