The Malta Eurovision Song Contest kicks off later tonight, and the semi-finalists are busy perfecting their performances. Twenty artists want the golden ticket for Vienna, and over the last few weeks our Austrian correspondent Patrick Melbler has been catching up with ALL of them. Today he talks with Christabelle, who is singing the song “Rush”.
Congratulations on making the top 20 in Malta. How do you feel?
I feel honoured to be part of the top 20 as it is an extremely prestigious festival that is followed by most households in our country and at the moment I feel prepared to rock that stage!
Your song is called “Rush”. Can you tell us the story behind it? Do you think it helps to have the chorus at the very beginning?
I think the song really starts on a high so it keeps the audience interested and wanting more. That was the whole point of putting a strong chorus at the beginning of the song. Matt and I were motivated to write this song from the present situation that we both are in or were in which is our extremely “RUSHED” life and LOVE.
Last year you tried your luck with the song “Lovetricity” and achieved a respectable 8th place. How did you find the experience and why did you decide to come back this year?
Last year was such a great experience as it was my first time and it really didn’t feel like it was a competition. The excitement started kicking in when I set foot on the stage as that is my home and that is the reason why I decided to come back this year.
Can you tell us a bit about your life? What’s changed since you became a MESC finalist?
Well I live a very hectic life. I am Jack of all trades as I try to do it all, being a University Masters student, a singer and also other things. I try to help others in life as I get pleasure from watching other people succeed and this surely helped me build a strong character. Being in this industry isn’t easy but you learn to stay positive and try to remove all the negativity from your life.
You tried to represent Malta in Junior Eurovision several times but sadly without any luck. Can you tell us a bit more about your junior experience?
Luck and not I believe that I always tried my best and gave my 100% BUT I believe that It wasn’t meant to be therefore I would have rather remained in the same position than going to represent Malta and get a bad result for my country.
You’re only 22, yet you’ve already won several awards. How did your career start and how did you become so popular?
I have worked hard for my career all my life. I have been singing since the tender age of 3 years old attending singing lessons regularly and also dancing to be able to gain confidence for my performances. I have met some great people along the way who have helped me develop my career. I have always made time for music in my life and met up with several different producers in Malta and also away from our island who have helped me pave my way into becoming the artist I am today.
Can you tell us a bit about the staging and your performance? Will it be as sassy as your song?
I will let the viewers watch the semi-final on Friday. I will not be spilling any “sassy” secrets.
What would it mean to you to represent Malta in Eurovision?
It would mean that all the hard work and effort I am putting into this year’s festival hasn’t gone to waste and it will prove to me that I do deserve this title as I am a very hard working person
What is unique about you and your song compared to the other contestants?
I believe that I have an extremely strong song. It gives you energy and I believe that it is one of the few songs that are able to do this.
Have you heard any of the other competing songs? Do you have any favourites? Who’s your biggest competitor?
I believe that I am my biggest competitor, as I have to make sure that my vocals and performance are on SPOT.
Do you have a special message for your fans and followers on wiwibloggs?
Hope you like my song Rush and if you do, vote for me!
Thanks for chatting with us. Good luck and maybe you can rush to Vienna.
Thank you very much Patrick!
Do you think Christabelle will wave the Maltese flag in May? Leave your comment below!
Picture Source: PBS Malta
It’s the best in the competition!