What Is 2016 Junior Eurovision Song Contest

Overview

The 2016 Junior Eurovision Song Contest marked the 14th edition of the international music competition for young performers aged 9 to 14. Held in Valletta, Malta, following Malta's victory in 2015, the event brought together a record-breaking 17 participating nations, showcasing original songs in a vibrant, family-friendly format.

Hosted by PBS, the Maltese public broadcaster, the contest featured live performances, elaborate staging, and a strong emphasis on youth expression and cultural exchange. The event was presented by Moira Delia and Ben Camille, with a theme centered on unity through music, and attracted a global audience via live broadcast and online streaming.

• 17 participating countries set a new record for Junior Eurovision, surpassing the previous high of 16 in 2005 and 2014.
• The event took place on November 20, 2016, at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta.
• Georgia won the contest with 239 points, thanks to 12-year-old Mariam Mamadashvili’s powerful performance of 'Mzeo'.
• Each country submitted one original song, performed live, with a maximum duration of three minutes.
• The voting system combined national juries (50%) and online voting (50%), introduced to increase youth engagement.

How It Works

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest follows a structured format designed to ensure fairness, creativity, and international participation. Each country selects its representative through national finals or internal selection, followed by a single live final where all songs compete.

• Eligibility: Artists must be between 9 and 14 years old on the day of the final, ensuring a youth-focused competition.
• Song Requirements: Each entry must be an original song in any language, no longer than three minutes, and not previously released.
• Voting System: Points are awarded by national juries and an online vote, each contributing 50% to the final score.
• Host Selection: The winning country from the previous year earns the right to host, as Malta did in 2016 after Destiny Chukunyere’s 2015 win.
• Participation Rules: Countries must be active members of the EBU, with broadcasters responsible for artist and song selection.
• Performance Format: Each act performs live with backing tracks, choreography, and staging, under strict technical guidelines set by the EBU.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key aspects from the 2016 Junior Eurovision with the previous year’s contest:

While both years featured 17 countries, the 2016 contest saw a significant increase in scoring, with Georgia nearly doubling Italy’s 2015 total. The shift in hosting from Sofia to Valletta brought enhanced production quality and broader international attention, reflecting growing investment in the Junior Eurovision brand.

Why It Matters

The 2016 Junior Eurovision Song Contest was more than just a music competition—it highlighted the potential of young artists and promoted cross-cultural dialogue among European and associated nations. Its success helped solidify the event’s reputation as a platform for emerging talent and inclusive entertainment.

• Georgia’s victory marked its second win in three years, establishing the country as a strong contender in youth music competitions.
• The inclusion of online voting allowed global fans to participate, increasing viewer engagement and digital reach.
• Many past participants, like Destiny Chukunyere, have gone on to compete in the senior Eurovision, showing the contest’s role as a talent incubator.
• The event boosted tourism and media attention in Valletta, showcasing Malta’s cultural infrastructure.
• It emphasized linguistic diversity, with songs performed in Georgian, English, French, and other languages.
• The contest reinforced the EBU’s mission to support youth programming and creative expression across member countries.

As Junior Eurovision continues to grow, the 2016 edition remains a benchmark for participation, production quality, and international appeal.