Chiara wins a third time

Joe Fenech

Feb 19th 2009, 22:56

Mr Sacco: E
Every year it's the same. These people have created their comfort zone in tiny Malta where it is easy to live in denial and think you're the best in the world, and all that nonsense we're always going on about!

Joe Fenech

Feb 19th 2009, 22:46

Oh NOOOOO!!!!!! It's this Eurovision fever again!!!!!! Why do we spend most of our Culture budget on a contest which today is nothing more than a tongue-in-cheek TV programme? One gains nothing out of it. Being devoid of humour and common sense, we obviously take it very serious. However, we provoke more laughter than the most comical act. Last year 'Vodka' with its hotch potch lyrics and video was mega! Who could forget the Gorky park supposedly pitch dark, limestone built and in Hispanic style, and without any snow..go and visit the original dodos! Then there was the vodka; the pseudo-Russian actors who couldn't be more Mediterranean looking; the danger.. It deserved the Palme D'Or for the most hilarious musical act ever to appear on a TV programme! Loved Morena's accent too: Gywohrrrky Parrrrk. She sounded like a farmer from Somerset!!! Professor Maestro Philip 'I'm the Best' Vella's music sounded like a 13 year old discovering music.

Stefan Sacco

Feb 14th 2009, 21:53

Could not believe what I heard from our beloved one yesterday on Xarabank....4th place is not a success for her....she only wants no 1....let me ne honest with all of you dear maltese....I would love it...just love it if she won't even make the final.....Arrogance is something I hate!!

Stefan Sacco

Feb 10th 2009, 22:13

Who is exactly the composer and writer of this song...who knows...because Angel....carbon copy of this one was written by Chiara and composed by Chiara !!!!! Something funny ??????

Dr. Noel Calleja

Feb 10th 2009, 20:57

When I was a child I remember very well the first productions of Gensna – the first ever Rock Opera produced in Maltese and I remember very well a particular scene where our very well renowned Renato interpreted a song which said “Mitna ghalxejn, mitna ghal barrani. Mnejn sa fejn!”

As I read through the book ‘Politics of Persuasion’ written by President Emeritus Dr. Guido De Marco, I really got emotionally when I came across the lines of himself shouting ‘Malta, Malta’ in page 72 as he described the nations emotions when Malta got its Independence on September 21, 1964. And since I hail from the south, more precisely from Vittoriosa, I still remember the British flag being lowered and the Maltese flag taking pride of place on March 31, 1979, on the day so called ‘Jum il-Helsien’.

With all of our history behind us, this year, Malta will compete in the Eurovision song contest with a foreign song. Bravo George Borg Olivier! Bravo Dom Mintoff! Viva Malta Republika!

Dr. Noel Calleja

Feb 10th 2009, 19:29

Does Chiara believe in the local talent? Why did she only contested the festival with one song written and composed by foreigners? Isn't this festival supposed to be a festival to have a Maltese talent pack sent over to the Eurovision Song Festical? So with these arguments, next year we should compete and send over Madonna, she is of an Italian citizenship, or Celine Dione, she is a French citizen, or maybe Eros Ramazzotti from Italy and the list is never ending for European world-famous singers and artists.....To put things more worst....now we should see our Prime Minister or President or even more the Leader of the Opposition congratulate Chiara before leaving to Moscow to represent the Maltese nation in the next Eurovision song contest. A song written by foreigners! Obviously, Chiara and the full entourage will benefits from public funds to send them over to Moscow. I have always believed in the local talent and this is not an exception. All lyricist and composers should feel offended on this occasion and may I suggest that we should all think it twice when it comes to consider if we should participate in next year’s festivals. Viva Malta!

Charles grech

Feb 10th 2009, 18:43

Chiara is a very good singer. This song needs lots of polishing before it is taken to the RUSSIAN FRONT.

Who said that in Malta we lack talent. WE LACK GOOD OPPORTUITIES YES BUT TALENT WE HAVE.

Unfortunately many a good talent is discarded. Just click on this link and you will understand what I mean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMR1DkfDA8E

I'll bett that Kevin Borg will soon be representing Sweeden for the Eurovision.

In the meantime lets encourage Chiara. She is now our Ambassador in the festival and should be backed 100% notwithstanding all the faults that the song have.

There are other singers that should be praised too.

Another point to promote talent is to have LIVE MUSICIANS performing and backing the singers during the Eurosong Festival as shown in the link above.

T Vella

Feb 10th 2009, 18:13

Chiara - going to the contest for the third time? NOT a good idea. You deserve better than stupid contests like the eurovision.
I once saw a biography programme on Katrina (from Katrina and the Waves) and she said that contesting in the Eurovision Song was her greatest mistake and is what killed her singing career. Please reconsider - don't go to Moscow.

Christian Hudson

Feb 10th 2009, 17:45

I normally like Chaira but i think that she is obsessing over the Eiurovision song contest. Why can't Chaira learn from Ira and leave the contest alone?

Anyhow, the Eurovision song contest is kitsch - how come no local singer realizes this? Just because Abba made it to world fame doesn't mean that other winners had the same luck.

Chiara, what if you fail miserably? do you want Malta to remember your failure or your previous two glorious efforts?

Lawrence Magrin

Feb 10th 2009, 17:24

After reading the many letters written before me, I am of the opinion that in the national interest we should send someone to represent Malta who is already famous especially with the Nordic countries such as Iceland, Norway, Sweeden etc.

Sending a singer like Kevin Borg makes a lot of sense as Kevin has got quite a lot of fans in these countries after winning this year the Swedish Idol song contest competition.

Kevin competed against thousands of international singers not just 20 , This fact alone should open the minds of the organizers of the Malta Song For Europe that in Malta we have a lot of talent and it is absolutely stupid, unprofessional and ignorant to trust a foreign jury to choose our songs. Do you think that a foriegn jury will give you 'live ammo' to fire back at them, in the Eurovision Song Contest? When are we going to learn?

I will not be at all surprised to see Kevin Borg represent a foreign country in a future Eurovision Song Contest cause his own country has given him the side.

