Malta – Michela

The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — continues to rate and review the 41 competing entries of Eurovision 2019. Next we head to Malta where X Factor winner Michela has “Chameleon”. Could we see where she was coming from? Read on to find out!

Michela with “Chameleon”

“Chameleon” reviews

Pablo: My first reaction was “Holy (expletive)! Is this really Malta? Malta?!” This song is incredible, not going to mince words. It feel like it’s the first time in a long while that the Maltese artist has a song both modern and age-appropriate. From a quirky and fun pop drop to a Margaret-style breakdown, “Chameleon” offers a lot of different flavours in little time, sometimes dissonant, but that’s its key charm for it never becomes boring. Combined with Michela’s known great live performances, all I can say is welcome back to the final, Malta.

Score: 9/10

Anthony: It was a mixed bag of results after years of MESC, but Malta has got off to a flyer with the country’s first ever X Factor winner. “Chameleon” screams out summer hit material. And although it’s becoming a fan favourite, my main concern for Michela is will the song have enough appeal to the casual viewers when it comes to televoting — Malta’s main Achilles heel in recent years.

Score: 8.5/10

Florian: Urban, bright, spectacular — the list goes on. Malta is not going safe by sending a calculated, expected entry to Eurovision. In fact, I really applaud the Maltese broadcaster for trying something that’s never been done at Eurovision before. While Ira Losco’s “Chameleon” didn’t make it as far, this time there could be a chameleon on top. And if the song wouldn’t be convincing enough, there’s still the extraordinary vocal delivery from Michela that makes this stand out.

Score: 8/10

Luis: Malta, this is so damn good! “Chameleon” has been stuck in my head since the very first time I heard it and (much like the rest of Eurovision fans) it made me spend all my phone data watching it on Youtube until it was available to stream. Michela may have been known as a balladeer, but here she is slaying a super fresh pop banger that has all the ingredients to storm the charts across Europe in 2019. This should easily be Malta’s best result since  Gianluca.

Score: 8.5/10

Robyn: This is the kind of entry Malta has been trying to send to Eurovision for so many years and finally they’ve got it right. Michela is a likeable young performer with a great voice. She’s been paired with a super cool song that shows off her talents and could easily be a chart hit outside of Eurovision. But best of all — the song lends itself to a vibrant and eccentric aesthetic which perfectly suits the interpretive dancers Malta loves to send. If anything can overcome Malta’s televote problem, it’s “Chameleon”.

Score: 9/10

Sebastian: What. A. Banger. And not only what a banger – but what a surprise from the little country that could. “Chameleon” proves that the young Michela can do just that – proving her typically rock and ballad voice can fit seamlessly into an electro pop track that would not sound out of place among the biggest female pop stars of today. While this is so radio friendly and so 2019, here’s hoping the magic of the colourful and vivacious video clip can be recreated on stage.

Score: 9/10

In the Wiwi Jury we have 29 jurors but only have room for six reviews. The remaining scores are below:

Angus: 9/10

Antony: 9/10

Antranig: 10/10

Barnabas: 2.5/10

Bernardo: 6.5/10

Calvin: 8.5/10

Chris: 8.5/10

Deban: 6.5/10

Essi: 7.5/10

Izhar: 7.5/10

Jack: 9.5/10

Jonathan: 8.5/10

Josh: 8/10

Julian: 9/10

Kristin: 7/10

Lucy: 9.5/10

Lukas: 8.5/10

Mikhail: 10/10

Oliver: 8/10

Renske: 7/10

Ron: 7.5/10

Tobias: 6.5/10

William: 7.5/10

We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 2.5 and a high of 10.

Wiwi Jury verdict: 8.2/10

What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!

See all our Eurovision 2019 reviews and rankings

83 Comments
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Colin
Colin
4 years ago

MALTA – For a country which usually heavily relies on the jury support, it’s a bold move bringing this slick banger with some Caribbean flavor. It’s a song about adapting in life and it will indeed require from Michela to adapt to this on stage. It’s a joyful, vibrant song and leaves a lot of potential for interesting staging. It has a nice flow with an unexpected drop. However, there is something that bugs me a bit. Maybe it’s because I feel this is somewhat a calculated song giving an impression it’s spontaneous. Still, not a bad strategy to attract… Read more »

Isabella
Isabella
4 years ago

Such a nice surprise to see Malta that high… I really think it is a very good song. People talk a lot about Cyprus, but I think it is because they are still willing to vote for Fuego :). Malta’s entry is a better one, in my opinion, and it follows Fuego’s footsteps as well. 9/10

Darrell
Darrell
4 years ago
Reply to  Isabella

Chameleon is way better than Fuego on different levels, the song, the rhythm, the video production, and of course Michela’s superb vocals. 10/10

willchrisiam
willchrisiam
4 years ago

I really like this song, but I just can’t play it on my IEMs. The production is great when it comes to the instruments and beat, but the vocals are so distracting. The vocals in “… away. Na na, walk away, na na” part have some silly effects put on them with echo that they sound like coming from a well to me. And during the drop they sound flat to me as if they are missing that reverb they inexplicably put on the aforementioned part. I know it’s a snobby thing, but it keeps me from listening a song… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

Haha, I wasn’t paid to write my comment about Malta’s song. I genuinely like it.

Hmm
Hmm
4 years ago

I don’t agree with you but I respect your opinion. Music is subjective after all.

It was clear that the Malta Eurovision Song Contest formula wasn’t working for Malta and the National Broadcaster wanted to try something different, and so far it seems to be having good results. Also, I think you are exaggerating when you said that this is the heaviest promotion for Eurovision lol…

I would expect positive feedbacks for this type of songs, especially from the younger generations. Malta isn’t 6th in the Eurovision Scoreboard app and 8th in betting odds without a reason.

It's me
It's me
4 years ago

Hey, Eurofans! Mark my words: PORTUGAL WILL WIN THIS YEAR… Btw, I’d like to share with you my website, since it has everything to do with music and other art creations, it’s https://www.silentiumproject.com/ ! This is not spam, okay? This is a new project that I’I’m a big part of called “Silentium Project” – our motto is “Feeling Expression through Art Creation”, so yeah, you’ll love it ? I’m always commenting here, and I want to share this new project that I’m a part of with this Community that I so much love… Please, if you could engage and give… Read more »

Kris
Kris
4 years ago
Reply to  It's me

Hey you ! Stone in my shoe

Nicky91
Nicky91
4 years ago

why do countries bother to send these sort of songs, it is way too outdated

and it stands no chance against us dutch anyway

Rogesc
Rogesc
4 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

I’m dutch as well and I looooveeee Chameleon. Hush for a moment and don’t be arrogant. Duncan still needs to deliver!

CookieNation
CookieNation
4 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

Outdated? Maybe you didn’t listen to the same song that’s being talked about? Malta is totally 2019, much more than the Dutch entry that I also like, but this is is a crap attitude, sorry.

Doris
Doris
4 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

If this is outdated I wonder what you think about Moldova, Croatia or Montenegro.

A18
A18
4 years ago

Guys this weekend Michela will perform Chameleon, on Saturday in Malta and on Sunday in Gozo (Malta’s sister island). I’ll try to upload both performances online.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago

I feel it’s getting a bit overrated because of how much better it is than what people were expecting from Malta (given past entries and their questionable selection process). It’s pretty mainstream and radio-friendly but I hate to keep asking the question, is it really Michela’s musical style? Can she perform this comfortably live?
If she can, then Malta have a chance of qualifying. If there are hiccups, then I don’t see a lot of viewers voting for this AND Switzerland in SF2.

Doris
Doris
4 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Of course she can. Would have they been stupid enough to choose that song if not ? They would have go for a safe secured ballad if not.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago
Reply to  Doris

Malta thought Breathlessly was a good idea. Don’t want to bring the word “stupid” into it but you know….

Sebss
Sebss
4 years ago

Agree or disagree.. I’m loving Malta this year. Don’t be suprised if it ends top 5.

CJ825_
CJ825_
4 years ago

I think this does appeal more to the younger generation, more than the older ones. The thing that’s unique that some people may or may not like about Chameleon, is the drop. You don’t always get a drop that becomes like a bit quiet than the usual afterwards. I’m mainly just worried about the staging. She needs to put on a sassy Eleni personality, but a bit less for this song. Malta needs to up their staging if they want to qualify to the final. The song is good, the staging is my concern.

Dan
Dan
4 years ago
Reply to  CJ825_

And she is working hard to do that. Ambra Succi and Front Pictures are taking care of the choreography and staging. She will not be attending any pre-parties to focus on her stage presence and delivery. And that is a wise choice to make! Am really supporting Malta this year!!

