escflashmalta.com had the opportunity to have a short conversation with Daniel D'Anastasi, Head of Press for the Maltese Delegation at this years' edition of the Eurovision Song Contest following the first technical rehearsal that took place. Despite some early issues which were encountered during the first run, they were quickly fixed as Gianluca and the rest of the team including Samaria, Louise Ann, Kenny, Gabriel and Christopher grew in confidence. There are a couple of things which need to be altered slightly including some camera shots but nevertheless, it was an extremely positive rehearsal.

In the meantime, as per the typical schedule setup by the European Broadcasting Union and the respective host broadcaster, this year being SVT, Gianluca and the rest of the delegation will tomorrow embark on a tour across Sweden and therefore, that is the plan for the itinerary. Friday is another 'off' day for the whole team noting that the schedule is currently being filled up with a series of events including a trip to a hospital where Gianluca, our representative will be meeting up with some young children who are braving the elements and surviving through sickness. This is an incredibly touching moment and means even more considering that Gianluca is a doctor and therefore has a tendency to meet with patients on a daily basis. Gianluca's second rehearsal will be taking place on Saturday afternoon and it will be open to the media so therefore, in collaboration with Radio International, Eurovision Ireland, and escXtra, escflashmalta.com will be bringing you all of the latest news.

Source: Daniel D'Anastasi (Head of Press), Television Malta

Tomorrow, co-written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat with lead vocals provided by Gianluca had a first go on the stage of this years' Eurovision Song Contest as rehearsals from the second semi-final commenced. The afternoon has somewhat been plagued by a series of sound issues that have effected rehearsals of Finland, Malta and Bulgaria when it comes to the first run but all of the technicalities are fixed as countries head into the rest of their allocated time. Following Azerbaijan and Finland was always set to be a challenge for our entry but the sheer excitement of the actual performance continues to ascertain positivity amongst the international community. 

The lyric video created for the international and local public to sing-a-long to the song in preparation for the Eurovision Song Contest is being used as a backdrop, an effective idea as the audience could grasp the concept and sing-a-long. The lighting used on stage is relatively light featuring a mixture of orange, blue and green as opposed to the darker colours being used by other countries. For most of the performance the staging is kept very similar to the national final performance with Gianluca making use of the catwalk towards the end of the song before turning back to the main stage where he joins all the rest of the team on a park bench, as is reminiscent of the music video. The vocals following the first run got better as Gianluca grew in confidence whilst noting that is saving his voice for the actual performance next week as the fourth run came to an end. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news.

Source: eurovision.tv 

Good Morning! It has already been two days since the official start of the fortnight that will see through this years' edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. The entries competing in the first semi-final had their first technical rehearsals spread out over two days and it seems that the organisation led by the Swedish broadcaster, SVT is very much well planned. There have not been too many issues with regards to camera-work and several delegations are happy with the current presentations. Others will be getting their wishes granted during the second rehearsal which will be completely open to the scrutiny of the media. escflashmalta.com in collaboration with Eurovision Ireland, escXtra and Radio International are bringing you all of the latest from the rehearsals.

escflashmalta.com thanks to Juergen Boernig, the Head of Press is currently also processing a couple of video interviews with artists who will be representing their country at the Eurovision Song Contest and some of those uploaded include Anouk from The Netherlands and Natalia Kelly from Austria. In the meantime, you may also have a look at our photo gallery whilst staying up to date through both our pages on Facebook and Twitter. This is definitely going to be an intriguing day for all of the fans of Malta on this portal considering that Gianluca will be taking to his debut rehearsal on the magnificient stage in Malmo. The first eight countries competing in the second semi-final on Thursday will be rehearsing today.

Remember that we are currently preparing a set of live reports during the nights of the shows with the second semi-final being headlined by Davinia, second runner-up of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest and Christabelle, Solo Award Winner at the Bay Music Awards for four years running. The European Broadcasting Union along with the Swedish broadcaster, SVT have just revealed that the green room host of this years' edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will be none other than Eric Saade. The young performer represented Sweden back in 2011, achieving a second runner-up finish with the song Popular. He has been extremely successful in the music industry with his albums in Sweden never charting lower than number #2 and with his last two specifically also being certified Platinum just days within their release.

