The Malta Eurovision Song Contest has truly become a spectacle for people of all ages to enjoy because the genres represented during these past two evenings have managed to attract the attention of many. The semi-final left a lot to be desired in terms of transmission quality but one could definitely note the improvements that took place during these past couple of hours. All of the sixteen (16) acts were treated equally, with rehearsals taking place this morning to iron out the respective issues that might have arose. Nevertheless, following an enchanting evening hosted by Elaine Saliba and Gordon Bonello, the winner was evident with Gianluca Bezzina and his entry Tomorrow co-written between Dean Muscat and Boris Cezek.

Full Results

92 points: Tomorrow - Gianluca Bezzina

80 points: Needing You - Kevin Borg 

48 points: Betrayed - Davinia Pace

47 points: In Control - Amber

42 points: Never Walk Away - Chris Grech

37 points: Wonderful Today - Petra & Richard

20 points: When It's Time - Claudia Faniello

19 points: Ultraviolet - Jessika

17 points: Love-O-Holic - Deborah C

13 points: Perfect Day - Janice DeBattista

12 points: Superstar - Scar

11 points: My Stranger Love - Corazon

10 points: Fall Like Rome - Richard Edwards 

9 points: Us Against the World - Gianni 

6 points: Starting from the End - Dorothy Bezzina

2 points: Too Little Too Late - Domenique

Gianluca Bezzina is the lead singer of the band Funk Initiative which has garnered a lot of positive acclaim in recent months, releasing successful singles Paris and The Liberators which both managed to make it to the top ten on 89.7 Bay. He is also the brother of Dorothy Bezzina who was also competing during the evening with another track entitled Starting from the End composed by Magnus Kaxe and penned by Gerard James Borg. Gianluca Bezzina never entered the Malta Eurovision Song Contest before and managed to conquer with his debut, which is an impressive feat and similar to what Thea Garrett had achieved back in 2010 with her entry My Dream. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news about the Maltese participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 taking place in Malmö, Sweden where Malta will be competing in the first half of the second semi-final.

In just a few days time, the 2013 edition of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest will be taking place and it seems that preparations are well in place for another spectacular showcase by the looks of the staging. This weeks' edition of Radio International will be especially dedicated to the competition in itself due to the fact that the team will be on location and thus, will be giving the listeners a chance to listen to the tracks for the first time unless, they have already heard them through the official website of the broadcaster. As always, the show will be aired on FM 106.8 as well as Digital Cable 781 and Cable 88.1 Mhz in The Netherlands with a weblink through the official website of the show for international viewers. The pre-recorded show will unfortunately not include any phone-ins or music requests this week.

The running order of the songs which was established earlier this week won't be the order in which they will be played throughout the programme noting that they have been put in alphabetical order according to the song titles. The normal format of the show with interviews and usual features will be returning in the following week, so we urge you to hang tight. Malta will be competing in the second semi-final in Malmö, Sweden and many have commented on having being given a tough draw, so it is important that the jury and the public, vote for the song which they believe would give them the best result as per the voting countries in the semi-final. Indeed, Malta will be hosting it's national selection but nevertheless, news is coming in from other countries and through escXtra and escflashmalta, we will be keeping you posted with all of the latest.

Source: Press Release

With each and every passing year, the Malta Eurovision Song Contest sees a revelation – there’s always an act which comes out of nowhere and people simply fall in love with their entry. Two years ago, the talk of both the local and foreign fans was none other than Kelly Schembri who surprised quite a few of people with her number Love Me Like Your Money. The fresh upbeat entry was somewhat of a bombshell as our selection had never seen something quite like it in a way – well to say the least, there was quite a buzz around it and many saw it as the favourite to represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest. 

The entry went on to become quite a hit and its remix also hit the radios charts and was given lots of airplay. Kelly went on to shoot the video were the sensual message of the song was portrayed clearly. Back in Malta, specifically in the local selection, Kelly shared the stage with three friends, two of whom now form the upcoming band ‘Monroe’. This was surely a great launching platform in Malta for the UK based artist as she went on to release Kleptomaniac a year later and performed the entry in the 2011 Malta Music Awards where she earned two nominees for the Best Female Singer and for the Best Image. Kelly Schembri, also known as Kelly Stelfox with the international community has just released her first single with the girl band Monroe entitled Go Home.

