X Factor Malta reached the fifth and final episode of the judges’ auditions. In Sunday night’s show, more acts faced the judges, including a former national final star and more familiar acts from the first series. And one of those singers could end up being Malta’s representative in Rotterdam.
The last group of auditioning acts took their turn in front of the judges’ panel. Music manager Howard Keith Debono, rock legend Ray Mercieca, singer-songwriter Alexandra Alden and Malta’s Eurovision queen Ira Losco were ready to decide the final lot who would go through to Bootcamp.
Rhiannon Micallef may be familiar from her stint in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest in 2017 and 2018, where she placed 11th in both years. Rhiannon performed Whitney Houston’s interpretation of “I Will Always Love You”. While the song let Rhiannon show off her vocal power, the judges were critical of the song choice. But the judges were till impressed enough to put Rhiannon through to Bootcamp.
In the last series of the X Factor Malta, Karin Duff made it as far as Judges Houses before being eliminated. She was back for a second attempt, this time auditioning with an original song. Judge Ray was impressed, saying “It’s so wonderful to see how much you’ve grown.” Karin will have a second chance at Bootcamp.
Nedved Galea showed up to the auditions looking like he was about to bust out some R&B grooves. But he surprised the judges with a fierce performance of the Cranberries’ ’90s rock classic “Zombie”. Judge Ray enjoyed the performance so much he was air-drumming along. The judges liked Nedved’s original style and gave him a ticket to Bootcamp.
One of the stand-out auditions came from 15-year-old Ema Vella. The teen singer delivered a powerful, soul version of Etta James’ blues classic “I Would Rather Go Blind”. Ema promptly blew away the judges, who were very happy to send her through to Bootcamp.
The above acts will be joined at Bootcamp by Aaron Barbara, Brenda Debattista, Celine Agius, Chantal Catania, Derrick Schembri, Eliza Azzopardi, Gail Attard, Gilbert Gauci, Hayley Azzopardi, James Mifsud, Kylie Meilak, Lorisaane Refalo, Louisa Degabriele, Maryse Briffa, Michela Abdilla, Rhys Fiteni, Shannon McEvoy, Shirley Cachia and Yasmin Helledie. Some of the acts will be placed into groups at Bootcamp.
X Factor Malta continues next week with the first of the Bootcamp shows. There, the successful auditionees will face more rounds of singing and will need to prove to the judges they have what it takes to make it to the Chair Challenge. And, of course, one lucky act will go on to win the series and will represent Malta at Eurovision 2020.
What do you think? Who should make through Bootcamp? Would any of these singers be a good pick for Malta to take to Rotterdam? Tell us your thoughts below!
Love the possibility for a very talented person of color to represent Malta!