An enduring and enthusiastic presence at Eurovision, Malta has one of the longest unbroken streaks of appearances (stretching back to 1991). And while they are small in size (2nd smallest in geographical size, 3rd smallest in population in this year’s contest), they have punched above their weight with two runners-up spots in the past. They got a decent result last year (coming 12th in the final), can they repeat or build on that in 2017 for their 30th Eurovision appearance? Claudia is the first winner of the Maltese national final to have won by 100% public vote (she was one of 16 finalists!) and you can’t begrudge her success in finally getting the chance to represent Malta; this was her 11th attempt to do so! It’s come low down in this chart I’m sorry to say. I suspect that’s less because people actively dislike it and more because this is a pretty old-fashioned ballad that (younger) people will not engage with or take notice of.

I do think it will be hard for Malta to qualify this year – not least as their best voting partner will be voting in a different semi-final. Yes, it’s the United Kingdom. It’s a mutual voting partnership in fact – Malta has received more points from the UK than any other country and Malta has given more points to the UK than any other country (not including semi-finals).

Mum’s reaction: no comment

Official video:

Live at national final:

Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest:

First entered: 1971

Appearances (excluding this year): 29

Best result: 2nd in 2002 and 2005

Last year’s result: 12th