It’s now time for the 24 remaining acts in X Factor Malta to head to the Judges Houses round. There, the six acts in each category will do their best to impress their category judge and become one of the three acts who will make it to the live shows. This week, the Girls and Boys categories met their fate.
Judges Houses – Girls category
First was the Girls category. Judge Ira Losco was joined by The X Factor UK 2015 winner Louisa Johnson. Each of the six remaining acts performed one last time, attempting to win over the two judges. In the end Ira had made up her mind and selected the three acts who will be heading to the live shows.
The first act to be confirmed came as no surprise. Malta’s Junior Eurovision champion Destiny Chukunyere gave a poolside performance of the James Brown’s soul classic “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World”. It’s a genre that Destiny is extremely comfortable with, but as Ira commented, Destiny needs to be taken outside of her comfort zone.
Next to get a ticket to the live shows was Jasmine Abela. She will be familiar to Eurovision fans for participating in the 2018 Maltese national final, where she placed eighth with “Supernovas”. For Ira and Louisa, Jasmine performed Jessie J’s “Price Tag”. The judges were impressed by the performance and Jasmine earned a place in the lives.
The final place in the Girls category went to Justine Shorfid. She performed Beyonce’s stripped-down version of “Crazy In Love”, showing off her mature and expressive vocal talent. The judges praised Justine’s captivating stage presence — something we’ll see more of in coming weeks.
With those three heading to the live shows, sadly it meant that three others had their X Factor Malta journey end. Missing out were Gail Attard, Karin Duff and Marija Bellia.
Judges Houses – Boys category
Next it was time for the Boys category to find their fate. Judge Ray Mercieca was joined by another UK X Factor star — Amelia Lily, who placed third on the 2011 series. The six acts performed for the pair, with Ray then deciding the three who would make it to the live shows.
The first act to get good news was Dav. Jr. He performed his own song, an emotional love ballad. Dav. Jr accompanied himself on guitar and impressed the judges with his heartfelt performance. Judge Ray gave Dav a place in the live shows.
Next was Karl Schembri, who never fails to surprise with his high countertenor vocal range. Karl performed Andrea Bocelli’s iconic “Con te partirò”. He brought Amelia Lily to tears and she had nothing but praise. Karl earned the next place in the live shows.
And finally, Kyle Cutajar earned the last place in the Boys category. He made it to Judges Houses last year as part of the boyband Systm 12, but his performance of Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” impressed the judges this year. Kyle is heading to the live shows.
And of course, with those three heading to the live shows, we had to say goodbye to Giovanni, Jurgen Volkov and Matt Blxck. But we suspect this won’t be the last time we’ll be hearing from these young talents.
Next week it will be the turn of the Overs and Groups categories to find out which contestants will be rounding out the final 12 of the live shows.
What do you think? Could any of these acts win X Factor Malta and get the ticket to Rotterdam? Tell us your thoughts below!
Why is this listed under Albania?
Only Destiny Chukunyere could bring Malta back to the winning road – holy lord …..her vocals are stunning (and she improved since she won the Junior Eurovision). Give her a good song and she will elevate it into a banger. For me it is clear – Destiny for Eurovision 2020 !
It’s obvious they’re gonna pick Destiny to represent them, like….d’ooooh!
What a line up !! Still hoping for a group to represent Malta in ESC2020
None of them will survive the televoting unfortunately. Any X Factor winner isn’t Eurovision worthy. X Factor Winners should be signed with music companies not Eurovision ????
I strongly disagree. Michela got Malta back in the finals.
I agree with you Efraim. Unfortunately I’m one of those Maltese who build high expectations before Eurovision and then I finish up dissappointed. Moreover yes Michela brought us back in the finals and although we can’t achieve best results each year, X Factor fits us perfectly to be at least in the finals.
Lol let’s send a group to get destroyed after their Eurovision result
I think Ema Vella’s group will be the perfect pick!