Drastic changes have taken place in the way Malta will be selecting their next Eurovision Song Contest participant for Moscow as it was announced back in September. Horace Joseph Anastasi, President of the Union for Maltese composers, authors, artists etc. (U.K.A.M.), has spoken to partner site Escmalta.com on the latest developments on the still on-going procedure.

Fifty six is the final number of songs which will be competing for a ticket toMalta's national final, as revealed exclusively to partner site escmalta.com, by Mr Anastasi. All of them will, for the first time, be released in a triple CD compilation so that they are promoted to the Maltese public.

In a long meeting, held last Friday, U.K.A.M. also pleaded with PBS that in case one singer submits two songs which both qualify, then the second one should not be dropped as originally stated in the Eurosong rules. PBS, though, remained adamant in their initial position that although a singer may submit up to two songs, only one of them will proceed. "It is true that U.K.A.M. stressed and stressed on this issue, but, at this point in time, for the benefit of all those participating in this traditional festival it felt wiser to let go. U.K.A.M. is to cater for all its members. Surely, that many others prefer one singer, one song, for they stand a better chance." Mr Anastasi stated.

You can read more on the new Maltese selection format here.