Latvia

Starting the morning with an actual silver lining because PeR from Latvia are dazzling in sparkling attire as they represent Latvia. In recent years this nation has not been successful and one is not really hoping that fortunes will change with this respective entry. There is nothing wrong with the presentation noting that the performance is based mainly on the centre stage where the duo have a tendency to jump up and down in a frantic Jedward way before going onto sing the final chorus from the satellite stage. This is the opening entry for the second semi-final and it should be seen as fun but nevertheless, I do not really understand the concept behind it.

San Marino

Recreating the music video is not always the best option but nevertheless, San Marino are a fan favourite this year and therefore, everything will be viewed as viable. Valentina is on stage in her black dress and starts off by keeping a large lit ball close to her, almost like a mother holds her child. The staging is dark prior to the key change where the black dress or rather more of a cloak is removed to reveal ... a red dress, yes exactly like the music video. This is coming across really strong vocally and whilst San Marino have a disappointing non-qualification record, they are hoping to turn that round this year. It is certainly possible and this is leaning towards becoming a certain qualifier. 

FYR Macedonia

Firstly, seems like the delegation is yet unsure of whether to perform in English or native tongue pertaining to the use of the former in the first rehearsal. If I Could Change the World is the official title that is being used it seems so that should be clarified. Lozano sounds spot on in terms of vocals from the onset but when Esma comes on, it sounds strained and despite the additional help of a female backing vocal, it is not sounding any better. It seems that this is very much dead in terms of qualification chances unless they can iron things out for the second rehearsal especially when it comes to the messy stage presentation that penetrates the screens. 

Azerbaijan

Fresh off from hosting the Eurovision Song Contest last year, Azerbaijan are definitely doing their best to return to the winners' circle. Farid, a tourist in Malta not too long ago is clad in grey including shirt, trousers and waistcoat. It seems that the staging is definitely going to help this stand out ahead of Finland who are planning a superb show. Farid starts his song on a box, in which there is a male dancer who is copying his every move. This is deemed clever and impressive. There is also a female in a long red gown on stage to add to the art of it all. Farid himself is very strong vocally and this is coming across better than anticipated. 

Finland

Krista has somewhat been a revelation in the lead-up to the Eurovision Song Contest noting that she went on from not being a favourite of the international fans to one of those to look out for in a matter of weeks through her bubbly personality. She is clad in a wedding dress as revealed in several interviews including the one on escflashmalta.com and is joined by two backing vocalists and three dancers, the latter are dressed up as bridesmaids. For the second entry in a row, everything is being thrown into the performance including a wind machine which causes some problems for Krista. Vocally, this was near flawless. I predict this qualifying as the entry before it and the one after it, those being Azerbaijan and Malta!

Malta

Despite some technical issues during the first run, the second run could not have been any different with Gianluca, his two female backing vocalists being Louise Ann and Samaria along with the rest of the band including Kenny D'Ugo, Gabriel Cassar and Christopher Tate having a resoundingly successful performance. The vocals during the second run-through were really strong and to give you an idea of the show on stage, it seems that Malta is making use of the lyric video for the background which will definitely aid to create a sing-a-long vibe with bright colours throughout. Gianluca is clad in casual attire as was he during the promotional tour incorporating chinos, a shirt and an open jacket. This was a good start but things should improve by the second rehearsal on Saturday. 

Bulgaria

Deja Vu, that is the element which reignites my memory when watching this performance in full. Elitsa & Stoyan are wearing what seem to be traditional outfits with red being the most predominant colour. For the second rehearsal in a row, there are some problems with the inner ears that are given to the vocalists and this affects the vocals. Apart from the duet, there are three backing vocalists, and an additional dancer who plays the bagpipes on stage. First time round back in 2007, it was original and different hence the positive result but with the juries back in the Eurovision Song Contest, I can't see this entry getting out of the semi-final this time round. 

