The Maltese National Selection kicks off on November 21, and the semi-finalists are busy perfecting their performances. Twenty artists want the golden ticket for Vienna, and in the weeks ahead our Austrian correspondent Patrick Melbler will be catching up with ALL of them. This time he talks with Malta’s 2011 Eurovision contestant Glen Vella, who is singing the song “Breakaway”.
Congratulations for making the national final in Malta again! How does it feel to be back?
Thank you! Aaaaah……it feels amazing.
Can you tell us a bit about your life now?
I work as a learning support assistant, which involves working with persons with disability within mainstream schools. Besides that, music is my passion. I am a vocal tutor at VocalBooth Studios and actively involved in the prominent Maltese Gospel choir Animae, of which I am a founder member.
This time you’ll participate with the song “Breakaway”. What’s the story behind it and who are the composers?
The song was written by Kevin Borg and Simon Gribbe. It’s a very catchy tune. The style is upbeat and makes you feel good. Certainly you can dance along to it.
You already participated for Malta in 2011 in Düsseldorf. How was that? Will that help you this year?
It was an amazing positive experience I will never forget. Knowing certain things from beforehand would definitely make things a million times easier.
How did you feel after having a great song and still not making the final? Why have you decided to try again?
I was extremely disappointed, especially when you bear in mind that we missed out on the final by just one point, but sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. I firmly believe that you have to keep on striving to achieve your goals and hope that one day things will go your way.
How did your family, friends and fans react with the result when you arrived home?
Regardless of the result, everyone continued to show their support and loyalty. In fact returning back from Eurovision was the highlight of it all. Didn’t expect the arrivals at the airport flooded with fans showing their support, was so emotional.
What is unique about you and your song?
I believe that everyone is unique and special in his own way. I’ve been told that I am bubbly, friendly and with genuine enthusiasm.
What would it mean to you to represent your country again at the 
Eurovision Song Contest?
I would be ecstatic to represent Malta in this fantastic event again. The Eurovision Song Contest has always been a very important part of my life and following my bittersweet experience of 2011 I have dreamed of doing it again.
Did you hear the other songs of the Maltese Selection? Who is your favourite and who could be your biggest competitor?
There are so many other good songs in this year’s competition that it would be unfair to choose one!
Do you have a special message for you fans and readers of wiwibloggs?
You guys are all amazing and I’m so thankful for each and every one of you! Your support and love means a lot to me! I hope you like my song and that I am able to repay your loyal support with a great performance.
Thank you for taking your time for this interview, Glen. Good luck to you and maybe you will breakaway from Malta on a flight to Vienna!
Thank you so much!
Do you think Glen Vella should represent Malta once again? Leave your comments below!
Picture Source: PBS Malta, Paul Camilleri
Glen definitely has a better song this time around than he did in 2011, but the competition is also stronger in the national final this year.
He showed he could sing very well live; at least the jury certainly thought so three years ago. That’ll likely be his advantage over a lot of other contestants going into the national final.