Miriam Christine and Claudia Faniello are two of the most notable names in the local music industry and they owe part of their success to the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza organised by Media.Link Communications. The competition has a lot of significance for the simple reason that all of the submitted entries have to be original and in Maltese, the national language of the country. In last years' edition organised under the hospice of Mark Azzopardi as Chairman, it was Deborah C and her entry Jekk Nużaw Moħħna composed by Mark Spiteri Lucas and penned by Joe Chircop which finished in the top spot. Rules and Regulations for the twenty-second edition were officially published yesterday.

During the course of the weekend, Karen DeBattista was announced by Spiteri Lucas Entertainment as the first finalist of this years' edition of the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza having triumphed in the Passport 2 Indifest competition. Submissions at a fee of €50 will be received at Media.Link Communications on Friday, 17th May with the first phase of the competition behind closed doors taking place on Saturday, 18th May prior to the live phase scheduled for a week later on the 25th May. No acceptions regarding the dates will be made so the committee is being stern about the fact that those who submit need to make sure they are free on the available dates.

The committee of the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza is also retaining the right of the tracks which qualify to the final of this years' competition. This is not usual practice noting that the rights are normally attributed to the songwriters who would have spent the money to record the track. In the past this was an issue in other local competitions and as a matter of fact had to be dropped from the clauses. For the second year running, we applaud Media.Link Communications for allowing live backing vocalists for whoever wishes to make use of them. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news with regards to this years' edition of the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza.

Source: Official Facebook Page

Jekk Nużaw Moħħna, composed by Mark Spiteri Lucas to the lyrics of Joe Chircop with vocals provided by Deborah C was the winner of last years' edition of the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza. Marilena Gauci was the first runner up with the song Bl-Ikbar Serjetà composed by Philip Vella with lyrics by Joe Chircop with the second runner-up being none other than the song Tama u Kuraġġ performed by Domenique to the tune of Philip Vella and the lyrics of Cher Vella. Preparations for this years' edition has commenced, albeit late and it is expected that the rules and regulations will be released throughout the course of the week. 

In 2010, Media.Link Communications announced that Mark Azzopardi would become chairman of the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza replacing Frederick Zammit who had done an astonishing job in the previous years. The brand new logo of the competition has just been published on the official facebook page and seems to lack inspiration really, somewhat looking very much like something out of the nineties. Nevertheless, the quality of the songs will surely be important and it will be intriguing to see who is touted to return to the competition apart from which newcomers will sound their voice. The first finalist decided over the course of the weekend was Karen DeBattista who has already appeared on the Malta Hit Song Contest on ONE Television a couple of years ago whilst also made it through to the second phase of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest with the track Cold Whispers composed by Mark Scicluna to the lyrics of Emil Calleja Bayliss. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com as more news about the local music scene is unveiled.

Source: Media.Link Communications

1964 by Annabelle Debono is one of the most iconic tracks to have ever won the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendendenza and later on today, she will be amongst a panel of judges selecting the first finalist for this years' edition of the local spectacle. She will be joined by former participants; Neville Refalo and Janvil whose expertise in field will definitely be a positive characteristic. The two finalists of the Passport 2 Indifest competition are none other than Marie Claire Attard Bason, a former Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza finalist and Karen DeBattista, a former finalist in the Malta Hit Song Contest. 

Both have an outstanding resumè and both are relatively young but one will get the direct qualificiation, with the other one choosing whether to submit a track within a normal process. The Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza is one of the most prestigious singing competitions in the country with one of the reasons being that each of the submitted entries has to be original and in Maltese. Last year, Deborah C was crowned winner with the track Jekk Nużaw Moħħna composed by Mark Spiteri Lucas with lyrics by Joe Chircop whilst the Passport 2 Indifest winner, Simone Gauci finished in a mid-table position with her entry Id F'Id composed by Renato Briffa to the lyrics of Keith Zammit whilst ranking within the top five when it came to tele-voting.

Passport 2 Indifest is a concept drawn up between the committee of the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza which featured two escflashmalta.com editorial board members up until last year as well Spiteri Lucas Entertainment, responsible for the programme Sas-Sitta on NET Television. Apart from the revelation of which performer will be gaining direct qualification into the final of the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza, next week, the programme will also be raising funds to help Puttinu Cares, an organization which supports families who have children suffering from cancer. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news as soon as it becomes available.

Source: Spiteri Lucas Entertainment, Clint Gerald Attard (Photograph)

In just a couple of days, the European Broadcasting Union will be officially unveiling the running order for this years' edition of the Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals in which Malta will be competing for yet another year as they hope to qualify to the final with Tomorrow co-written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat with vocals provided by Gianluca. We would like to invite you to the weekly Ultimate Eurovision Experience. Apart from the means of FM Radio in the Netherlands on FM 106.8 and the audio stream from the studio via www.radiointernational.tv and on Digital Cable 781 & cable 88.1Mhz in the Netherlands, the show will also be web-televised via the Radio International TV Channel from the studio and linking up the many international Eurovision fans and friends and play your requests and read your messages out on air. The simulcast will be from 2000 – 2300 hours CET when fans can join in and chat amongst each other via the Chat Room and request their favourite Eurovision entry.

One of the most professional selections to take place during this years' national selection season is definitely the Malta Eurovision Song Contest noting that the show was produced at an extremely high quality production apart from the fact that most of the songs could have all been worthy representatives hence forth the public and the jury made different selections. One of the artists which we managed to interview during our annual stay is none other than two time finalist; Deborah C whose entry Love-O-Holic was composed by Johan Bejerholm to the lyrics of Gerard James Borg. The public had somewhat realised that this is a track with potential awarding it sixth place within the tele-voting with the jury giving it a slightly lower position nevertheless, enough to finish within the top ten at an extremely respectable ninth place which is definitely better than last years' disappointment. Deborah C was the winner Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza last September and therefore has been riding a wave of momentum.

