Malta: National final set for January!

Some details regarding Malta's upcoming national selection have been revealed. The format remains pretty much the same - with artists having to send two songs instead of just one. The first song must be an original (the song they hope to represent Malta with) and the 2nd a cover, which they will also perform during big reveal show in November. I guess that's gonna be a long night. 40 performances + Mediterranean Bank! Artists must be Maltese and the deadline to submit songs is 30th October. I hope we see Jessika return. 

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: MALTA!

When Amber won the Maltese national final back in November 2014, almost everyone was delighted. However since Warrior was revamped, the reaction has been mixed. Here's what we think about the Maltese effort...

Ana: I like this song because it’s dark but at the same time it has a positive message. Amber’s vocals are amazing and she makes me believe every single word she sings. I wonder if she’ll be able to stand out among so many women singing the same kind of songs and reach the final. 7/10

Ilkar: The revamp didn't do much to this one. It's shouty, I don't like the arrangement and in general its lost among all the other similar songs this year. And unfortunately I don't have much faith in her giving us a flawless vocal performance in Vienna. Screamy or shouty. One or the other it's going to be. 3/10

Jack: The revamped version has divided people for sure. Some really dislike it it, some love it... I am in the latter category for sure. Will Amber qualify? She deserves too! Probably the best song Malta has ever sent! I fear she might do unnoticed though, especially with an early draw and in such a tough semi. And another question - will Amber or Nina fare better in Vienna? 8/10

Jess: Wow, wow, wow, WOW! That is all I will say about Malta's entry. It has such a powerful message behind it, and Amber's voice is amazing! 9/10

John: The Maltese entry is a pleasant ballad with a strong melody. in a year which features so many ballads it would be easy for a mellow song to get "lost in the crowd" so to speak .Sadly I don't think there is anything so striking enough here to make it stand out from the others. I would also have concerns about the strength of Amber's live vocals. 6/10

OUR VERDICT - 33/50
OVERALL SCORE - 6.6/10

Malta: Official video-clip of 'Warrior' presented!

The Maltese entry has undergone a minor revamp and the official video-clip has been presented. Sometimes revamps don't work but I think it's worked for the better here. #TeamAmber! Enjoy it below....

Malta: Amber films official video-clip for 'Warrior'

Amber has this week been filming the official music video for Warrior in Rabat. It seems the song has undergone minor changes to make it even more powerful and the finished product will be released next month. Amber had this to say:

The song remains the star of the show. Warrior is about dealing with the challenges we have to face in life and having the strength to overcome obstacles. The moment I sing here I feel a lot of emotions. I hope that my fans can share this feeling when they listen to my song

Photograph - Daniel d’Anastasi

AMBER TO REPRESENT MALTA!

The Maltese representative for Vienna is ... AMBER! This blogger couldn't be happier!! Amber was the best choice without a doubt. She topped the jury and the televote. Christabelle came 2nd and Glen Vella achieved 3rd place. The Maltese national final was fantastic. The staging was fabulous and I reckon it's only a matter of time until Malta host Eurovision itself... hey, maybe it'll happen in 2016? Fan favourite Jessika only managed 9th place (she didn't sound the best) and poor old Karen didn't get a single point. Amber was actually a backing singer for Kurt Calleja in Baku and has tried several times before to get to Eurovision with Catch 22 in 2011, Answer with your Eyes in 2012, In Control in 2013 and Because I Have You in 2014... now she's victorious! Apparently the song itself might have a slight revamp before Vienna, which will no doubt make it even stronger. I just pray they won't change it all together!! The full results:

1. Warrior – Amber – 72 points
2. Rush – Christabelle – 47 points
3. Breakaway – Glen Vella – 39 points
4. Closed Doors – Chris Grech – 35 points
5. Still Here – Franklin – 26 points
6. Something In The Way – Daniel Testa – 24 points
7. Love and Let Go – Ekklesia Sisters – 23 points
8. The One That You Love – Lawrence Grey – 18 points
9. Fandango – Jessika – 18 points
10. Chasing A Dream – Trilogy – 12 points
11. It’s Ok – Deborah C – 12 points
12. Once In A While – Dominic – 11 points
13. Beautiful To Me – L-Aħwa – 11 points
14. 12, Baker Street – Karen Debattista

Amber will fly the Maltese flag :-)

Enjoy the live performance below:

Malta: National final tonight, fourteen qualifiers revealed!

