Malta’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, AIDAN, has unveiled a powerhouse creative team behind his entry “Bella,” signaling one of the country’s most ambitious bids in recent memory. Set to take the stage in Vienna, the production brings together internationally acclaimed talent from across music, fashion, and live event staging.
A Creative Vision Built for Impact
Leading the staging concept is Black Skull Creative, the UK-based studio founded by Dan Shipton, Jay Revell, and Ross Nicholson. Shipton is best known for masterminding Sam Ryder’s “Space Man” at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, which delivered the United Kingdom its strongest result in over two decades with a second-place finish. He also served as Lead Creative Director for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool.
Black Skull Creative’s portfolio extends far beyond Eurovision, with collaborations including Dua Lipa, Stormzy, Ava Max, Jade Thirlwall, and Zara Larsson—a clear indicator of the scale and polish expected for “Bella.”
Production Expertise and Visual Spectacle
Further strengthening the production is Lee Smithurst, one of the UK’s most experienced Heads of Delegation and a key figure behind the execution of Eurovision 2023.
Lighting design will be handled by Al Gurdon, a globally renowned creative whose résumé includes the Super Bowl Halftime Show, multiple Eurovision editions, MTV Video Music Awards, and the 2012 Summer Olympics opening and closing ceremonies. Gurdon is widely recognized for blending technical precision with cinematic storytelling, elevating performances into immersive visual experiences.
Strategic direction is supported by Vasil Ivanov, a key figure behind Bulgaria’s most successful Eurovision entries, including “Beautiful Mess,” “If Love Was a Crime,” and “Tears Getting Sober.”
A High-Fashion Eurovision Identity
AIDAN’s visual identity will be shaped by Tom Eerebout, best known for his work with Lady Gaga. From defining the aesthetic of The Chromatica Ball to crafting standout red carpet moments, Eerebout’s approach blends high fashion with bold pop theatrics. His client roster also includes Austin Butler, Kylie Minogue, and Rita Ora.
Record-Breaking Promotion and Rising Momentum
In the lead-up to Eurovision, AIDAN has completed a 12-country promotional tour, with final stops in Bucharest and London. The campaign included performances and media appearances across Australia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, San Marino, Albania, and Cyprus—marking the most extensive promotional effort ever undertaken by a Maltese Eurovision act.
Malta’s Pop Powerhouse
Already a dominant force in Malta’s music scene, AIDAN boasts 15 number-one singles and a reputation for high-energy live performances. His headline event, AIDAN THE SHOW, sold out in both 2024 and 2025, drawing over 10,000 fans and cementing his status as one of the country’s leading pop artists. The show is set to return on 5 September 2026.
With a world-class creative team, a bold visual direction, and growing international buzz, “Bella” is shaping up to be one of Malta’s most serious Eurovision contenders in years. Whether it translates into scoreboard success in Vienna will depend on execution—but on paper, this is a bid designed to compete at the very top.
