First came the line-up of semi-finalists, then came 20-second snippets of songs. And now we can finally listen to the full-length versions of the 22 songs competing in Malta Eurovision Song Contest (MESC) 2022.

All the songs have been released with lyric videos, which you can view below. Or click here for the continuous playlist.

Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2022: Competing songs

Aidan – “Ritmu”

Baklava ft. Nicole – “Electric Indigo”

Denise – “Boy”

Derrick – “II”

Emma Muscat – “Out of Sight”

Enya Magri – “Shame”

Francesca – “Rise”

Giada – “Revelación”

Janice Mangion – “Army”

Jessica Grech – “Aphrodisiac”

Jessika – “Kaleidoscope”

Malcolm Pisani – “We Came for Love”

Mark Anthony Bartolo – “Serenity”

Matt BLXCK – “Come Around”

Miriana Conte – “Look What You’ve Done Now”

Nicole Azzopardi – “Into the Fire”

Nicole Hammett – “A Lover’s Heart”

Norbert – “How Special You Are”

Rachell Lowell – “White Doves”

Raquel – “Over You”

Richard Edwards – “Hey Little”

Sarah Bonnichi – “Heaven”

MESC 2022: Show details

Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2022 will take place between 17 and 19 February. The shows have been given the slogan What a feeling.

The 22 acts will compete in the semi-final, with the jury and public televote choosing 16 of them to qualify for the grand final. During the grand final on Saturday 19 February, one act will emerge victorious and go on to represent Malta at Eurovision 2022 in Turin.

MESC returns after a three-year break in which Maltese broadcaster TVM used the X Factor Malta and internal selection to choose its act for Eurovision.

Which of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2022 songs is your favourite? Who do you think should win MESC and go on to represent Malta at Eurovision this year? Let us know in the comments below!

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Colin
Colin
2 years ago

After a second listening, I do have three favorites: Nicole Hammett, Derrick Schembri, and Jessika. Nicole’s bilingual popera is probably the most original song there, Derrick has a really smooth club banger with actually solid lyrics, and Jessika’s song has really lovely verses, amped-up by her unique voice and charisma. Two fan-favorites, Emma and Aidan, and right behind, and I think they’d be very respectable choices for Malta. Overall, it’s not the strongest of NFs, but there are some solid songs, and I think it should be acknowledged. Also, let’s mention Aphrodisiac, We Came for Love, and Revelacion… because the… Read more »

ArvinRoido Atienza
ArvinRoido Atienza
2 years ago

I got tired listening to all of them. ANyway:
The perfect one (no revamps needed): A Lover’s heart
Musical revamp: Ritmu (it can turn to a song as great as She Got Me), How Special You are (revamp a la Hovi Star), hey little (just remove the oohs)
Lyrical and/or musical revamp: out of sight, rise, army, kaleidoscope, we came for love, come around, into the fire, boy
Dissppoinment: Electric indigo (the lyrics)
The others are meh

Rob
Rob
2 years ago

Let me tell you what’s going to happen: 1). Emma Muscat will win, out of blind generosity of the Maltese grandmas, 2). The broadcasting unit will write a new song for the singer.

Effectively, one is going to vote for the singer and not the song (and who can blame them, the lyrics to these songs are cheesy and their production is dated). But who can blame the Maltese, no matter if we put effort into our entry’s or not, they’re always overlooked when the Eurovision final comes around ?

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Rob

While that indeed might happen (and did happen in 2016), I’d feel cheated if I was any of the other performers, or someone who spent their money on a phone call in a national finals. It wouldn’t feel right, and would make the whole process a pointless waste of resources. Yet, nobody complained in 2016, so the Maltese may have a totally different opinion on this. Ultimately, it’s their song to pick.

