Photo: TVM

Malta is wasting no time in choosing their act for Eurovision 2024. The country is the first to begin its selection for Malmö, with semi-final 1 of Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2024 taking place on Friday evening.

Out of the 36 competing acts, nine shared their songs during semi-final 1. This took place during Maltese TV show XOW.

Voting opened after all nine acts performed, but the results won’t be revealed until after all four semi-finals have taken place. In total, 12 acts will progress to the grand final in January 2024.

Whilst we wait to see what the Maltese public decide, we’ve added a poll below so you can let us know who stood out for you in semi-final 1 of MESC 2024.

MESC 2024 semi-final 1 acts

  • Kurt Calleja – “Misunderstood”
  • Sarah Bonnici – “Loop”
  • Gail – “Wild Card”
  • Mark Anthony Bartolo – “Condition Or Friction”
  • Eliana Gomez Blanco – “There’s Only Flowers”
  • OXYGYN – “Cloudmaker”
  • Nathan – “Ghost”
  • Lyndsay – “Fire Proof”
  • Dominic Cini – “Bewsa”
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Eurovision Song Malta (@eurovision_malta)

Poll: Who had the best song in semi-final 1 of Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2024?

You can vote for as many acts as you want, but you can only vote once.

Who was your favourite? Which acts from semi-final 1 do you think will make it to the grand final? Share all your thoughts in the comments below.

70 Comments
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Rinjoo
Rinjoo
1 year ago

I really hope they would send Bewsa, if semi final 3 wont have some superb songs (probably not). Loop was not anything special, another generic female pop-dance song that somehow makes Eurovision fans go bongers. Bewsa would be more interesting to see in Eurovision, catchy more “folk” song and not in English (has there even ever been Maltese song in Eurovision before?). It could be next year’s Soarele ?i Luna if Malta somehow stages it well. Loop would be buried under all the other more or less generic female pop-dance songs as there is definitely going to be many again… Read more »

Esclover
Esclover
1 year ago
Reply to  Rinjoo

And if I may ask… ‘Bewsa’ won’t be buried
under all the other more or less generic male pop-dance songs????? LOOP has
potential and deserves to be at the Final!!

Etienne
Etienne
1 year ago

Thanks for the positive feedback for our song BEWSA. You support is much appreciated!

Antananarivo
Antananarivo
1 year ago
Reply to  Etienne

You´re welcome !

William
William
1 year ago

Sarah Bonnici had the best song

Anita
Anita
1 year ago

Oxygyn!

Josianne Velka
Josianne Velka
1 year ago

Sarah Bonnici – my utmost favourite with her song Loop

Dom
Dom
1 year ago

Sarah Bonnici is a bit of a Poundshop Chanel but still the best by far

Dave
Dave
1 year ago

Oxygyn – Cloudmaker is the only one that gave me je ne sais quoi vibes. Kind of like Portugal’s Saudade.

It needs work, but it’s different and the performers memorable.

Iván el Conquistador
Iván el Conquistador
1 year ago

Rooting for Dominic. It’s the whole package: native language, radio friendly, silly but fun, potential to go vital on social media if the meme is suitable… What’s not to love?

Iván el Conquistador
Iván el Conquistador
1 year ago

Viral*
Not vital, stupid spellchecker.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago

I very much liked the returning acts and I think Bewsa could win the whole thing. Give us something in Maltese!

Sanne
Sanne
1 year ago

Nathan and Sarah Bonucci have by far the best efforts here, in my opinion. Sarah because her song is cool and fresh, and Nathan because he’s a really good singer with a solid song

David Camilleri
David Camilleri
1 year ago

Well done Sarah

Antananarivo
Antananarivo
1 year ago

Dominic ! I saw the full perfomance and he was really good.

Steven
Steven
1 year ago
Reply to  Antananarivo

Arabic Serhat wannabe?

Antananarivo
Antananarivo
1 year ago
Reply to  Steven

No, much better

Dominic
Dominic
1 year ago
Reply to  Steven

Serhat is super-charismatic and likable, but Dominic Cini can actually hold a pitch and key.

Steven
Steven
1 year ago
Reply to  Dominic

And dance like he should never be alowed on stage again haha People have to be realistic, he is not a good performer, not a great vocalist and those are facts.

Sylvana
Sylvana
1 year ago

Sarah Bonnici rocked that stage ? We need that type of energy to rank well!!

Steven
Steven
1 year ago
Reply to  Sylvana

Great voice and good energy. However, very dated song, even unfinished, without melody, totaly NQ material. With a revamp that would change this song drasticaly, she’d stand a chance at ESC.

