Follow our live blog for the Junior Eurovision 2016 Opening Ceremony. Just refresh the page to follow our thoughts and comments on tonight’s proceedings. Watch the Opening Ceremony live here.
18:15 – Welcome to the Opening Ceremony of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2016 from Valletta, Malta.
18:17 – The host of the show this evening is Taryn Mamo Cefai, with the event being held at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta.
18:20 – Don’t worry the stream will all be with us, once Maltese adverts stop trying to sell us suit jackets in size 58.
18:23 – These are the Southville Dancers, you’ll be seeing more of them during the show on Sunday.
18:25 – Up first are the men behind this years contest. Jon Ola (Executive Supervisor) – We can expect a grand show on Sunday, it really looks good. Mr Bundy (PBS) – Europe will witness what a small nation can do.
18:27 – Klesta (Albania) – My song talks about peace, talks about so many children which a suffering in so many wars around the world. I wanted to sing something that every child can understand. I truly believe that this song will find the place in everyone’s heart.
18:29 – Anahit & Mary (Armenia) – We are so different with styles, vocals and personalities. But music and love unites us. Sadly one of the two singers appears to have a cold.
18:30 – Alexa (Australia) – My favourite artist is Ariana Grande or Beyonce. I want to be like them one day.
18:33 – Destiny Chukunyere (2015 Winner) – They shouldn’t give up on their dreams, they should have fun and give it their all.
18:34 – Alexander (Belarus) – My band are my best of friends. Music is my life, but everyday I play football and hockey.
18:35 – Lidia (Bulgaria) – I like very much my pet rabbit, he helps me through my hard moments.
18:36 – George (Cyprus) – I just feel completely and totally honoured to do something like this.
18:37 – Destiny now takes to the stage to perform “Not My Soul”.
18:41 – Miriam (Georgia) – It means a lot to me, it’s just like a celebration for me and I can’t wait to meet the children who came here.
18:42 – Zena (Ireland) – It was the most amazing experience (I landed on stage in Whitney Houston). She was just 7 years old at the time. I’m gonna be just as excited on Sunday.
18:44 – Shir & Tim (Israel) – Shir knows how to sing in eight languages. I never get the songs mixed up.
18:46 – Gaia Cauchi (Junior Eurovision 2013 winner) – I haven’t changed personally, but people recognise me more. My next big goal is to go study abroad, music.
18:47 – Fiamma (Italy) – I wanted to send the message of love and hope that all the Mum’s of the world, could be close to their children and never be separated from them. My favorite Harry Potter character is Severus Snape.
18:49 – Martija (Macedonia) – If I won I would ring Justin Beiber, he is the most inspiring person to me. Before singing I was a dancer, who were the best in Macedonia.
18:51 – Christian (Malta) – I’m feeling fantabulous. I’d like to thank all of my teachers for their support and guidance. Thanks for supporting me through this adventure.
18:52 – Gaia Cauchi now performs “If I Ain’t Got You”.
18:57 – Kisses (Netherlands) – The best thing about being in a girl band, is being together and singing with your friends. Our fans decided our name.
18:58 – Olivia (Poland) – You have to be close to each other and not to your smartphone (Message of her song).
18:59 – Water of Life Project (Russia) – Girl power is a great importance to us. The power of the children of all the world, children can make great things of the world.
19:00 – Federica Falzon (Malta 2014) – Junior Eurovision was my most memorable performance. Never give up and follow their dreams. Right now I’m working on voice technique and studying to improve.
19:02 – Dunja (Serbia) – I was most enjoying riding a hoverboard, it’s just so much fun.
19:03 – Sofia (Ukraine) – Sofia is joined by two mimes. I close my eyes, take a deep breath and then go (What she does before she goes on stage).
19:04 – So now all of the participants have made their way up the red carpet. Now Federica Falzon is performing “The Greatest”.
19:07 – Take away from this red carpet is a majority of performers appear to have no backing dancers or backing singers joining them on stage.
19:08 – Ben & Valerie – Hosts of this years contest – It’s an international show, it’s something really special. We’re seeing these stars who are the future, it is incredible seeing it all come together. I’m looking forward to all of the performances, the voting is challenging for us (Valerie). Ben – I’m interesting to see if the kids vote like the adults.
19:10 – Running Order Draw
19:11 – Albania – First half
19:13 – Armenia – First half
19:14 – Australia – Second half
19:15 – Belarus – First half
19:16 – Bulgaria – First half
19:17 – Cyprus – Second half
19:17 – Georgia – Performing last
19:18 – Ireland – Performing 1st
19:19 – Israel – Second half
19:20 – Italy – Second half
19:20 – Macedonia – first half
19:21 – Malta – First half
19:22 – Netherlands – Second half
19:22 – Poland – first half
19:23 – Russia – First half
19:24 – Serbia – Second half
19;25 – Ukraine – Second half
Now in the next hour or so we will get the completed running order as decided by the producers. Thanks for joining us.
Anahit has a cold. 🙁
Russia, Macedonia, Australia and Italy. Go go go!!! 😀