Last edited 2 years ago by Colin
Elle
Elle
2 years ago

Ritmu is a copy of “Say My Name” by David Guetta, Bebe Rexha 🙁

Ieva
Ieva
2 years ago

I am liking Emma and Matt the most

Isabella
Isabella
2 years ago

i’m officially joining the Ritmu stan bandwagon idc

Agent 007
Agent 007
2 years ago

Ritmu is good, but the singer lacks charisma

Nah
Nah
2 years ago

Ritmu will be the first Maltese entry to flop with the jury. Nothing can reach the level of Kewkba. If Malta wanted to send an entry in Maltese they should have sent Janice Mangion with Kewkba and we would have seen Malta’s best result since 2002 and 2005. Maltese fans are being pathetic by thinking that Ritmu will secure them the best possible result by simply being a dance song in Maltese. I thought that MESC would come back in the best strongest way but nothing improved since the last time it was held. I can’t see any future for… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Nah
Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Nah

People are forgetting that Derrick Schembri also has a song in Maltese, with Nicole Hammett and Janice Mangion having portions of their songs in Maltese too. Aidan is not the *only* chance of the language being heard on ESC stage. However, I guess it’s ”Aidan vs Emma” for most fans, as it was ”Alban vs Ronela” in FIK, and as they are painting it as ”Terra vs Ay Mama” in Benidorm Fest. Sometimes I wonder whether people even consider as many songs as there are in the selection.

Bird Lover
Bird Lover
2 years ago
Reply to  Nah

Not only that but choosing a guy who literally just rips off other songs. There’s no talent or passion for music involved lol. Even the whole cowboy photoshoot is basically a lil nas rip off. quite frankly anyone who thought the usual corruption in my country’s selection wouldn’t be present just because the selelction is “making a comeback” were seriously wrong

Lele
Lele
2 years ago

Uff Ritmu has to win

Allah
Allah
2 years ago

I’ve never heard such crap, almost feels like I need to ask my time back!

Dodo
Dodo
2 years ago

Sigh, when you have some of the songs written by the same pair, you don’t expect too much difference between the songs. The production was high when Howard Keith was taking care of stuff behind X Factor. We all know Malta usually looks out for ballads… Aidan, Nicole Azzopardi and Emma Muscat, Hammett seem to stand out the most . I can see Aidan taking it since locals have been yearning for a Maltese song for aeons. All boils down to the live show I guess. Both Aidan and Hammett’s song have the Maltese element and Hammett seems to have… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Dodo
Ffs
Ffs
2 years ago

Mediocre . Every single one of them

Pearli
Pearli
2 years ago

That’s the result of not buying high production songs from other countries. Just like previous national finals, Malta’s local production is dated.

Danny
Danny
2 years ago

You guys wanted something local from Malta and this is the end product y’all get , demo-like quality of songs with forced and unimaginative lyrics as if it had been created by an elementary school student. What makes it even more ironic is that the best songs in this national selection all come from foreign hands.

West
West
2 years ago

When I heard the 20 second snippets I was most interested in Electric Indigo, Kaleidoscope and Hey Little.
After hearing full songs: it’s Hey Little, Il and Shame that are my favourites with Electric Indigo and Ritmu close behind to complete my top 5.

lisa thompson
lisa thompson
2 years ago
Reply to  West

Richards and Is very good, same with Janice. Only two I like in this lineup

Yush
Yush
2 years ago

Such a disappointment!!!!! I expected a lot more. Specifically from Malta. They all sound like a bloody demo. Into the fire ….. what is that uncalled for key change? You can’t put a high note and a key change at the same bloody time

Last edited 2 years ago by Yush
Dissapointed
Dissapointed
2 years ago

The difference between X Factor and MESC is that in X Factor both Michela and Destiny were deserved winner artists while in MESC all this fuss about a Maltese song coming from Aidan because he’s popular in Malta and 3 years ago a song in Maltese was supposed win but was placed 2nd while all this fuss about Emma because she’s popular in Italy. There’s another beautiful song completely in Maltese in the contest but why no one is talking about it? Because no one knows the singer, unfortunately.

