Malta’s Eurovision Song Changed Due to Language Concerns

Malta’s entry for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, performed by Miriana Conte, has been ordered to modify its lyrics due to concerns over the song title’s similarity to an English profanity. The song, originally titled ‘Kant,’ means ‘singing’ in Maltese but is phonetically close to the C-word in English. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) requested the change, despite having initially approved the song. Conte expressed her disappointment on Instagram but assured fans that she would adapt to the situation.

Reports suggest that the BBC raised concerns about the song’s appropriateness, although the corporation has not officially commented. The phrase ‘serving kant’ used in the song aligns with expressions from drag and queer culture, meaning to perform boldly and extravagantly. Malta has until March 10 to modify its entry per Eurovision rules, which allow for changes before final submissions.

Eurovision 2025 is set to take place in Basel, Switzerland, between May 13 and 17. Malta, which has previously finished as a runner-up in 2002 and 2005, has yet to secure a Eurovision victory. The controversy highlights the sensitivity of language in international competitions and the importance of cultural and linguistic nuances.