The Maltese national broadcaster, PBS, has tonight released the names of the 49 entries shortlisted for the upcoming Maltese national selection, Malta Eurovision Song Contest (MESC).

Back in October, MESC 2016 submissions opened where artists and composers were able to submit their entries for the Maltese national selection. Submissions were received from the 29 to the 30 October and over the following weeks since, a total of 49 acts have been shortlisted.

MESC 2016 shortlisted acts

• Aidan Cassar – Rule the world
• Amy Agius – Victory
• Andra Curmi (Dre) – Brave
• Brooke – Golden
• Chaya Fenech – Bare your soul
• Cherylis – Breathe
• Cherylis & Mikhail – Breaking point
• Christabelle Borg – Kingdom
• Corazon (Mizzi) – Falling glass
• Danica Muscat – Castle
• Danica Muscat – Frontline
• Daniel Testa – Under the sun
• Dario Mifsud Bonnici – I love you
• Deborah C – All around the world
• Domenique Azzopardi – Empty hearted
• Dominic – Fire burn
• Francesca Bonnano – 96
• Francesca Borg – Dancing in the rain
• Franklin Calleja – Flawless
• Franklin Calleja – I won’t surrender
• Franklin Calleja – Little love
• Iona – Fireworks
• Ira Losco – Chameleon (Invincible)
• Ira Losco – That’s why I love you
• Jasmine Abela – Alive
• Jean Claude Azzopardi – Exceptional
• Jessika – Can’t let go
• Jessika – Hush hush
• Jessika – The flame
• Joseph Portelli – Paper boats
• Julienne Liberto – Tell me what you wanna do
• Kaya – Without you
• Kelly Ann Mintoff – Fire burn
• Kimberley Cortis – Lighthouse
• Klinsmann Coleiro – Someday
• Kurt Cassar – Battle zone
• Kyle Mangani & Maxine Pace – Tonight
• Laurence Gray – You’re beautiful
• Lyndsay Pace – Beautiful
• Malcom – Your kiss
• Maxine Pace – Young love
• Nazjo Rotin – Gone
• Neville Refalo – Mi-mi-mind
• Panama Band–Simaria – Reaching
• Paul Cushieri – Go beyond the shore
• Q – Higher
• Raquel Galdes – Flashing lights
• Sarah Crystal – Right here with you
• Stefan Galea – Light up my life

A number of returning MESC acts have made the shortlist for the 2016 Maltese national selection, including some of last year’s Maltese finalists such as Christabelle, Franklin, Daniel Testa, Laurence Grey, Jessika and Deborah C. Also making the shortlist is Malta’s 2002 representative Ira Losco who, with her entry 7th wonder, finished in 2nd position in the host city of Tallinn, bringing Malta their joint-best results to date.

A total of 153 submissions were received for MESC 2016, 19 more than the previous year. The entries have since been decreased to 49 entries and will once again be narrowed down to a final total of 20. The final 20 acts will be revealed next week.

MESC 2016 will be made up of 2 live shows; a semi-final (phase 1) and a grand final (phase 2). The 20 selected acts will compete in the semi-final where a judging panel made up of 6 members as well as a televote will decide which 14 acts will move forward to the grand final of the selection. The MESC 2016 selection will take place at the end of January at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

MESC 2016 dates

• 22/01: Semi-final (20 semi-finalists, 14 qualifiers)
• 23/01: Grand final

Stay tuned to esctoday.com for the latest news on Malta, MESC 2016 and the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest