It has been a great start to what looks like an amazing week full of live music – the Beland Music Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion last night with the participation of local heartthrob Kevin Borg who serenaded the crowd with his magical voice and charisma. The Beland Music Festival this year moved from the Market Square to Bulebel and one can say that the move was a success, the festival got bigger and if today’s concert was anything to go by one can easily say it got even better.

Barber’s Cut, a new upcoming band led by Kelly Busuttil opened proceedings and got the crowd going; showing that they indeed have potential. The audience seemed to have enjoyed the relatively unknown band, who mixed it up playing some of the most popular hits. They were followed by the talented Glen Vella and Pamela, who entertained the crowd with a number of popular cover versions. As the time went on, the crowd got bigger and bigger, everyone awaiting the arrival of Kevin Borg and when he finally took the stage Kevin received a hero’s welcome in Bulebel.

He kicked off proceedings with his Swedish Idol Winner’s single With Every Bit of Me and continued with a mix of cover versions and songs from his own repertoire. He closed the first part of the concert with his Malta Eurovisision entry, Needing You, where he was accompanied by former Eurovision representative Glen Vella, Pamela, Josef Tabone and Janice Mangion. The second part of the show was as strong and the crowd cherished every moment with cheering, waving and singing at the top of their lungs to Kevin’s hits. Kevin was clearly moved and described the event as being even better than his Swedish Idol final as he had never expected so many people to attend the event in aid of Puttinu Cares.

Kevin encouraged the people to attend and donate to this genuine cause. Tonight’s music festival will feature Malta’s top female artist – Ira Losco is set to take the stage for her first Summer gig and her first gig after the launch of her album The Fire which proved to be a major success. She is expected to sing some of her latest songs along with a few numbers from her previous records, she will be supported by The New Victorians an up and coming band and also Planet Seed fronted by Klinsmann. For more details on what to expect during the Beland Music Festival you can visit the programme here or their official Facebook Page.

It is important to note that on Thursday, the organizers behind the Beland Music Festival saw it fit to organize a big screen in order to support Malta’s bid in the Eurovision Song Contest – so we encourage you to join with your family and friends, grab your Maltese flags and on Thursday go and watch the Second Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Bulebel as part of the Beland Music Festival. The atmosphere is expected to be electrifying as there is nothing more special than cheering for the Maltese representative together and creating a mini Eurovision atmosphere here in Malta.

Apart from enjoying the live music for a great cause, at the Beland Music Festival you can chill and relax, there’s a children’s area and a number of stalls where people can just sit there as the concert is ongoing. There is something for all the family and for all the music lovers it is something you surely can’t miss as apart from donating towards Puttinu Cares you would be also supporting the local talent who invest so much time and effort to deliver a great product. So make sure to visit the Beland Music Festival and donate something for a great cause. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news.

Source: escflashmalta.com

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

Kevin Borg, first runner-up at this years' edition of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest with the track Needing You which he co-wrote with Michael Clauss, Simon Gribbe, Thomas Thornholm and Danne Attlerud will be returning to his home country in order to give a major concert. This event set for the 10th May 2013 will be taking place in the locality of Żejtun and will be kicking off this years' edition of The Beland Music Festival in aid of Puttinu Cares. In recent years, this prestigious week long of activities has been receiving a lot of exposure and attention from both locals and foreigners. Entertainment is offered for the whole week free of charge with a number of volunteers going round and collecting donations for a just cause.

