ESC COVERS received the following press release from the Maltese Eurovision team.
Malta’s 2026 Eurovision representative AIDAN has officially revealed the high-profile creative team behind his entry “Bella,” set to take the stage in Vienna. The lineup brings together some of the entertainment industry’s most accomplished names, many of whom boast proven success at Eurovision and beyond.
At the helm of the staging concept is the UK-based creative studio Black Skull Creative, founded by Dan Shipton, Jay Revell, and Ross Nicholson. Shipton is widely recognized for delivering the UK’s strongest Eurovision result in two decades, having led the creative vision for Sam Ryder’s “Space Man,” which secured second place in Turin in 2022. He also served as Lead Creative Director for the 2023 Eurovision show in Liverpool. Black Skull’s portfolio includes collaborations with global superstars such as Dua Lipa, Stormzy, Ava Max, Jade Thirlwall, and Zara Larsson.
Adding further expertise is Lee Smithurst, one of the UK’s most successful Heads of Delegation and Head of Show for Eurovision 2023, bringing invaluable experience in delivering complex productions.
The visual spectacle will be elevated by world-renowned lighting designer Al Gurdon, whose credits span the Super Bowl Halftime Show, multiple editions of the Eurovision Song Contest (2014, 2025 and 2016), MTV award shows, and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics. Known for merging technical innovation with cinematic lighting, Gurdon’s work consistently transforms performances into immersive visual experiences.
Strategic development is further strengthened by Vasil Ivanov, a key figure behind some of Bulgaria’s most successful Eurovision entries, including Beautiful Mess, If Love Was a Crime, Bones, Tears Getting Sober, and Growing Up Is Getting Old.
AIDAN’s visual identity in Vienna will be crafted by globally influential stylist Tom Eerebout, best known for shaping the iconic image of Lady Gaga. From defining the aesthetic of The Chromatica Ball to creating standout red carpet moments, Eerebout’s work blends high fashion with bold pop spectacle. His client list also includes Austin Butler, Kylie Minogue, and Rita Ora, with features in leading publications such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
With final promotional stops in Bucharest and London, AIDAN has officially concluded his extensive 12-country promotional tour for “Bella,” marking a major milestone in the lead-up to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Throughout the tour, AIDAN delivered a series of high-profile appearances, including performances and interviews on national television in Australia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, San Marino, Albania, and Cyprus, setting a new benchmark as the most ambitious promotional tour ever undertaken by a Maltese Eurovision artist.
AIDAN enters Eurovision as one of Malta’s most dominant chart forces, boasting an impressive 15 number-one singles. Renowned for his electrifying stage presence, he has headlined the country’s largest venues. His flagship event, AIDAN THE SHOW, became a sold-out phenomenon in both 2024 and 2025, drawing over 10,000 fans and cementing his reputation as a leading figure in Maltese pop. The show is set to return on 5 September 2026.
With a world-class team behind him and growing international anticipation, AIDAN’s “Bella” is shaping up to be Malta’s most ambitious Eurovision entries to date.
Featured image – Malta Eurovision team