Malta: New version of “Dai Laga” released

Malta’s national selection is just over a week away and Aidan, the first to hit the stage, has released a new version of his entry ‘Dai Laga’. 

Backing track violated selection rules

The change from the previous version is probably the result of an investigation by the Maltese broadcaster (PBS) over the backing track used. In fact, it appears that the backing track of the original version of ‘Dai Laga’ was available on Youtube of 14 August 2016. Rules state that the song cannot be released before September 1st (in this case of 2017) to participate. Thus, in order to avoid disqualification, Aidan released a new version without the rule-breaking background track.
You can listen to the updated version of ‘Dai Laga’ below:

National final on February 3

Malta will select its representative for the big Eurovision stage on the 3rd of February, via a national selection (MESC). A total of 16 acts will compete for the ticket to Lisbon and they are:

1. Aidan – Dai Laga
2. Avenue Sky – We Can Run
3. Brooke Borg – Heart of Gold
4. Christabelle Borg – Taboo
5. Danica Muscat – One Step At A Time
6. Deborah C – Turn It Up
7. Eleanor Cassar – Back To Life
8. Jasmine Abela – Supernovas
9. Lawrence Gray – Love Renegade
10. Matthew Anthony – Call 2morrow
11. Mikhail Attard and Cherylis Camilleri – Breaking Point
12. Miriana Conte – Rocket
13. Petra – Evolution
14. Rhiannon Micallef – Beyond Blue Horizons
15. Richard & Joe Micallef – Song For Dad
16. Tiziana Calleja – First Time

Malta in the Euovision Song Contest 
Malta made its Eurovision debut back in 1971, represented by Joe Grech with ‘Marija-I-Maltija’, placing last. Since then, it participated in the contest a total of 30 times, failing to make it to the grand final on six attempts. So far, Malta’s best result is second place,  achieved twice by Ira Losco in 2002 and by Chiara in 2005. Last year, they were represented by Claudia Faniello and her entry “Breathlessly”. Despite giving an emotional performance, she failed to make it to the grandfinal, placing 16th with 55 points.