The semi-final of MESC 2026 took place tonight in Ta’ Qali, where 18 acts competed for a spot in the grand final. The show was hosted by Keane Cutajar, Destiny Chukunyere and Gaia Cauchi.
At the end of the night, 12 acts qualified for the final following a 50/50 split between jury and public voting.
The qualifiers are:
Ema – 'Achikuku (Don’t Think About It)'
Franklin Calleja – 'Guide You Home'
Kelsie Borg – 'Let A Girl Breathe'
Mark Anthony Bartolo – 'Mumenti sbieħ'
Matt Blxck – 'Ejja lejn idejja ‘l hawn (The Flute)'
Matthew Cilia – 'Brutality Mentality'
Mychael Bartolo Chircop – 'My Sweet Angel'
Chess Galea – 'Shout It Out'
Kelsy Attard – 'Perfectly Broken'
Kurt Anthony – 'On The Borderline'
Liston Bongaialas – 'Mela'
Rhiannon Micallef – 'Hold Myself Up'
Stefan Galea – 'Pose'
In addition to her hosting duties, Gaia Cauchi also took to the stage for a special performance. The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2013 winner sang her winning song 'The Start', as well as a brand new single. Estonia’s 2025 representative, Tommy Cash, also performed as a guest.
The finalists will return to the stage for the MESC 2026 grand final on 17 January, where the winner will be crowned.