Stephanie
Stephanie
4 years ago

I’m sorry but i have to laugh if i see these points, my God…

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

Excellent. 🙂

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

10/10 for structure – this song has clearly defined aims, with deliberate shifts in harmony at specific points. This is a lot of fun to try playing on the piano, with all those rhythms and chord shifts. My favourite moment is obviously that ‘Post’ moment (“Chame – Chameleon” – some call it a ‘Drop’ but it says ‘Post’ on the lyrical sheet), where at the end of the Chorus we hold on a dominant A-Flat major chord, but then shift to a surprise F major chord before resolving back to the B-flat minor key we had during the first verse.… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

It’s always a pleasure to read your explanations, Mask. 🙂 Even more when you put in words what I like about a song but don’t know how to describe it. This entry may not be as artistical as my other favorites this year, but it’s the kind of smart mainstream music I want to see in Eurovision.

Yens
Yens
4 years ago

Money, money, money from Malta to Wiwi???

Kris
Kris
4 years ago
Reply to  Yens

I did hear rumors that some delegation with a decent song actually is paying Eurovision bloggers and vloggers money to hype their entry!!

Kris
Kris
4 years ago
Reply to  Kris

Ukraine of course……………

The second vlogger said the song was good in his reaction video to the controversy. I’m not implying it was Malta cause the song is too good anyway to deserve such random theatrics……

I just brought it up cause the person mentioned money on a blog.

Hmm
Hmm
4 years ago
Reply to  Yens

The financial power of one of the smallest European countries buying everyone and everything. With all these conspiracy theories Malta is going to end up buying the entire European Union.

/Sarcasm

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
4 years ago

Yeah no everyone please welcome my fave of the year! Michela has an amazing voice and this song could perfectly fit on a Dua Lipa album. This is not a typical pop song for me, the drop is very distinctive and I honestly don’t think we have seen this type of structure in a song at Eurovision yet. And to finish it all she brings the best music video of the year with INCREDIBLE visuals. I really hope Malta keeps on selecting internally, this and 2016 were amazing. Let’s pray Michela serves this live, but Malta does know staging so… Read more »

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

hmm, even tho i’m a minority i’m gonna say this isn’t what i expected from her as her music taste n x factor performances suggested she’d rather go more the indie/electronic route. instead, we got an extremely generic milanov/persson production that, like literally every of their songs, sounds like it’s stuck in 2016. michela issa great vocalist n this song doesn’t highlight her qualities. i wish her the best but i’m not vibin with this

Kris
Kris
4 years ago

Sony Music Italy say what!!
This is probably the only time we’ve disagreed so far !

Rimig
Rimig
4 years ago

I can understand that people like it, but it’s not really my thing. I like the pre-chorus quite a lot, but not that much the verses, chorus and bridge. Her voice is nice, with than Sia-like crack, but she uses it a bit too often so it completely ends up loosing its impact. I do think that It could end higher in my final list and I also think Malta will qualify, but for now it is just my number 24, with a 5.5/10.

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
4 years ago

MALTA: Fresh, a genre-mix like a “Chameleon”, playing with colours in the lyrics, modern, brilliantly composed, great voice. This is the way Malta has to go! My score: 8.5/10. My place: 9/41.

Laura Wilson
Laura Wilson
4 years ago
Reply to  ESCFan2009

Malta you have an amazing song this year. So fresh and original. You deserve to win. I wish UK would come up with a song as good as Chameleon. My Number 1 winner this year – will definitely vote for you

ESC LOU
ESC LOU
4 years ago

Love this entry and I have seen a lot of people saying this is overrated I disagree it’s a great song and I feel it deserves all the positive comments it gets! Hopefully Michela will be great live! 10/10

Jake
Jake
4 years ago

I am shocked at how loved this entry is by eurofans…maybe its generational and it appeals more to the under-30 set. I find the drop in the song quiet off-putting. We know she can sing but haven’t seen her really do this kind of music…I wonder how it will come off on screen. Clearly Malta wants to win. They hired successful music producers for the track and successful stagers for the show. This could be a winning formula. But next to the more easy on the ears Cyprus and Switzerland, this song is almost too cool to get into. Staging… Read more »

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago

Nice Song, but kind of overrated by the fandom.
6.5/10

Meliris
Meliris
4 years ago

She sounds too much like an overexcited teenager, I don’t like the way she sings. The song itself is a little more creative than those other “bops” and less predictibale, thats why i prefer it slightly over replay and she got me, but still just 5/10 for me.