Ruth Briffa

Feb 10th 2009, 15:18

Keith- whoever said that ? The festival should still be done and the best should be chosen from what is in the festival.....but if it's Chiara again who was the best this year...why so much panic because its her third time....Singers and authors should still input their works but the best should then be chosen ..and this year its chiara again....
how about the idea of reshuffling everything....first we choose a singer...by an audition style programme....then all writers and composers input their song to this singer....then the best song is chosen.....in this way we make sure that there is talent not just a song !

Keith Farrugia

Feb 10th 2009, 14:48

So Ruth there is on need to organise the Malta Song Festival any more! Let all Maltese singers and ALL composers have a break..

Ruth Briffa

Feb 10th 2009, 14:33

I fully agree with E Psaila.....Chiara is talented..she is not just a person who is still trying everything(singing, acting, dancing etc etc) so that she can figure out which is best for her..or which makes the most money...or which makes you the most famous.......she is a talented singer.....and we should feel proud of sending her this third time since she has proved to be a hero whenever she went to the Eurovision...she made name not just for herself but for the country....
People arguing that ' it seems we have only Chiara' are immature....if it is Chiara who's the best...then yes..we send chiara...even if it means sending her a hundred times.......This does not mean that there aren't more singers who are talented..eleonor cassar for example is much talented as well...but it seems that the right song which really flaunts her voice has not yet arrived....but......but....but....from this years festival...Chiara was the best ! Well done and good luck!!!

E. Psala

Feb 10th 2009, 08:11

Talent, Talent, Talent. Where is the talent? Why don't we admit that yes we have a lot of singers but not much of a talent? Chiara is one of the few talented female singers on our island. Why should we be ashamed to send someone more than once when a country with millions of people like Russia sent Dima Bilan twice? Why do you have to mention politics even in a festival like this?

Miriam Abdilla

Feb 10th 2009, 00:26

Next year we should send LAWRENCE GRAY to Eurovision...Lawrence has a really beautiful and powerful voice. He took part in the Malta Song for Europe 6 times and came twice 2nd, once 3rd and twice 4th.
In 1999 he came 2nd with "The Right Time". Times Three had won & they then placed a disappointing 15th at Eurovision.
In 2003, Lawrence Gray again came 2nd with "Why Not". He had however won the televoting. (It was 50% televoting & 50% judges that year). Lynn Chircop had won and had placed the one before the last at Eurovision.
Both times that Lawrence Gray came 2nd, he deserved to win.
Lawrence Gray has a really beautiful, unique and outstanding voice!!! However, he was never been given the chance to represent Malta at Eurovision.So, maybe it is about time, we gave him this chance... Besides, he is also well known abroad in Eurovision circles. A proof of this is Cyprus had even asked Lawrence to represent them at Eurovision some years back.
So, I really believe that Lawrence Gray could win Eurovision with a powerful, impressive ballad. He would send shivers down everybody’s spine!
Let's give Lawrence Gray a chance. He deserves it!!

M Orland

Feb 10th 2009, 00:11

Unfortunately i have to note that i am loosing interest in this Euro song festival more and more. We have had some years in a row now that calling a no context for no good enough songs would have been better.

Still good Luck to Chiara

Alfred Cassar

Feb 9th 2009, 20:25

I must admit I'm not even a bit interested in the Song for Europe. I listened only to 2 songs, Chiara's and Eleanor's. In my opinon Eleanor's was a much better song for the Eurovision, but when Chiara is there, no doubt people will vote for her, even if the song is not so good and even if she is competing with Elvis Presley. I think this year Chiara will be very disappointed in Russia and she will regret having taken part once again. I dont think this is a song that will be placing very high. Anyway good luck Chiara.

Ch.Camenzuli

Feb 9th 2009, 19:45

@G.Psaila. Are you joking with the comment that less votes means lack of interest from the general public. What about that perhaps this time there was NO pressure mainly from MLP in order to assure that one / many of their lambs will be put to sacrifice. @Clive Gerada. Please note that in between her previous successes Chiara had refrained from participating. She GAVE the chance to others and everyone knows was what the mere result. Ira Losco permettendo !!

Clive Gerada

Feb 9th 2009, 19:23

When I heared that Chiara won the festival... my first reaction was. WHATTT???? ARE YOU JOKING?????????, I remember chiara being so angry for her first festival, how come now she is getting used to participate for this festival? seems she really enjoys having a free holiday. I am sorry to say, since we will never place first, we should give space and exposure to other artists.

Alex Coppola

Feb 9th 2009, 17:32

From now till May as usual all we hear from the media is Eurovision and Eurovision only as if it is the country's most important issue. All we hear is that Malta is one of the favourites for the contest and then as usual do not even make it to the final itself. It seems that we never learn from the past and all we talk about is this farcical and comic contest which serves only as a musical "battle" between east and west. Nevertheless all the best of luck to Chiara- her voice is fantastic and she is undoubtedly one of the best Maltese singers ever. However I do not like the voting system in that there is no transparency of how the voting goes to ALL the singers/groups. It should be shown in the same way as the Eurovision itself - how each juror put his/her vote and also the voting patterns of the general public. Anyway good luck Chiara - that's the only chance for Malta to win anything.

Antonella Sarcia

Feb 9th 2009, 17:17

I dont agree with the people who are saying that the song is not nice and that she should have given a chance to others. Issa naraw. If she goes well. like lets say maybe first, im sure that everybody will be happy. Good luck Chiara.

Denis Catania

Feb 9th 2009, 16:52

Good luck Malta!!! No matter who represents Malta. We should always be a 100% behind them.

m galea

Feb 9th 2009, 16:45

Joe Demicoli please, where are you? We need you...

G Psaila

Feb 9th 2009, 15:49

Less votes means that the public is losing interest. No wonder! No doubt about Chiara's wonderful talent, but the winning song is a huge disappointment. It's also a pity that with so much Maltese talent around, the voting 'few' chose a foreign song. I think it's an insult to Malta, there were some very professional songs in the festival, particularly the one that came third. It was original and pleasing to the ear. When is the public going to refrain from voting for the singer rather than the song?