Belgium are somewhat similar to The Netherlands with regards to their qualification record at the Eurovision Song Contest having only qualified from the semi-final once having been pre-qualified to the final in 2004 based on the result achieved the year before by Urban Trad and their track Sanomi. Nevertheless, the man who managed to take the nation into the final for the very first time since then was none other than Tom Dice who by his standards was still a newcomer in 2010. He presented a beautiful guitar ballad entitled Me and My Guitar which did not sound of place during the competition and lit the venue up in Oslo, Norway. It finished first in the semi-final and ultimately managed to finish in sixth place when the final results where being read out. It was definitely a coup for the nation who are hoping to reach the final once more this time round with the track Love Kills performed by Roberto Bellarosa. Tom speaks to us with regards to his experience within the music scene, his two successful albums and what lies ahead for him in the future.

There will also be an interview with Joel Bennett, host of W12P, a radio show about the Eurovision Song Contest. Radio International is always keen to present songs during the show apart from the weekly features and therefore, collaborating the two ideas together will see the emergence of Eurovision UnverCover whereas tracks performed at the Eurovision Song Contest will be covered by other singers. The actual tracks will be played first followed by the cover and this will make things interesting. Apart from this feature, there will be new material played on the show by a number of former representatives including Sertab Erener. All of the latest news is also covered during the weekly broadcast noting resources from escflashmalta.com and escXtra where Luke Fisher, the Editor makes a weekly round-up. A round up of the current betting odds of this years' Eurovision Song Contest will be conducted by Alasdair Rendall. Follow the show through the official website and also send your requests through the contact link which is found on the aforementioned website.

Source: Radio International

The 2013 edition of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest took place just a couple of weeks back with Gianluca Bezzina and his entry Tomorrow co-written by Dean Muscat and Boris Cezek announced as the winner at the end of the evening. Congratulations are always in order as we wish him all the very best in Sweden as he competes in the first part of the second semi-final. Nevertheless, prior to the final, escflashmalta.com initiated the public, media outlets and a set of music industry professionals to conduct their choices. The editorial board has always been a proud supporter of the local music scene and thus has always sought to include features from which artists would generally benefit. For yet another year, escflashmalta.com is giving out three awards; Public Award, Critics Award and the Media Award in collaboration with Sas-Sitta produced by Spiteri Lucas Entertainment and Bristow Potteries who sponsored the trophies.

One of the key elements behind the success of any country within the Eurovision Song Contest is democracy and the people have a right to have their decision heard loud and clear, in a manner where it is not deafened. The votes on the night of the final of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest counted as one member of the jury and that was indeed a right decision because music industry professionals are required to select the best track. Our public poll received a total of 6454 votes, which is around two thousand more than the previous year and it has to be noted that whilst the top two were extremely close to each other, it seems like the others were somewhat far behind and fighting it out for a number of positions within the top ten and in some instances in the top five. It is important to denote that every individual had a vote per IP Address and therefore, we tried to limit the amount of double votes in this manner. It is important to always keep the public's opinion whilst voting because at the end of the day the song would be representing the country abroad but nevertheless, public perception about the artist is normally swayed according to the popularity figures, and this was something somewhat not attributed to our poll. The full results of the public may be seen in full below.

1. Never Walk Away - Chris Grech (1512)
2. Needing You - Kevin Borg (1296)
3. Overrated - Marilena Gauci (522)
4. When It's Time - Claudia Faniello (498)
5. Loverdose - Melanie Zammit (472)
6. Tomorrow - Gianluca Bezzina (404)
7. Ultraviolet - Jessika (396)
8. In Control - Amber (207)
9. Perfect Day - Janice DeBattista (167)
10. Tides of Illusion - Ylenia (158)
11. Starting from the End - Dorothy Bezzina (145)
12. Betrayed - Davinia Pace (141)
13. Keep Believing - Raquela (110)
14. Let Your Heart Talk - Franklin (82)
15. Us Against the World - Gianni (78)
16. Love-O-Holic - Deborah C (66)
17. Fall Like Rome - Richard Edwards (57)
18. Fantasy - Danica Muscat (46)
19. My Stranger Love - Corazon (35)
20. Too Little Too Late - Domenique (23)
21. Wonderful Today - Richard & Petra (15)
22. The Remedy - Klinsmann (11)
23. Superstar - Scar (10)
24. No One's Home - Petra (3)

Deborah C, one of the finalists in this years' edition of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest with the track Love-O-Holic composed by Johan Bejerholm and penned by Gerard James Borg, has just released her entry onto digital store, iTunes. The recording, production and distribution is being taken care off by CAP-Sounds, noting that the songwriter has worked with Fabrizio Faniello in the past, and with Deborah C being the backing vocalist for No Surrender that year, it doesn't come as a surprise really. It has already appeared in the top two hundred (200) on iTunes in the past couple of hours, so people have already started to purchase their copy.

The local performer has come out of nowhere, to lead the music scene in the country following her successful triumph at the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza with the song Jekk Nużaw Moħħna composed by Mark Spiteri Lucas to the lyrics of Joe Chircop. Love-O-Holic was the second entry that Deborah C performed at the Malta Eurovision Song Contest having qualified in 2012 with the song You Make Me Go Uh Uh featuring Leila J but this was the first time she made it into the top ten, by virtue of a ninth place finish. You make purchase your copy of the sound file by visiting iTunes. It will be receiving airplay on several radio station in Europe. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news with regards to the local music scene.

Source: CAP-Sounds, iTunes, Emil Calleja Bayliss (Image)

For the past twenty-five years, Malta has selected entries which have achieved various results, including close first runner-ups in 2002 and 2005 respectively, but nevertheless, in a minority when it comes to the non-winners' circle alongside nations such as Iceland, Cyprus, Albania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Portugal, Moldova and Belarus amongst others. This time round, our nation will be sending the twenty-sixth representative from a field of sixteen (16) entries which were shortlisted from an earlier list of twenty-four (24) as performed during the semi-final last night. The chosen act will hopefully follow in the footsteps of Kurt Calleja who qualified for the final with his track This Is The Night last year. The Malta Eurovision Song Contest has become something of a tradition in the past couple of years and despite the technical issues yesterday, one will be hoping for a much smoother transmission this evening!

This years' edition of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest is being broadcast through TVM, TVM 2 with special commentary by Norman Vella and Rodney Gauci, Radju Malta with commentary by Frederick Zammit and also through the official website of the Eurovision Song Contest. The hosts for the evening will be Elaine Saliba and Gordon Bonello whose roles will surely be larger this evening considering that they will be interviewing each of the sixteen (16) acts that made it through to the final. Rodney Gauci will also be doing a number of backstage interviews during the show in order to give the audience, a behind the scenes element. A number of special guests will be taking to the stage this evening including; Gorġ u Pawlu with the song Hot & Famous, the Swiss representatives; Heilsarmee who will be singing their entry You and Me, Kurt Calleja who is set to do a medley of original and cover songs and last but not least, the cast of D.R.E.A.M.S who will be opening the show with a medley of original songs in Maltese.

All right, the show is ON! The cast of DREAMS have taken to the stage... but those watching the commented version have been taken to the side to listen Norman and Rodney, blabbing. If “Majestuz, kbir” are the sort of comments we’ll be having, then I rather doubt many will be watching it on TVM2. OK, Norman, you’ve already cracked this joke. No need to keep telling us about Anton making you comment in exchange of a 2 free tickets. Will this commented version really be a side-watch of these two blabbing away? We’re missing out on the whole show. Please! 

It seems to have hit them, finally. We’re now watching the DREAMS cast giving what I can call a splendid performance. It’s cool to have this sort of Medley in a fun manner. Thumbs up to DREAMS - great opening! 

I can’t, for the life of me, follow this commented version. I wouldn’t mind skipping half the show if these two were really good at it. But they are wooden. The comments are, well, non-existent and they really look tacky with people just popping by to say something. Off to TVM, as it’s the show I’m interested in, anyway.  

Gordon and Elaine seem set to give a better show tonight. No, I have to take that one back... it’s too rehearsed. Elaine replies to the jokes before they are even completely spoken. It’s also looking a tad too wooden. And what do you do when you’re stuck? Well, you ask Carlo Borg Bonaci to save you, of course. Actually, this gets me thinking. Why couldn’t he have been the host? He’s great personality, really. Just a couple of lines and the ice has now been totally broken.  

Running Order

01. Superstar - Scar (Konrad Pule)

Scar gave a good show; the whole performance is convincing, with very strong stage presence. The leading singer is enjoyable and there’s utmost harmony in the group. In Calvin Klein laid-back looks, this cool pop-rock act is a twist you simply need to have in such a final. There’s nothing too fancy - and that’s surely a plus. Having said that, upon listening to the song more than once, you realise there’s very little to it. The structure and the idea work well, but you get the feeling there is something missing. I like it, yet it would have to undergo some serious arrangements in order to be deemed strong. As it is, it’s too much of a hey-it’s-good-but-nothing-major.  

02. Starting from the End - Dorothy Bezzina (Magnus Kaxe / Gerard James Borg)

One cannot overlook the great chorus of this song, it accompany’s Dorothy beautifully: it simply puts the song on an altogether higher level. Today’s performance, if possible, seems even stronger! You simply have got to love how Dorothy seems to play with the vocals with such ease; something to be truly appreciated in such contests. You can really feel the energy coming your way with the melody. Yet, though it was to be expected that the song would go through to the final, I think it will be hard for Dorothy to be Malta’s envoy: this is surely not the singer’s fault, but merely the song’s. It seems to me it lacks that little something which makes you say “that’s it!”  

03. My Stranger Love - Corazon (Paul Giordimaina / Fleur Balzan)

You can tell Corazon is doing her best to deliver. She has a good command of the voice; she knows how to work with it. It literally sounds like something coming out Disney! And yet, could anyone tell me what the song is really saying? I cannot quite put my finger on it: yes, there are many flowery words and all, but you can’t impress with that, can you? Also, the dress just didn’t work here. In fact, it looks so much better while she sits at the piano (rather Alicia Keys kind of thing if you ask me). Unfortunately, though I don’t mind it all that much, the history of the Eurovision works against this act: hardly do you see such songs doing well. All in all, I quite doubt she’ll be a high-flyer tonight. 

04. Ultraviolet - Jessika (Thomas G:Son / Philip Vella / Gerars James Borg)

Jessica simply loves the Eurovision - this is the first thing you notice once she takes to the stage (that and her hair look, very edgy, actually!) The singer oozes energy from all her pores. I like the singer more than I like her song, which doesn’t really tickle my fancy. Unfortunately, I don’t think this particular song does her justice; it comes across as if she’s straining her voice, though at some instances it strangely becomes really appealing and convincing. Possibly that’s the swedish element by G:Son...which could ultimately do well in Sweden this year. The song needs to be re-touched and enhanced in many aspects. As it is, I believe the song won’t place among the top ones. I must concede, though, that today’s performance was so exceedingly better than yesterday’s! 

05. Us Against the World - Gianni (Boris Cezek & Dean Muscat)

Gianni’s vocal range is limited, so you can easily notice he struggles with certain notes. However, this doesn’t really make you dislike the song. Actually, the very chilled feel that comes off that stage when Gianni and his band are at it is somehow pleasing. I think it evokes a something-Indie-like feel, which is rather nice on the ear. The only thing is that when you listen to the song per se you would imagine someone younger singing it. Though it’s generally good, I think it wouldn’t perform well in Sweden.  

06. Betrayed - Davinia (Elton Zarb / Muxu)

If you wouldn’t be looking at the TV, then you would just have to do it once Davinia starts singing. She has a peculiarly sultry voice, which really breaks the routine. I think that in reality, more than to the song itself, people listen to the daunting voice. I'm in a bit of a predicament, I think that on the whole I’m rather happy with the diversity this song has to offer. It’s very cool and in, and you can’t dispute that. The song will have to be enhanced and given a stronger feel to it. It really wouldn’t displease me if this act flies to the top.  