Iceland

Men! The first word that comes to mind with regards to this performance, considering that there are five men in total, the main vocalist and four backing singers as reported by escflashmalta.com during the past weekend. The staging is relatively dark, similar to the one used to the national final and the clothing is very much the same as well as he wears a white shirt, black waistcoat and white blazer. The vocals are strong and this is definitely this years' Estonia especially considering the improvisations that he is doing throughout the performance. The lighting is incredible and this is coming acoss really beautiful on the screens. It is Gianluca's favourite and we definitely have it in oue top three within this semi-final. 

The Euro Fan Café is the only place in this year's Eurovision Song Contest home-city, Malmö, where it's program is specifically dedicated to Eurovision Fans. After several announcements on what is being held at Moriska Paviljongen (mostly known as Moriskan), here are some fresh new announcements about additions to the packed schedule for this amazing Euro Fan Café that everyone is waiting anxiously for them. escflashmalta.com is proud to support the Euro Fan Café, which is an innovative setup which is seemingly attracting fans already.

The Euro Fan Café Talk Shows

The Euro Fan Café just released the publication of their talk shows. These talk shows are very very interesting to attend. What will happen is that Eurovision fans gets to meet the performers closer and more personal than ever. Rick Jacobs, one if the editors on a companion website of ours www.12points.tv, will be the host of these talk shows. Jacobs was talking about this huge opportunity and great event and he said "As a huge Eurovision fan myself, I am excited to be able to meet with Eurovision contestants past and present. I am going to try to get them reveal their deepest and darkest schlager secrets each nights - who knows what will happen." 

The line up for the Euro Fan Café Talk Shows is as follows:

• 7th May at 22:00 - Birgit Õigemeel (Estonia) and Roberto Bellarosa (Belgium)
• 8th May at 22:00 - Despina Olympiou (Cyprus)
• 10th May at 22:00 - Natália Kelly (Austria) and Elitsa Todorova & Stoyan Yankulov(Bulgaria)
• 10th May at 23:00 - Hannah (Slovenia) and Klapa S Mora (Croatia)
• 13th May at 16:00 - Cezar (Romania)
• 14th May at 16:00 - Dorians (Armenia)

With this list, more countries are expected to be announced soon so keep an eye on this website to know who of the performers will get his/her own Euro Fan Café Talk Show.

The Biggest Eurovision Quiz Ever

Apart from the Euro Fan Café Talk Shows, it has also been released that the biggest event of the Euro Fan Café will be a quiz! OGAE Sweden (Melodifestivklubben) and Moriskan came to an agreement to create this big quiz about the Eurovision! On the 13th May between 00:00 and 02:00, you can test your Eurovision skills! Obviously, the winner of the quiz will win something! That thing to be won is no other than a ticket to the Green Room on the final night, 18th May, where all the final contestants will be waiting for their performance, relaxing after it, waiting for the result and hopefully jumping up and down with the happiness after the results! The commentary of this quiz will be done by Sweden's stand-up queen Lena Frisk, so insane commentary, difficult questions and lots of laughter are three things surely to be waited for. 

Also, adding to this quiz, it was revealed that four past Eurovision acts are also invited to take part in this marvelous quiz. These artists don't need any introduction as they are familiar names in music industry and mire familiar with Eurovision fans. First one to be named is Bobbysocks. Bobbysocks is a duet formed by Elisabeth Andreassen and Hanne Krogh. Bobbysocks, Norwegian representatives in 1985, won the contest with their song 'La Det Swinge' which translates to 'Let It Swing'. La Det Swinge is written by no other than the magnificent composer/author Rolf Løvland, who wrote 'Nocturne' which was a winning Eurovision song in 1995 too. 

Also, joining Bobbysocks at the biggest Eurovision quiz is Linda Martin who won the 1992 contest. Martin represented Ireland with the song 'Why Me?' Martin was also in a famous band in 70s and 80s called 'Chips'. 'Why Me?' written and composed by Seán Sherrad was the 4th win of a really successive country in the Eurovision Song Contest. Joining these two acts is no other than Hera Björk who was the Icelandic representative in 2010 with her song 'Je ne sais quoi' translating to 'I don't know what'. Lately, Björk won a competition in the United States of America and now has also released her 12th album named 'Because You Can' which the main single of this album, having the same name, peaked at number 21 on the Icelandic charts. The last and not least past act added in nonetheless, one from our own country. 

