The city of Tbilisi is ready to welcome the 18 delegations participating in Junior Eurovision 2025. Georgia is hosting the 23rd edition of the most popular and successful children’s contest. The Caucasian country is organizing the event for the second time in its history, having previously done so in 2017 in the same city and venue.
True to tradition, Malta will once again be present on the Eurovision stage. This time, Eliza Borg has been chosen to represent the country in the 23rd edition of the European contest.
Eliza Borg had to overcome each stage of ‘The Voice Kids Malta’ to secure her ticket to Tbilisi (Georgia) and represent Malta at Junior Eurovision 2025. In the grand final of ‘The Voice Kids,’ she performed her original song “I Believe” and won the greatest public support in the final phase, competing against two other superfinalists, Rachele and Carly.
Now it is time to know more about her musical beginnings and her journey to stepping onto the Junior Eurovision 2025 stage on Saturday, December 13, in Tbilisi.
This is Eliza Borg: music as a way of life
Eliza Borg | Photo: PBS
Eliza Borg, a 12-year-old singer, has grown up in a family that deeply believes in her. The support of her parents and her sister Kristina has been key to her development. She discovered her passion for music just two years ago and began her training with Maria Cachia Abdilla, who taught her vocal technique and study discipline.
She then continued with Josef Tabone at VocalBooth Studios and with Mark Spiteri Lucas, as well as working with Joshua De Cadenèx and Greg Enriques. She also plays the flute and cello, studied at the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School, was part of the Maria Bambina Choral and Orchestral Society, and trains in dance with Daphne Gatt at the Kinetic Dance Academy. Since 2023, she has stood out in national and international competitions, winning the Super Grand Prix of Erseb Productions, the Arpeggio International Singing Competition 2024, and second place in Ragusa, Italy. In December 2024, she triumphed again with “I Surrender” and “All I Want for Christmas.”
She has released several covers and music videos, including “New Day Will Rise,” the song that represented Israel in Eurovision 2025. She is represented by Erika Said. A turning point was her meeting with Destiny Chukunyere, who became her mentor. On The Voice Kids Malta, she impressed with “Clown,” “Hero,” “Reflection,” and “When You Believe,” winning the contest and a ticket to Junior Eurovision.
After her victory, she shared how music helps her cope with anxiety. She participates in charity events, telethons, and parking lot sessions, performing songs from Radiohead to Olivia Rodrigo, and has performed with Destiny in Night With The Stars. Additionally, she is part of the youth group US3, and her travels around Europe, especially to Croatia and Slovenia, inspire her artistically.
This is “I Believe,” Malta’s entry for Junior Eurovision 2025
Eliza Borg will represent Malta at Junior Eurovision 2025 with the song “I Believe.” It is an emotional ballad with a motivational message, where the young artist will showcase her voice and impress everyone with a confident and mature attitude, ready to shine on the international stage.
The song addresses the inner struggle of a person who, in the stillness of the night, faces their doubts and the search for their identity. The moment of insomnia symbolizes vulnerability and anxiety: thoughts that frighten and cannot be stopped. Suddenly, imagination awakens and ideas become clear. Dreams come to life with a desire for permanence so that self-affirmation lasts forever. The recurring motif of “believing” and “being written in the stars” conveys a sense of destiny and hope: believing in oneself and in one’s own path, even when uncertainty persists.
After performing the song in the superfinal of ‘The Voice Kids Malta,’ where she won the contest, it wasn’t until November 11 that the official version was released along with its animated videoclip. The musical style strongly recalls Disney songs and, together with its lyrics, reflects a whole world of dreams to believe in.
The song, which already won over audiences during ‘The Voice Kids Malta’ went through a renewal process with more refined production, new arrangements, and an official videoclip that reinforces the optimistic and hopeful message of the track. “I Believe” is the result of the joint work of a team with extensive experience in Maltese music. Elton Zarb composed and produced the track at Wicked and Loud Studios, achieving a fresh and very current sound. The lyrics were written by Matt ‘Muxu’ Mercieca and Destiny Chukunyere, who contributed their characteristic style and a positive message.
On the technical side, Arturo Pellegrini handled the mixing, while Ryan Smith took care of mastering, giving it the professional finish that distinguishes the production. The videoclip was produced by Space Studios and edited by Joe Azzopardi, perfectly complementing the strength and energy of the song.
The music video stands out for its polished aesthetics and a visual narrative that reinforces the hopeful message of the song. Eliza Borg’s performance conveys a lot of emotion and naturalness.
Lyrics of I Believe
Late in the night when the world’s asleep
She lies awake wondering
Thinking about who she could be
And for a second she can hardly breathe
The thoughts in her head
They scare her sometimes
It rumbles like thunder
She’ll search for the light
But she can’t seem to get them off her mind
Then the words they change
She sees flashing lights
And all of her dreams
They come to life
Now she no longer wants to hide
Wish this moment lasts forever
Take a picture to remember
To believe
To believe
Written in the stars forever
Frozen like a cold December
So I believe
I believe
And I don’t want
No I don’t want
I don’t want this moment to end
Then the words they change
I see flashing lights
And all of my dreams
They come to life
Now I no longer want to hide
Wish this moment lasts forever
Take a picture to remember
To believe
To believe
Written in the stars forever
Frozen like a cold december
So I believe
I believe
And I don’t want
No I don’t want
I don’t want this moment to end
Malta in Junior Eurovision
Malta was one of the founding countries of Junior Eurovision in 2003. In its first participation, with Sarah Harrison and her song “Like A Star,” it achieved 7th place. During this initial stage in the children’s contest, Malta obtained modest results, except in 2008, when Daniel Testa with “Junior Swing” secured 4th place. In 2011, PBS decided to withdraw from Junior Eurovision. Despite being one of the countries participating in the festival since the beginning, the results obtained were never encouraging for the Maltese broadcaster, along with audience ratings that were below expectations.
After being absent for two editions, in 2013, the Mediterranean island made its long-awaited return. Gaia Cauchi with “The Start” took home the trophy. Two years later, in 2015, Destiny Chukunyere with “Not My Soul” gave her country another victory. Malta has been in the Top 10 on 12 occasions. Its best period in the contest was between 2013 and 2018. On the other hand, its three last-place finishes were in 2005 with Thea & Friends, in 2019 with Eliana Gómez Blanco, and in 2022 with Gaia Gambuzza. During this time, PBS has favored choosing its representative through open national selections, except in 2013 and 2014 when they opted for an internal selection. Malta has hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest twice: in 2014, held at the Malta Shipbuilding in Marsa, and in 2016 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta.
At Madrid 2024, Ramires Sciberras with “Stilla Ċkejkna” received 153 points, resulting in a commendable 5th place. This is Malta’s best result since 2018.