Dr. Noel Calleja

Feb 9th 2009, 15:33

@ Stacy Cassar: I don't fully agree with you 100% that all songs were the same as there was some variations like for example Kamikaze Lover was very original in the overall contest, but very similar to The Phantom of the Opera theme song. No wonder Andrew Lloyd Webber has used the pipe organ to capture the attention of the listener in such a winning musical!

J.Borg

Feb 9th 2009, 15:07

Same old style...same old crap......hope the maltese entourage will have a nice week in Russia on our back....

Noel Grech

Feb 9th 2009, 14:57

In my opinion this was the worst song that Chiara partecipated in the Malta Song for Europe.

I think that Chiara has everything to lose if Malta does not make it to the finals in May, most especially if she sings out of tune like she did last saturday.

Chiara's victory last saturday is a disgrace to our local singers and composers who in my opinion had better entries than this song written and composed by foreigners, and it disheartens local talent like Trilogy, Eleonor Cassar, Q, Jamie, and Raquela, Claudia Faniello just to name a few top local singers and their respective composers. Shame also on the foreign judges.

I suggest that the song contest should be called Chiara's Song For Europe.

Paul Vella

Feb 9th 2009, 14:44

Follow Follow Follow
Because Chiara is going to Moscow
Once again we'll be out
Without much of a shout
Because Chiara is going to Moscow!!
(With Apologies to all Man Utd fans celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Man Utd Malta Fan Club!!)

Mark Gatt

Feb 9th 2009, 13:56

The festival is going from bad to worse...and it goes for the songs, clothes, comperes the whole famous package. What were we thinking! And as for make up, have we finally discovered glitters and teary eyes. I mean did it have to be applied to nearly all.
Originality zero. Winning song for Malta but a loser in Russia. But am sure we can blame the bloc votes.......

Dr. Noel Calleja

Feb 9th 2009, 13:55

2/2
The comparison between this year's Chiara and Olivia Lewis two years ago is outstanding.
Chiara achieved only around 12,000 public votes while Olivia got over 35,000. Does the general public want to transmit a message on Chiara’s winning song? A decrease of 3.5% in the overall first count votes has left PBS with €26,787.79 short from their first count televoting. With this statistical result, I really am doubting whether the general public really wanted Chiara to represent them in the next Eurovision Song Contest!

And finally on an interesting note and perhaps to be more transparent in the results may I ask the PBS Public Notary to publish televoting results as regards the selection for the 20 contestants for last Saturday’s show, and the judges ' points given to select the three finalists. May I add a very well done to the set design, all PBS crew, Nexos Lighting and the sound people, though I must say that sound was a bit muffled on TV, last Saturday.

Dr. Noel Calleja

Feb 9th 2009, 13:54

1/2
Another Maltese Eurovision Song Contest is over and now Malta has its winning song to participate in Moscow’s Eurovision Song Contest. The television show was great and so were the presenters. They spoke quality language and were straight to the point. All singers and performers gave their best in their interpretations but I must say that some didn't exactly start their first note in tune. Maybe this would be a point for all to do a post mortem on their abilities and versatility as regards their selected song. For the third time, Malta will now be represented by Chiara. A charming lady with an outstanding voice. But why on earth did she change her tune and pitch on the final nights of the shows were on her first interpretation she could be heard out of tune. Let’s hope that she will be in tune from the start in Moscow!

I am also really curious why the general public did not vote as much as in previous years in the televoting options.

Tonio Bonnici

Feb 9th 2009, 12:20

Her voice is great but the song is pretty much a recycle of her other two songs. And with all respect to Chaira as an already famous and stable singer she should had let the other singers giving them a chance, like Ira Losco did.

Stacy Cassar

Feb 9th 2009, 12:20

OMG! I cannot believe the people congratulating Chiara, yes she has a voice but I am sorry to say that this year’s entry had a lot more to wish for. I watched all the show and I was disappointed to see that there was no variation of styles; all of them were in the same style, to be honest for me Eleanor had to win this year even though her song & style were like a Tina Turner tribute other than an innovative song.

paul mizzi

Feb 9th 2009, 11:20

Wished Nicky Gravina and Airport Impressions were given the chance to play live. Thumbs up to Ray from Riffs who had the guts to not sing a line or two and let the playback do it all.

Trevor Mizzi

Feb 9th 2009, 09:56

I have to say I'm really dissapointed that Chiara won...the other countries now will think that Malta has a lack of talent..and that's not true..but singers like chiara should give a chance to young talents.....I think it will be another year another failure...sry I'm just not a fan of Chiara's and for the first time I will not watch the eurovision this year...I should rather go to a karaoke !!rather than see the same singer represent us for a 3rd time...with all due respect..

a darmanin

Feb 9th 2009, 09:50

same old story.....same old faces. i have to say that the jury played with our intelligence.

kemm hsibtuna boloh lil poplu malti????

Paul Vella

Feb 9th 2009, 09:25

Patethic!! Recycling at its best!! Just as during the recent past we had only one decent female long distance runner it seems that we have only one female singer. Do we in fact?? All in all the whole rigmarole was the usual annual typical bout of alienation fuelled by the Xarabank charade on behalf of the powers that be!! The problem is that the trip to Moscow is at our expense!! As if we don't have enough expenses to worry about!! Some people just don't move on but indulge in self satisfaction, self praise and over-exposure!!

Joe Galea

Feb 9th 2009, 08:31

Please tell Chiara to stop that head movement as she looks like a character from South Park or like te pigeons in BOLT (the animated movie - a great one)!!!

