Over the past three weeks, we’ve seen the Girls, Groups and Boys categories each battle it out at the Chair Challenge. And this week, it was finally the turn of the Overs category. The final thirteen 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 Alexandra Alden. The singer-songwriter could potentially be selecting the artist who will represent Malta at Eurovision 2020.
X Factor Malta Chair Challenge – Overs category
The first contestant to get a seat was Kersten Graham. He got the audience involved in his performance, clapping along to provide the percussion for his acoustic cover of the Elvis Presley classic “Suspicious Minds”. Kersten’s energetic persona and gravelly voice impressed the judges and got him a ticket to Judges Houses.
Next up, Paul Anthony performed an original song “Forests of White”. He told the judges that it was a journey into his childhood imagination. Paul’s prog ballad made the right impression on the judges. Judge Alex praised his songwriting ability and gave him a seat.
Chantal Catania delivered a take on Joss Stone’s “You Had Me”. Rocking a platinum blonde pixie cut, Chantal established herself as one of the strongest vocalists in the series. Judge Ray was especially impressed, as was the audience. Alex happily gave Chantal a seat.
She’s one of the more unconventional acts in the contest this year, but Celine Agius certainly made an impact. The gritty-voiced singer gave her take on Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black”. Ray observed, “You are the kind of person that everybody’s always going to remember”. Celine’s unique style earned her a place at Judges Houses.
Edward Abdilla delivered a mash-up of Imagine Dragons’ “Believer” and Twenty One Pilots’ “Stressed Out” on his ukulele. He spoke about his anxiety issues, but nailed his performance. Judge Alex said, “You have a very strong presence… even with such a tiny ukulele”. She gave Edward a chair.
Finally, rock chick Jozi took to the stage. She delivered a soulful take on Hozier’s “Take Me to Church”. After winning a sing-off against another contestant, Jozi took the final chair.
So, Celine Agius, Chantal Catania, Edward Abdilla, Jozi, Kersten Graham and Paul Anthony will be heading to Judges Houses in coming weeks.
But sadly, with those six Overs going through to Judges Houses, it meant that seven others missed out. Benjamin Attard, Derrick Schembri, Francesca Borg, Mark Morales, Matthew Vassallo, Michelle Ellul and Rhys Fiteni had their X Factor 2019 journey end — but there’s always next year.
Next week, the Girls and Boys categories will head to Judges Houses. There, category judges Ira Losco and Ray Mercieca will separately decide which three acts from their category will make it to the X Factor Malta live shows. And it’s at the live shows that the series winner will go on to represent Malta at Eurovision 2020.
What do you think? Which of the Overs should make the live shows? Would you like to see any of these acts represent Malta in Rotterdam? Tell us your thoughts below!
No no no no my soullll
While Destiny is big and experienced, she still seems… somewhat lost as an artist, while YT views and other performances are outdoing her at times. This is somewhat tight.
Giovani however, gives me liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiife.
We all know they will send Destiny at the end