Yankee
Yankee
2 years ago

I only like five songs: Out of Sight, Into the Fire, Kaleiscope, Electric Indigo, and Ritmu.

ete sech
ete sech
2 years ago

Aidan and Emma are clearly the best acts from this batch. Aidan has the edge for me, just for the sake of bringing Maltese back to the contest, but also because it’s the best song from the selection.

willchrisiam
willchrisiam
2 years ago

Hasn’t Aidan been trying to get the ticket for years? You’d think he’d learn that you can’t have Gucci in your lyrics by this point…

Ta fuqi bahnan
Ta fuqi bahnan
2 years ago
Reply to  willchrisiam

He has literally tried Once in MESC and was on X factor if you can even count that. Big meme of a statement from you 🙂

Last edited 2 years ago by Ta fuqi bahnan
willchrisiam
willchrisiam
2 years ago
Reply to  willchrisiam

What does that have to do with anything? I was referring to the ESC rules. The same ones that made Valentina Monetta replace her Facebook lyric.

Franky
Franky
2 years ago

I like Aidan and Emma’s song the best. Aidan is a bit dynamic with its instrumentation.

Silverson
Silverson
2 years ago

If it’s a ballad then I choose Emma’s over the other ballads but my favourite from this list is now Baklava Feat Nicole. I already can’t stop singing that chorus. Some of the others are just too generic

esc1234
esc1234
2 years ago

Its Ritmu or nothing. Time for the first maltese song since ages. Hope they stage it well

Last edited 2 years ago by esc1234
Young At Heart in Austin
Young At Heart in Austin
2 years ago

Dire selection of songs. I was hoping more from Richard as I still love the song he sang with his father several years ago. But I’ll pass on most of these songs.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
2 years ago

So if you need a list of 10 for the final, I would pick a solid eight:
Nicole Azzopardi “Into the Fire” (honestly this is my favourite),
Nicole Hammett “A Lover’s Heart”,
Norbert “How Special You Are”,
Francesca “Rise”,
Miriana Conte “Look What You’ve Done Now”,
Aidan “Ritmu”,
Emma Muscat “Out of Sight”,
Baklava ft. Nicole “Electric Indigo”.

After that, choose two wildcards. Richard and Janice will probably make it, just because they have fans. Or possibly Jessika.
Everyone have fun. 🙂

sangfroidx
sangfroidx
2 years ago

Maltese (and cowboy hats!) for Eurovision. Go, Aidan!!

Xxx
Xxx
2 years ago

Nothing caught my attention, nice songs, but very generic and bland. They all sound the same. Maybe Miriana Conte – “Look What You’ve Done Now” or Matt BLXCK – “Come Around”? I’m not sure.

Colin
Colin
2 years ago

I started this list today, and I’ll finish it tomorrow. I almost forgot how funny MESC lyrics can be, and I enjoy this list so much! Obviously, for the wrong reasons, but I enjoy it nonetheless:) 🙂 🙂

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

“Isn’t it bueno, the way you’re putting my mood on.”

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

“You’re a piece of chocolate melting on my skin.” 😉

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Here sending my Hasta la vista to all the songwriters who think they’re being smart while throwing random Spanish words in the middle of English lyrics.

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I understand the appeal of the Spanish language, and I’m not opposed to foreign countries trying it out (heck, despite being ”lingua franca”, English is foreign to everyone but the UK, Ireland, Malta, and Australia, and it’s still widely used). But what frustrates me is how it’s usually treated only as a gimmick. When we’ll hear, lyrically, something like Secreto de agua, Ay mama or Quien lo diria from a foreign country? I mean, if you’re gonna use Spanish, use it properly. What bothers me is that over 90% of songs with Spanish lyrics from abroad are usually just English… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Colin
Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I agree with everything you said, Colin. It’s a gimmick and most songwriters don’t even put an effort to find a proper context to use it. Another thing that bothers me is the stereotype, always reducing latinos to sexy, festive and/or passionate. Even if the ideas behind this approach came from an earnest admiration for the latin culture (which I believe it’s the case), they end up helping perpetuating also negative stereotypes that come on the side. I would also like if those entries weren’t always fitting a template of what’s expected from a latin summer hit. They sound different… Read more »

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
2 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

“Keep me in your shrine of thoughts”, Purple. :3

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
2 years ago

I’m listening to these now.
What I appreciate about Malta is that effort that is put in. Malta only has a population of around 500,000. That’s relatively small, yet here is a full set of 22 songs. Bravo. So far I like both singers named Nicole. 🙂 But I have only just started.