The song has been well received thus far as they managed to launch it on BBC Introducing on BBC Radio London. The number can be described as fresh, current and one which oozes sensuality with various sounds that will easily make it a hit. The song has an electronic dance touch with an urban feel to it make that make this entry distinctive with all the ingredients necessary to be a radio hit. The girls have certainly come a long way and their first official single written by them surely proves this. The trio will be heading to Malta this weekend to perform this number to the Maltese audience at the Malta Music Awards. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news about the local music scene and follow all the latest from the girlband on Twitter or their official website.

Source: Press Release

On the 10th of December, former Malta Eurovision Song Contest finalist and second runner-up Kaya, together with four of her students : Aiden Jay Drakard, Anhelica Pace, Naolene Borg and Dorcas Debono travelled to Rumania to take part in the renowned Carpathian Star International Festival. In this showcase, artists from a vast amount of countries took part including Estonia, Serbia, Moldova, Italy, Romania and of course, Malta.

Once again, Malta's success was evident during this competition since all four (4) contestants managed to come within the top three (3) in at least one category. Aidan Jay Drakard came third (3rd) in the 7-9 age category with his excellent performance of the song Profeta Non Sare originally by Demis Roussos. It is important to note that this was Aidan’s first experience in an international competition and therefore was very pleased with such a promising result. 

Another very successful Maltese contestant was Anhelica Pace who not only came first in two (2) categories but also finishing the first runner-up position in the 10-12 age category with her breath-taking performance of the track E Poi originally performed by Giorgia. Anhelica won both the folklore song category and also the group category were together with Aiden, they performed the song Save Rock n roll written by Kaya and her brother Dorian Psaila. This was not her first success in foreign waters, noting that she has managed second runner-up finishes in prestigious competitions both in Italy and Poland. Later on this month, Anhelica will be heading to Italy to take part in the competition known as Eurokids in the town of Salerno.

In this same competition, Malta obtained third place in the adult category, having been represented by Dorcas Debono with the track Stupid. As a matter of fact, it seems that things are looking bright for her noting that she was also chosen a couple of weeks back as one of the finalists for Passport 2 Indifest where she is hoping to make it through to the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza. The judging panel was made up of representatives from each of the competing countries and Malta was represented by Kaya but a pivotal rule stated that no judge could vote for acts within their own country to be precise and accurate. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for more news about upcoming young performers.

Source: Press Release

The arts have become an important sector of society in general and music in particular has a unifying element and thus, whenever an upcoming artist shows promise, promotion is definitely key and this was the case a couple of years back with Lyndsay whose road to success has not been easy noticeably working her way through to the position she has attained. As a matter of fact, following local competitions, television performances and also being a part of a group, a solo artist has been created and the release of her newly anticipated single entitled Daphne is taking place in the early day of a brand new year.

There was a lot of work done within this respective project and in fact, perfecting the song in the recording studio has only been the beginning, considering that there was also the recording of a music video which escflashmalta.com is exclusively showcasing below, produced and directed by Dirty Iris. Lyndsay goes on record to state that the track is personal, emotional, and classy but somewhat edgy in accordance to the other songs which have become part of the repertoire. Daphne is co-written and produced alongside Kenny D'Ugo and Dave Calleja who have already had a number of song success on leading radio station 89.7 Bay. 

Lyndsay is known to strive for success and this brand new single is the fruit of what is yet to come off her forthcoming album, which is her main priority at the moment. Speaking to escflashmalta.com about the track, she went onto say 'I wanted to show another perspective of myself both as an artist as well as a song writer reflecting something deeper, artistic and much more emotional from a personal point of view in which I’m sure others can actually relate to. I’m finding myself through music at this stage and I feel that I’m developing myself in my talents through this journey' before reflecting on the lyrics of the song which 'talks about the betrayal of a friend and explains how frustrating and disappointing the situation can actually be. Different people in life have inspired me to write music as well as the experiences I've been through and generally my opinions about the world.'