07. Needing You - Kevin Borg (Borg / Gribbe / Thornholm / Attlerud / Clauss)

Kevin is a strong singer. His winning the Swedish Pop Idol sort of proves that. It is exactly because you’d have high expectations that you would be looking forward to a really strong song. This is a hooking ballad, but I would say it has a bit of an old feel to it. The whole show was a good one; the voice, the lyrics, the melody. I can’t quite understand the purpose of having that model/dancer coming out at the last bit of the show, though... that’s surely an unnecessary element. I tried making myself like the song more, especially because I believe tonight's was much stronger and it stands a very good chance of making it to Sweden (at least if all that clapping and people standing is anything to go by), but I just cannot fall in love with it. Oh well.  

08. Fall Like Rome - Richard Edwards (Magnus Kaxe / Philip Vella / Gerard James Borg)

I really believe Richard has a beautiful voice; and his immaculate diction just renders his singing even more hooking. The looks are good - laid-back, yet stylish. That’s exactly what this sort of song asks for. I have my reservations when it comes to the song per se. I was expecting Richard to present us with something better and altogether stronger. The lyrics are too loaded, and I feel sort of confused in trying to grasp what it’s saying. The melody is very good and his falsetto skills are rather good (though yesterday they seemed more evident). Today's performance was dirtier than yesterday, also. But Richard is one of those who could have the so-called ‘package’ - but that will demand some thorough work on the arrangements.  

09. Perfect Day - Janice DeBattista (Boris Cezek & Dean Muscat)

Janice has a pleasing voice, but I can’t really get through to the song. I don’t like what she’s done with the attire and all... it almost looks dull. I think that such a young singer could play more with it. As for the song, it just doesn’t do it for me. I’m bored all through. Most of the others are head and shoulders above this one. I think it would get lost in the crowd were to be Malta’s envoy. It’s something you listen to just one - if at all. 

10. Love-O-Holic - Deborah C (Johan Bejerholm / Gerard James Borg)

This is the typical cliché you would be happy to have missed, then it pops up on TV and it knocks you down. There’s really nothing much I have to say about this one. I’m just surprised to find it in the final. I think that the semis were already too much of a present. When the song starts you think it’s so bad that it just has to get better. Alas, it really doesn’t. I concede that Deborah looks very natural on stage, but that’s not enough. Having said that, I believe this song is one of those you can either love or hate. I belong to the latter group. 

11. When It's Time - Claudia Faniello (Errol Sammut / Claudia Faniello)

Claudia is one of the few singers who gets better as an artist with each passing year. I don’t like the outfit much; I can’t seem to place it. I like the song and the music. Her rock-like voice blends in very well. The chorus is also a catchy factor in this one. All in all, it’s a song you want to listen to, and today’s performance was more powerful! However, I believe it needed some more work in reality. She should do well, yet it’s not this year’s winning song. It lacks that final convincing element. 

12. Tomorrow - Gianluca Bezzina (Boris Cezek & Dean Muscat)

Gianluca’s personality is as infectious as is his song: I honestly believe it has all the prerequisites. And I'm even more convinced after today's performance! The song has good lyrics and melody, and the vocal range of the singer perfectly accompanies the whole act. In reality, there is nothing really ground-breaking with the song, but with everything seemingly falling into place, you just get to like it and, well, you have to sing along. Some have said it’s not very Eurovision-friendly, but I wholly disagree with that. I think it could stand out in the crowd were it to make it. Come on, Gianluca, win! (And take Dorothy with you, for the backing! Yes!) 

13. Never Walk Away - Chris Grech (Grech / P Borg / M Borg / D Cassar Torreggiani)

I understand the hype surrounding this song/singer. He has great vocal skills in reality. The husky voice gives a nice feel to the song. The laid-back look is also welcome. If I have to come clean, however, I would say that the song lacks a proper climax. I listened to it all because what he does with the voice is really good. I think that with a good arrangement, this pop-rock one could easily become a radio hit. It definitely stands a good chance tonight, and it’s indeed one of my faves.  

14. Wonderful Today - Petra & Richard (Wayne Micallef / Richard Micallef)

I like Richard. I like Petra. But I don’t like them together here. I think Petra’s solo should’ve made it instead of this one. It was definitely stronger. The voices don’t seem to blend well together. Petra seemed overpowering to me. I am not too keen on the chorus, either. I was never too fond of duets, as it takes a special something for it to work as expected. Sadly, I didn’t see that tonight. 

15. In Control - Amber (Paul Giordimaina / Fleur Balzan)

Amber has great stage presence; she seems really comfortable up there. Unfortunately, I don’t think the attire has helped her much; nor did that of the backing vocalists’. It seems to me there was too much going on. She is usually the sort of singer you wouldn’t forget.  Well, after tonight, we’ll remember her for sounding a tad too sharp (not really in control) - better than yesterday, granted, but still not 100%. In any case, I don’t think this particular song breaks much ground. It has a good flow to it, yes, but that won’t work enough wonders.  

16. Too Little Too Late - Domenique (Marc Paelinck / Matthias Strasser)

I feel there’s hardly anything appealing about this act. The singer looks much older than she is. I can’t understand why they would make her go for such heavy makeup, jewellery and hair-do - she’s a pretty girl, and that’s evident. Overdoing was counterproductive.  The song just doesn’t convince me: it’s too much of a sombre ballad and she seems to find it difficult to change register. At times she was completely off. Again, there were much better songs that could’ve been here instead of this one. 
 

The Show (Part 2)

So the 16 acts are now over. Everything ran smoothly tonight, so the singers seem very pleased. In fact, after a recap to refreshen the audience’s memory, we are now being taken on a tour among the participants. And of course, we have a comfy, laid-back chit-chat with all of them. 
 

