Tonight, thousands of Maltese will be glued to the television set watching Eurovision hopefuls battling it out to represent Malta in May's contest in Moscow. The Times journalists - new kid on the block Christian Peregin and cynic Ariadne Massa, who has earned the dubious title of Eurovision correspondent - give their personal lowdown on this year's entries.

The Elements - Ha Hi Hu
Chris: This is a feel-good anthem with a quirky title - and it might just warm your heart. But it's not very 2009.
Ariadne: A bit childish. Good voices, unimaginative moves.

Kamikaze Lover - Baklava
Chris: Joseph Chetcuti's song sounds like a remix of Phantom of the Opera, and, strangely, the cryptic lyrics are spoken instead of sung - but maybe that's for the better. This is definitely the most original song.
Ariadne: Starts off sounding like something from The Phantom of the Opera. There's also a hint of Olivia's song to it. Joseph should stick to the violin, which he does extremely well. Dramatic music, which is brought to an anticlimax by the voice. He gives the look of a porn star about to lure you into bed.

J Anvil - Choose Your Number
Chris: You have to give it to him: he's developed a unique and unmistakeable trademark sound. But it's not his best song to date - so we'll probably see him again next year.
Ariadne: He does this genre of music very well but we've come to expect this from him - maybe he should have tried to surprise us. He's confident and charming.

Wayne Micallef - Where You Belong
Chris: Going against the Eurovision grain, Wayne's song is simple and effective, although it might miss that X factor.
Ariadne: Sweet, albeit soppy but can easily pull the heart strings of viewers.

Classic Rebels - Tonight At The Opera
Chris: It's a funky take on Britain's famous operatic boy band, Il Divo, and is bound to be popular with the older generation.
Ariadne: If I had to close my eyes at the opening of the song, I'd think I'm in Freedom Square listening to a carnival jingle. It picks up, and the voices work well, but for me, first looks (or first notes in this case) are what matters.

Vittorio & Dorothy - Promises
Chris: A charming, good-looking couple. Their voices gel well and their song is a pleasant and harmonic piece.
Ariadne: Two fresh-faced faces; sweet, but we've seen it before. Their rapport on stage reminds me of Ludwig and Julie. Their chemistry could filter through the waves.

Chiara - What If We
Chris: No matter how many times she winks, Chiara's song just isn't as strong as her previous ones. Despite her unmistakeable voice, electric stage persona and thousands of fans, this time her performance might need something extra to stand out.
Ariadne: This is a song that really optimises on Chiara's trademark voice. She returns mature and confident as ever. She looks good and I feel the tune and the mood really hits a core - could be a winner.

Rosman Pace - One Million Ways
Chris: He has an awkward smile and a strange dress sense but his voice is good and his song is solid.
Ariadne: I like the way this song starts and his voice does not falter. He's trying too hard to make this world a better place.

Q - Before You Walk Away
Chris: Five strong and particular voices make this a risky choice vocally but if they pull off the harmonies and put on a good show, it can do well.
Ariadne: These voices work very well together. Has potential. A good mix of experience and youth.

Kylie Coleiro - Let It Shine
Chris: She's Britney Spears before the untimely marriages, pregnancies and baldness. A sugary-sweet song, sung by a sugary-sweet girl.
Ariadne: For a moment I thought I was listening to Junior Eurovision - sweet and innocent. Will she be a match against Eurovision's divas?

Jamie Tonna - Where Was I?
Chris: Another newcomer with a versatile voice. His song is not remarkable but we'll definitely see more of him.
Ariadne: Am now halfway through and I've heard too many songs that are starting to sound the same. If it came earlier, I may have been a bit more moved.

Christine Barbara - Life Is An Opera
Chris: Although not the only operatic number, this is the most unpretentious and unadorned ditty of the ones in its category. The sweet and talented young singer might be overlooked though.
Ariadne: A voice that stands out from the rest. Not sure if it works on the Eurovision stage.

Eleanor Cassar - Someday
Chris: Eleanor gives Tina Turner a run for her money and interprets this 1980s rock ballad with a powerful performance. But it's slightly passé.
Ariadne: Good to have a song that's different from the rest. Eleanor is confident and has a powerful voice. This could go either way.

Raquela - Crossroads
Chris: With a fresh face and a voice as powerful as they come, Raquela might be this year's underdog. However, the song will probably need time to grow on you.
Ariadne: Sweet smile, strong voice... but the tune is far from memorable.

Miriam Christine - Mama
Chris: This song is a tribute to Miriam's adoptive mother who saved her from a hard life in Brazil. It's sung very much from the heart but lacks a Eurovision twist.
Ariadne: Miriam Christine returns to the stage with touching lyrics, although the accent is a bit bumpy at times.

Georgina and Ruth Casingena - Avalon
Chris: Opera, dance music and Georgina? A strange and confusing combination but we'll leave this one to the viewers.
Ariadne: Opera and dance? Not so sure about the combination. It's surely different but there's a but!

Alison Ellul - Typical Me
Chris: The key word here is typical. It doesn't really stand out but it's a very radio-friendly breakup song.
Ariadne: The girl has energy but it's too typical an entry.

Trilogy - Song In Your Heart
Chris: Possibly the most sophisticated song this year, this one is surely to be a favourite. But they have a track record of missing out on first place. What will happen this year?
Ariadne: Trilogy has always come close... They always managed to touch audiences' hearts. This year there are quite a few songs with the touch of opera. Will theirs stand out?

Claudia Faniello - Blue Sonata
Chris: A very mellow and likeable R 'n B track in a similar vein to last year's winning song from Russia. Claudia is bound to have some surprises in store for her performance.
Ariadne: Powerful voice. I was expecting something more energetic from this seasoned singer but she pulls this off with slick ease.

Klinsmann - Butterfly Sky
Chris: With a strained Cockney accent, an unfortunate name, and a naughty smile, Klinsmann is surely not as innocent as he looks. He's got what it takes but his song doesn't.
Ariadne: Fun song. With his cheeky smile he'll earn quite a few points but definitely not a winner.