Nation Song Contest 123

Nation Song Contest 123 was the 123rd edition of the Nation Song Contest and was hosted in Rumia following their victory in the previous contest. The contest was the fifth event hosted by Rumia, making the nation the second most frequent host of the contest behind Pigeon Island, who had at this point hosted six times.

The theme of the contest was "The Call of the Sea" and the nautical theme ran throughout the hosting, with a treasure map defining the qualifiers and the results shows taking place in a nautical drinking tavern.

Il-Bidu made their debut in this edition following the withdrawal of Bigicia but were unable to make it to the final, failing to qualify from the first semi-final. This edition also marked the last NSC performance from the long-term participant Anselmsmumonia who withdrew from the contest in the next edition.

Controversy
Mild drama arose during the semi-final results show as complaints were made regarding the host's policy of late voters. Lukeland and Yaaayland had their votes discounted as a result of lateness whereas some other nations such as Ugaly and Waiting Iist of Shelley & Nici had their late votes counted. Had all votes been included, Lukeland would have made the final.