New developments emerged two days prior to Malta's Eurovision Song Contest national final. Since last Monday, the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (venue) hosted the competitors for the first rehearsals but the fourth day of rehearsals is characterised by controversy and tense atmosphere.

Some of the finalists that will compete in the Maltese national final went "on strike" and did notappear on stage for today's rehearsal that had to start at 10:00 CET.

This action came following disputed questions that arose with two acts that are in the national final. PBS had a long meeting last night and discussed the hot issues that are concerning the finalists.

esctoday.com contacted the Head of Maltese delegation, Joe Dimech who didn’t gave a conclusive answer and said that no decision has yet been taken upon the issues discussed in the meeting held last night.

The run through rehearsals were originally to end at 12:00 CET and at 14:00 CET the guests in the interval act are scheduled to go on stage for the first rehearsals. The special guests list includes Mary Spiteri, Chiara and Sirusho.

The Maltese national final will be contested by 20 finalists and one of them will represent Malta in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Oslo, Norway.

Update

The run through rehearsal that was scheduled forthis morning will commence at 18:30 CET. Meanwhile the events earlier revealed by esctoday.com were given a prominence and reported by the local media.