Malta’s Eurovision Contender Miriana Conte Faces Song Lyric Controversy
Miriana Conte, who is representing Malta in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, has recently found herself amidst a lyrical controversy that has left her both "shocked and disappointed." The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has prohibited her from performing her song in its original form, citing concerns over a particular line that references "serving Kant."
The song, which has rapidly become a favorite among LGBTQ+ Eurovision fans, cleverly incorporates queer culture references. The word "Kant," while meaning "to sing" in Maltese, has raised eyebrows due to its phonetic similarity to a notorious British profanity.
Despite the lyrical ban, which was announced just a week before the final song submission deadline, Conte remains optimistic. "While I’m shocked and disappointed, especially since we have less than a week to submit the song, I promise you this: the show will go on," she declared on her Instagram. She further emphasized her resolve with a fierce nod to her fans, stating, "Diva NOT down."
During a filming session for the official "KANT" music video, Conte shared her thoughts alongside a striking photo of herself in a leopard print catsuit, holding an iridescent fan. Her message resonated with many Eurovision enthusiasts, who have expressed support for her bold artistic vision.
Conte's song, which is centered around themes of self-empowerment and unapologetic confidence, encourages listeners to embody "queen energy." However, the EBU's decision to ban the lyrics highlights a longstanding tension within the contest regarding language and cultural differences.
Eurovision is not new to controversies surrounding song lyrics. In 2017, Sweden's entry had to modify lyrics from "f**king" to "freaking" to meet broadcasting standards. Conte's situation is particularly sensitive due to the song's playful engagement with queer slang and double entendres, a hallmark of Eurovision's eclectic musical landscape.
The British regulator Ofcom's guidelines also play a significant role in such decisions. As Eurovision's broadcast begins at 8pm and the show runs past the 9pm watershed, content must adhere to rules prohibiting extreme profanity during early broadcast hours. This rule is pivotal in the decision to alter Conte's lyrics to avoid conflict with broadcasting standards.
Despite this setback, Conte's performance remains highly anticipated. She is currently the fourth favorite to win Eurovision 2025 according to betting site OLBG, trailing behind entries from Sweden, France, and Finland. Her song, "Kant," albeit controversial, continues to capture the spirit of Eurovision with its infectious dance beats and charismatic performance.
Interestingly, several other Eurovision entries this year also feature suggestive lyrics, yet they have not faced similar prohibitions. Australia’s entry, for instance, includes a song titled "Milkshake Man," laden with innuendo, while Finland’s Erika Vikman performs "Ich komme," a title translating to "I’m Coming." These entries showcase the diverse and often cheeky nature of Eurovision music.
With the semi-finals scheduled for May 13 and 15, and the grand final on May 17, the excitement surrounding the event is building. Eurovision remains a vibrant platform for artists to showcase their creativity and cultural heritage, fostering a unique blend of music, performance, and camaraderie.
As fans eagerly await Malta's revised entry, many in the LGBTQ+ community continue to rally behind Conte, celebrating her courage and artistic flair. The controversy has only heightened interest in her performance, promising to make this year's contest as memorable as ever.
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