Adding to these three beautiful acts is Glen Vella who represented our country back in 2011 with his song 'One Life'. One Life ended up 11th in the first semi-final, nit making the cut to the final by just one point. Glen Vella is a certified by Victoria Music and Arts College London in voice. He is one of the most well-known artists in Malta and also, one of the most energetic people that lately participated in this contest bringing his own fashion of nerdy glasses to a trend. One Life was written was written by Paul Giordimania and Fleur Balzan, a writing and composing duo that has taken over Malta with their sings lately.  

A night of Melodifestivalen Stars

As it is quite obvious now that this year's Eurovision Song Contest would be held in Sweden, to be more precised, in Malmö, it is a chance for Melodifestivalen Stars to shine a bit, even though they didn't make it to represent Sweden. On Friday 17th May, a day before the actual Grand Final would be taking place, at 21:00, at the Moriskan, the event called Melodifestivalen Madness would take place. This event is part of the thirteen days packed with over fifty events at Euro Fan Café, where everything related to Eurovision is celebrated. This event is being presented in partnership to scandipop.co.uk. Scandipop is a leading UK website covering pop music from Scandinavia and mostly Eurovision songs. After the live performances, Karl Batterbee, the founder if Scandipop, would play a DJ-Set. He has had residences at G-A-Y London, and Stockholm clubs Torget, Paradise and Summer Nights City. 

There are going to be three live performances by leading artists from Melodifestivalen which will commence at 21:00 on the 17th May. Appearing at Moriskan are no other than Pay-TV. This group is created by a trio of Claudia Cash, Neena Fatale and Chanelle Ferrari. This lady-trio is going to reunite in Malmö to perform their biggest hits. Including to these hits, one notices that they are performing their 2004 and 2005 songs, 'Trendy Discotheque' and 'Refrain Refrain' respectively. The ladies have turned down an invitation from Pope Francis I to make sure to meet their fans at Moriskan. Adding to this, Eddie Razaz is also appearing at Melodifestivalen Madness. Razaz competed this year with his song 'Alibi'. He is mostly known as a competitor in Sweden's IDOL in 2009 who was eliminated at week 6. 

Eddie was also part of the group 'Rebound!' who had several singles such as 'Hurricane' and 'Not Helpless'. The last act to perform at Melodifestivalen Madness is Stockholm Syndrome. Stockholm Syndrome is formerly known as 'Love Generation'. This group is another trio made up of Charly Q, Cornelia Jakobsdotter Samuelsson and Melanie Taylor. These girls participated in the Melodifestivalen in 2011 with their song 'Dance Alone' and in 2012 with 'Just A Little Bit' where that same year, Loreen was picked to represent Sweden and finally got Eurovision to Sweden. Stockholm Syndrome will sing their singles at this event but will also bring new tracks to Malmö so keep an open eye if you like this girl-trio.

Source: Press Release

The festival will open on the 10th of May and will come to an end on the 17th of May and if last year’s event is anything to go by, this year’s festival will be better and even bigger, in fact they have moved the festival from their normal location to Bulebel. Slowly it is establishing itself as one of the event all the lovers of local music look forward to, in fact a number of people have been asking about the festival for quite some time. Each and every day has a special theme or a special act assigned to it which also includes a foreign tribute band of one of the biggest bands that ever existed.

