Eurovision 2026 just became bigger than anyone expected. In this fourth episode of Under the Eurovision Radar, we return from the Easter break to one of the most explosive announcements in recent Eurovision history: Eurovision Asia is officially launching in 2026. A brand‑new contest, a brand‑new stage, and a brand‑new chapter for the Eurovision universe. From national selections across the continent to a Grand Final in Bangkok, the project promises to be louder, bolder and more ambitious than anything the EBU has attempted outside Europe. We break down what the announcement reveals, what it hides, and what this expansion could mean for the future of the main contest.

But that’s not the only major update. Vienna has released the full running orders for both semifinals of Eurovision 2026, and they tell a very clear story about how this year’s competition is being shaped. We analyse every slot: who benefits, who’s in danger, who’s been placed strategically, and how the pacing of each show could influence the results. From Moldova opening Semi‑Final 1 to Norway closing Semi‑Final 2, from Israel’s high‑impact mid‑show placement to the Big 4 interval performances woven into the running order — this is one of the most carefully structured editions in years, and we unpack every detail.

And then, we turn our attention to Malta, a country that has lived through a turbulent Eurovision decade. We revisit their journey from 2023 to 2025: the charm of The Busker, the high‑energy ambition of Sarah Bonnici, the small but meaningful comeback with Miriana Conte. Three years of reinvention, frustration, and flashes of potential. With that context in place, we dive into their 2026 entry: Aidan with “Bella”. A multilingual Mediterranean pop track blending English, Maltese and Spanish, full of warmth, nostalgia and emotional sincerity. We explore Aidan’s evolution as an artist, his dominant victory at MESC 2026, the staging direction, the lyrical themes, and how “Bella” fits into the brutal landscape of Semi‑Final 2 — positioned between Albania’s intimate “Nân” and Norway’s explosive closer.

This episode is a turning point in the season. Eurovision is expanding beyond Europe for the first time in decades, the structure of the 2026 contest is now fully visible, and Malta arrives with one of its most accessible entries in years. Whether you’re excited, sceptical or simply curious, Episode 4 is where all the threads start coming together.

Eurovision Asia.Running orders.Malta 2026.A new era is beginning — and we’re here to break it all down.