Lyndsay has garnered a respectable reputation in the Maltese Islands following the success of the track Love Sick which saw her nominated for Best Solo Artist at the Bay Music Awards in 2010 and 2011 as well as the Malta Music Awards in 2011 respectively, missing out to the likes of Christabelle and Mikaela. This summer, she teamed up with Dimal Multimilliarsov and released the dance tune Let's Make It Happen which was performed live during the 2012 edition of the Bay Music Awards, garnering radio airplay in the local and foreign music scene. In recent weeks, Lyndsay got the chance to audition for the next season of Britain's Got Talent where she performed in front of an internationally acclaimed jury and got recognised by a number of producers, hoping that this could be her ticket to achieve success in foreign waters. The music industry is evolving in Malta and therefore, the continues to satisfy the taste of the public without going out of her way and still staying true to her music. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for more exclusive news.

Gillian Attard, has worked her way to become known in the industry noting that her most popular tracks include Xi Darba Min Jaf and Quddiem L-Inkwatru tal-Madonna. She denotes that the industry has been quite kind to her especially in local competitions where despite her sporadic appearances, she has always done well. Starting a family of her own has given her the mindset to work with children, a host of talented ones which could ultimately become some of the best talent the country could offer. The editorial board of escflashmalta.com has been in contact with La Voix Academy and learned some intriguing details about what is set to happen in the near future.

It is a known fact that it is hard for a Maltese artist to break out in the music industry internationally. Even though Maltese talent has been here for a while, it is now gaining greater exposure outside our shores. This time, it is thanks to La Voix Academy. Various Maltese singers who are a part of this academy will be showcasing their talent at the internationally renowned Italian festivals of Sanremo, which will be aired on fifty television stations all around the world between the 12th and the 16th February 2013. The first contestant to be given the good news was 18 year old Kelly Rotin who will be representing our country with an original song ‘Non mi Arrenderó’ which was composed by none other than La Voix’s own director Gillian Attard, together with Dominic Cini and R Pace. 

Apart from Kelly Rotin, other students from La Voix Academy have also been selected to take part in Italy’s esteemed festivals of Sanremo. These are Veronica Rotin, Federica Falzon, Kelsey Frrugia, Kylie Meliak, Kym Abela, Casey Schembri, Jasmar Cassar, Jean Claude Azzopardi and Clive Gauci. While representing their vocal academy, these talented singers will be showcasing Malta’s amazing talent at an international level. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news about the local music scene as well as the younger generation which is seemingly becoming more intact with the foreign music industry as a relatively young age.

Source: Press Release

Singer/Songwriter Corazon has well earned her reputation as one of the most respected artists in the local music industry with her pristine crystal clear voice and diction adding that special magic touch for the audience to enjoy throughout. For a number of years, the Għanja tal-Poplu competition was the mainframe behind her success but since making it to the finals of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest last year with the song Mystifying Eyes composed by Paul Giordimaina and penned by Fleur Balzan, it seems that a new chapter in her career is being written. Her success in the local competition was followed by her debut radio release bearing the name Looking For You and she hopes that her brand new single entitled Save Your Smile, her second in English will bear the same success as her first.

This brand new single is penned by Corazon herself with the arrangement and the production conducted by Dean Muscat and Boris Cezek, who as songwriters have presented three entries into the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2013. Speaking about her sophomore single in English rather than Maltese, she says 'I think that musical expression must have no boundaries, least of all where language is concerned. Being familiar with more than one language is a great wealth for any artist'. Save Your Smile is an acoustic/pop number that once more suits Corazon's vocal repertoire, personality and artistic style. because it is distinctly feminine, very emotive and yet contemporary. The lyrics are appealing and easy to relate to. I’m sure everyone can see himself in the songs I write'. Corazon is seemingly in a positive place in her life at the moment co-hosting the daily afternoon show alongside Peter Carbonaro whilst also being a semi-finalist in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2013. Nevertheless, another project she is currently working on is an album of original songs in Maltese which will be launched later in the year. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com and corazonmizzi.com for all of the latest news.