Michael
Michael
1 year ago

Sarah Bonnici for sure! ?

Matt
Matt
1 year ago

I think OXYGYN had the least worst

Danielrutgfan
Danielrutgfan
1 year ago

Solid improvement from last year for Malta. Not so keen on the voices but Gail and Nathan have big potential. Dominic’s entry is somewhat radio friendly and might do very well this year. Would have loved to see Kurt Anthony Cassar in the list after such an impact in San Marino, hoping he will submit a song to Malta soon.

Marcescfan
Marcescfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Danielrutgfan

Rumor has it Kurt Anthony is automatically drawn to San Marino selection this time, No sign of anything on his socials but could be true. As to Malta I’m eagerly waiting for Ryan Hili. Does anyone know when he is on?

MALTESER
MALTESER
1 year ago

None of these songs would qualify from a televote only semi final ?

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago
Reply to  MALTESER

That depends on a revamp and the full staging. Several of these songs feel like they could be good with some musical changes. “Only Flowers” for example, feels like if you keep her vocal as is, but swap the current piano heavy backing for a rockier sound you could get a much more attention-grabbing song. Gail’s voice is beautiful, but the song is such a slow burn that some people will have left for a piss break before you get to really hear it. Some adjustments to the pacing could give it a chance. It’s not like televote only semis… Read more »

Go_A Stan
Go_A Stan
1 year ago

Dominic reminds me of Serhat in the best way that can be interpreted.

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
1 year ago
Reply to  Go_A Stan

he was in a duo last time around, for ”whatever wind may blow”

Dominic
Dominic
1 year ago

The first selection of 2024 is here! Happy NF season, everyone! I think that all things considering, this is a fine batch of songs by MESC standards. Eliana and Nathan have good ballads, and Dominic has a banger in Maltese. Eliana and Dominic upgraded from last year, while Nathan continues a good streak. Sarah Bonnici is another one who is much better than two years ago. She’s serving that type of “Slay Queen” energy. Oxygyn is interesting. I’m still making my mind up on it, but it certainly brings diversity. Gail’s ballad is dramatic, but I miss the memorable melody.… Read more »

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
1 year ago

Almost entirely bad but at least an interesting selection of songs in this semi (besides the truly woeful Fire Proof). An improvement from last year where most of the songs just sounded alike.

Bewsa and Cloudmaker are the two that have the most to offer the final, and Mark Anthony, Eliana and Nathan are all sincere and solid performers.

Amar pelos dois
Amar pelos dois
1 year ago

Dominic, Oxygyn and Eliana

Gav
Gav
1 year ago

Gail. What a voice. Quality. Stood out

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

I haven’t heard Oxygyn yet, but Sarah Bonnici is my pick. I’d probably send Gail, Eliana and Dominic through as well.

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago
Reply to  Zanoni

“Cloudmaker” is up on YouTube now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki58grmNuDk&ab_channel=ESCCarleigh

It’s definitely not an immediate hit, but it could grow on me.

Emory
Emory
1 year ago

My top: Dominic Cini – Bewsa (THIS IS IT, it’s in MALTESE, upbeat and catchy, and something so different than Malta has sent before! My clear favorite)

gail attard – wild card (VOCALS?? HELLO???? SLAYING SO HARD)

Eliana Gomez Blanco – There’s Only Flowers (beautiful ballad, good vocalsss!!!)

Haven’t found a video of Cloudmaker yet. Can’t wait to see it though! Promising final so far!

sarah
sarah
1 year ago

Sarah Bonnici

Marco
Marco
1 year ago

Sarah Bonnici my favourite!

Aly
Aly
1 year ago

Sarah Bonnici is my top for SF.

1.Sarah Bonnici
2.Oxygyn
3.Mark Anthony

Good luck for all,

XOOOOD
XOOOOD
1 year ago

Is there any studio versions available? I can’t listen to any live ones as I can’t do that without losing my sanity!! it’s giving me flashbacks to una voce per san marino

XOOOOD
XOOOOD
1 year ago
Reply to  XOOOOD

I’m on song 1 and in the first 10 seconds I paused 4 times.(Aaaahhhh)

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
1 year ago

Bewsa could qualify in tele only semi at Eurovision

Antananarivo
Antananarivo
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

I also see a lot of potential in this song and performance.

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
1 year ago

Bewsa is clearly standout of SF1, but Wild Card is also pretty.

Amar pelos dois
Amar pelos dois
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

I absolutely agree- Such a good with arabic style !

