Eurovision News 
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 takes place tonight, 24 October, in Ta’ Qali, Malta. Sixteen countries will compete for the trophy in the 24th edition of the contest, which starts at 21:00 CEST.
Malta hosts Junior Eurovision 2026
Malta welcomes young singers from 16 countries for the Junior Eurovision 2026. The show takes place at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali, with the host broadcaster PBS leading the production.
The contest follows the theme of the Maltese festa, a traditional village celebration rooted in the country’s culture. The organisers aim to bring this tradition to the international stage through the show’s design and performances.
Malta hosts Junior Eurovision for the third time, following previous editions in 2014 and 2016.
A stage inspired by Maltese traditions
The organisers have revealed a stage design inspired by Malta’s traditional village streets. The central performance area features architectural elements influenced by colourful façades and traditional balconies.
Lighting and scenic details draw further inspiration from the festa tradition. The design places Maltese culture at the heart of the production while giving each participating artist space for an individual performance.
Read more in our previous article: Junior Eurovision 2026: Malta unveils spectacular stage ahead of Saturday’s show.
DARA and Lou Deleuze to perform
Two reigning champions will join the evening’s entertainment. DARA, who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 for Bulgaria, will appear alongside Lou Deleuze, winner of Junior Eurovision 2025 for France.
The two artists will perform during the interval programme, bringing together the winners of the adult and junior contests.
Read more: Junior Eurovision 2026: DARA and Lou Deleuze to grace the show.
Who is competing at Junior Eurovision 2026?
Sixteen countries will compete for the Junior Eurovision trophy. The Netherlands will open the show, while Spain will close the performances.
The full running order is as follows:
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands: Maria – Stronger Together
- 🇨🇾 Cyprus: Harry Georgiou – Who I Can Be
- 🇵🇹 Portugal: Salvador Rio – Alma
- 🇲🇪 Montenegro: Mija Vujović – Muzika Nas Spaja
- 🇸🇲 San Marino: Violamarie – Ruota Panoramica
- 🇫🇷 France: Alec – Comment Tu Vas ?
- 🇵🇱 Poland: Wiktor Sas – Gravity
- 🇦🇲 Armenia: Naré – BOO!
- 🇲🇹 Malta: Beppe – Blue Bird
- 🇮🇹 Italy: Matteo Trullu – Che Cos’è l’Amore?
- 🇺🇦 Ukraine: Erika Kolesnichenko – NOT A LULLABY
- 🇲🇰 North Macedonia: Ana Stojanoska – Idnata Jas
- 🇮🇪 Ireland: Caleb Kirwan & Naomi Gribben – Níos Láidre
- 🇦🇱 Albania: Eslin Kurti – Kërce Me Mua
- 🇬🇪 Georgia: Davit Lomidze – Sun on the Rooftops
- 🇪🇸 Spain: Lucas Paulano – Cuore Bello (Te Quiero, Te Quiero)
The lineup features a range of musical styles and languages, with each artist representing their country through an original song.
Who will present the show?
Three presenters will guide viewers through the evening: Gaia Cauchi, Destiny and Keane Cutajar.
Cauchi won Junior Eurovision for Malta in 2013, securing the country’s first victory. Destiny followed with Malta’s second win in 2015 before representing the country at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021.
Their return to the Junior Eurovision stage brings two former winners back to the contest where they began their international journeys. Cutajar joins the pair as co-presenter.
How to watch Junior Eurovision 2026
The grand final starts at 21:00 CEST on Saturday, 24 October.
Viewers in participating countries should check their national broadcasters for television coverage. International audiences are also able to watch the show through the official Junior Eurovision YouTube Kids channel.
How to vote for your favourite
Online voting takes place through the official JESC.tv website. The first voting window opened before the live show and closes at 20:59 CEST tonight. Voting will reopen after the final performance, giving viewers approximately 15 minutes to cast their votes.
The results will determine the next Junior Eurovision winner, as the 16 participating countries compete for the trophy in Malta.
With the stage ready and the artists prepared to perform, Junior Eurovision 2026 is set to bring a night of music to Ta’ Qali. Remember, the contest begins at 21:00 CEST tonight.
