X Factor Malta continued into its second week of Judges Auditions. It’s a long way until we find out who will win the series and represent Malta in Tel Aviv, but until then, let’s look at the latest lot of auditions. And discover just which auditioning act is a relative of one of the judges.
The judging back was back behind their long desk, with music manager Howard Keith Debono, rock legend Ray Mercieca, singer-songwriter Alexandra Alden and Malta’s Eurovision queen, Ira Losco ready for Malta’s talent.
This week’s auditions had another familiar face from the Malta Eurovision Song Contest. Rock singer Chris Grech has competed at MESC number of times, including in 2015 where he placed fourth with “Closed Doors”. But he mixed it up in his X Factor audition with Rihanna’s “Stay”. The judges weren’t all that impressed with his audition, but Malta being Malta, they were all more than familiar with what he was capable of. His reputation ensured Chris was put through to Boot Camp.
Another auditioning act, Elishia Semaan, may be a familiar face to Australian viewers. The Maltese-Australian singer featured on the 2016 episode of The X Factor Australia as part of the girl group Beatz. The trio placed fifth in the same year that Isaiah Firebrace won. But can solo Elishia do better in her mother’s birth country?
She auditioned with The Jackon 5’s “Who’s Lovin’ You”. The judges were impressed with both Elishia’s vocals and her bubbly energy. They each gave Elishia a yes — including judge Ray who revealed that he and Elishia’s mum were cousins (“Her grandmother is my dad’s sister”). Elishia is off to Bootcamp.
Another singer to make a big impact in his audition was Luke Chappell. He showed up looking like a nervous schoolboy. But once he opened his mouth — and sung his own composition “Losing Faith in Humanity” — the judges were moved by his rich, soulful voice and plaintive lyrics. Luke received four hugs and four yeses and is off to Bootcamp.
Also auditioning was 16-year-old Kaylie Magri. She performed Lesley Gore’s classic empowerment anthem “You Don’t Own Me” and delivered it with both strength and fragility. The judges admired her accomplishment and gave her four yeses to Bootcamp.
Joining the above four at Bootcamp will be Nadine Fenech, Marley Grech, Kelsey Bellante, Maya Xuereb, Raisa Marie Micallef and Laura Bruno.
As well, several successful artists had their auditions shown on the daily five-minute X Factor Malta update shows this week. They were Ben Purplle, Kyle Cutajar, Owen Desira, Maria Vella, along with Dario Mifsud Bonnici and Lyndsey Pace who have both previously taken a stab at MESC.
What do you think? Is it time for some Maltese-Australian realness? Who should make it to the X Factor Malta live shows? Tell us your thoughts below!
Here in Malta who you knows, not who is the best unfortunately
This is actually looking pretty good! I dunno, Malta might actually be on to something this time.
Chris Grech YES.
If they don’t screw him over with the song choices, he could be the last one standing. He’s one of the few who deserves a shot, and has tried 3 times before.
I.m donia I want to participate in the dance and singing competition in Korea
aaaaa elishia!! beatz were such hot stuff on the x factor here in australia love those girls 🙂