Last week the Groups category faced the X Factor Malta Chair Challenge, this week it was the Boys turn. Twelve survivors from the Bootcamp round faced the judges, but there were only six seats to take them through to the next round. Who got those six places? Let’s take a look!
While all four judges could comment on the performances, the decision in who gets a seat could only be made by category judge Ray Mercieca. The veteran rocker could potentially be selecting the artist who will represent Malta at Eurovision 2020.
First up was the extravagant Matt Blxck. He was an unsuccessful act in the first X Factor Malta series, but Eurovision fans may also remember him for his MESC 2018 entry “Call 2morrow”. Matt delivered a fierce rendition of Rihanna’s “Rude Boy”. The audience and judges loved his spirit and judge Ray happily gave Mr Blxck a seat.
Next Jurgen Volkov impressed the judges, both with his Queen medley and with his piano playing. The judges were full of praise, with category head Ray saying, “Your vocal is amazing”. Jurgen got a chair and a place at the Judges Houses round.
Another act to bring an instrument to the stage was Dav. Jr. He performed the Beatles’ “Blackbird”, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. His touching performance earned a standing ovation from both the judges and the audience. It also ensured that Dav. Jr had earned himself a seat.
Next up was the countertenor Karl Schembri. Like the Romanian Eurovision star Cezar Ouatu, Karl took his voice to soaring heights. His performance of Andrea Bocelli’s “Canto della Terra” impressed the audience and inspired judge Ray to exclaim that Karl had brought magic into the venue. Karl secured a seat and a ticket to Judges Houses.
Giovanni surprised everything with his attitude-laden cover of Ira Losco’s 2002 Eurovision song “7th Wonder”. He delivered the song with sultry hip hop beats and a country-inspired rap. The judges that while Giovanni wasn’t the strongest singer, he still brought creative, entertaining performances. That was enough to earn him a seat.
The final successful act was Kyle Cutajar. Last year he made it as far as the Judges Houses as part of the boy band Systm 12. This year, however, it was his time as a solo performer. Kyle brought a confident performance of Hozier’s “Take Me to Church”. “Kyle, you shine,” observed judge Ray as he gave Kyle the final seat for the Boys category.
So Dav. Jr, Giovanni, Jurgen Volkov, Karl Schembri, Kyle Cutajar and Matt Blxck will be heading to Judges Houses later in the month. There they will compete to see which three acts will make it to the live shows in the new year — where the series winner will go on to represent Malta at Eurovision 2020.
But sadly, with those six lads going through to Judges Houses, it meant that six others missed out. Cain Portelli, Dayle Camilleri, Jake Camilleri, Logan Borg, Nedved Galea and Noah Grech had their X Factor 2019 journey end — but there’s always next year.
Next week the Overs category will take their turn with the Chair Challenge to determine the final six acts who will be going to Judges Houses.
What do you think? Who will make it to the live shows? Could any of the Boys represent Malta at Eurovision 2020? Tell us your thoughts below!
I love ”Call 2morrow” but still i don’t think Matt is a strong vocalist.
Me too. In fact I liked that song better than the Eurovision songs from that year. It still gets a play these days in my house
the fact that some of these are gonna be the finalists is a clear indicator that x factor malta needs to end this year as is has nothing more to offer. the giovanni guy looks like a living meme and lil nas x impersonator, n matt black’s voice is made for sign language