Junior Eurovision 2026: Meet the 16 artists and songs competing in Malta

The new edition of Junior Eurovision takes place this Saturday, October 24, in Malta. Featuring 16 participating countries, a variety of musical styles, and a stage inspired by traditional Maltese village celebrations, the contest will bring together a new generation of young musical talent.

Music is once again bringing Europe—and viewers around the world—together for a new edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. This Saturday, October 24, Malta will host the contest’s 24th edition, featuring 16 young performers ready to impress audiences with their songs and live performances.

The show will begin at 21:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST) and will be available to watch live through the official Junior Eurovision YouTube channel. For anyone who enjoys discovering new artists, it will be an opportunity to explore different musical styles, languages, and cultures on one international stage.

Malta Gets Ready for a Big Musical Celebration

The contest will take place at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre (MFCC), located in Ta’ Qali. This year’s theme is The Festa, inspired by Malta’s traditional village feasts, known for their decorated streets, colorful flags, music, and lively community celebrations.

The host country’s cultural identity will also feature in the stage design, which incorporates visual references to Maltese streets and architecture. The goal is to combine local traditions with a musical production designed for an international audience.

The show will be hosted by Gaia Cauchi, Destiny, and Keane Cutajar. The first two have a special connection to the competition: Gaia won Junior Eurovision in 2013, while Destiny claimed victory in 2015 before representing Malta at the adult Eurovision Song Contest in 2021.

Meet the 16 Artists and Songs Competing at Junior Eurovision 2026

This year’s contest features performers aged between 9 and 14, representing 16 countries. The lineup includes songs in different languages and styles, from contemporary pop to tracks exploring identity, dreams, friendship, and self-expression.

Here are the artists who will take the stage in Malta:

Already picked your favorites? You can listen to all 16 songs and discover their official music videos on the Junior Eurovision YouTube channel.

Songs to Dance To, Feel, and Discover

This year’s lineup features songs that celebrate the power of togetherness, alongside others that focus on identity, personal growth, and self-discovery.

Maria, representing the Netherlands, will perform Stronger Together, a song centered on unity. Montenegro’s Mija Vujović will take the stage with Muzika Nas Spaja, whose title highlights music’s power to bring people together.

From Georgia, Davit Lomidze will perform Sun on the Rooftops, while Ukraine’s Erika Kolesnichenko will present NOT A LULLABY, a track that plays with the expectations associated with a lullaby.

Meanwhile, North Macedonia’s Ana Stojanoska will perform Idnata Jas, a reflective song connected to dreams, self-discovery, and the person she hopes to become.

Albania will bring energy and rhythm with Eslin Kurti’s Kërce Me Mua, an invitation to dance and enjoy the moment. Host country Malta will be represented by Beppe and Blue Bird, a song associated with imagination, friendship, and joy.

This diversity of styles and languages is one of the contest’s biggest attractions: every performer brings something different to the stage, with the opportunity to connect with audiences across borders.

Two Special Guests: Eurovision’s Recent Winners

The show will also feature two special guest performances by Lou Deleuze and DARA, the winners of the 2025 Junior Eurovision Song Contest and the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, respectively.

Lou Deleuze won Junior Eurovision 2025 for France with Ce Monde, earning 248 points. Her victory gave France its fourth win in the competition’s history, matching Georgia’s record of four victories at the time.

Her return to the stage will celebrate last year’s contest and give audiences another chance to hear one of the young artists who made a lasting impression on the competition.

How to Watch Junior Eurovision 2026 Around the World

Whether you’re watching from Europe, the Americas, or Asia, you can follow the contest through the official Junior Eurovision YouTube channel.

The live show starts at 19:00 UTC on Saturday, October 24. Here are some local times to help you plan your viewing:

Local broadcast availability may vary by country, so check your national broadcaster’s schedule if you prefer to watch on television.

Can You Vote From Outside Europe?

Yes! Junior Eurovision’s international voting platform allows viewers in participating and non-participating countries to support their favorite songs, subject to the contest’s official voting rules.

You can visit JESC.TV for the official voting platform, instructions, and opening times. Voting takes place during designated windows, including a second opportunity after all the live performances have finished.

Make sure to check the official website for the latest voting schedule and eligibility details before casting your votes.

Who Will Win Junior Eurovision 2026?

With 16 countries, a range of languages, and a show that blends music with Malta’s cultural traditions, Junior Eurovision 2026 promises an exciting night of new voices and diverse performances.

The big question is which contestant will win over the audience and the jury. Will an upbeat pop song take the crown, will an emotional performance stand out, or will an unexpected stage concept become the night’s biggest talking point?

While we wait for the show, you can listen to the songs, get to know the artists, and choose your favorites.

Who are you rooting for at Junior Eurovision 2026?

More information: Official Junior Eurovision 2026 website | Official songs and music videos | International voting platform