The Beginning, the debut album from Kevin Borg following his success in the talent show, Idol managed to climb to number #3 in the Swedish charts and that was the beginning of what has been a pretty positive career. Within the first studio album, there were a number of hit singles including With Every Bit of Me, Street Lights and The Last Words. In recent years, songwriting has become more concurrent for the performer and as matter of fact, has a publishing deal with Lionheart Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music in Sweden. He has been working with a number of artists including none other than Robin Stjernberg who will represent Sweden with the track You. Kevin has always kept Malta close to heart and despite finishing in second place at the end of January, has pledged to support Gianluca in the best possible way as he represents Malta in Sweden with his entry Tomorrow co-written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat.

escflashmalta.com is proud to support The Beland Music Festival for a third year running and for this simple reason, our aim is to give you a detailed look at who will be performing and when. As a matter of fact, more articles will be released in the coming days. On the 10th May, Kevin Borg will also be supported by former Eurovision Song Contest representative; Glen Vella and one his backing vocalists, in the form of Pamela. In the meantime, Maestro Paul Abela has been enlisted to conduct the band as each performer takes to the stage to perform in a live manner. The hosts for the evening will be none other than Ronald Briffa and Pauline Agius, both of whom have hosted several competitions in recent years. Stay tuned for all of the latest news as soon as it becomes available and do not forget to buy Needing You on iTunes to continue supporting Kevin Borg.

Source: The Beland Music Festival

Needing You, co-written by Danne Attlerud, Thomas Thornholm, Simon Gribbe, Kevin Borg and Simon Clauss with vocals provided by Kevin Borg was the first runner-up at this years' Malta Eurovision Song Contest hosted by Elaine Saliba and Gordon Bonello at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta' Qali. In the weeks leading up to the competition, the public had spoken positively about the entry especially considering the fact that Kevin who is relatively successful in Sweden returned to his home country to try and head to Malmo, to grave the stage of this years' international showcase. The single was officially released on iTunes early last week.

Many had expected Kevin Borg to perform well in this years' competition because he made it his aim to success on behalf of Malta and indeed, the public did award him with the maximum possible points, finishing ahead of Gianluca and his song Tomorrow before falling to second place following an extremely close jury vote which saw the upcoming artist heading to the Eurovision Song Contest where he will be competing in the first half of the second semi-final. The digital single of Needing You has performed relatively well on the local iTunes charts having managed to climb to number #1 for a couple of days before sliding back down to number #4 at the moment below the winning entry of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest. Listen to the mastered version just below as performed on Bingo Lotto on TV4 in Sweden. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news.

Source: Official Kevin Borg Facebook Page

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)

TVR, the broadcaster responsible for the Romanian participation at the Eurovision Song Contest has never managed to overcome the odds and triumph at the continental event with two top three finishing coming at the hands of Luminiţa Anghel & Sistem with the track Let Me Try in 2005 and Paula Seling & Ovi with the song Playling With Fire in 2010. Despite the high expectations last year, they could only manage twelfth place, which was the sixth best result for the nation. They have altered the selection process ever so slightly for 2013. 

Kevin Borg, the first runner-up of the 2013 Malta Eurovision Song Contest with the track Needing You co-written with Simon Gribbe, Thomas Thornholm, Dan Attlerud, and Michael Clauss has managed to enter the Romanian national selection as a songwriter and it is important to denote that only around six entries have foreign songwriters from the thirty two which have managed to qualify through to the semi-final stage of the competition. In a surprise announcement, the broadcaster named the thirty-two (32) entries that have managed to make it through to the semi-finals of the competition and the editorial board of escflashmalta.com was content to realise that Kevin Borg will be competing in the selection with a song which he co-wrote with his writing partner Simon Gribbe and Aidan O'Connor, the latter who had co-written Lost Without You by Jamie Tonna in 2011.