The Maltese qualifiers were announced moments ago, and there's not really any surprises. Amber, Jessika, Karen Debattista, Ekklesia Sisters and Deborah C all managed to qualify for tomorrow night's final. Amber must win. Unfortunately, we lost six acts. Raquel was eliminated - I don't know why.. Her performance was one of the best tonight. Loved it. Ekklesia Sisters's (The Nuns) will no doubt do very well, possibly even win, but I've heard their performance was very poor. I don't think the juries will appreciate them but we'll see. The acts in red failed to make the final:

• Lyndsay Pace – Home
• Iona Dalli – Could Have Been Me
• Franklin – Still Here
• Christabelle – Rush
• Jessika – Fandango
• Chris Grech – Closed Doors
• Karen Debattista – 12, Baker Street
• Daniel Testa – Something In The Way
• Glen Vella – Breakaway
• Raquel – Stop Haunting Me
• Domenique – Take Me As I Am
• Lawrence Grey – The One That You Love
• Deborah C – It’s Ok
• Danica Muscat – Close Your Eyes
• Corazon – Secretly
• L-Ahwa – Beautiful To Me y
• Amber – Warrior
• Trilogy – Chasing A Dream
• Dominik – Once In A While
• Ekklesia Sisters – Love & Let Go

Malta: Semi final tonight, 14 acts to progress!

Twenty songs. Fourteen qualifiers, One winner. Malta's semi final will be held tonight and it promises to be a fabulous show. Many fantastic and unique acts are in the running to represent the tiny island but this blogger has three ultimate favourites - Amber, Jessika and Raquel. But I think the winner will be either L-Aħwa or Ekklesia Sisters - although Amber could definitely challenge them. Or maybe Raquel could win? Her song is unique and many people seem to like it. I don't know but I did review all the songs individually, and y'all can check my reviews out here. Here's the running order for tonight. 

1. Home – Lyndsay
2. Could Have Been Me – Iona Dalli
3. Still Here – Franklin
4. Rush – Christabelle
5. Fandango – Jessika
6. Closed Doors – Chris Grech
7. 12, Baker Street – Karen Debattista
8. Something In The Way – Daniel Testa
9. Breakaway – Glen Vella
10. Stop Haunting Me – Raquel
11. Take Me As I Am – Domenique
12. The One That You Love – Lawrence Grey
13. It’s Ok – Deborah C
14. Close Your Eyes – Danica
15. Secretly – Corazon
16. Beautiful To Me – L-Ahwa
17. Warrior – Amber
18. Chasing A Dream – Trilogy
19. Once In A While – Dominic
20. Love & Let Go – Ekklesia Sisters

Good luck to everyone! I'll update this post later tonight with the results..

Review 2015: Malta's national selection PART 4!

My reviews of the Maltese semi-finals conclude this evening.. Enjoy!

L-Aħwa - Beautiful To Me
This blogger was never a fan of Gianluca's 2013 entry but I kinda like Beautiful To Me. He returns with his siblings - it isn't my favourite song in the selection but I think the Maltese public will like it.. Hard to predict where it'll end though. Could be a winner but also could flop. I wouldn't complain if they did win. 7/12

Karen Debattista - 12, Baker Street
Karen Debattista is a new to the Maltese selection process but she's already made a pretty good impression with 12, Baker Street. Her song is unique and very cute. Her voice is gorgeous and she looks so beautiful... Not necessarily a winner but I'm sure Karen can achieve top five with a strong performance. 8/12

Christabelle - Rush
I can see potential here. Rush is your typical dance song, no doubt about it, but I really like it. This blogger feels she needs some dancers and pyrotechnics if it's going to make an impression next week... What do you think? I'll give it 7/12

Chris Grech - Closed Doors
Closed Doors could really be a dark horse. Chris has been trying for a quite a few years and I'd love to see him make Eurovision next year. Not sure if this will make a massive impression though - because it isn't memorable when compared to other entries. The juries should like it, though! 8/12

Amber - Warrior
And finally, I have saved the best for last. Warrior is a strong, powerful and a beautiful ballad. I adore it! Can't wait to see Amber perform this live - like Chris, she's been trying for so many years so it would be lovely to see her be victorious. Juries will love it (if she nails it vocally) and I reckon the televote will also support her.. I really hope so anyway!!! What do you think? Does Amber deserve to win? 12/12

Thank you to everyone who has followed my reviews! The Maltese national final will be held next weekend - who are you supporting?

Malta: Conchita Wurst to open national final!

Conchita Wurst will open the Maltese national final! One of the producers, Gordon Bonello, revealed this on a Maltese chat show last night. It's not known what song she'll sing yet however.. All eyes will be on Malta this month because Junior Eurovision is taking place next weekend and then MESC the following week on 21st and 22nd November!

