24 years ago, I went to @eurovision —and I had no idea how big a deal it was in Malta. I was making very different music back then, so I was pretty unassuming and unpressured about the whole thing. It was my first time singing in front of the largest crowd and TV audience of my life. I didn’t realize billions of people watched. It was only my second international/TV gig, and the second time I represented Malta overseas. This was pre-Eurovision pre-parties. @wiwibloggs and most Eurovision sites didn’t exist. No Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok—just email and MSN. Newspapers and magazines were still huge, and journalists could write things with no comment section to push back. It was a different, simpler time. “7th Wonder,” written by Philip Vella and Gerard James Borg, is still a favorite of mine. Promotion was well organized: I visited the UK, Spain, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Cyprus. We were in Estonia for about 6 days, with maybe 3 rehearsals and 2 performances. We placed 2nd to Latvia by 12 points. Even if we’d tied, we’d still have been 2nd due to consecutive 12s. It was bittersweet, but exhilarating. I got a hero’s welcome at MIA—more people than I’d ever seen there. It was broadcast on every local TV station, and people from all walks of life showed up. I’ll never forget that day. Eurovision wasn’t “cool” yet, but it opened doors. I was only 20. I toured Europe, played concerts, and collaborated with international artists. So many years later, I still love every second on stage. I’ve had the honor of representing Malta many times since, both on TV and overseas. One moment changed my life for the better. I’m forever grateful for the support of my country and all of you ❤️ #eurovision #esc2002 #iralosco #7thwonder #escfans