• The Best Thing In Life is to Love - Cristian Prăjescu (Rudichi)
• I Believe In Love - Diana Hetea (Gladnikoff / Sanchez / Ljunggren / Down / Kollerfors)
• Pour toi et Pour Moi - Phaser (Magda / Vidaicu / Lucian / Arnold / Carina / Radu / Corian)
• Seven - Narcis Lustin Lanău (Dan / Lanău)
• Hello - Tudor Turcu (Călin)
• All for Naught - 9 Gardens (Secheli / Shields)
• Confession - Natalia Barbu (Radu / Ana)
• Criminal Mind - FreeStay (Alexandru Mihai)
• Un Refren - Casa Presei (Basarebescu)
• Sukar Transylvania - The Zuralia Orchestra (Mirea)
• Buddy Buddy - Edict (Cataraga)
• Ma Ma He - Diana Matei (Matei / Alexandru)
• Unique - Luminița (Rafael Herrero)
• Broken Heart - Maximilian Munteaun (Petru Călinescu)
• We Are One - Letiția Moisescu (Alexandrescu / Sandu)
• Firebird - Tamara Sofi (Zoltan Pop)
• Wake Me Up - Georgiana Moraru (Bouroșu / Iacob)
• Final de Război - Cristina Haios (Maga / Haios)
• Your Heart is Telling Me So - Station 4 (Mihai Alexandru)
• Run Away With Me - Ovidiu Anton (Ovidiu)
• Storyline - Alin Văduva (Borg / Gribbe / Văduva / O'Connor)
• Feel the Same - Mosquito (Băruță)
• Emilia - Electric Fence (Lucian / David / Luminița / Eduard)
• One Heart - Brigitta & Mihai ft. Tips (Tudor / Szebenyi)
• I Feel So High - Claudiu Mirea (Alexandrescu / Mirea)
• Silver Lining - Spin & Cezar Dometi (Popescu)
• La Donna di Nero - Liviu Cătălin Mititelu (Mititelu)
• Dream Girl - Anthony (Marcus Frenell / Randquist / Sabzavari / Thiesen / Down)
• Paralyzed - Andrei Leonte (Eriksson / Andersson / Down)
• It's My Life - Cezar Florin Ouatu (Faur)
• Spinning - Elena Cîrstea Muttart (Faur / Muttart)
• What is Love - Renee Santana (Alexandru)

Apart from Kevin Borg who is making a surprise appearance as a songwriter, there are two former Eurovision Song Contest representatives who are seemingly trying their luck for the second time including Luminița Anghel who is presenting the track Unique written by the same songwriter behind the Spanish entry at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest, performed by Lucia Perez and Natalia Barbu who represented Moldova back at the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest who was afraid to submit the song in Moldova due to the new format which permits artists to perform the same song more than once. The official presentation of the songs will now be done on Monday, which was the original day in which the announcement of the semi-finalists was set to take place. Next week, both semi-finals will take place and will be duly covered by the editorial team of escflashmalta.com, so make sure to stay tuned.

Source: TVR

The Team of Radio International is back and following the visit to the Mediterranean Island of Malta in the past couple of weeks, invites 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 Eurovision fans can join in and chat amongst each other via the Chat Room and request their favourite Eurovision entry.

The main focus of the past week was surely the Malta Eurovision Song Contest, and the Team of Radio International had the opportunity to speak to the winner, Gianluca Bezzina who will be flying the flag for Malta in the second semi-final of the esteemed competition with the song Tomorrow co-written by Dean Muscat and Boris Cezek. Whilst attention is already being diverted off the selection, it is important to denote that we also had the opportunity to speak to Kevin Borg, who is thought to be one of the most pivotal figures in the local music industry and he came second with the song Needing You co-written with Simon Gribbe, Thomas Thornholm, Michael Clauss and Dan Attlerud. 

The interviews continues thoug because, a newcomer by the name of Davinia Pace finished in third place during the Malta Eurovision Song Contest iwth her song Betrayed composed by Elton Zarb and penned by Matthew Mercieca (Muxu). She has taken in this experience as a brilliant kick start to bigger and better things and considering that she has released material such as Feel Good Song and Sail Away in recent months, one would surely expect more in the near future. The final interview that will be aired this evening is with Liene Candy who is hoping to represent Latvia in 2013 with the song Higher and Higher. She has already been a backing vocalist for the nation before, in 2008 with Wolves of the Sea but would like to come out as the lead vocalist.

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 which will officially commence as of tomorrow, there will be new material played on the show by a number of former representatives. 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. The same applies with Dermot Manning who continues national finals and this week, he turns to Finland, Iceland and Norway. Follow the show through the official website and also send your requests through the contact link which is found on the aforementioned website.

