The X Factor Malta is returning for a third series having last been held in 2019/2020 to select their Eurovision representative.
PBS has announced that the X Factor Malta will be returning for a third series, having last been held in 2019/2020. In 2019 and 2020 the X Factor Malta was used to select the Maltese representative for the Eurovision Song Contest, PBS has yet to state whether this will be the case in 2022.
X Factor Malta replaced the existing Maltese selection format, Malta Eurovision Song Contest. The Malta Eurovision Song Contest, also previously known as the Malta Song Festival, had been used to select Maltaโs Eurovision entry since their debut in 1971. The selection had undergone a number of revamps in recent years, including the introduction of televoting and cutting out the semi-final stages.
Source: PBS | Image Source: TVM
Malta debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971 and was represented by Joe Grech and the song โMarija L-Maltijaโ, 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 and most successful participating country never to have won the Eurovision Song Contest.