Time’s up! Tele-voting has now been closed. We’re taken back for some more small chat with the 16 contestants who, with each passing minute, look more and more anxious. In reality, this is the moment I dread the most. You get bombarded with loads of adverts, which ultimately just tire you out and make you contemplate whether you should just change channel or not. 

Seems like Petra and Richard’s wasn’t the only duet for the night. Gorg and Pawlu have now joined Elaine on stage and they seem to be prepared to perform their long-awaited Hot and Famous. All right, it’s just a rip-off of Gangnam Style and Slamdog Millionnaire. Mediocre, really. Some music playing, a lot of people dancing in the background and Rodney and Gordon disguised as Gorg and Pawlu. I may be very difficult to please, but whoever thought this would be fun was incredibly mistaken..so it’s really bad when Elaine asks for a “capcipa kbira”!  

OK, taking the stage now are the act representing Switzerland in this year’s Eurovision. I believe that if we make the right choice, we could actually do better than them.  Following is Kurt Calleja ...and he seems to have decided to go for a big performance. Well, albeit not impeccable (OK, you're right, it's a showcase of how-to-be-off), it has at least helped shake off the dullness that was about the engulf this second part of the night. 

Funnily enough, though we are still awaiting the results, it is being rumoured on another website that Amber is the winner. The website has since removed the page and it stated it was a technical error. Well, we'll soon discover that - the judges are now announcing their votes! 

Gianluca Bezzina is now leading the show, for the judges seem to have chosen him over Kevin Borg (who won the public vote). And it is with Carlo Borg Bonaci that we've had the confirmation - 

I cannot be any happier in announcing that GIANLUCA BEZZINA is the winner! Tomorrow will be representing Malta in Sweden! The audience doesn't seem all that happy, as the clapping has gone missing after Kevin Borg was confirmed first runner-up. 

Finally, One cannot not give credit to PBS when this is due. Tonight’s show ran smoothly - the sound, too, worked well. It’s good to see they have worked hard to make sure there wouldn’t be any snags today (unlike yesterday’s!) But that is where the praise starts and ends.  

What about the ‘jokes’? Don’t you think they were just as tacky? I saw no wit and no fun there. Of course, they couldn’t possibly harp on about politics: their bee in the bonnet must have been given some fresh air. (To which we all said “yaaayyy”, right?) Then we had: “liii tenk god ma libsitiex Carina” - Seriously, Gordon? Did you actually think that was a sharp one? No, throwing a jibe at Carina here and there just didn’t save the day. Nor did those crappy poems. Who comes up with these ‘brilliant’ ideas? 

I also think Elaine Saliba, despite being an adorable girl, just isn’t cut for this kind of thing. I still believe that Valerie Vella should host this show. She is polite, elegant and knows how to be pungent, without ever crossing the line. 

However, tonight we had an extra. We had the commented version on TVM2. I had to go back and forth to check what great work they were doing on the other side... and well, each time I was let down. You simply have to ask it: why, exactly, would they have a commented version without having decent commentators? Norman Vella may have been blessed with many things, but pungent remarks aren’t among that list.  

The Public Broadcasting Services is a member of the European Broadcasting Union and thus entitled to participate in the annual Eurovision Song Contest, something which has become somewhat of a tradition in the country which will be picking the twenty-sixth entry this evening from what has been described as the strongest field in years. Last night, in the semi-final, eight entries had to be eliminated due to the stipulation of the regulations and as published in an earlier analysis, there were quite a couple of surprises. This morning, all of the sixteen (16) qualifiers take to the stage to perform their entries in the final running order prior to the actual show.

According to our latest information, directly from the hall thanks to Emil Calleja Bayliss it seems that this evening, the hosts being Elaine Saliba and Gordon Bonello will be interviewing each respective artist prior to the performance followed by an advert until the track starts. The producers have also worked on the running order for the show having drawn the opening and closing tracks in a post semi-final press conference last night. The rehearsal started a little bit later than planned but nevertheless, it seems that despite the fact that the artists were awake not too long ago, they are well paced for this evenings' showcase and are ready to give their best with the hope of becoming the twenty-sixth representatives of the nation, and thus following in the footsteps of Kurt Calleja whose This Is The Night managed to qualify in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Running Order

01. Superstar - Scar (Konrad Pule)

02. Starting from the End - Dorothy Bezzina (Magnus Kaxe / Gerard James Borg)

03. My Stranger Love - Corazon (Paul Giordimaina / Fleur Balzan)

04. Ultraviolet - Jessika (Thomas G:Son / Philip Vella / Gerars James Borg)

05. Us Against the World - Gianni (Boris Cezek & Dean Muscat)

06. Betrayed - Davinia (Elton Zarb / Muxu)

07. Needing You - Kevin Borg (Borg / Gribbe / Thornholm / Attlerud / Clauss)

08. Fall Like Rome - Richard Edwards (Magnus Kaxe / Philip Vella / Gerard James Borg)

09. Perfect Day - Janice DeBattista (Boris Cezek & Dean Muscat)

10. Love-O-Holic - Deborah C (Johan Bejerholm / Gerard James Borg)

11. When It's Time - Claudia Faniello (Errol Sammut / Claudia Faniello)

12. Tomorrow - Gianluca (Boris Cezek & Dean Muscat)

13. Never Walk Away - Chris Grech (Grech / P Borg / M Borg / D Cassar Torreggiani)

14. Wonderful Today - Petra & Richard (Wayne Micallef / Richard Micallef)

15. In Control - Amber (Paul Giordimaina / Fleur Balzan)

16. Too Little Too Late - Domenique (Marc Paelinck / Matthias Strasser)

Xarabank is the programme which normally airs on a Friday evening but nevertheless, since the introduction of the semi-final system during the Malta Eurovision Song Contest, changes have been made to the overall broadcasting schedule. As a matter of fact, this is that evening and many that are anticipating a superb show shouldn't be disappointed because production values are through the roof. The Public Broadcasting Services has invested a lot of time into this venture and indeed, the results are showing at an international level, considering the almost qualification of Glen Vella with the song One Life in 2011 and the qualification of Kurt Calleja with his entry This Is The Night in 2012. Successful transitions have been made and the aim of the evening is to downsize and make sure that the public and the jury listen to the suitable sixteen (16) entries.