Friday - 10th May at 21:00

Kevin Borg Live in Concert

Supported by: Glen Vella, Pamela, Barber’s Cut & Paul Curmi Dance Studio 

Saturday - 11th May at 21.00

Ira Losco Live in Concert

Supported by: Planet Seed & The New Victorians

Sunday - 12th May at 20.30

Pop Hits & Maltese Classics

Eleanor Cassar, Stephanie Zammit, Georgina, Franklin Calleja, Chris Grech, Olivia Lewis,

Luisana Bartolo, Nadine Barolo, Charlotte Bartolo & Gillian Attard’s Children Choir 

Monday - 13th May at 20:30

Red Electrick, The Riffs & The Crowns

Tuesday - 14th May at 20:30

The Green Gathering

Tarcisio Barbara, Kirstie Barbarbara, Kurt Galea, Naomi Balzan, Katoushka Mifsud, Malcolm Camilleri, Kirstie Balzan

Feast songs: Eleanor Cassar, Gillian Attard, Alexia Fenech, Stephen Mizzi

Wednesday - 15th May at 20:30 

Guns 2 Rose – Tribute Band

Supported by:  Fuse Box & Harriet Cohen

Thursday - 16th May at 20:30

Eurovision Song Contest – Second Semi-Final on a Big Screen (Malta’s Night)

Friday – 17th May at 20:30 

Bon Jovi Tribute

One can see the festival as an opening to the summer months activities as other activities take place all around the island during the summer months but most of them would not be held on such a grand scale. To organize such a massive event is not easy and Beland would not have been able to provide such a field with different artists were it not for the support they found from their sponsors. The event is free of charge but those in attendance are encouraged to give a small donation that will go directly to Puttinu cares as for another year, the event is being held in aid of Puttinu Care which works for such a noble case. So remember from the 10th of May to the 17th of May your entertainment spot should be in Zejtun at the Beland Music Festival. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for more information.

Source: The Beland Music Festival Facebook Page

Malta, represented by Gianluca with the track Tomorrow co-written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat has been receiving a lot of positive acclaim as of late for the simple reason that the track echoes a current genre of music, one that is enjoyed above and beyond. Following the recent comments made by the British Tabloids, it seems that a couple of votes from the international OGAE network are also being received despite the fact that Malta has never achieved stupendous results even when it performed at the actual Eurovision Song Contest. Following the ten points from Luxembourg, it seems that Gianluca has racked up a couple of points from Estonia. 

As a matter of fact, Estonia have given Malta a total of two (2) points whilst revealing that their most favourite entry is the one from Finland entitled Marry Me with vocals provided by Krista Siegfrids. As a matter of fact, this same entry will be the one performing just prior to Malta and therefore, one would definitely see a couple of Estonians cheering both entries on during the evening. Estonia who were extremely successful at last years' Eurovision Song Contest will be represented by Birgit and the song Et uus saaks alguse in the first semi-final. They have been drawn in the second position within the running order and are somewhat fearing the worst despite having an extremely beautiful country ballad. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news. 

Source: OGAE Estonia

Graham Norton, the outspoken commentator on behalf of the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest invited Bonnie Tyler for his programme on BBC One prior to her departure to Malmö, Sweden where this years' international showcase is set to be held. Along with Bonnie Tyler, there were a number of guests including; Chris Pine (Star Trek), Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) and Kim Cattrall (Sex and The City). During the interview with Bonnie Tyler, Graham revealed his favourites to be none other than Malta and Russia with Bonnie noting Denmark and The Netherlands. Believe In Me, co-written by Desmond Child, Lauren Christy and Christopher Braide will be the song representing the United Kingdom in this years' edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.

In 2009, Sir Terry Wogan stepped aside as commentator for the United Kingdom following his several years of service with people outside of the country opting to watch the show through the British Broadcasting Corporation. Graham Norton stepped in and has given the country ample promotion through both television and radio shows which he hosts through the same broadcasting network. It is definitely positive to hear that Tomorrow co-written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat with vocals provided by Gianluca is one of his favourite entries and this augurs well should Malta make it through to the final, the show on which he will be commentating. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news about the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest with our collaboration with Radio International and escXtra.com kicking off in just a matter of days.