Serafina
Serafina
4 years ago

No T but I’m laughing at that 2.5 that was removed

Malta
Malta
4 years ago

I think Barnabas has a hearing problemmm

Héctor
Héctor
4 years ago

I’ve gotta admit I was hating on Malta for chosing Michela because I thought they would bring us another dreadful ballad, I was wrong. Getting into it… the structure may be traditional, but the introduction of different melodies in each part makes it more original without sounding cut&paste for that. The prechorus is extremely catchy. The chorus could be a let down for some, but it is really well-brought, cause it is unexpected and it keeps you wondering when it is going to brake and it is very pleasant when it finally breaks at the end. Like it. Three things… Read more »

Shanfa Chai
Shanfa Chai
4 years ago

My most played song of ESC 2019!

Can’t wait to hear the live version of “Chameleon” tomorrow.

dutchie
dutchie
4 years ago

When the chorus starts, I can only think of Culture Club.

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago

“Chameleon” proves it’s possible to follow trends and come with a song that’s not just easy to sell but also worthy of praise. It flows with ease, smartly connecting its dots. The quirky intro, the teasing drop, the caribbean bridge, all leading to a very satisfying climax. The lyrics are simple, but follow a logic and suit someone as young as Michela. I love her tone and the cracks in her voice. The question mark here is if she has the attitude and charisma to make it shine. Taking its vibrant video as inspiration for staging should be mandatory. 9/10

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Yeyy. 🙂

Scandi
Scandi
4 years ago

KEiiNO just released a studio version of their cover of «Shallow»! It’s really cool, and also everyone should check out the Spirit in the Sky vs Cupcakke remix: «V*gina in the Sky» LOL

Alexander
Alexander
4 years ago

This is the first time I’m agreeing with an average score of over 8 this year. This song just doesn’t get old and hooked me in on the first listen.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago
Reply to  Alexander

Aye. Same tempo as Cyprus, but the music and lyrical wordplay are far more unique, enough to make my top 10.

Edu
Edu
4 years ago

One of the best entries this year, and she has an amazing voice. Really hope it won’t be underrated. Deserves at least a top 5 or 3 in the Grand Final. Cannot wait for the perfo!

Benji
Benji
4 years ago

I agree this song is overrated…….My score for Malta is 2.8.

eVnIk
eVnIk
4 years ago

It’s good but overrated, a Jury ranking 8.2? no.

Edu
Edu
4 years ago
Reply to  eVnIk

Overrated!? For me is being UNDERRATED as f…

Scandi
Scandi
4 years ago
Reply to  Edu

But in which way is it being underrated…?

Nicolas
Nicolas
4 years ago
Reply to  Scandi

Not even top 10 on OGAE polls, I didn”t see not many fan tops where it’s top 5. Only 8/9 on betting odds

KYLLITO
KYLLITO
4 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

2018 Austria was 14th in OGAE final standings but 3rd in ESC final. This could happen to Malta in 2019

eVnIk
eVnIk
4 years ago
Reply to  Edu

Well I mean it’s overrated for the Jury points Wiwi gave to Malta. It’s not among the 5 best songs this year and it’s obviously NOT underrated.

Kredential
Kredential
4 years ago

I like this, but the drop is too overproduced for me to love it. The pre chorus and final refrain are killer good however – sometimes less is more!!

Helene
Helene
4 years ago

No the song is Swedish written by Joacim Persson. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joacim_Persson

Helene
Helene
4 years ago
Reply to  Helene

From what I see 100 % joacim Persson. There is no Bulgarian.

Meliris
Meliris
4 years ago
Reply to  Helene

… written and composed by Joacim Persson, Paula Winger, Borislav Milanov and Johan Alkanas… Milanov is the bulgarian in question.

Helene
Helene
4 years ago
Reply to  Meliris

Ok I didnt see that but the main composers are Swedish.

Ivar
Ivar
4 years ago

The best Maltese entry in many years! At the moment this song is in my top 5, after Italy, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia.

John
John
4 years ago
Reply to  Ivar

Walk On Water better than that for sure at least Ira can sing live.

Kris
Kris
4 years ago
Reply to  Ivar

I don‘t know you, but I love you! Haha Got the same Top 5 😉

Ivar
Ivar
4 years ago
Reply to  Kris

Haha! Now, that’s called good taste 😉

Kuhkatz
Kuhkatz
4 years ago

I dont get it and probably wont ever get it.
8.2 is imo way to high for this

Nna
Nna
4 years ago

It’s awesome entry, the best bop among all these wannabe bops. Let’s see if Michela live performance will meet expectations.

John
John
4 years ago

8.2 seriously? Malta and Spain most overrated countries for this year they won’t be in the top 10 you will see. I think this year Sweden and Slovenia so underestimated.