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago

Sadly, there’s definitely nothing for my taste here. I hope it’s indeed between Aidan and Emma, as many people believe, since both their entries are at least serviceable. He would finally bring Maltese back to Eurovision (if the lyrics are bad, at least they would be hidden), she has a great voice that may elevate the material.

There are several entries here that I couldn’t hear until the end (one of them probably broke my fastest skip record for an Eurovision hopeful), so please don’t have crazy ideas, Malta.

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
2 years ago

Ritmu is carrying this awful line up….

Jack
Jack
2 years ago

I think Emma Muscat will win this. I have a feeling that both the juries and televoters in the national final will unanimously vote for her. Whilst there are some decent singers in this selection overall, I do find a lot of the songs to be uninspiring and pretty generic. Even the lyrics of many of the songs are just the same words or sounds on repeat. I think Malta needs to focus on having better songwriters/producers involved in their selection if they want to continue with the national final format in the future, as they do have the right… Read more »

#synthsareawesome
#synthsareawesome
2 years ago

Generally, Maltese selection is way better than most of the time. Despite the fact that in a lot of aspects they still hold on old tired dance pop scheme, some songs step out and refresh the selection. I guess, they can go far this year.

Pietro
Pietro
2 years ago

from emma I was expecting something like her last song, but it’s still good!

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago

2016 still makes me wonder if any of these songs will actually make it to Turin.

Roger
Roger
2 years ago

I’ll admit I expected much more from Aidan’s song so I am disappointed after all the hype, and I agree with one of the posts below that David Guetta will not be happy to hear this. Emma’s song is okay, but I doubt she will score high with this in Eurovision. But the girl is quite cute. I don’t mind Army. But the song that totally and unexpectedly surprised me in a good way is Electric Indigo. After listening to all the songs it is the only song that I remember. Good luck Malta

Atros P
Atros P
2 years ago

Electric Indigo remains the most unique entry! This could give Malta a great result.

Bird Lover
Bird Lover
2 years ago
Reply to  Atros P

it gives me huge keino vibes

impressiveinstants
impressiveinstants
2 years ago

Aidan´s song, though, it is so similar to David Guetta´s Say My Name. It would be read for filth so I don´t know whether or not it would be a smart choice.

Jake
Jake
2 years ago

I stand corrected since I thought the return of MESC was just a way for Destiny to return to Eurovision. I am happy the broadcaster has given a platform for both Maltese singers and songwriters but it is a relatively muted lot of songs compared to Chameleon and Je Me Casse. I’m sure the best song will win and that Malta will invest enough in revamps and staging but at the moment nothing is screaming SURE QUALIFIER

Roro31
Roro31
2 years ago
Reply to  Jake

what song do you like?? what do you do with Aidan, Denise, Baklava, Emma Muscat, Richard, Janice Mangion?? All the time negative I’m really tired of people like you all the time negative about the songs of each country…

Jake
Jake
2 years ago
Reply to  Roro31

You might’ve missed my compliments on Italy today. Or my compliment of the Maltese broadcaster leaning on local talent or songwriters in the post. Or the compliments on the last 2 Maltese entries. Im not obligated to like everything anyone does in regards to Eurovision. Also, this is a message board—they are just opinions. Everyone has the right to their own tastes as long as they are not mean-spirited or shaming.

Lorenzo
Lorenzo
2 years ago

How did the come back to this selection if they just select such bland and generic entries. The only one with potential may be Aidan, but still the song is not enough for me. Malta, you did a huge mistake

impressiveinstants
impressiveinstants
2 years ago

It is between Emma and Aidan. It will be hard to see an underdog rising.

Nothing screams WINNER though-.

Last edited 2 years ago by impressiveinstants
Jacob
Jacob
2 years ago

It all depends on live performance, but I have really high hopes for Emma.

