The Malta Eurovision Song Contest kicks off on November 21, and the semi-finalists are busy perfecting their performances. Twenty artists want the golden ticket for Vienna, and in the weeks ahead our Austrian correspondent Patrick Melbler will be catching up with ALL of them. Today he talks with Lawrence Gray, who is singing the song “The one that you love”.
Hi Lawrence! Congrats for making the Top 20 of the Maltese Selection for Eurovision. How does that feel?
First of all thank you so much Patrick for this interview! Well, it feels really great having been out of MESC for 2 years and being back again. It feels really good!
Your song is called “The one that you love”. Can you tell us the story behind it?
The song speaks about nothing but the pure and true love – it is the ultimate love story.
Can you tell us a bit about your life?
Well, my life cannot be happier now that I am a father of my beautiful son Liam. I have learned what it means to love someone else more than you love yourself. I am really blessed.
Your first appearance in MESC was in 1999 and you entered the show several times after that. Why did you decide to come back this year?
I decided to have this comeback because I am a person that never gives up first of all, because I really believe in my song that I wrote together will Elton Zarb. I love my country Malta and it will be a great honour to represent my country in the Eurovision Song Contest in Austria. It would be a dream-come-true for me!
You have won several awards all over the world. How did you get so popular internationally and what was the best moment in your career?
First of all thank you so much for this comment. It feels a bit too much for me being called popular. All I am is a normal person with a decent voice that works really hard for what he believes —that’s all. And the best moment in my career is yet still to come!
Who or what gives you the power to do Eurovision?
Well, true friends. Unfortunately you can count them on your fingers when you’re in showbiz — my family and my wife, Maronia, who helps me and supports me a lot.
What would it mean to you if you could represent your country in Eurovision and why?
If I will get the chance to be the winner, it will surely be a dream come true. I love my beloved country Malta and it will be a privilege and a great honour to represent Malta in the Eurovision. I nearly made it twice in 1999 and 2003. Now let’s just hope for the best this year.
What’s unique about you and your song compared to the other contestants?
In Malta they call me the man with the golden voice, a compliment that I love. Maybe that is what makes me unique. My voice and the song brings out the soul of a true living thing that is the MUSIC. It speaks about the power of true love!
Are you a Eurovision fan? Do you have an all time-favourite?
Yes, I am a really big fan of the Eurovision Song Contest. My all-time favourite is the song HOLD ME NOW of the great and very talented Mr. JOHNNY LOGAN.
Have you listened to the competition? Do you have any favourites?
Unfortunately I have not. But I can tell you that whoever gives his or her heart and soul on stage and manages to make the people feel all the emotions they need to feel on the night like I always do. That contestant will be my biggest competitor!
Do you have a special message for your fans and readers of wiwibloggs?
Always do whatever you makes happy. Because that is the true meaning of life, to love with all your heart! If you do that, you will be loved back and be happy. Take care of yourself and may God bless you!
Thank you for taking your time to chat. Good luck to you and maybe you win the Golden Ticket to Austria!
Thank you so much for this interview and for all your support. It was truly a pleasure! May god bless you!
Do you think Lawrence should represent the sunny island of Malta in May? Leave your comments below!
Picture Source: PBS Malta, Dominic Aquilina
Lawrence Gray has a very beautiful and moving song and with his stupendous and unique voice, it is pure magic. I get shivers down my spine each time I hear it.
I really wish that he wins the festival and be given the chance to represent Malta. He deserves this chance. Exceptional talent like his should not be wasted. I cannot understand how Malta has not yet chosen him to be its representive at Eurovision.
Lawrence Gray is certainly one of the best talents the island had to offer and would do well in Vienna.
I really hope Lawrence Gray wins this year. He has a really amazing and unique voice and always sings with great passion. Lawrence has a really beautiful and moving song this year, his best ever.
OF COURSE HE DESERVES TO WIN
This guy starts every year in the qualifying rounds in Malta, because someone has to. There are those who are improving from sample to sample, but he does not improve.