Malta has placed in the top five at Eurovision on five separate occasions, and according to some experts, it’s the most successful country that hasn’t yet won.
But even a talented island like Malta has to deal with folks who think they can sing when, in fact, they cannot. I took the time to analyze and evaluate the 24 finalists competing in Malta’s national selection and I’m now pretty sure of three things.
1. There are some songs that could do really well at Eurovision and make the final.
2. There are some songs that are really bad. Honestly.
3. Most of the contestants need a makeover.
Let’s take some time to see who’s on top—and who will flop.
Great Songs
Jessika with “Ultraviolet”
This chick can sing. Her entire vibe is interesting. “Ultraviolet” is a pop/rock song that really stands out. Unlike so many of the ballads in Malta, it’s not sickly sweet. I can imagine her singing for a billion people and delivering a really good show. I also love her look (though she should change that dress). This song was written by the brilliant duo of Philip Vella and Gerard James Borg, and it was composed by the winning composer of “Euphoria” Thomas G:son. With a team like that, how could she go wrong?
Melanie Zammit with “Loverdose”
We have a couple of dance numbers in this selection, but this is the only song that could compete at Eurovision and do something decent. Melanie is pure dynamite and I want that song on my iPod now. After “Euphoria”, it’s obvious that every dance/electronic song will be compared with that winning song, but I feel that “Loverdose” can actually earn a favourable comparison.
Kevin Borg with “Needing You”
At first I wasn’t very sure about this, but after a bit of thought I think this would be a safe choice. It’s the type of song that could easily make the final, though it wouldn’t be a strong contender for the Grand Prix. Kevin have a beautiful voice, but this song has a very Ronan Keating, One Direction, teenage girl feeling. Kevin is famous in Sweden, and across the Internet Swedes are already supporting him. Here’s one piece of advice for him: Get some sleep! He looks tired on screen…
Decent Songs
Danica Muscat with “Fantasy”
Nice chorus. The other parts of the song are too slow, but it’s better than her number from last year. Her ouffit is too much. Leave the leather to the Romanians, sister…
Dorothy Bezzina with “Starting from the End”
This is great, great, great, and Dorothy is an amazing singer. But she doesn’t look like a potential Eurovision artist. I’m sorry honey, but you need to ditch your housewife look, because this song is pure fire. It’s sad that the look, the dress, and the hair don’t match the song.
Richard Edward with “Fall Like Rome”
It’s a beautiful ballad, but he doesn’t seem to be that versatile. He’s been singing this type of song in Maltese national selections for years. He hasn’t won, so he should take a hint and mix it up.
Deborah C with “Love-o-Holic”
This is a fun song. I like the chorus, and the fact that she asks for a “love injection.” Nasty, girl! But the song lacks a bit in terms of quality and depth. The jury wont help this one.
Ylenia Vella with “Tides of Illusion”
It’s great at some points and flat and boring at other points. I need consistency, so I’m not very sure about this one. It’s got a great beat though!
No No Songs
Amber with “In Control”
It doesn’t sound like a Eurovision song, and compared to her entry from last year, this is not that good. She isn’t in control.
Janice Debattista with “Perfect Day”
If this is a perfect day, then I’d hate to see a bad one. This is overly sweet. Her makeup is too “Rupaul’s Drag Race”.
Franklin Calleja with “Let Your Heart Talk”
This is like “Love is Blind” from 2012. It’s too dramatic and it’s totally forgettable.
Claudia Faniello with “When It’s Time”
It’s obvious that she’s desperate to do Eurovision. Sadly this is her worst entry by far. Last year’s “Pure” was an amazing song that should have won. But I don’t like this one.
The Maltese selection takes place on February 2nd. Be sure to vote for your favorite contestants in our poll before then!
Mr Häggkvist is a Panama-based correspondent for wiwibloggs
amber’s song shouldn’t be on the no no list! It’s one of the best songs and it should qualify for the final 🙂 Goo Amber <33
worst critics so far claudia ‘s song is the perfect song she MUST WIN 🙂
How on earth chris grech didn’t even get a mention with never walk away…. imo its between him and kevin.
Yes, Petra’s song is forgettable, I didn’t even vote for it myself — and so far, no-one else has either. But I feel the same about Jessika’s’s song, even though it is superficially catchier. I simply prefer Petra’s style, as you say, and wanted to put in a good word for her bid. Gianluca’s song also held some interest for me, but it suffers in a couple of ways. First, it’s a gentle song that can’t be ramped up without losing it’s character. Second, a lot of it’s appeal rests in the lyrics which require fluent (not just functional) English… Read more »
Welll, it’s all about preferences… i think Raquela’s song is kinda boring comparing it with Melanie’s & Petra is really Forgettable, i don’t find anything special abour her song.
On the other hand Gianluca is kinda sweet but his song really reminds me of Colbie Caillat, Bruno Mars & Jason Mraz, so it sounds like something i’ve heard before and it doesn’t have the WOW factor we’re looking for a Winning song!
I think the song by Gianluca Bezzina outshines the competition. When I heard the first line of the song for the first time, I thought “Oh, this is going to be trite” but it confounds ones low expectations and becomes a real grower within the space of the first listen. Gianluca is a real cutie too and comes across as genuine and lovable. The song will be different to anything else in Eurovision and could stand out positively as a result.
I agree on “Loverdose”; Melanie nails it. As an aside though, I don’t believe most people would consider it the same genre as “Euphoria” these days; House has many rooms. But of course, it might make journalistic sense to compare them. I’m not so sure about “Ultraviolet.” Nothing about it holds my interest yet. On the other hand, Petra with “No One’s Home” is on my watchlist as one who could bring the blues with a bit of work. 🙂 Right now, my pick from the girls is Raquela with “Keep Believing.” A a a a, a a a a… Read more »
I think I’m rooting for Richard Edwards, Dorothy Bezzina, and Gianluca Bezzina. I was impressed with Dorothy’s song from last year, and I’m equally impressed this year. Richard has a pretty song and I love the opening. The ending needs some work. Gianluca has that baby face so I think he could get a lot of the teenage girl votes and I do like the song- it’s catchy and bubbly. I wouldn’t mind Klinsmann going to Eurovision but his song is nowhere as good as last year.