Kosey
Kosey
2 years ago

So just as I thought I was going to drown in a sea of earnest generality and near comedic repetitiousness, along came Nicole Azzopardi and suddenly everything was absolutely alright with the world again. What a pleasant surprise.

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago

gays like Matt BLCSK are the reason people are homophobic

Sonam
Sonam
2 years ago
Reply to  Roodi

That’s low, even for you Rudie

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  Sonam

Why?

Roro31
Roro31
2 years ago
Reply to  Roodi

I agree with you, on TV and even on Eurovision we see too many effeminate gays and there is not enough very masculine representation of gays (even though I know that there are a lot of gays who are very virile, masculine and really look like men!!) but unfortunately they are not represented enough… that’s why people believe that all gays are effeminate, because of the media which does not highlight enough before virile or “masculine” or muscular gay men !!

Bird Lover
Bird Lover
2 years ago
Reply to  Roro31

honestly if feminine gays make you that triggered you need to write a paragraph, you’re not so secure in your “masculinity” LOL

Lorenzo
Lorenzo
2 years ago
Reply to  Roodi

The real problem are people like you who don’t respect others for who they are

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  Lorenzo

I respect everyone also I have a lot of gay friends who are so tired of that stereotype that all gays are men who act like women

Roro31
Roro31
2 years ago
Reply to  Roodi

I’m agree !! Because its the fashion now !!

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Roodi

There is a lot of stereotyping, for sure. From both straight people and LGBT people, for that matter. However, *some* gay men (and some straight men too, even if statistically to a lesser degree) *do have*, so called ”effeminate mannerisms”. They shouldn’t be prevented from being who they are or being represented. They are normal just as they are. However, it’s not how *all* or even most gay men are. Not to mention there are *a lot* of degrees of bisexuality in between, and trying to put people into boxes is not just futile, but also causes a lot of… Read more »

Roro31
Roro31
2 years ago

Baklava feat.Nicole, Aidan, Emma Muscat, Janice Mangion, Richard Edwards, Denise are the best !

But Emma Muscat, Baklava/Nicole and Aidan are very good songs and I think the winner is among these three!

I’ll be happy to see one of these three at Eurovision!

Last edited 2 years ago by Roro31
Ryan
Ryan
2 years ago

Richard! SUPER!!

Last edited 2 years ago by Ryan
Alo
Alo
2 years ago

Hmm I didn’t like anything for now.. Maybe they can pick someone and change the song afterwards like in 2016?:)

Jacob
Jacob
2 years ago

I love “Out of sight” (Emma Muscat) and “Look what you’ve done now” (Miriana Conte) – in that order. I hope one of them goes to Turin.

I had a bit bigger expectations for Aidan’s song, but it isn’t that good in full release.

Last edited 2 years ago by Jacob
aichan
aichan
2 years ago

I would go with Ritmu. Its such a bop and it only will need a little revamp. Also, i love the fact that it is in maltese so its kinda different.
I really like Emma Muscat and her song is ok but Im pretty sure that next year she will be able to send an even better song judging by what I’ve seen about her.

aichan
aichan
2 years ago
Reply to  aichan

Also… if im not wrong it would be the first entry in maltese since 1972 and we dont usually have boys doing this kind of music in Eurovision. This act reminds me to She Got Me.

Polegend Godgarina
2 years ago
Reply to  aichan

aidan’s mesc songs are always okay on paper, but when he attempts to sing them live you kinda understand why he hasn’t come close to winning yet

Polegend Godgarina
2 years ago

ain’t nobody gonna stream 22 songs from youtube. i might sound like a broken record but in 2022 it’s time to put them on audio streaming services from right away as they do in scandinavia, it’s more money for the artists and it’s more comfortable for the listener too. having said this, emma muscat (the one i was hyped for) has a banger !

Ben
Ben
2 years ago

You have to pay to put songs on Spotify though.

Gianluca
Gianluca
2 years ago

That’s not gonna happen in Malta, sadly. Only few of their NF-songs are meant for digital release, and those few that make it to streaming, get removed after a couple of years at best. The rest of songs are just songs to be performed in the NF, but they never are considered as part of the singers’ discographies.