Joe Galea

Feb 9th 2009, 08:29

Where are Scar, Airport impressions, Yves Ransom, Ira Losco,Christabel, Taitha, Nicky Gravino, Winter Moods, Toby, Ruby, JJOY, and all the great names in Malta? We have such a high level of music talent. The shows held after the contestants have palyed all were far much better than the contest itself. All the performers like Toby, Airport Impressions, Nicky Gravino, were superb. If you listen to Malta's top 20 on Bay, you will think that they are foreign artists. The material the Maltese artists are producing hugely exceeds the quality given by foreign artists who manage to make it in popular charts. Chiara's song is good if you suffer from insomnia. Dozing off guaranteed!!

philip pace

Feb 8th 2009, 23:43

Yeah!
That's right!!!
Keep on flogging this dead horse!!!
Money down the drain for the glory of a few people!
It is not about talent but common sense.
Participating in the Eastern Eurovision would get us nowhere!
But we never learn, do we!!!!

Mark Piscopo

Feb 8th 2009, 23:36

Same talent. No chance for new talents. Next year Wintermoods

mark tanti

Feb 8th 2009, 21:34

But even about a song festival many can be so negative ? This was a competition between 20 finalist who made their best to win. At the end it resulted that Chaira won this competition. So why so many negative comments ? Chaira will represent Malta in the next Euro. song festival so let us give her all our support so that she does well. I would have commented likewise for so many negative comments for any other winner of this festival.

Ronnie Gauci

Feb 8th 2009, 21:33

I only heard the songs from Turkey and the UK and they are on another planet compared to ours. What do we think that other nations will change their voting habits because our singer is called Chiara? Many thought so when voting yesterday, the Chiara campaign had already started after last year's failure with comments like "We need to send Chiara to show them" or "Chiara biss trid tkun ghalina". Chiara did well in past OK but because she had good songs, like Mary Spiteri, Mike Spiteri, Chris & Moira and most of all Malta's brightest star Ira Losco who has showed all that she can do better without the EV. Chiara with a mediocre song will be humiliated like the rest...GUARANTEED!

jcmicallef

Feb 8th 2009, 21:29

A very poor show in my humble opinion.
most of the songs were poor, the remaining had poor interpretation.

As regards Chiara, her winning comes to no surprise, in fact, I won a wager!

Good news is that she's a very good singer, but the song needs lots of work to be good enough for eurovision.

M. Debono

Feb 8th 2009, 21:29

It's not a matter of how many times one is sent to sing at the Eurovision Song Contest but how good is the song and the voice presented. Chiara's voice is definitely a very good one. However the song presented this time was definitely not so good - and it did'nt stretch Chiara's voice as the previous two songs for Europe she presented actually did. In my opinion this song will not reach the successes of the previous two. Nevertheless I still wish Chiara the best of luck and success.

Joseph Galea

Feb 8th 2009, 19:26

European audiences will be thinking that talent in Malta is so abysmal that we have to send the same person to represent us three times. No reflection on Chiara, who has a wonderful voice.

John Briffa

Feb 8th 2009, 18:55

Short & Sweet. Pull out and save us the embarrsements. Think of the poor pensioners in Malta they deserve better then a dead and a boreing song for ..Is it Eurovision still now or what?

jeremy borg

Feb 8th 2009, 18:48

first of all congrats to Chiara....didnt liked her song much but she's an exceptional talent ! overall i think it was a poor quality festival regarding to music !....maybe next year some local DJ's get a chance themselves too , dont know who was responsible in choosing for example that Russian style song of joseph tal vjolin !!..total mess!...dis is a song festival...not just playin chords ! so u have to sing Mr.violin !! even Klinsmann himself was a total mess....he have talent but dont know what on earth makes him decide to put on stage with him a peson that dont even know how to hold that bass guitar....come on klinsmann....u should know better !again...this is a song festival not modelling !

Chris Grillo

Feb 8th 2009, 18:40

What a load of cobblers! Silly shiny soppy songs, with only a very small handful of originality. Although it is nothing certainly against Chiara, whom I consider an accomplished and experienced artist (and a voice which gives me the shivers)..but this song is one of many that we have heard before.

Where are the many promising rock bands? Why is always the same old crowd with a smattering of new faces.

And above all...why bother? Yesterdays show was a total non-spectacle.

So we chose the lesser of all evils.

I am hoping Chiara will prove me wrong, oh God how I wish she would, but in the end, such a shallow show...and a hint of gloomy days for the Eurovision Crowd.

Joe Galea

Feb 8th 2009, 18:22

Chiara's WINNING song is just a recylcled effort of her 2 previous eurovision songs. yes her voice is great, I will repat it again, the song is just BORING. Time will give an answer to everyone. One good suggestion is that no one puts his hopes high as it will definitely wont fare better than the previous winners in the last couple of years. then excuses will shower us for such failure.

Mary J. Farrugia

Feb 8th 2009, 18:21

Sorry Chiara this year's entry is a nil pois and a big flop for Malta. The good times for Chiara are over and its best in my opinion to give a verymuch younger singer maybe >a chance> we all get older and not very often get a second chance.The europeans are not naive and are rather wise in their voteing. An eastern bloke tend to be much livlier and tend to keep the audience on their toes as oppose to last night's i fell asleep not once, not twice but gee three times on the trot, so i laid the whole contest to rest and finnally dropped off to bye byes and woke up with a headache when i remembered all that the rubbish, its not a song that sticks to one's mind or whistle a tune to now is it. The only song that kept repeating in my head was that old 6o/70's song

Stefan Sacco

Feb 8th 2009, 17:57

@Janice Grima.
I fully agree that we are boring. How can you describe us better after sending Chiara three times in a few years at the Eurovision with practically the same song,the same movements etc etc when we have so much more talent around

J. Mifsud

Feb 8th 2009, 17:54

Does anyone know the result for each of the 20 songs?

I personally preferred Q's song. It is a strong song but you need to listen carefully to this composition for a couple of times. The interpretation of the five singers was to my satisfaction, as was Chiara's.

I would also like to congratulate the TV direction, but the comperes were very stiff, especially Pablo.

As of now, Chiara is the one representing Malta - therefore good luck to Chiara and hope you do well for yourself and to our country.