Review 2015: Malta's national selection PART 3!

Jessika - Fandango
Jessika returns to Malta's selection for the third year in a row. Fandango is a fantastic song! I really love it! Jessika's voice is always great and this blogger cannot wait to see her perform this live. A finalist for sure and maybe even a winner? I just hope the jury get behind her because they ranked her 2nd to last with  Hypnotica. Good luck Jessika! 10/12

IONA - Could have been me
After listening to all 20 songs, Could have been me was the song I kept singing to myself the most. This must be a good sign, right? IONA's debut entry is pleasant one but not a winner. She has a very different sound from the other hopefuls... 7/12

Daniel Testa - Something In the Way
I'm sorry, but Something In the Way is not very good at all. The verses sound okay but the chorus is so boring and repetitive. He will make the final and I think he'll do pretty well but it's not a winner.. Daniel's entry last year wasn't a song I particularly liked but it was defiantly much stronger. I think he will represent Malta one day but it won't be next year. 3/12

Corazon - Secretly 
Corazon is aiming to represent Malta with Secretly. A beautiful entry and she could actually be a dark horse.. The jury will no doubt love Corazon! Very nice effort here! 7/12

Domenique - Take Me as I am
Take Me as I am is a strong ballad. Domenique sounds great and looks great. I hope to see an awesome performance from her! I've read some comments on YouTube where the song has been compared to Drip Drop - Azerbaijan's 2010 entry. But whatever, I think it's very nice! :-) 6/12

Stay tuned for my final part!! 

Review 2015: Malta's national selection PART 2!

My review of the Maltese selection continues. Enjoy:

Deborah C - It's Ok
It's Ok is the cutest song ever! Oh I just adore it. Deborah C has been trying to represent Malta for a couple of years now and I think this is her strongest effort. I'd love to see her fly the Maltese flag. One of my favourites for sure. The lyrics are sweet and she looks adorable. 10/12

Lawrence Gray - The One that You love
Woah. This was a pleasant surprise. The One that You love is a delightful calm ballad, and the piano instrumental is beautiful. However I fear this song is too slow and thus I can't see him winning. I hope Lawrence Gray does well, though. It's a stunning song.. A great effort indeed! 8/12

Lyndsay - Home
Lyndsay song isn't the strongest but it's kinda cute. It's recently been revealed she will open the Maltese semi final on 21st November. She looks gorgeous and I wish her the best of luck. Hopefully Lyndsay's performance will be strong. Do you like Home? 6/12

Franklin - Still Here
Alexander Rybak composed Still Here. This blogger is very disappointed. Franklin's a fantastic singer and Alexander Rybak is naturally a very talented composer, but I feel so bored when listening to this song... Maybe he can win but it's unlikely with this. It is just isn't strong enough. Sorry! 4/12

Trilogy - Chasing A Dream 
Chasing A Dream is a dramatic ballad - performed by three great singers. This isn't my favourite in the selection but it's a good effort. Maybe they could do well on the night? However I don't think it will win. Not bad. 5/12

Stay tuned for part three! 

Malta: Running order decided!

The running order for Malta's upcoming selection has been determined. Lyndsay will kick off preceding and Ekklesia Sisters, aka The Nuns, will close the show. Amber and L-Aħwa both have a good draw however Jessika isn't as lucky. She's drawn at #5, although I'm sure she will qualify will ease and achieve a respectable position.. maybe even a winner? Here is the running order in full:

1. Home – Lyndsay
2. Could Have Been Me – Iona Dalli
3. Still Here – Franklin
4. Rush – Christabelle
5. Fandango – Jessika
6. Closed Doors – Chris Grech
7. 12, Baker Street – Karen Debattista
8. Something In The Way – Daniel Testa
9. Breakaway – Glen Vella
10. Stop Haunting Me – Raquel
11. Take Me As I Am – Domenique
12. The One That You Love – Lawrence Grey
13. It’s Ok – Deborah C
14. Close Your Eyes – Danica
15. Secretly – Corazon
16. Beautiful To Me – L-Ahwa
17. Warrior – Amber
18. Chasing A Dream – Trilogy
19. Once In A While – Dominic
20. Love & Let Go – Ekklesia Sisters

Photograph - TVM

I will continue my reviews tomorrow....

Review 2015: Malta's national selection PART 1!

