timesofmalta.com springs a surprise on Aussie singer

timesofmalta.com sprang a surprise on Maltese-Australian singer Natalie Gauci on her arrival for her first visit to Malta this afternoon.

Greeting her and her brother Michael at the airport was their father Ray, who was earlier brought over to Malta by timesofmalta.com, without their knowledge.

The 26-year-old winner of the Australian Idol contest was visibly surprised at the unexpected welcome as she emerged from the airport arrivals lounge, hugging and kissing her father. He emigrated in 1966 and was last here, for two days, in 1981 when on honeymoon.

Natalie is in Malta as the guest singer for the final night of the Malta Song for Europe festival tomorrow

She visited the festival venue - the MFCC in Ta’ Qali - immediately after her arrival and declared herself impressed by the stage. She also tried pastizzi at Rabat, saying they were the best she had ever eaten. Later tonight she will be the guest of the Australian High Commission for Australia Day festivities.

Tomorrow's performance will include a duet with double festival winner Chiara. They will be singing Angel, which propelled Chiara to the second place in the Eurovision Song Contest three years ago. “She is amazing!” was the first thing that Natalie said when she saw footage of Chiara singing Angel some time ago.