Sandro Pace

Feb 8th 2009, 17:46

I for one support foreign participation as regards to composing for the Eurovision, but this song, written by foreign composers is not as good as the previous two Chiara had. It is not a poor song and can be embellished as the accompaniment is very dry, but it is not a great song neither. As it goes, it risk becomes dragging. so some productive work is required on it to make up.

Better spend money on the music then on other things as extensive touring, entourages etc. etc. The Russian song won cause it had a good well known producer, not because the singer toured europe. It is our money, spend it well. get a good song producer.

Unless the actual Eurovision will have no good upbeat/pop danceable songs (hardly probable with about 27 ones), such ballads dont stand a chance of winning nowadays. That is the trendy reality. But a good placing means success nonetheless.

In my opinion, this years festival was not up to the standard of last year, in terms of songwriting.

Malcolm Farrugia

Feb 8th 2009, 17:38

Chiara has the incredible capacity of flying to the eurovision at our expense with the same song save some minor adjustaments. This is a ripoff!!!
This year's song will put malta in ridicule. Look at the singer fom turkey, she got the right moves and rythm to move all the audience, perhaps we should learn the lesson and send someone more eyecatchy nowadays since this is the trend.

Janice Grima

Feb 8th 2009, 17:07

I wish you all the best of luck and may your dream come true. I just read some of the comments and really made me mad. How BORING some people are . The festival is for singing and you got a great vocie, lovely personalite. In the first eurovision, they were talking about your size and you gave then an answer with a good result , second time you did the same and hope you give them a better one this time.
A BIG HUG AND GOOD LUCK, GO AND MAKE US PROUD XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Carmel Dimech

Feb 8th 2009, 16:56

I wasn't able to hear any of the songs but manged to hear the three finalists and I really was disappionted with the standard. I'm really happy that I didn't waste my time in watching all the festival. The only positive thing was the stage, very professional well done guys.

James Scerri

Feb 8th 2009, 16:48

"What If We"...stop obessesing about this damn festival...it's done and dusted!
Move on...then after the semi finals ..we'll be again disappointed!

Not due to the Maltese singer [of course]...due to block votes which will happen again!

Joseph Micallef

Feb 8th 2009, 16:48

@Charles Camenzuli,
Calling a spade a spade is not sour grapes. One does not need to be a musical maestro to know when a song is good or not. I am a musician but even non musicians can tell a good song from an average one. Yes Vodka was good. And even if we sent to the Eurovision the best song that Malta can ever come up with - with the best singer singing it - as things are we will not even make it through the semis. This is because the quality of the song and the bravado of the singer have very little to do with the outcome! But when the song is not up to scratch there is not much one can say but Mea Culpa.

c.camilleri

Feb 8th 2009, 16:18

@ John Portelli. But why should we change when we are doing better than many countries including your host country.

Stefan Sacco

Feb 8th 2009, 16:09

Chiara is not the only "sent from Heaven" dear maltese...the only difference is Ira was successful and moved on...I can also recall Julie Zahra as one of the best voices even better then Chiara's and moved on but Chiara found a song and used it three times (selfishly as you like) to go whenever she likes.And wasn't it arrogance to tell Faniello she was getting revenge with points tomorrow on xarabank???

Charles Camenzuli

Feb 8th 2009, 16:03

Dear all. Such sour grapes for the simple reason that CHIARA was AGAIN outstanding.
Well done CHIARA, I'm sure and rather optimist that experience, stage appearance, professionalism and self confidence are the ingredients you have and which you transmit at best. Of course ' What if we...' had other Chiaras. For the time being there's one CHIARA.
Sure enough of another 5 star performance in Moscow.
Good luck as your past performances are more than a credit.
Non Chiara supporters please have a break !!!!!

wally vella-zarb

Feb 8th 2009, 16:00

Now that the annual Malta Song For Europe comedy is over, I shall wait with bated breath for the excuses that will not fail to appear on these columns after the inevitable flop. Here are some suggestions:

(1) There was block voting from the eastern countries
(2) There was block voting by the ex-Yugoslavia republics
(3) There was too much lobbying
(4) There was not enough lobbying
(5) The style / colour of the dress was inappropriate
(6) The hairstyle was ill-conceived

Of course, the fact that the song might be lousy - as in the case of whatshisname's 'song' a couple of years ago - will not figure much among the reasons.

Two facts remain:
(a) Joe Demicoli's spoof was infinitely more popular than the original.
(b) Real, professional, performers can still attain international fame with or without the ESC, IF they are REALLY outstanding and IF they are determined enough. A notable case in point is the highly talented Ira Losco, arguably the best that we have had in recent years.

Lawrence Bonello

Feb 8th 2009, 15:21

I guess the choice of Chiara is very much in line with the "green" policies of the last budget. We're going for recycling!! As was the case with all the other singers who represented Malta more than once! Foreigners must think - what a limited talent-pool that country has!!
And that can't be further from the truth! Just look at Voices and similar events and you'll see where the real talent lies!
Its just that we keep "recycling" the same old tired faces over and over again!

A.Charles

Feb 8th 2009, 15:09

We will not be getting the barbed commentary but entertaining wit of Sir Terry Wogan any more as he has retired. The British entry was written by Andrew Lloyd-Weber of the Les Misaerables, Cats etc. fame.

JoeGalea

Feb 8th 2009, 14:55

Obviously Chiara had to win!!! Everyone knew it weeks ago and everyone knows why. just search for Chiara in you tube. This contest is a farce and a wate of time and money. The winners are just handpicked each year. What beats me, she almost made it obvious prior to her proclamation as a winner, that she was going to win when interviewed by John Bundy. The song is just flat and boring. Ok Chiara has a marvellous voice, but this time nothing else.

It could be that the credit crunch hit the Maltese organisation. They can't afford to take dancers, so Chiara was the only solution ...(I leave it to your interpretation)...lol.


Most of the good songs were eliminated from the final in order to pave way for her. Still her song was oneof the crappiest.

Liam Kelly

Feb 8th 2009, 14:41

...So i take it all you lot still be complaining and protesting if Chiara wins Eurovision...?... aye right!

