Back in June, Malta revealed they would replace their seasoned national final (MESC) for X Factor to select their Eurovision entrant. The broadcast of the show will begin on Sunday October 7th.
Final date not known yet
With posts on X Factor Malta Instagram and Facebook pages, we know the show will begin on October 7th but we need to wait a little longer to know when we will know the winner. One thing we do know, however, is that whoever wins will also earn the right to represent the country at Eurovision 2019. Auditions began back in August and we may see some familiar faces in the line-up, including MESC 2017 runner-up Janice Mangion.
Eurovision Star in the Judging Panel
X Factor Malta will feature a 4 member jury panel which includes a Eurovision star and one of Malta’s most beloved artists Ira Losco. Ira participate at Eurovision twice, in 2002 when she came second, and in 2016 when she placed 12th. Besides her, the jury panel includes Howard Keith Debono, a music professional who also managed Ira, popular singer Ray Mercieca and Alexandra Alden a Netherlands-based Maltese artist.
Malta in the Euovision Song Contest
Malta made its Eurovision debut back in 1971 with Joe Grech and his entry ‘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 seven attempts. So far, Malta’s best result is second place, achieved twice by Ira Losco in 2002 and by Chiara in 2005. Recently, Malta has struggled to make the Eurovision final, failing to qualify in 3 of the past 4 attempts. In Lisbon, Christabelle Borg represented the island with her song “Taboo”. Despite finishing 5th with the juries she placed last with the televote, ending in 13th place.
Are you looking forward to X Factor Malta? Do you think they will be able to return to the grand final? Who would you like to see represent Malta in Israel?
Let us know in the comment section below or on all social media platforms @ESCXTRA.