Source: Emil Calleja Bayliss (image), Press Release

The Malta Eurovision has come to an end - a surprising one for the majority of the people for different reasons. The first congratulations has to go directly to PBS who took on board the comments by the public and ensured that the problems that hampered the performances in yesterday’s show where a thing of the past. The show was one of very high quality and for one of the few times, if not the first, that the winner was announced before the strokes of midnight. The show was thoroughly planned and the timing was well scheduled. The audience loved the opening act by DREAMS – the same act opened last year’s showcase and it was heavily criticized but the choice of songs and presentation left the desired effect as it was done professionally without any glitches whatsoever.

The presenters once again kept things light and although some might have criticized Gordon Bonello for his light hearted rhymes they were seen as cute and in most cases they were cleverly funny. Once again, it was up to Elaine Saliba to carry the heavy weight for tonight’s job and for the second consecutive night she did a job well done. The short interviews before each act were nicely planned and fitted the show whole heartily – although some singers could have done with better questions. The interval was possibly the best ever we have had in a long time. Gorg & Pawlu started off proceedings with their hit Hot & Famous, the Swiss representatives, Heilsarmee followed with their Eurovision entry and Kurt Calleja closed off proceedings with a medley of popular hits where he included some songs from his repertoire.

The results started off with the public opinion which saw Kevin Borg winning the full points from there, followed by Gianluca Bezzina who was clearly the second favourite behind Kevin – something which was also evident in the hall. Chris Grech followed in third place and his applause in the hall clearly indicated beforehand that he will do well with the public. From the comments on the web and the comments in the hall, these three names were seen as the main contenders for victory. Davinia Pace was surely the surprise of the evening as she finished in a distant third place collecting a number of high points from the jury which propelled the new comer to the competition up to a second runner-up finish after a very powerful performance filled with energy and dominance throughout.

The jury votes were very close to the public in terms of their votes in general; the only difference which proved to be a pivotal one in terms of the results was that the outright favourite with the jury was Gianluca who garnered the full points from all the jury with the exception of one judge who put him in second place. These were enough though to put him ahead of the rest of the pack with Kevin finishing a relatively close second but in May it will be Gianluca who will be flying the Maltese flag for Malta. The song was never the outright favourite but throughout the week it garnered popularity and was clearly seen as the entry that can cause the upset on the night. This became more evident during the semi-final night and things just got brighter for Gianluca from then on. 

The win was somewhat reminiscent of Thea Garrett’s win back in 2010 as this was Gianluca’s first time ever in the local competition. He is well known for being the front man of the band Funk Initiative and he has also performed with the choir Voices. Gianluca will become the third straight male singer to represent the country which is another first for our nation as past winners were dominated by females. One of Gianluca’s backing vocalists has already had a taste of Eurovision, as exactly ten years ago she was part of the winning team with Lynn Chircop’s ‘To Dream Again’ – perhaps someone should book her as their backing singer for 2023, you never know it might work. Gianluca’s entry ‘Tomorrow’ is receiving good feedback from abroad and his charisma will see him through this meaningful experience. 

Tomorrow has the feel good factor, so good that you get instantly hooked to its rhythm and find yourself humming along even thought you might not know the exact words. The entry can also be described as fresh with a positive outlook. The simple lyrics and the simple musical structure give the entry a great feel whilst Gianluca performs as he is narrating a dialogue and the whole act looks like it has been set up to perfection. Dean Muscat and Boris Cezek, the songwriters were the most successful team in this year's Malta Eurovision with three entries in the final and although they are new to the Eurovision scene they have experienced plenty of success on the local airwaves.The team from here onwards will start their hard work in order to ensure that Gianluca gets the best possible coverage in Europe and also by having a great performance in Malmo, Sweden. Hard work pays off and being a doctor by profession he knows that if he works hard things will eventually come as you shouldn’t leave things you have to do today for ‘Tomorrow’.

Source: 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)