Twenty acts are in the running to fly the Maltese flag, and I've decided to review every song in the lead up to Malta's selection. It would be a bit tedious to review all twenty songs in one hit so I'll be doing it in four parts. Here's part one!

Raquel - Stop Haunting Me
Firstly, we have Stop Haunting Me by Raquel. This song is different and I like it. She looks stunning. Maybe this could be a dark horse? I really think Raquel could do well. The Maltese jury will love this and if the public get behind her, too - she could indeed be the one heading to Vienna. 10/12

Glen Vella - Breakaway
Glen Vella returns after representing Malta in 2011 with One Life. This blogger doesn't exactly love Breakaway but it's better than I expected. Don't think he'll win the selection but Glen has a chance to do well, if the live performance is good. 6/12

Dominic - Once in a While
Sorry, but Once in a While is absolutely ghastly. Sounds like it could have been Malta's entry in 1989. Don't like this one at all. Really hope it won't even make the final on 22nd November.. Do you like it? I give it 2/12

Danica Muscat - Close Your Eyes
Danica Muscat's entry isn't very memorable, I'm afraid. Close your Eyes is a gentle ballad however I don't think she will win... I doubt Danica even make the final itself but she has a lovely voice. Pleasant although it won't make any impact. 5/12

Ekklesia - Love and Let Go
What can I say about this one?! I appreciate the song has a good message and the nuns look so sweet - but it's 2014... The lyrics are cringe-worthy but the tune somehow stays in my head. Could this one win? Maybe. I don't think the juries will like it, though. If they do win, they'd have to ditch the nuns costume anyway because as religious material isn't allowed. 3/10

Stay tuned for part two!! 

Malta: Songs released in full!

PBS Malta has published all the competing entries in full - and jeez, there are some amazing songs here! Amber's song is incredible. It screams winner! Jessika's entry is also great. L'Ahwa are very sweet, too. I like that one. The weakest song, in my opinion, is Love and Let Go by The Nuns. Ewww. Hopefully Malta won't opt for this... Stay tuned as this blogger will review these songs within the next couple of weeks!

Malta: Semi finalists revealed!

The Maltese semi-finalists were revealed a couple of days ago. Many familiar names return - including Glen Vella (2011) and Gianluca Bezzina (2013), he is competing with his siblings under the name L'Ahwa. Jesskika and Daniel Testa both made it. I wouldn't mind seeing either of them win, but I'd rather Jessika. The nuns somehow qualified. Their song sounds terribly dated and boring. It's a thumbs down from this blogger, I'm afraid. Amber's entry is very strong though - could 2015 be her year? You can listen to the snippets of the songs below:

Glen Vella - Breakway

(Kevin Borg & Simon Gribbe)

Trilogy - Chasing a dream

(Paul Abela & Joe Julian Farrugia)

Karen DeBattista - 12, Baker Street

( Jan Van Duck & Emil Calleja Bayliss)

Franklin - Still here

(Alexander Rybak)

Deborah C - It's ok

(Elton Zarb & Matthew Mercieca)

Sisters (Ekklesia) - Love and let go 

(Philip Vella)

Lawrence Gray - The one that you love

(Elton Zarb & Lawrence Gray)

Amber - Warrior

(Elton Zarb & Matthew Mercieca)

Jessika - Fandango

(Philip Vella & Gerard James Borg)

Daniel Testa - Something in the way

(Minsek & Charlie Mason)

Christabelle - Rush

(Elton Zarb & Matthew Mercieca)

Chris Grech - Closed doors

(Chris Grech, Edward Mifsud & Peter Cassar Torregiani)

L-Ahwa - Beautiful to me

 (Erik & Anjou)

Raquel Galdes - Stop haunting me

(Elton Zarb & Matthew Mercieca)

Danica Muscat - Close your eyes

(Elton Zarb & Emil Calleja Bayliss)

Lyndsay Pace - Home

(Boris Cezek)

Corazon - Secretly

(Corazon)

Iona Dalli - Could have been me

(Philip Vella)

Domenique - Take me as I am

(Adrian O’Connor)

Minik - Once in awhile

(Elton Zarb & Rita Pace)

Malta: Six nuns to Vienna?

48 participants are still in the running to represent the tiny island of Malta in Vienna. Many familiar faces are included on this list; Miriam Christine, Ludwig Galea, Olivia Lewis, Glen Vella and Gianluca Bezzina have all submitted tracks into the selection. Six nuns are also in the running... and they will sing a pop tune composed by Philip Vella. One of the nuns had this to day:

At first we thought it was silly for nuns to enter the Eurovision Song Contest, we thought it wasn’t our place. But then we figured why not? We’re doing it for the church and for the children we help.

