Ludwig Galea has accused the Maltese broadcaster of paying its way to the status of a favourite at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021.
Following a 7th place finish in the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, Ludwig Galea has accused the Maltese broadcaster of paying for publicity and hype ahead of the contest. Ludwig who represented Malta in 2005, says that there are individuals who have spent money on artificially inflating the betting market to put Malta as a favorite, paid for positive coverage in reviews, and inflated YouTube views.
Ludwig calls the practice ‘The Social Media formula’ and cites 2016’s “Walk on Water” and their entry “Je Me Casse” as examples of where this strategy has not paid off. Malta came 3rd with the jury vote in the 2021 final scoring 208 points, but then finished 14th in the televote scoring 47 points.
The post has been widely shared in Malta with other figures adding their views and thoughts on individuals involved with building hype around the Maltese entries. Ludwig and others have said that Destiny is not involved in this and they praise her for her efforts and performance in the Grand Final.
Destiny, Malta. Image Source: EBU / Thomas Hanses | Source: Lovin Malta
Malta debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971 and was represented by Joe Grech and the song “Marija L-Maltija”, which finished last. Malta competed again in 1972 and 1975 but then withdrew until their return in 1991. During the 1990s Malta only once finished outside of the top 10, and in 1998 they came within just 7 points of victory. It was Chiara who brought the country their 3rd place finish in 1998, and who went on to finish in 2nd at the 2005 contest in Kyiv. The only other artist to finish 2nd for Malta is Ira Losco, who was 12 points away from victory in 2002. They are the longest participating country never to have won the Eurovision Song Contest.