I'm no music expert but lets be honest; Chiara is definatly, without doubt the best singer we have. No question. So at least we voted for the person with the best chance. Some of the comments by you wannabe experts are a bit questionable..indeed i seem to remember a lot of people on here liked the 'vodka' song;...and that did really well didn't it ?!

Massimo Borg

Feb 8th 2009, 14:17

CONGRATULATIONS CHIARA! I'msure that she's going to show everyone that just by having a great voice she can compete very well against all the expensive choreographies that we see in the ESC; I don't think there was a singer better than Chiara yesterday though I also liked Raquela and Wayne. I can't understand all the obsession with opera as it seems that a good number of singers can do much better if they compete in a lyrical contest than a song contest. I do agree that there are other Maltese singers out there who never take part in such festival who can do very well if they do.Last week I've heard a song twice on the radio by a Maltese country singer, Martin Rivers, yes country music singer!! and I think that it was perfect for Eurovision and I don't like country music, but it was much better than any song I've heard yesterday. Even Nicky Gravino's music will be great for ESC; But definetly Chiara was the best choice yesterday. GOOD LUCK!!!!

John Lauri

Feb 8th 2009, 14:16

This was probably the worst career move for Chiara. She has a great voice but and a very dull song. Unfortunately, she will be letting herself and the nation down at th ESC, as she will not even go through the semi-final. The bright shining star of Chiara will be very mch dimmed after the ESC..... you made a very bad decision with that song Chiara.

To those worried about the snide remarks by Terry Wogan, please note that HE IS NO LONGER DOING the BBC TV / Radio commentary as he has retired from it. As of this year his replacement is Graham Norton and I assure he will make Terry Wogan's past comments sound like sticky sweet candy type of praise. Graham is known for his particular cutting, vitriolic and snideful remarks, albeit witty and funny ! Mark my words, he will be ripping and vicious at anyone and everyone at the ESC........ POVRA CHIARA !

Stefan Sacco

Feb 8th 2009, 13:52

A winning song is much more then a singer's voice. I also find it egoistic from Chiara's point of view not giving the opportunity to new talents to experience the Eurovision. I really admired Ira Losco, having been there and in my opinion came nearest to winning it she never had another shot at the Malta song.

RONNIE GAUCI

Feb 8th 2009, 13:34

ADVICE FROM THE EUROVISION COMMITTEE

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE MALTESE SONG IS APPROACHING, AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS PILLOWS AND BLANKETS CAN BE FOUND UNDERNEATH YOUR SEATS, THANK YOU.

carmen caruana

Feb 8th 2009, 13:32

@Evan Spiteri
tell me that you're not serious please.....
It's known that gay people are very artistic (not saying that str8 people are not). What do we have to do, excuse ourselves for being gay and not take part in the eurovision?????

Oscar Cassar

Feb 8th 2009, 13:24

@ Ch.Camilleri

What expertly is for you a ‘one time off appearance or similar’? By this I am understanding that if it was for you, you give a chance in representing Malta only those ‘established’ singers. Who are the ‘established’ singers in your opinion? How did those ‘established’ singers got the talent they have today/ Simply by having opportunities. It is true that for example in the case of ‘Times Three’ and Lynn Chircop, the investment was most probably not that fruitful, but even Chiara started fro scratch. We had new comers that left an impact and probably they were not given a chance to represent Malta, just because they were ‘new’ at the festival during that edition. I still remember J Anvil and Klinsman for example. Remember that this is suppose to be a Song Contest and not a best singer contest. From this yeast new comers I enjoyed song no 04 (although having the recorded background music not so strong and clear at the hall performance) and Raquela

@ R Agius

Very very good observation regarding the Jury. Having only five (5) jurors is not enough for such an event.

Mario Bonnici

Feb 8th 2009, 13:24

The jury left some excluded some of the best songs from the final three phase. One of them was TRILOGY's song.
At the end it was a no contest. An anti climax to a good festival.

Malcolm Farrugia

Feb 8th 2009, 13:19

Usually we have good songs to represent Malta. However this year's sonfg is really a flop!!! Actually the song had the same beat as the previous ones she performed. Also she used that same head movement she used when she went to sing last time. Honestly even the voice didn't sound that convincing to me, maybe she took it forgranted that she was going to win, or even more possible that she took part in the contest at the very last minute. I know that we should support chiara trough the eurovision, but hadn't we already done it twice? Same performance she could have called the song"the usual song" for it is a clone of the other two, and the same boring movements.

Bernard Soler

Feb 8th 2009, 12:57

Let me make it clear, I did not see the Malta song.

Now Regards spending money on such contest, I agree ... lets give space for entertainment. Let the artist/singers and those people who like watching the contest, enjoy themselves.

Regards if we should go to such competition - is debatable, due to the voting system there is and that is one of the reasons I stopped watching eurovision.

It is stupid to say if we do not win then we do not participate, if we reason in such a way then we should stop playing international games such as football, waterpolo, basketball, etc due to results are hard to get. And invest it in another project because that is discrimination

M.Gauci

Feb 8th 2009, 12:45

Well one thing has come out for sure which only a few noted.

Christine Barbara (life is an Opera) is gifted with the most beautiful soprano voice especially for her age. Too bad she did not win. Though I strongly believe that Eurovision is too mediocre for her caliber she deserves much better... Covent Garden perhaps! I also wish Chiara all the best!

Adriano Spiteri

Feb 8th 2009, 12:40

@Camilleri

You're proving me right. Israel is not part of Europe and should not be allowed to take part in our own activities. There's a subject called Geography if that interests you.

Natalie Galea

Feb 8th 2009, 12:36

This year it was very easy to not spend all these money on the Eurovision contest therfore as Chiara said allready on Xarabank programm that she will demanding on the points for her song.So next time the judres is better to do another job that night.Chiara is strong but for the 3 time its enough,we have other talents in Malta so please lets give them a chance too.Hope that know we be able to win if No next time we do the Chiara Euro Vision song contest.Good Luck Malta Any way

Ronnie Gauci

Feb 8th 2009, 12:18

After the frustrating results in the last years many looked at Chiara as the saviour of the nation (based on her past results) so the outcome of last night's festival was predictable knowing the Maltese anzi very predictable. I'm sorry to say that not the best won last night.