PBS, the national broadcaster, will announce the 20 semi-finals in a few days. Will the nuns be included, though?

• 12, Baker Street – Karen DeBattista
• Beautiful to Me – L-Aħwa 
• Break All Borders – Jacqueline Richard
• Breakaway – Glen Vella
• Call It Love – Kurt Cassar
• Chasing a Dream – Trilogy (incl. Ludwig) 
• Close Your Eyes – Danica Muscat
• Closed Doors – Chris Grech
• Could Have Been Me – Iona Dalli
• Dark Dark Waters – Domenique
• Dream of Love – Rebecca Mifsud
• Eclipse – Ana-Maria Grima
• Empty Hearted – Domenique
• Fandago – Jessika
• Flame – Monroe
• For All Those Times – Gloriana Arpa Belli
• Freedom – Simaria Galea
• Hey Yo – Domenique
• Hold My Hand – Estelle Imbroll
• Hold On To Love – Olivia Lewis & Miriam Christine
• Home – Lyndsay Pace
• Hurricane – Marilena Gauci
• Indestructible – Annabelle Vella
• It’s OK – Deborah C
• Look – Neville Refalo
• Love & Let Go – (Sr Michaela, Sr Monica, Sr Rita, Sr Claudia, Sr Denise & Sr Magdalong) aka The Nuns
• Love Call – Danica Muscat
• My Next Tattoo – Domenique
• Never Ask Why – Andreana & Fiona
• Once in a While – Minik
• Ringside – Gabriella Azzopardi
• Rush – Christabelle
• Secretly – Corazon
• See Through Lover – Larissa Borg
• Shine a Light – Malcolm
• Something in the Way – Daniel Testa
• Still Here – Franklin
• Stop Haunting Me – Raquel Galdes
• Stuck Without Me – Kylie Coleiro
• Take Me as I Am – Domenique
• The One That You Love – Lawrence Gray
• The Thief – Dario Mifsud Bonnici
• Warrior – Amber
• What You Wanna Hear – Stefan Galea
• What? When? Where? – Joseph Refalo
• Where Do We Go? – Kurt Cassar
• Who Needs a Heart – Soraya Cardona
• Your Phone – Fiona Cauchi

Source - Times of Malta

Malta: Ira Losco to return?

The super-talented Ira Losco represented Malta back in 2002 with 7th Wonder. She managed to achieve 2nd place - only losing out to Latvia. Since this, she has become one of Malta's biggest stars and has had a string of domestic hits. I personally believe she would be an amazing choice if Malta sent her to Vienna, with the right song of course.. So is she going to make a comeback to the Maltese national final? Ira posted the following message on her Facebook page earlier today:

The Maltese selection is shaping up to be pretty fabulous already. Alexander Rybak will compose a song for Franklin and Gianluca will return with his siblings. Such fun!!

UPDATE 27/09 - Ira announced that she won't participate in Malta's selection although she's still leaving the door open for 2016....

Malta: Gianluca set to return with his siblings!

There's a singing doctor in the house, y'all! Gianluca, Malta's 2013 representative, has decided to submit a song into MESC. He will joined by his 5 siblings this time and they are going to perform under the name L-Aħwa. The song has been composed by an international team. In other news, Ira Losco is also hoping to return... Malta's national final just got exciting!!

Malta: Hopefuls to be revealed on 3rd October!

The Maltese semifinalists will be announced on 3rd October. They will be revealed on a special TV show, which will air at 20:40 CET. Malta's national final takes on 22nd November and therefore this makes them one of the first countries to select their entry for Vienna. But Malta isn't the first country to hold their selection, because the Macedonian national final will be held a couple weeks earlier. Who should represent Malta net year? Ira Losco has apparently submitted a song into the selection and we all know Alexander Rybak has composed a song for Franklin. Jessika is also likely to return. It's going to be one heck of a selection!!

Malta: Alexander Rybak will enter Maltese national selection!

Following some speculation, it's finally official - Alexander Rybak will take part in MESC, the Maltese national selection. However the Norwegian winner from 2009 won't be performing. He will compose a song for Franklin. Rybak has been busy recently and his latest song is Into A Fantasy, which is official soundtrack for How To Train Your Dragon 2.. Franklin entered the Maltese national final in 2014 with Love Will Take Me Home. Are you looking forward to hearing their song? Is this a winning combination? Malta will select their entry on 22nd November - a week after Junior Eurovision takes place.