Malta: Ira Losco confirmed as final judge on the X Factor Malta

by Jessica Weaver 1,198 views

The full line-up of Malta’s debut X Factor judging panel has been revealed! With the X Factor set to determine the country’s next act for the Eurovision Song Contest, one former participant has been confirmed as a judge on this year’s X Factor panel.

Earlier this year, the Maltese national broadcaster – TVM – confirmed that a brand new format would be introduced in order to determine the island’s next representative at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Eliminating the former Malta Eurovision Song Contest (MESC) selection process, TVM has opted to introduce the X Factor Malta to the country’s television screens, incorporating the Eurovision selection process into the debut screening of the competition.

Judging panel revealed

Over the past few days, TVM has been unveiling the 4 judging panel members set to appear in the upcoming first series of the X Factor Malta, all of whom have vast experience within the Maltese and international music industry. Check out the 4-member panel below!

The first announced judge was Howard Keith Debono who has had over 20 years in the music industry, having helped numerous artists with music publication, import and export platforms and licensing and dealing labels. It is expected that Debono will act like the Maltese Simon Cowell equivalent in the programme, with Debono being known for his honesty.

Ray Mercieca was the second judge to be confirmed. Mercieca is a local icon within the island, known as one of the country’s best performers and songwriters. Named as a Maltese musical inspiration, Mercieca is popular with both the older and younger generation in the country.

Judge number 3 was announced as Alexandra Alden, a multi-talented singer-songwriters and musician, currently residing in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Alden has had two number 1 singles in the country, with her second album being released under an international label.

The final confirmed judge of the first X Factor Malta season was Ira Losco, known to Eurovision fans as a two-time representative for the country. Losco is perhaps one of, if not the biggest, Maltese artist within the music industry. Losco’s music career spans over 15 year, with the artist having received over 20 music awards and released 7 studio albums throughout her career.

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Hosted by Ben Camille, the X Factor Malta is set to kick off later this year in October, with the winning artist earning the right to represent Malta at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Auditions for the contest will begin tomorrow, with final preparations underway ahead of tomorrow’s recording.