The evening will be hosted by Elaine Saliba and Gordon Bonello whilst Rodney Gauci will be taking on the role of backstage host whilst also doing the commentary with Norman Vella on TVM 2, for those who might not be that inclined within the forum of the competition itself. The official website of the Eurovision Song Contest will not be broadcasting the showcase this evening although showing the final tomorrow night. However, the foreign viewers should not fret because a live stream is being offered on the official website of the Public Broadcasting Services. Twenty-four (24) entries will be competing and eight (8) will have to be eliminated, despite the stunning talent that graces this years' competition. The judges coming from Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Croatia, Ukraine, Italy and Malta will have a tough decision to make whilst the public vote will count as one of the judges'.

1, 2, 3... Go! 

A collage of clips of last year’s winner, Kurt Calleja and his This is the night lead us to tonight’s show... And you get to think: really? Did we really do that?

And he’s now on stage; it looks impressive, indeed. The stage, not Kurt's performance, mind you. 

Elaine Saliba and Gordon Bonello appear on stage... and there seems to be an ugly problem with the sound. We can hardly understand what they are saying. Yay, brilliant start! 

And there is goes... we had to have a jibe at last year’s glove!

Everybody is sporting a Vileda glove. Not really funny, is it? Let’s not stretch it, please. It becomes lame. 

The judges are now introduced, with Maria Muscat and Carlo Borg Bonaci being the Maltese ones on the panel. 
 Off we go... not without a fair share of ads, of course.  

01. Fall Like Rome – Richard Edwards (Kaxe / Philip Vella / Gerard J Borg)

When Richard utters a couple of words you can’t but say “Yay, yay! He can pronounce them words properly!” He looks rather stylish and laid-back, with the unnecessary frills (which are usually predominant in this show). His captivating voice keeps you hooked all through. Yet, the song leaves a lot to be desired. It doesn’t quite do it, really. Too many metaphors and nuances there, so you can hardly follow.  He did give a nice performance, however, much more was expected of him. 

02. Tides of Illusion – Ylenia (Jason Cassar / Mario Farrugia)

Is it my impression or is she a bit off? Something isn’t working there. Also, the choreography seems a bit messed up: the dancers are sloppy and seemingly out of synch. On the whole, it was a rather boring show. The song is forgotten as soon as it finishes - unlike her dress; that we will surely remember. It hits you in the eye. 

03. Perfect Day – Janice DeBattista (Boris Cezek / Dean Muscat)

Janica has a nice voice, almost soothing. Yet, this isn’t really evident in the performance she is giving today. I don’t like the dress much, I think she could have done more with the attire; it looks way too sombre.
 

04. Never Walk Away – Chris Grech (M Borg / P Borg / D Cassar Torreggianni / C Grech)

So there was a lot of hype surrounding this song. Let's see. All right, he’s a very good voice. I’ll grant that. They are having very serious problems: it is not even synced. We are getting a very crappy version of the song. From the bits and pieces we could get at home, it is very evident that the song is one of the best ones thus far. Yet, it does lack a certain climax I believe - though that could easily be fixed. Indeed a good one here!

05. Overrated – Marilena (Philip Vella / Gerard J Borg)

Marilena comes on stage and your eyes start bleeding. Your eyes urge you to chop them off. What can I say? This is the typical song you have to have at such competitions. You will just get it out of your system once it’s over. The show is crap - the dancers/backing are more of a distraction - they surely don’t help the act. Yes, Marilena, totally Overrated. (Again, it was not even synced.)

06. No One’s Home – Petra (Wayne Micallef / Richard Micallef)

So do we have a vintage blues chic here? Well, if we do, she’s vocally stable and the voice is indeed remarkable. I would dare say that, vocally speaking, she’s been the best one so far. The whole act is, to be honest.  Petra has good stage presence (well, apart from her channelling Katy Perry a bit too much) and makes you follow her all through. A strong contestant - it would be a pity not to see her through. 

07. Starting from the End – Dorothy Bezzina (Kaxe / Gerard J Borg)

Dorothy’s impeccable mastery of vocals is impressive. The backing really makes the voice reverberate and blends really well. The acoustics are not doing her voice any justice; it sounds too tinny. Yet, the song is a strong one and, needless to say, makes you listen to it attentively. The whole act was a good one... even though her cheesy hand/arm moves could have been spared. Dorothy should definitely make it.

08. Too Little Too Late – Domenique (M Paelnick / M Strasser)

Domenique looks like a wrapped present in that dress and she’s looking twice her age. Jewellery, hair-do and makeup have totally overpowered her. She’s a really pretty girl, but the whole thing totally ruined that. The voice is nice one, but the song is weak. 

09. Ultraviolet – Jessika (T G:Son / Philip Vella / Gerard J Borg)

At first I somehow liked the looks. But then, the whole thing looked as if they’re two different things stuck together (OK, they are ultraviolet, but still...). I must say I don’t particularly fancy the song. Jessica strives to give a great performance, however it does come across as if she is straining her voice. All in all, she tries too hard and it shows. She'd have a better chance if she were to tone it all down and opt for softer and more mellow vocals. 

10. Let Your Heart Talk – Franklin (Ray Agius / Alfred C Sant)

If there’s something you can’t criticise about Franklin is that he is always impeccably dressed, wherever you see him. Yet, he didn’t really convince me here. He has a marvellous voice which hooks you and make you listen to each work attentively. He is having some tiny problems with the base notes; they need to be supported a little better. And perhaps a little more work on the breathing.. but then you say: “who cares?” That ending was superb!