I am very disappointed, first of all Chiara's song this year is crap let's face it and then we keep sending the same people year after year. Then I'm sorry for Chiara that unknowngly this year will taint her good EV record guaranteed, she could have ended her EV career with a great 3rd and 2nd place and not first from last like what will happen next May.

Evan Spiteri

Feb 8th 2009, 12:16

While I Congratulate Chiara for her success I would like to point out that the song for europe entries are a bit pathetic. Thank God that the night at the opera did not make it. I am so glad, it is so weak ,mediocre and ridiculous. Can we not copy anyone for a change? Why should it be so "gay pride?" I would have loved to see song number 18 but since we are supporting according to who is our friend , I wonder why are we complaining when we compete with the big ones? in my musical opinion and taste anyone who goes of pitch should be automatically disqualified , that would ease the voting and choose the best song. Another fact is that Eurovision song Contest has turned into a major carnival controlled by Gay Pride organisers. I have nothing against gays, I am a gay myself, but why should it be so gay?

Ray mangani

Feb 8th 2009, 12:16

I admire chiara very much but I think that this year the Singer won not the Song.!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

B Curmi

Feb 8th 2009, 12:14

This is a joke, we are so pathethic to get the same singer out 3 times in same festival! It's unfair for the newly contestants, 2. It's embarrassing to show our 'stupid mentality' and 3. She is desperate!

N Schembri

Feb 8th 2009, 12:12

I'm no real great fan of Chiara's but with all due respect she stood in a class of her own - pleasant song to listen to and an incredible voice which has matured since the past. Wake up Maltese songwriters and singers - it's high time we did some real good stuff - the competition was a disgrace; no wonder we didn't classify in the top 10 in the recent past! Good luck Chiara.

Mandy Micallef Decesare

Feb 8th 2009, 12:07

A Borg...you are my new hero!! haha

Andrew Camilleri

Feb 8th 2009, 11:44

What's the point of Chiara having a fantastic voice if the song is hopeless and instantly forgettable? Of the so-called 'superfinalists', Eleanor should have won, even though she was hardly the best entry in a completely boring, largely talentless evening save for the entries by Trilogy and Ms Barbara. Maltese idiocy is astounding, as usual with dismal entries having no taste, the same routines as ever, wannabe has-beens and chavs.

Keith Davis

Feb 8th 2009, 11:41

I knew the people would be guided by their hearts in choosing Chiara as she makes us all dream with her voice.

Though I think Chaira is pushing her luck too far as beating a second place which she had got in the past is near to impossible, and has all the chances to get a less lucrative result then what she had earned in the previous two Eurovisions.

Considering the probability theory, I think that she definitely stands to loose out.

a attard

Feb 8th 2009, 11:39

Chiara USUALLY gives an impeccable interpretations and she had what most singer lacks on the big day… a great live performance very much in tune… against to a recorded CD. NOT the same can be said on last night’s interpretation she was out of Tune….Pity! The song sounded horrible (no offence) hope she had a cold and do a better interpretation wise on the eve of eliminations in Russia.

nmifsud

Feb 8th 2009, 11:39

As always, maltese people voted for the singer and not for the song. I still cant believe how those 3 songs made it to the top 3. How could foreign jury pick the best songs??? In my opinion the best 3 songs where: Crossroads by Raquela, Trilogy and Where you belong by Wayne micallef.

Chris Reiff

Feb 8th 2009, 11:27

Eurovision is all about show, not the song. The Russian song last year, lol what?! Badly sung, and he still won, because Plushenko was there. Lordi won because of the show. Ruslana won because of the show. Greece won with Number 1 because of the show. Turkey won because of the show. Latvia won because of the show. The only exception is Serbia.

Chiara might have come second in 2005 or whenever that was, but thats because it was an unbelievably powerful song. If Angel was a hammer slamming against an anvil, What If We is, at most, a leaf touching the seabed.

And if you want to tell me that Vodka was a powerful song and thus, with my theory should have gone through to the Finals, think again. Vodka was a song to attract the Russian people to vote for Malta. The rest thought the same, therefore she didnt pass.

This is the end of Chiara. She will fail us.

International judges, international composers, all "working" for Malta's Eurovision song *cough*. What do you expect?

Francis Corbett

Feb 8th 2009, 11:24

The Eurovision song contest is a thing of the past as the Russian are coming up in the world with their own versions as someone already said most are young and energetic and have good movements on the stage as oppose to standing still like a potatoe no disrespect to the winner, but wouldn't not have been better if TVM would televise a good football match ie; Italy England or Holland v Germany that i would gladly pay my tv licience for but this sort of pushy and try hard performances has gone out the window for me and would even waste my time watching the box for a couple of hours with so much repetitive of the same Ads, sort of hated the ad. after three or four time of showing it in between, yes we got the message thankyou verymuch.. Now GO!

Joe Micallef

Feb 8th 2009, 11:19

I thought the Riffs had the best song by far (2nd number)! pity they were not in contest. Chaira's outstanding voice and delivery won her the festival.....the song........ well not amongst her best!

Maria Muscat

Feb 8th 2009, 11:12

Well done Chiara....you were definately the Best, and you got it all!
When you sung, you brought the chills...
God Bless.
Well done to Raquela..wow what a fanastic singer and also to Wayne Micallef.

R Agius

Feb 8th 2009, 11:09

To start with, there were a few good songs.

But I was terribly disappointed at the jury's choice of best three. In my humble opinion, there were other songs which had good voices and movement, which were better, such as 'Night at the opera', Klinsmann ,who is maturing (his sister has still a long way to go) etc.
I think that they should have been given a chance.

Another point is that only a panel/jury of 5 have decided on the outcome of the winners. Isn't five such a small number, that you risk of not having a wide and differentiated spectrum of musical ideas ? For example if 3 out of 5 have a ballad background, they will only consider ballad songs and the others have participated for nothing. I think that the jury should have been much more than that.

