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Malta is gearing up to host the 24th Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, and the excitement is building with the announcement of its dynamic hosting trio. Former Junior Eurovision winners Gaia Cauchi and Destiny Chukunyere will take the stage alongside popular Maltese personality Keane Cutajar. This stellar line-up promises a memorable show, celebrating the youthful spirit of the competition.

Malta welcomes a stellar hosting trio

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and host broadcaster Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) have officially unveiled the hosts for the 24th Junior Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in Ta’ Qali, Malta, on 24 October 2026. Leading the festivities will be a celebrated Maltese trio: Gaia Cauchi, Destiny Chukunyere, and Keane Cutajar.

The choice of hosts is particularly significant, featuring two former Junior Eurovision champions who have since become household names. This marks the third time Malta will host the contest, having previously done so in 2014 and 2016.

Meet the Hosts

Gaia Cauchi shot to fame when she won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2013 with her powerful ballad, “The Start,” securing Malta’s first-ever Eurovision victory. Since her win, Gaia has continued to pursue her musical career, captivating audiences with her strong vocals and stage presence. Her return to the Junior Eurovision stage as a host is a full-circle moment for the young star.

Destiny Chukunyere is another Junior Eurovision success story, having won the contest in 2015 with her soulful entry, “Not My Soul.” Destiny further represented Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021, where she achieved an impressive 7th place with “Je me casse.” Her vibrant personality and extensive Eurovision experience make her an ideal choice for the role.

Joining Gaia and Destiny is the charismatic Keane Cutajar. A well-known figure in Maltese media, Keane is a television and radio presenter with a decade of experience across stage, screen, and media. He has previously hosted major events, including the Malta Eurovision Song Contest. Keane also has a personal connection to Junior Eurovision, having participated in Malta’s national selection for the contest in the past.

A Celebration of Maltese Talent

This dynamic trio brings a perfect blend of past triumph, contemporary talent, and engaging charisma to the 24th edition of Junior Eurovision. Their collective experience, particularly that of Gaia and Destiny as former winners, will undoubtedly inspire the young participants and connect with audiences worldwide. The show, themed ‘United by Music,’ is set to be a spectacular celebration of youthful musical talent and Maltese culture.


Sanjay (Sergio) joined esctoday.com in December 2006 as an editor. He was appointed as the Head of Press of ESCToday.com in 2011. Hereafter in 2016 he was promoted as the Head of International Relations & Communications at ESCToday. Sergio has covered the Eurovision Song Contest live 23 times since 2000, having worked for several international magazines and media outlets.