Newsroom
Malta’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 has been thrown into turmoil after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) ruled that singer Miriana Conte must change the title and lyrics of her song, Kant. The decision comes amid concerns over the song’s phonetic similarity to an offensive English slang word.
Despite kant meaning “singing” in Maltese, the phrase “serving kant” – a term used in queer and drag culture to express confidence and boldness – raised objections, reportedly following a complaint from the BBC. The UK broadcaster, bound by strict language regulations, had declined to air the song.
The EBU initially approved Kant but later reversed its decision, prompting Malta’s national broadcaster, PBS, to appeal. PBS argues that the ruling is “unfair and discriminatory” towards the Maltese language and has even hinted at possible legal action.
With the official song submission deadline looming on March 10, Conte remains determined. “Diva NOT down,” she declared on social media, vowing to keep the essence of her song intact.
This latest Eurovision controversy has sparked debate over language, censorship, and creative expression, keeping Europe’s eyes firmly on Malta’s next move.
With information from The Guardian and ESC Xtra.
