Malta has never failed to qualify for the grand final more than two years in a row. And hoping to continue that trend is 18-year-old X Factor winner Michela Pace. Equipped with a versatile voice and the upbeat song Chameleon, she’ll hope to bring the colour and pizzazz over from her music video, which has already racked up well over a million views on YouTube. This young girl from the Mediterranean island carries big expectations: The bookies moved her into their Top 10 favourites shortly after her video dropped.

“Chameleon” was written by Borislav Milanov and Joacim Persson — names you’ll remember from fan favourite tracks “If Love Was a Crime”, “Beautiful Mess” and “Bones” — along with Paula Winger and Johan Alkaenas. It’s an incredibly polished song with deep, cutting bass and some lively hooks, all held together by Michela’s powerful voice. It’s a strong and colourful affair about being able to overcome adversity. Michela brings the right amount youthful spirit and a healthy dose female empowerment to the table. Given its universal themes and infectious quality, it will likely resonate with a pan-European audience.

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With just two days after release, #Chameleon is now on its way to reach the 500,000 views on Youtube and I am humbled and honoured with such a response. In moments like these I cannot not thank the wonderful people who made this video a great one! Sorry for the long post but I feel that these people and companies should be credited for their sterling work they do behind the scenes. Thank you @gordonbonello, @charlesahar and PBS for this video. I am amazed by your creativity! Thank you @petercarbonaro for styling me. You are the best! Thank you @dianenikolic and @micallefjustine from @make_up_factory and thank you Marielle and @lauranlynn from @privemalta – you make sure I do look at my best! Thank you @ted_baker and @hudson_malta for the clothes used during the shooting of this video. I loved wearing this brand and the unique styles it offers! Thank you @bershkacollection , @pullandbear, @oysho , @stradivarius and Big Bon Group for your patience and clothes given to me since day one of my journey. I am forever grateful. Thank you @flytheflyvintage for the accessories given for this video. Thank you @sonoho_showroom for the clothes you sent over. Thank you @charleskeithofficial and @retailinternationalgrp for the wonderful shoes. Thank you @herman_vassallo for the lovely yellow dress you created, it blended perfectly with the background :). Thank you Rodent Kingdom & Exotics for the reptiles seen in this video. Those were truly some unique creatures! Thank you @albertcamilleri , @jon.brincat and @justinmamo25 for these incredible photographs! Last but not least, THANK YOU for believing in me since day one, I will make sure that I will give it my all during this journey! [FULL BEHIND THE SCENES ALBUM ON MY OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE]

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What do the Chameleon lyrics mean?

Chameleons are reptiles known for changing colour according to their mood, and the theme of colour is very prominent here. The first verse is laden with colour metaphors: I’m bluer than the ocean, I’m golden like the rising sun and, I’m red with hot emotion”. The pre-chorus then takes the song to a place of empowerment. “And when they try to hold me down, inside a box I’ll find my way out,” she sings. That spirit of perseverance continues in the chorus where Michela expresses her doggedness and determination. “When life brings me trouble this I know, I never walk away na-na….We are technicolour watch us go, we never walk away na-na”.

It’s a lively and luscious mix, building to an infectious and catchy drop. Say it with me now: “Chama-chameleon!”

The post-chorus continues a strong theme of empowerment and adaptability, detailing all the adversities Michela will overcome and the opportunities she will seize. “Give me water I’m a swimmer, Give me fire I’m a fighter, Give me love I’ll be your lover”. True girl power. Combined with the tropical theme of the music video, it paints a brilliant picture. We all know Michela has strong stage presence, and with youthful energy on her side, this could make for an unforgettable extravaganza in Tel Aviv.

Michela – “Chameleon” lyrics

I’m bluer than the ocean
I’m golden like the rising sun and
I’m red with hot emotion

And when they try to hold me down
Inside a box I’ll find my way out
I’m keeping it in motion

When life brings me trouble, this I know
I never walk away na-na
Walk away na-na
We are technicolour, watch us go
We never walk away na-na
Just stay with me now

Chama-chameleon
Chama-chameleon
Chama-chameleon
Yeah la la la
Chama-chameleon
Chama-chameleon
Chama-chameleon
Yeah la la la

The grass is always greener
When you love me deeper darling
I can be your jungle

And when they try to hold me down
Inside a box, I’ll find my way out
I’m keeping it in motion, oh

When life brings me trouble this I know
I never walk away na-na
Walk away na-na
We are technicolour watch us go
We never walk away na-na
Just stay with me now

Chama-chameleon
Chama-chameleon
Chama-chameleon
Yeah la la la
Chama-chameleon
Chama-chameleon
Chama-chameleon
Yeah la la la

Give me water I’m a swimmer
Give me fire I’m a fighter
Give me love I’m your lover
Yeah la la la
Make me cry I’ll be a river
Take my heart I’ll be a giver
I can change like the weather
Yeah la la la

When life brings me trouble this I know
I never walk away na-na
Walk away na-na
We are technicolour watch us go
We never walk away na-na
I never walk away na-na

Give me water I’m a swimmer
Give me fire I’m a fighter
Give me love I’m your lover
Oh

When life brings me trouble this I know
I never walk away na-na
I never walk away na-na
Chama-chameleon
Yeah la la la

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Richard
Richard
5 years ago

Possibly it’s the vodka (see what I did there) but I totally love this song. Who knew that Malta could pump out such a sassy, credible tune. It really is surprisingly good, especially the build up to the chorus. I’m speechless.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

Bravo. Well done Malta. Hope to see you in the Grand Final.

esc stan
esc stan
5 years ago

Very catchy song! It’s currently at my 11th place overall
I’m shook Malta really surprised me this year 🙂

Henry
Henry
5 years ago

hehe, finally an article about Malta…

Nicky91
Nicky91
5 years ago

it’s a fun song, just am bit worried if staging isn’t going to be too junior eurovisionish

cause it has some potential i guess

KuhKatz
KuhKatz
5 years ago

Still dont get the hype for it..

Nicolas
Nicolas
5 years ago
Reply to  KuhKatz

There’s no really hype, only 8th on the odds for now despite being now the 2nd most watched video on the ESC Youtube channel (Armenia is out for the reasons we know)
The real hype, will start when we will hear Michela live after the preparties trust me.
While some entries are very overrated now like Sweden, Cyprus or Switzeland, Malta is for now very underrated.

Henry
Henry
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

That’s YOUR opinion Nicolas that the countries you mentioned are overrated, it’s not a fact, don’t pretend that what you say is the thruth because it’s not….

Nicolas
Nicolas
5 years ago
Reply to  Henry

See you for the lives and you will see who was over and underrated.

Blobby
Blobby
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

what happened with Armenia?

Nicolas
Nicolas
5 years ago
Reply to  Blobby

The views jumped almost 2 millions in less than 2 hours last sunday afternoon.

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

It’s such a fun and vibrant song. As Malta usually sends either ballads or serious art projects, this is a refreshment. The lyrics are very fitting to the melody – simple, relatable, catchy.

It will depend on Michaela’s likability and energy a lot, but I think she can do it. She seems quite enthusiastic. Funny how so many people are saying that this is a female version of Switzerland. I see it more as a female equivalent to Spain (party song), while Switzerland/Cyprus is the sexy duo.

We love Malta
We love Malta
5 years ago

Michela will take the glass microphone in the last moment
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