The best time of the year for us in the Eurovision world is just around the corner. However, that doesn’t stop our Throwback series from happening! Last week, Natalie took us to Italy and today we travel a little south and head to Malta!
A singing doctor and a top 10….
This year, Malta is in my personal top 10 (actually it is my fourth place) for the first time since 2013. So, for this Malta-themed throwback, I chose to focus specifically on the last time the gorgeous Mediterranean Island featured in my top 10. We go back to Malmö, when then 23 year old singing doctor Gianluca Bezzina gave an uplifting performance of his song “Tomorrow”.
…the first (and to date last) top 10 of the 2010s
After placing second with the iconic Chiara in 2005, Malta struggled to ride the wave of success and finished dead last the following year and then failed to make the final in 2007 and 2008. Chiara returned in 2009 bringing Malta back to the final but ultimately finished 22nd. The next three participations saw two additional missed qualifications and an underwhelming 21st place in 2012. However, their fortunes changed with Gianluca who finished the night in 8th place with 120 points following an uplifting and charming performance.
A fun and extremely smiley but (to me) not cringy performance
I actually quite enjoyed “This is the night” in 2012 so I was quite hopeful that Malta would send something as good. Gianluca went well beyond that. Although the initial parts of the song remind me a tad too much of Jason Mraz’s “I am sure” (one of my housemates at the time used to play that song ON REPEAT so maybe I was feeling it everywhere) I absolutely cannot keep still whenever I listen to it. Besides, I have a huge smile in my face the whole time. The kind of vibe I get from simply listening to the song is a walk in the park on a sunny spring day. I swear I thought that before I even watched the music video. Therefore, I was thrilled to see that the music video did just that and that they even attempted to recreate it a bit with the bench at the end of the song in Malmö. I was also amazed at Gianluca’s performing skills as he really managed to engage the audience (that “oh-oh” at the beginning!) and his voice is truly special. Besides, how can we possibly not talk about his infectious smile and positive attitude? I can understand why some people may find it overly sweet (I am usually one of those people too) but to me it always stays in the pleasant zone. Lastly, the lyrics tell of a nice yet complicated story, which speaks directly to me. Although I feel both like Jeremy and the mysterious “she”, there are time where I am too scared to take that leap and go for new challenges. So yes, this song has it all for me.
Oh and one more thing, last time Malta was in my top 10 they finished the show in top 10, so may I hope that Michela also gets (a deserved) a top 10 placing?
What the others had to say:
Nick
I thoroughly enjoy happiness. It’s what makes this a better world. However, sometimes sweet and happy makes your teeth hurt desperately and I fear that’s the case for Tomorrow. Malta used to pick quite serious songs. Ballads with a message, stuff like My Dream and What If We. However, in 2013 Malta decided to smile it all up with Gianluca. I applaud his enthusiasm, but I often cannot stomach it.
Tom R
When a song makes me smile and tap my foot I know it’s a good song and that is exactly what this song makes me do. I can’t stop smiling infectiously all the way through this song and it just makes me want to get up and quickstep across the floor. Malta are definitely one of my favourite countries in Eurovision and this just adds to the list of Maltese entries I love. And another great thing is Gianluca is so cute and performs the song with so much happy energy! Love this song so much! A well deserved top 10 for this song.
Tim
I love how bubbly of a character Gianluca is, its so infectious that his personality shows on his Eurovision entry. Tomorrow shows so much optimism and its something I can relate to personally and it’s something we can use in the world today. Overall, his hard work and enthusiasm has paid off and his result in Malmö is deserved. I really hope he comes back and brings us another catchy tune.
Dominik
I love songs that put you in a good mood like right away. “Tomorrow” is definitely a song that is doing this. Moreover, he’s very charming during his performance but also appears kinda shy. I think it was very easy because of his personality to connect with the audience and made his performance stand out even more. The good position is totally deserved. Fun fact: When I was on vacation in Malta two years ago I sang this song during karaoke night in the hotel. So much fun! You should try this 😀
And what do YOU think about Malta’s 2013 song? Do you think it deserved a top 10 finish? Will Malta be able to replicate Gianluca’s success this year?
Let us know if the comment section below or on all social media platforms @ESCXTRA.