11. When It’s Time – Claudia Faniello (Errol Sammut / C Faniello)

Where’s Carina when you need her? Claudia’s dress was fabulous last year... this year it just won’t do. That outfit looks, well, out of place. She should totally have gone for more of an Annouk sort of look. Which is an absolute pity! She is also wearing too much makeup. The song is beautiful, with gorgeous music. Claudia is actually one the very few singers who seem to improve with each passing years... This song is great for her kind of voice. She seems to have found her genre and range!

12. My Stranger Love – Corazon (Paul Giordimaina / Fleur Balzan)

Corazon looks like the innocent girl you would want to do well. Then you think that she writes her own songs and you say that’s a good bonus. She sits there, and she sort of reminds you of Alicia Keys: sleek, pony tail, long dress, chunky earrings. And then she stands up, and you see that dress. No, it really wasn’t the best option; yet one could say it’s something a bit different. The song would need some more syncopation. I think it would go well with a bit of a blues feel to shake off that classical Eurovision-sort-of-ballad and make it a tad more original. 

13. Needing You – Kevin Borg (Borg / Gribbe / Thornholm / Attlerud / Clauss)

They say Kevin is going to sing and most of the audience goes clapping and shouting - positive sign he needn’t worry much? Well, they surely weren’t clapping for that hairstyle. There is harmony on stage; the backing and Kevin are doing a great job. Yet, the song is not as strong. It’s very pop-band-goes-mushy-in-a-Christmas-special. And what’s with the dancer that joins him on stage? Isn’t she more irrelevant than Franco Debono? (to keep the comedians’ joke going, you know...) Nothing special, really. 

14. Superstar – Scar (Konrad Pule)

I always like Scar, really. I think they break the routine kind of thing. They always come up with a good song and structure; the presentation is simple - as should be. The leading singer is very laid-back, as the song demands. It’s a rhythmic song you need to have. Less is truly more in this case. 

15. Loverdose – Melanie Zammit (N Lundin, M Lundin, Gerard J Borg)

As much as stage presence is important, it is ultimately a song contest. I wouldn’t want to sound too harsh, but Melanie came off as one who hardly has any vocal ability. A pretty face, cool attire, fancy dancing and psychedelic projections in the background just won't cut it. No. The song left much to be desired, which is a pity as was expecting a great performance by melanie. 

16. Fantasy – Danica Muscat (Paul Abela / Joe J Farrugia)

That hair made her look much older than she actually is; but the rest seems to work really well together. Th performance was a good one. She has a good voice and masters it well; though it needs refining. The whole act was positive... BUT, why did you have to ruin it with that “tenkkjuwww” at the end, Danica? 

17. Wonderful Today – Petra & Richard (Wayne Micallef / Richard Micallef)

What’s happened to Petra? The leather skinny trousers don’t do her justice, do they? Also, the duet didn’t work out the way they must have thought it would work. Her voice is literally too domineering: she also comes off as hey-I’m-super-confident-ok?. When they sing together, their voices clash - she sounds flat and he becomes sharp. I surely preferred their individual songs. A poor act. 

18. Love-O-Holic – Deborah C (Bejerholm / Gerard J Borg)

She shrills and belts from the throat, her diction is pitiable and her moves leave much to be desired. The song was so boring and repetitive that I found myself wondering about how they would cope if her extensions were to catch fire.

19. Us Against the World – Gianni (Boris Cezek / Dean Muscat)

Gianni is cool and it’s a pleasure to have on stage, yet he has a weak vocal range. in fact he suffers with some notes. On the whole, the song various on the fun-decent song to sing along. It’s not boring, though it does get rather repetitive. Other than that, the stage presence is good and the whole act made sense together. Not a strong one, though. 

20. Keep Believing – Raquela (Raquela)

Quite a pleasantly different style for Raquela. However, it does get boring at some point, and then, all of a sudden it finishes and it leaves you expecting more to come. The song definitely needs more working. Also, the dress, too reminiscent of a disco ball gone wrong on her, isn’t working all that much here. 

21. Tomorrow – Gianluca Bezzina (Boris Cezek / Dean Muscat)

Gianluca's smile is infectious, as is his song. It's a cheeky sing along song without that typical Eurovision stamp to it. The stage setup is simple, as is his outfit which match the easy breezy mood of the song brilliantly. Having said that, I can't help but feel that the beginning, as well as the bass line and harmony resemble train's 'Hey Soul Sister' a tad too much. 

22. In Control – Amber (Paul Giordimaina / Fleur Balzan)

Amber is coming across as too nasal. Her singing is good, but that high note sort of hurt the ear. It was a rather good act on the whole, pleasant to follow. I found nothing special in it that will make me think of the song afterwards. Also, the attire wasn’t really the best they could go for. Her dress did not really and truly suit her, and the the backing vocalists’s dresses being didn’t fully complement the idea there. 

23. The Remedy – Klinsmann (Kaxe / Philip Vella / Gerard J Borg)

Kinsman seems to be another artist who strives to improve every year; it shows that he's growing and maturing. Then again, as always, he's a little too 'Busted', yet the song is decent. The tune is Catchy yet nothing to write home about. "Woow woow" seems to be his motto, he always finds a way to sneak it into his songs, year after year. All in all, though, a decent performance. 

24. Betrayed – Davinia (E Zarb / Muxu)

I have this ambivalent feeling about Davinia. I think the dress could have been better, as this one had a bit of a tacky feel to it. She has a surprisingly appealing and sultry voice. I admit I liked the whole act. It was good all through I believe. She should make it through as I think it is a strong one. 

The Show (Part 2)

Now that we are done listening to the songs, the hosts have opened the tele-voting. People have 15 minutes to vote for their favourite act. And what do the televiewers get during this time? You get ads on end... and it seems this interval is turning into a rather prolonged one. Though I’m not that keen on it, I believe it would have been much better to have some sort of filler. 

