He didn’t have the chance to compete for his country at Eurovision 2020, but Diodato has been honoured in another way. The Italian singer won Best Italian Act at the 2020 MTA Europe Music Awards.
As ever, the EMAs are mostly decided by audience vote, and each region also gets to vote for its best local act.
With much of the contest taking place with remote performances, Diodato had to accept his award from home. He recorded a short video, thanking his fans for their support.
He also wished for an end to the troubles of the pandemic, saying “I hope we’ll get through these difficult times and we go back to normal — made of social life, lots of concerts, and hugs on and off the stage.”
In the category of Best Italian Act, Diodato was up against fellow Sanremo 2020 contestants Elettra Lamborghini and Levante, as well as Sanremo 2016 and 2019 star Irama. Italian rapper Random rounded out the nominations.
It’s the second year in a row that the Sanremo winner and Italy’s Eurovision act has gone on to win the EMA. Last year Mahmood pick up Best Italian Act.
National final stars take home MTV EMAs
Polish popstress Margaret won Best Polish Act — the fourth time she’s taken home that award. Margaret previously won in 2015, 2016 and 2018.
Margaret competed in Poland’s 2016 national final. There her song “Cool Me Down” fast became a hot favourite to win the contest, but eventually placed second behind Michał Szpak. She also competed twice in Sweden’s Melodifestivalen.
Another national final star to win an EMA is Fernando Daniel. For the second year in a row, he was declared Best Portuguese Act.
Fernando won the 2016 edition of The Voice Portugal. He then went on to compete in Festival da Canção 2017 where his song “Poema a dois” placed fifth in the grand final.
K-pop group BTS took home the most awards of the night, winning EMAs for Best Song, Best Group, Best Virtual Live and Biggest Fans.
What do you think? Should any of these EMA winners represent their country at Eurovision? Tell us your thoughts below!
Winners for Best Spanish Act La La Love You were 7th in the 2009 Spanish national final with the song “Dame un beso”.