Source: Press Release, Claire Farrugia (Image)

Max Gazze’ and Gigi D'Alessio are known as two of the most identifiable performers in Italy and one of the things which they seem to share is the love of performing with others and one of the individuals that they have shared the stage with is none other than the Maltese pop/rock chic, Ira Losco whose catapult to fame was gradual through public perception. Following the release of her last studio album in 2008 known as Fortune Teller which included a string of hits including Idle Motion, Don't Look Down, Shoulders of Giants and What's The Matter With You? amongst others, it seems that Ira wanted to take some time off and indeed she did but late in 2011, she made her intentions to return quite clear and in the summer of 2012, she made this happen with the release of a brand new single entitled What I'd Give which has seen her triumph at the Bay Music Awards and the ONE Tribute Awards. The performances from her are becoming a joy to watch again and she is definitely back in the spotlight once more.

Last night, escflashmalta.com was present during an open air gig that Ira Losco was giving in the recently inaugurated open air theatre in Valletta and joined by her band members including Peter and Ivan Borg from the band, Red Electrick, it was a set which will not be forgotten noting that in one hour and a half, she managed to play around three covers and most of her song book including three songs entitled Me Luv You Long Time, Is This the Love? and What I'd Give from the brand new album which title is yet to be revealed and it will in due course through escflashmalta.com hence forth why she kept on giving clues for the people to answer during the evening, one of them being that this particular element is easy to ignite as it is to extinguish. Remember that you win several prizes with us so make sure to send us your answers to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. until the 9th January 2013 when we will be unveiled the name of the winners as well as the album respectively. Watching her performances last night was a true gift noting that her vocals are faultless and the energy delivered is merited throughout. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for more news in the coming days.

Source: escflashmalta.com, Emil Calleja Bayliss (Image)

It is that time of the year when festive celebrations clearly need no reason to be celebrated noting that the spirit of the season is invested in the hearts of many, ultimately leading to a successful and positive life, keeping several sane throughout the year of the year. For one night in particular, people can enter the world of fantasy and uncover, what has become unbelievably popular, the traditional Christmas Pantomime which is organised by several theatrical companies in a number of venues and concert halls. The showcase has become a sight for many noting that energetic routines, stunning vocals and once more, quite important, eye candy. There is popular belief amongst many that certain things wouldn't be missed until they are eventually gone and this is proven right considering that the Masquerade Company hasn't put up a pantomime in two years and thus expectations are high as they prepare their adaptation of Snow White which has been coined as The Curse of Snow White.

The Masquerade Theatre Company has become quite popular throughout the years for the vast amount of talent they seem to possess but nevertheless, considering that the pantomime is all about the dame, it is quite the element to see someone new take on the role noting that this time round, it will be none other than popular radio host; Colin Fitz who has agreed to be in the position. We have been in touch with one of the senior members of The Masquerade Theatre Company to speak about this years' pantomime in the form of Veronica Bezzina, whom alongside her husband, Anthony Bezzina have created this marvelous institution on behalf of the arts. The idea behind the pantomime has always been popular with the local crowds so we asked her, what the pantomime in itself aims to represent and she states that it is 'a launch pad for up and coming youngsters to showcase their talents' whilst the show itself 'represents joy, excitement,surprise and a celebration of the talent Malta has to offer. It is a time for families to get together and really enjoy the magic  on stage.  Pantomime is often the first production a child will see at the theatre and really does get them interested in the performing arts thus creating the next generation of young actors.'

The pantomime has become increasingly popular that many people seem to worry that storylines might die out so our query somewhat surrounded the element of being original and coming up with different storylines each year. Veronica stated that the 'sequence to doing pantos' is relatively unwritten and with 'more than one company' now present, it is vital to choose 'a traditional panto' and 'twist the plot', possible evening turning 'a musical into a panto' with the format, always being somewhat similar. A pantomime is important in content and that is where, the issue of song selection comes in with many people bobbing their head along with the tracks, some even grasping the tune and thus hum or sing along. The choice of songs is not coincidental with 'modern songs which kids and teens can identify with' remarkable being the easiest elements behind the selection but then it is pivotal that they are worked 'in a classical' manner for the 'older audience'. In fact, Veronica went onto add that the choice of the songs is done 'with great care so that they convey to the audience the plot whilst keeping them entertained' adding that 'the use of current musical numbers' is important for the simple reason that there is a feel good factor.