The filler seems to have been sorted - we have a recap of the 24 songs.  

And now that the 15 minutes are over, the tele-voting has been closed ...to be followed, of course, with another long list of ads. 

After a longish chit-chat with the contestants, when everybody was expecting the finalists to be announced, Chris and Moira take to the stage. And hey, why do we even need to have tomorrow’s final? Moira sounds brilliant tonight - let’s all vote her in, shall we? 

After two great performances by Chris and Moira, Alex Alden performs a cover of Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony. I personally think this wasn’t a very wise choice; you don’t have an unplugged performance as one of the fillers in a national contest.  

Qualifiers

Betrayed – Davinia (E Zarb / Muxu)

Love-O-Holic – Deborah C (Bejerholm / Gerard J Borg)

Never Walk Away – Chris Grech (M Borg / P Borg / D Cassar Torreggianni / C Grech)

Us Against the World – Gianni (Boris Cezek / Dean Muscat)

Perfect Day – Janice DeBattista (Boris Cezek / Dean Muscat)

Ultraviolet – Jessika (T G:Son / Philip Vella / Gerard J Borg)

Too Little Too Late – Domenique (M Paelnick / M Strasser)

Starting from the End – Dorothy Bezzina (Kaxe / Gerard J Borg)

Wonderful Today – Petra & Richard (Wayne Micallef / Richard Micallef)

Tomorrow – Gianluca Bezzina (Boris Cezek / Dean Muscat)

Fall Like Rome – Richard Edwards (Kaxe / Philip Vella / Gerard J Borg)

Needing You – Kevin Borg (Borg / Gribbe / Thornholm / Attlerud / Clauss)

Superstar – Scar (Konrad Pule)

My Stranger Love – Corazon (Paul Giordimaina / Fleur Balzan)

When It’s Time – Claudia Faniello (Errol Sammut / C Faniello)

In Control – Amber (Paul Giordimaina / Fleur Balzan)

For televiewers, what proved to be the highlight of the show was the dismal sound quality throughout the first half of the show. Yet, all in all, I admit this evening showed a true improvement on previous years, probably due to the fact that artists who are not synonymous with the show participated for the first time, which improved the quality of the songs offered drastically. This also offered a bigger diversity in terms of song styles and genres, since lyricists and songwriters who used to write most of the songs in previous years seem to have lost their monopoly...

On the other hand, I must say the presenters did a better job this year. Yet, this is not because they were wittier or anything of the sort: they were just lucky that the elections are  round the corner. In fact, just to make sure that they combine two of the Maltese population's obsessions, they went all out with snide election remarks/jokes. It seemed funny at first, but then it all went floppy when they started stretching it. In a post-show press conference, it was revealed that the opening act in the final will be Superstar by Scar whilst the closing act will be Domenique with Too Little Too Late. The rest of the running order will be decided by the producers in the next couple of hours.

Source: TVM, escflashmalta.com

The final preparations for this evenings' Malta Eurovision Song Contest are surely taking place at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre with a final run through of the show taking place this morning, ironing out the issues that might have arose during the dress rehearsal but everything is ready for the twenty-four entries to be performed on the largest stage that the country could offer. For all the details pertaining to the organisation of the evening, please refer to the earlier article posted. Nevertheless, the showcase will definitely be one to enjoy throughout. This online portal, escflashmalta.com has been asking people to select their favourite entry in this years' competition and following the submission of 6454 individual votes, which is 1838 more than the past year where Kaya had finished in the top spot ahead of Claudia Faniello. 

Predictions are not easy to make but nevertheless, we are going to give it a go and predict which sixteen will ultimately make it through to the final round of the selection tomorrow night, as chosen by the Public Poll. It is important to denote that this is not the perception of any of the members of the editorial team but of the general public with votes this year coming in from Malta, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Greece, Cyprus, Australia and the United Kingdom amongst others. There were a lot of surprises in my opinion and some of those which were set to make it through just by virtue of their vocal skills might have not due to the fact that their entries are not thought to be strong enough. Nevertheless, in alphabetical order, this is the list of qualifiers;

Betrayed - Davinia (Elton Zarb / Muxu)

In Control - Amber (Paul Giordimaina / Fleur Balzan)

Keep Believing - Raquela (Raquela)

Let Your Heart Talk - Franklin (Ray Agius / Fleur Balzan)

Love-O-Holic - Deborah C (Johan Bejerholm / Gerard J Borg)

Loverdose - Melanie Zammit (Maria & Niclas Lundin / Gerard J Borg)

Needing You - Kevin Borg (Borg / Gribbe / Thornholm / Attlerud / Clauss)

Never Walk Away - Chris Grech (Grech / P Borg / M J Borg / D C Torreggiani)

Overrated - Marilena Gauci (Philip Vella / Gerard J Borg)

Perfect Day - Janice DeBattista (Boris Cezek / Dean Muscat)

Starting from the End - Dorothy Bezzina (Magnus Kaxe / Gerard J Borg)

Tides of Illusion - Ylenia (Jason Cassar / Mario Farrugia)

Tomorrow - Gianluca Bezzina (Boris Cezek / Dean Muscat)

Ultraviolet - Jessika (Philip Vella / G:Son / Gerard J Borg)

Us Against the World - Gianni (Boris Cezek / Dean Muscat)

When It's Time - Claudia Faniello (Errol Sammut / Claudia Faniello)

escflashmalta.com would like to wish all of the participants competing in this years' Malta Eurovision Song Contest, the very best of luck, hoping that the best sixteen performances ultimately qualify to the final round of the selection process tomorrow night. There are always a couple of surprises in the eyes of the public but the jury would like to make sure that that special ingredient is selected on behalf of the country. The road to select the twenty-sixth representative and Kurt Calleja's successor commences this evening. Remember, that Keith Borg-Micallef will be doing a LIVE report of the show this evening, which in turn will air on TVM, TVM 2 and Radju Malta. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news.

Source: escflashmalta.com