Source: Digital Spy Forums

One of the most notable tabloids in the United Kingdom is currently reviewing all of the competing entries in this years' Eurovision Song Contest with the running headline asking the readers on whether respective entries can join the list of elite winners of the competition. Malta who will be represented by Gianluca and the song Tomorrow co-written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat was analysed yesterday and it seems that despite a general positive perspective, they still pointed out the 'ukelele opening' which somewhat resembles the ones used in tracks such as Hey Soul Sister and Little Talks by Train and Of Monsters and Men respectively.

In recent weeks, Tomorrow performed by Gianluca has been on the receiving end of a lot of positive acclaim with shortening betting odds putting the country in sixteenth place to win this years' Eurovision Song Contest, one of the best results ever prior to the competition. On the other hand, the same betting odds are predicting the country to finish in sixth place within the semi-final ahead of countries such as Armenia and Romania who have troubled the scoreboard in recent years. It is also worth noting that Malta received second place with the fan club of Luxembourg yesterday along with leading the Europrediction second semi-final poll on Oikotimes.

The Daily Mirror awarded Malta a total of seven (7) points out of a possible ten (10), the same amount which they gave to the British entry Believe In Me performed by Bonnie Tyler, adding that the song is 'cheery and upbeat, if perhaps a bit slight'. The one doubt that they seemed to have is how well the performance will come across on screen considering that the 'summer sunshiney video' works extremely well. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news about Malta in this years' edition of the Eurovision Song Contest which is taking place in Sweden following the astonishing victory of Loreen and her entry Euphoria co-written by Thomas G:Son and Thomas Bostrom. 

Source: Daily Mirror

Alongside Sweden, Luxembourg is the second most successful country in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest but consecutive disappointing results achieved in 1992 and 1993 respectively saw to their withdrawal. The support between smaller countries has always been evident and in the two aforementioned years, Malta gave the tiny duchy ten points on both occasions. It seems that our long lasting friendship is still appreciated by the rather strong fanbase as the OGAE members have voted Malta's entry Tomorrow performed by Gianluca in second place just behind Denmark whose entry is entitled Only Teardrops and set to be sung by Emmelie de Forest.

Marion Welter, representative at the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Luxembourg was also part of the team of reviewers on escflashmalta.com last year seeing to the entries that competed in the second semi-final. As has already been noted by several online blogs and forums alike, Denmark is the outright favourite with the fans whilst San Marino's entry entitled Crisalide (Vola) is currently in second place overall. At this point in time, there are around nine countries who are yet to pick up any points with some having obtained votes from one country, as has been the case with Malta who has never really done well in OGAE voting along the years. 

• 1 point - Greece
• 2 points - Hungary
• 3 points - San Marino
• 4 points - Moldova
• 5 points - Norway
• 6 points - Sweden
• 7 points - Netherlands
• 8 points - Germany
• 10 points - Malta
• 12 points - Denmark

Track Number #9 off the fifth studio album by Ira Losco is entitled Dead or Alive (Save my Soul) and it seems that the public have grown extremely fond of the track, so much that they have bought it several times to make it peak at number #1 on the iTunes singles chart. Jagged House, the company that represents Ira Losco have already released two official singles in the form of What I'd Give, winner of the Best Video Award at the Malta Music Awards, and The Person I Am which features vocals by David Leguesse and has amassed several views through viral website, YouTube. It is yet unknown whether Dead or Alive (Save my Soul) will be officially released as a single but nevertheless, the public have a right to select the tracks which they enjoy listening to the most.

To signify the importance of the first two digital singles, official music videos were created and as a matter of fact, both tracks made it to number #1 on iTunes as well as on leading radio station, 89.7 Bay. The album itself entitled The Fire was at the top position of the chart for five consecutive weeks and despite sales still shifting at the moment, it finds itself at number #2 behind the album 21 by British singer/songwriter Adele. 'I keep re-confirming that The Fire keeps burning! So many positive comments which obviously make me ecstatic!' are the words which echoed from the mouth of Ira Losco this morning as the editorial team of escflashmalta.com got in contact to announce her latest success. We urge you to continue purchasing the record through the iTunes Digital Store and to stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for another blog from Ira Losco in a couple of weeks time.

Source: iTunes, Emil Calleja Bayliss (Image)