Veronica Bezzina spoke to escflashmalta.com with courage, and heart noting that her love of the arts shined through most of the conversation we seemed to have and she 'expects people to come to the beautiful Manoel Theatre and have fun'. She adds that everyone has 'worked very hard' and that their team is strong with a number of upcoming performers. 'Masquerade has always put up great pantos, and we are happy to be back at the Manoel'. Speaking about this years' selection she goes onto add that 'The Curse of Snow White is sure to enthrall audiences. The story has taken on a new and very exciting twist that will be completely unexpected'. We can vouch for her on that matter noting that several members of our editorial board have seen their productions in the past and can safely agree that another great run of performances is expected from Boxing Day onwards. Amongst this years' cast there is none other than former Malta Eurovision Song Contest Finalist; Rachel Fabri as well as escflashmalta.com guest contributor; Joseph Zammit as well as Katherin Brown, Colin Fitz, Louis Cassar, Steffi Thake, Milly Uylenbrock, Rebecca Camilleri, Andre Agius, and Bolton White. Purchase your tickets online and stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for more news.

Source: The Masquerade Theatre Company

The European Broadcasting Union has been pretty adamant about putting off rumours of a mass withdrawal from the upcoming edition of the Eurovision Song Contest and therefore succumbed to releasing the list of participating nations quite early due to the international media coverage which might have had a negative impact on the competition especially noting that Malmö is making several adjustments in order to accommodate a different type of show than what many have seen in recent years. The financial situation around the continent has not been a help and three of the four withdrawals; Bosnia & Herzegovina, Portugal and Slovakia have singled out this decision as the factor behind their pulling out with Turkey on the other hand believing that the recent amendments of the regulations at the event have somewhat put them in a disadvantaged position hence their disappointing results.

The Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest at the European Broadcasting Union, Jon Ola Sand is quite upbeat about the number of participating countries believing that despite the economic situation, public broadcasters are very much committed to the traditional element that the contest has created over time. In fact, since the semi-final system was introduced back in 2004, there have always been between 36 and 43 participating nations and the 39 that will take part in 2013 are similar to the amount that took part in 2010 when the competition was also held in a Scandinavian nation with Oslo, the capital city of Norway playing the role of host. Losing three countries to economic reasons was quite disappointing but nevertheless, Sand is quite 'surprised' by the decision of Turkey noting that they 'never formally objected' the rules as regulations which were brought in back in 2009, a year in which Turkey finished in fourth place.

• Albania (RTSH)
• Austria (ORF)
• Armenia (AMPTV)
• Belarus (Ictimai TV)
• Belarus (BTRC)
• Belgium (RTBF)
• Bulgaria (BNT)
• Croatia (HRT)
• Cyprus (CyBC)
• Denmark (DR)
• Estonia (ERR)
• Finland (YLE)
• France (France 3)
• Georgia (GPB)
• Germany (NDR)
• Greece (ERT)
• Hungary (MTV)
• Iceland (RÚV)
• Ireland (RTÉ)
• Israel (IBA)
• Italy (RAI)
• Latvia (LTV)
• Lithuania (LRT)
• FYR Macedonia (MKRTV)
• Malta (PBS)
• Moldova (TRM)
• Montenegro (RTCG)
• The Netherlands (TROS)
• Norway (NRK)
• Romania (TVR)
• Russia (C1R)
• San Marino (SMTV)
• Serbia (RTS)
• Slovenia (RTV SLO)
• Spain (TVE)
• Sweden (SVT)
• Switzerland (SRG SSR)
• Ukraine (NTU)
• United Kingdom (BBC)

As you can see, the leading European broadcasters including the Big Five featuring; the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain and Italy return for yet another competition noting that their results are improving especially with regards to three in particular. Some countries have already revealed their entries noting that national finals have already taken place in Belarus, Switzerland, Belgium and Lithuania whilst artists have been chosen for The Netherlands, Spain and Montenegro. Despite less countries than last year, the song quality thus far looks to be quite intriguing and this could be a strong edition for the Eurovision Song Contest with Sweden surely organising it to the best ability and letting it known that whoever did not want to participate would have missed out on a great opportunity. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news as soon as it becomes available.

Source: Eurovision.tv