La Signora
La Signora
4 years ago

Very very strong contestant, proud of our cutie tiny Malta 🙂 9/10

Tidge
Tidge
4 years ago

If Michela can perform this as well as she does in the music video and the staging is done well (good team at least) then I could see this easily coming top 4

Kris
Kris
4 years ago

I love this song tbh! Thanks is by far the most played song from ESC 2019 by me and this sounds really fresh . I really hope that the staging will be fresh and colorful and pop on the screen as the video does. A 9/10.
The running order isn’t the best but it’s surrounded by songs I think that don’t have many fans . Half a point added. Malta doesn’t get televote support but the song will . Another point added . This should go through 100%

Darren
Darren
4 years ago

It’s a catchy bop. Definitely radio friendly and it will have mass appeal. However I cannot help that there is something quite generic and missing from it. But I suspect a good result for Malta this year. Definite qualification atleast. Currently my number 8. 6.5/10.

Nicolas
Nicolas
4 years ago

Wow nice score that leaves now seeing who are left to be reviewed a top 5 guaranteed for Malta on the Wiwi Juries this year.
And hopefully we will get tomorrow the first live performance of Chameleon with the concert of Michela in Malta.

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

Well, if we get to hear her live *tomorrow* I just might wait till then to post my review. (Not sure, maybe I will, maybe I won’t). Spoiler: I do like it, but also need a bit of a push on the emotional side. I hope her live is really good. Honestly, I feel like she’s the only teen performer who can actually make a big splash this year. Roko and Zena are great on stage, but with such lackluster songs, D Mol are cute, but their song is not good and their coordination needs work, Bilal’s voice and song… Read more »

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

It wasn’t my intention to sound rude. I do think Eliot is an adorable guy and his song is decent too. I just think that he hasn’t shown self-confidence on stage thus far, which drags down the whole impression. I hope he surprises us with his elevated performance in the semi.

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I agree with you, Mr. Vanilla Bean. I appreciate *honest* opinions. I actually upvoted a lot of comments / reviews completely different from my own for being well written / elaborated / honest. I am very suspicious towards critics who only quote charts and polls. It’s important to be respectful towards *people* behind the entries, but one has the right to totally annihilate any song in a review. Otherwise, what are reviews for?

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

My criticism of you was that you shouldn’t describe lyrics as gibberish, especially if those lyrics mean a lot to people, because you are effectively then describing someone’s emotional reaction to a song,, which is mean. By all means voice an opinion, state the lyrics are gibberish TO YOU, but I was affronted by your statements that they were gibberish full stop and that anyone who thought otherwise did not understand English or understand feelings.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

Hmmm. Evidently pieces of this conversation thread are now missing. On the one hand, yes I agree that reviewers should make it clear that they are expressing their own opinions and are not delivering judgements on other’s work. On the other hand, the “Jury” posts on this website have always allowed opinions to be frank and never be justified for many years, until relatively recently. I admire that some people would like to bring politeness back to this blog, but it’s somewhat less likely to happen on a jury post. To put it another way: “Perhaps snowflakes should stay away… Read more »

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Trust me, I am not a snowflake. Reviews are personal interpretations. The ones that are most respected are from those that have the most skills/experience/talent for the particular subject at hand. Unfortunately, there are some people on here who think they know it all, and spout statements out like it is the truth, or they are some sort of God that knows better than anyone else. And the worst ones are the people pretending like they are some sort of super-reviewer when in fact they have zero reason to be respected! Peace out!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

The whole point about a fun open review process is that one can express an opinion and not have to be qualified or respected. Wiwibloggs has always had this process with its “jury” and its comments section – it is for FUN. Some of us have qualifications, others don’t – this should make no difference, at least until the blog decides to change its approach. I hope that clears things up.

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Let’s keep it FUN then!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

It is for me (minus this year’s sponsor). I hope it is fun for you and everyone else too. 🙂

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago

Oh yes. In a year full of bops this is THE bop. “Chameleon” feels catchy, fun, current, fresh and radio-friendly, with a little Caribbean twist. Like yeah, it’s a top 100 chart song done right, and it’s not trying to be anything more. I feel really positive about Malta’s chances this year – Michela obviously can sing, music video teases a great stage show, juries are gonna eat this up and I don’t see any reason why viewers wouldn’t either. I think it all comes down to Michela’s stage personality – is it gonna be Belgium 2017, which worked for… Read more »

All Wei
All Wei
4 years ago

a 8.2 out of 10 is an extremely high score. I do admit the song and the vid are very catchy and attractive. Only in whole the preparty ESC circus, we havent seen her doing a live performance of this song!! So for me its a wait and see how they will do it. All the best to Malta