TerrESC
TerrESC
1 year ago

Is Mark Anthony a relative of Kurt Anthony Kassar from UVPSM? I can’t see resemblance. ?

MRK345YIJ
MRK345YIJ
1 year ago
Reply to  TerrESC

Nope. But we are friends. I am Mark Anthony.

UNA SPARKLE
UNA SPARKLE
1 year ago
Reply to  MRK345YIJ

National selections participants reading here? Aawwwwwww!!

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago
Reply to  UNA SPARKLE

Imagine he goes to Eurovision after this…

MRK345YIJ
MRK345YIJ
1 year ago
Reply to  UNA SPARKLE

Yes…. I’m a fan of wiwibloggs and a huge fan of Eurovision. 🙂 Much respect to all of you.

Jimbo
Jimbo
1 year ago

My personal top 3
1. OXYGYN (Bit different from Malta)
2. Eliana (Decent ballad and kind of remind me of Amber “Warrior)
3. Mark Anthony (Endearing song and nice vocals)

MRK345YIJ
MRK345YIJ
1 year ago
Reply to  Jimbo

Thanks for your compliment. Much appreciated. I’m Mark Anthony from MESC 2024.

Mikkel
Mikkel
1 year ago

What is your top 9? vote here: https://scorewiz.eu/rsvp/670408/PjRJHcPpy9S

Chris Malta
Chris Malta
1 year ago
Reply to  Mikkel

Well done for the initiative

UNA SPARKLE
UNA SPARKLE
1 year ago

My top 3:

1-2 Mark Anthony and Dominic
3 Gail

Good start for Malta!

Kudos to the broadcaster for this show with their first songs whereas there are broadcasters who don’t even confirm (publicly) their participation.

MRK345YIJ
MRK345YIJ
1 year ago
Reply to  UNA SPARKLE

Thanks for your wonderful compliment. Much appreciated. I’m Mark Anthony. Hope for the best.

UNA SPARKLE
UNA SPARKLE
1 year ago
Reply to  MRK345YIJ

If it’s really Mark Anthony then thanks very much. I love your song this year and wish you all the best!!

UNA SPARKLE
UNA SPARKLE
1 year ago

Dominic Cini with “Bewsa” – very enjoyable and it did save the night as it was uptempo and well delivered.

Roro31
Roro31
1 year ago

So, my top 4 from the SF1 are :

  • Oxygyn (of course, the best tonight !)
  • Dominic Cini (oriental sound a little I love it, fresh & in Maltese !!!)
  • Sarah Bonnici (fresh, modern)
  • Gail Attard (very good voice, charisma but song old)

The rest is not my cup of tea (Mark Anthony Bartolo song’s very cute but not my cup of tea). I hope for good songs from others contestants !

Mikkel
Mikkel
1 year ago

Here is my ratings for the songs. (from 1 to 5 stars)
1:2
2:4
3:3
4:4
5:2
6:4
7:5
8:5
9:5

UNA SPARKLE
UNA SPARKLE
1 year ago

Lazy Swedish songwriting. Third day leftovers.

XOOOOD
XOOOOD
1 year ago
Reply to  UNA SPARKLE

at least 4 have Swedish songwriters one of them has Tom Hugo from Norway, 2 were by Maltese, the rest are mixed writers. and the infamous twins Ylva/Linda on the most boring song out of them.

Roro31
Roro31
1 year ago

Oxygyn are the best, Gail has a good voice but the song very old, Sarah Bonnici is fresh and good but not very good. Yeah it’s Malta xd !

But Oxygyn are authentic I love it !

UNA SPARKLE
UNA SPARKLE
1 year ago

Mark Anthony with “Condition or Friction”. Well done!! I shall listen to this song again!!

Bert Davis
Bert Davis
1 year ago

does anyone know when ill be able to buy the 2024 my eurovision scoreboard year because i want to rate the mesc songs. also this is my first year using this app so im not just stupid

Felix
Felix
1 year ago
Reply to  Bert Davis

I think the creator is working on it, some people asked him/her on Instagram. When 2024 is shown in the app, you can purchase the 2024-fullyear

UNA SPARKLE
UNA SPARKLE
1 year ago

Gail with “Wild Card”!! I liked it!!

Matteo Debono
Matteo Debono
1 year ago

The voting will be opened today for 30 minutes, but just after the 9 songs will be performed.

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

Let’s go!

I’ll be happy with a decent song or two here. Perhaps Eliana, perhaps Oxygyn…

UNA SPARKLE
UNA SPARKLE
1 year ago

Yeeeeeessssss!! Malta, so exciting!!!!