The Maltese broadcaster, PBS, has announced the 20 finalists that will compete in the 2014 Maltese Eurovision national selection. Maltese viewers tuned in to watch the announcement which was aired on the popular Maltese television show Xarabank.
Atmosphere during programme was quite tense and the artists waited anxiously as they waited to hear their song play. These are the lucky 20 artists along with their respective song (in alphabetical order) that made it through:
Amber – Because I have you
Andreana – Now and forever
Chris Grech – Oblivion
Christabelle – Lovetricity
Corazon – Ten
Daniel Testa – One last ride
Davinia – Brand new day
Debbie Stivala – Pin the middle
Deborah C – Until we meet again
Fabrizio Faniello – Just no place like home
Firelight – Coming home
Franklin – Love will take me home
Jessika – Hypnotica
Miriam Christine – Safe
Pamela – Take me
Raquel Galdes – Invisible
Romina Mamo – Addictive
Ryan Paul Abela – City lady
Sophie – Let the sunshine in
Wayne William – Some kind of wonderful
From this list we can see a mix of debuting, returning and recurring artists. Fabrizio Faniello (2001, 2006) and Miriam Christine (1996) decided to try to represent the country for another time, whilst Daniel Testa and Sophie will be trying their luck after representing Malta at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
Artists that already have experience in the festival are: Amber, Chris Grech, Corazon, Davinia, Deborah C, Franklin, Jessika, Sophie, Pamela, Romina Mamo and Wayne William; whilst Christabelle, Daniel Testa, Debbie Stivala, Firelight, Raquel Galdes and Ryan Paul Abela will be taking part in the contest for the first time.
PBS will now record a music video for each and every song to be used as promotion throughout the 2 months of preparation ahead, which will be released some time next month.
A total of 20 songs will competete in the semi-final on 7 February, the top 14 will then proceed to the grand final which is scheduled to be held on 8 February.
Malta participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 26 times and is yet to win the event. Stay tuned to esctoday.com for more information about Malta and the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest.