It took her 11 attempts to win Malta’s national selection and the right to represent Valetta on the Eurovision stage.

And now Claudia Faniello is set to fly the flag for the island nation in Kyiv with her power ballad “Breathlessly“, which she’ll perform fourth during Semi-Final 2 on May 11.

At Eurovision every vote counts and Malta as a nation without immediate neighbours knows that more than most. To drum up support for her track Claudia has hit the promo trail in recent weeks, clocking up the air miles as she criss-crossed Europe performing “Breathlessly” for crowds of Eurofans.

And the now the Maltese beauty’s attention has fallen on the land of fire – Azerbaijan – which could be a canny decision as the two nations have frequently swapped points at the Grand Final.

Speaking to local media outlet News.Az, Claudia had kind words for Azerbaijan’s Eurovision 2017 act Dihaj, who’ll perform her track “Skeletons” at Semi-Final 1 on May 9.

CLAUDIA FANIELLO ON DIHAJ:

“I absolutely loved the song and video. I’m looking forward to her performance in Kyiv.”

She also had strong praise for Dihaj has an artist: “She’s a great vocalist and has such a contemporary sound.”

The land of fire itself also got a few compliments thrown its way. Claudia called Azerbaijan “beautiful”, noting its vast culture and underlined her desire to visit the country in the future. Despite appreciation of the culture, she did admit that most of her exposure to Azerbaijani music comes through watching Eurovision.

Once the niceties were over, Malta’s Eurovision 2017 act turned her attention back to the task at hand: Winning support for “Breathlessly” and ensuring her song makes it through to the Grand Final on Saturday night.

Appealing to Azerbaijani Eurovision fans she said she hopes fans will vote for her song and thanked them for their past support of Maltese Eurovision acts. Ira Losco, Firelight, Gianluca, Kurt Calleja and Glen Valla all received points from Azerbaijan.

Malta will perform fourth in Semi-Final 2 on May 11. 

GET MORE MALTA NEWS HERE

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Colin
Colin
6 years ago

I always love to see artists supporting each other. If I were in the jury, I’d vote both Dihaj and Claudia to the finals.

Also, on a similar note, I really like how Brooke Borg supported Claudia by a You Tube comment on her official video. That’s called being nice and professional. 😉

fikri
fikri
6 years ago

lol that’s random af. dihaj is undeniably great tho.

Cathal
Cathal
6 years ago

Contacting their alli€s I see. Get those envelops sent over immediately, time is running out!

Paul D.
Paul D.
6 years ago

We all know Malta and Azerbaijan bribe the jury votes, no wonder why Malta won the jury vote in the semi-final last year (like wtf??)

MMs
MMs
6 years ago

I am Maltese and I adore Skeletons. It is not something related to rigged. I guess Maltese people love their entries. You should all grow up. Also, this year I am 100% sure Malta will be giving their points to Italy. It is a song that is well played on the radios 🙂

whatever
whatever
6 years ago

If Malta want to pass the semis so badly, maybe they should have actually chosen a good song instead of licking Azerbaijan’s ass for votes.

Dervast
Dervast
6 years ago

Didn’t know that Ceca (Serbian Turbo-Folk queen) is representing Malta this year 😀

Ron
Ron
6 years ago

LOL. She will probably receive a present from the sultan of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev for praising his country.

SILA
SILA
6 years ago
Reply to  Ron

Care of about your joke sarkisyan brainwashed armenian idiot

Ay Jo
Ay Jo
6 years ago

Btw, Elnur has released a new song. Lyrics belongs to Dihaj, while composer is the co-writer of Dihaj`s “I break again” song Isfar. (They are friends)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGeCNe_aCw0

Marc
Marc
6 years ago

Malta is just a joke XD

A country that could be strong for itself, and it has to be an ass kisser of Azerbaijan and Armenia to get some points XD.
(They don’t have enough with corrupting juries)

Kylie
Kylie
6 years ago

Let’s expect maltas 12p going to Azerbaijan once again.

jorgequi
jorgequi
6 years ago
Reply to  Kylie

They are not even in the same semifinals and Azerbaijan might actually struggle to qualify this year.

Hersi
Hersi
6 years ago
Reply to  jorgequi

Struggle to qualify ? Azerbaijan is one of the likely winners ….

Ron
Ron
6 years ago
Reply to  Hersi

No it’s not. It’s a strong entry, but it’s nowhere near to be the favorite to win.