To close, I admire Chiara's voice but her song leaves much to be desired!

Enjoyed watching The Rifffs . They brought out the same sentiments I had for them when I attended their concerts in the early 80's!! Well done RIFFFS.

A Borg

Feb 8th 2009, 11:05

Please , Please , Please, can we stop wasting money for this useless thing and use that money to repair our roads instead??

alfred grima

Feb 8th 2009, 11:04

It is being said that twice is enough! For those that yesterday heard the 20 songs, Chiara's song outshone all the rest. I'm not saying this because i'm a Chiaras' follower but she had the BEST song presented for the festiival. Her voice is outstanding.
The Eurovision Song contest is a total disgrace for the serious talent that goes there compete. They should change its name - Eurovision Show ONLY.
Prosit Chiara and we wish you all the best of luck.

Ch.Camilleri

Feb 8th 2009, 10:56

@ Adriano Spiteri. Just remember that's nothing extraordinary of having Israel in the Eurovision. After all Israel forms also part of the European Football Union (UEFA) taking part in european championships at international and club level. Besides in almost all other european sport and cultural activities. Pl update yr knowledge on the matter.
@ V.Fenech. WELL DONE CHIARA. At least a professional singer with a professional attitude and approach not just the lots of wannabees setting up their efforts for a one time off appearance or similar.

Joan & Frank Muscat

Feb 8th 2009, 10:45

I daren't think what Mr.Terry Wogen's comments' are or will be this year, please Terry i know what you would say from past experience working within the BBC, talking from the song point of view ofcourse and the Lyrics and voice projection but don't be too harsh, we know it won't even make it to the final but at least we are willing to spend then again more of Malta's money and as they say the Little Lion that Roars will never give up until we run out of tax payers money and pay the Maltese pensioners a little bit less again. My verdict all entries were not up to standard, others will differ being Maltese but as they say they all follow like sheep, Ah well :This is Malta what else: Maybe one of the younger performers would have been a bit better knowing the hard work that goes various performances and movement rather then standing still on the stage with a little bit of arm movement and a wink. Sorry didn't give it our vote a bit repetitive from previous entries and not very catchy - no goose pimples.

Joseph Micallef

Feb 8th 2009, 10:42

The question is actually not the times we send Chiara to the festival but how good her song is. Had the song deserved to win then by all means - send her even for the 10th time. But the song is just average!

Eve Bajada

Feb 8th 2009, 10:40

I saw our ( Uks ) Premier and Andrew Lloyd Webber or not i was not impressed ,So guess were nowhere yet again but its only a show and to be honest i will not lose any sleep over it .Basically the facts are that Chiara,s going to try for Malta so please encourage her .Nothing Ventured ,Nothing Gained .

V Fenech

Feb 8th 2009, 10:38

I did not agree with the brand-name attached to " the Malta Song for Europe" in the first place.

Why don't we try something like this;

.the CHIARA Malta Song for Europe.

Adriano Spiteri

Feb 8th 2009, 10:30

A 3rd time! What a shame. Am not blaming Chiara but would prefer new singers having the opportunity. Twice is enough, thrice is too much.

The Eurovision song contest is a joke. Italy refraining whereas Israel is allowed to contest! That a 'Euro'vision song contest!!!

I. Galea

Feb 8th 2009, 10:27

There wasn't much to choose from to start with.....might as well send someone who we all know can actually sing and pull it off.

seriously, this competition is not worth taking seriously anymore!

Oscar Cassar

Feb 8th 2009, 10:26

Chiara gave a fantastic performance, but Raquela and Rosman were the best.

Henry Bonett

Feb 8th 2009, 10:18

The arrogance of mediocrity makes one cringe. Isn't there somebody within the organisation to infuse a modicum of good taste upon these performing monkeys and trim their wings a bit - to their own good, after all.

Mike Knight

Feb 8th 2009, 10:14

@Joseph Micallef i agree 100%, i don't think people where ever they are will give a toss who is going to win or loose, Malta unfortunitly then again will not make it this time. Myself i don't think the song is strong enough and although Chiara is a nice singer but a little bit too old for this game and i alsoat this stage think there are going to be alot of under 21's this time. She done pretty well a while back but as Paul McCarthney of the beatles once siad (You can't re-heat a souffle) The Italians got the right idea and i believe some other nations this year are not takeing takeing part as they are trying to get their priorities in order & battle with global recession and unemployment. A bit negative but its just my opinion and I wish this Maltese singer well and like the entry for the UK is a No NO! unfortunitly but thats how the cookie crumble
Mike Knight.

Mary Attard

Feb 8th 2009, 10:09

The truth is, an other flop, in reality here song was not good at all, nothing to impress. Same movements some melody. But having Chiara back again we think that we go through, semi finals.
Unfair to the other singers who did there utmost, but Maltese people and organizers never change.

Chaira is not the only singer her in Malta, why do we not invest money in our talented singers, instead of wasting money in the Eurovision. Then when we are really ready with a good talent, go for it.
It seems that in this country money is not a problem, now delegates will go with Chaira. As if they know it all. ( Maltese experts) Ha Ha .
I do not what to give an impression that I do not have faith in our talented singers and organizers but repeating mistakes year after year it makes me furious. And give me the impression that this people are making it for there own benefit nothing else. And we are falling for it.

Good Luck Malta (any way)

B Sant

Feb 8th 2009, 10:09

great work to keep up the last place- we belong there -

Joseph Micallef

Feb 8th 2009, 10:07

@Caroline Zammit
What makes you so sure? Did you read my comment underneath re Chiara's bad career move? Don't you realise that the Eurovision has nothing to do with beautiful voices?

Joseph Micallef

Feb 8th 2009, 10:05

Honestly I don't even believe Chiara's song deserved to be with the super 3. There was Crossroads by Raquela, the Trilogy song, and that singer who used to sing with the Mics, i forgot his name but he had a very fantastic melodious but modern song! What a shame that she had to resort to a Belgian composer when she has such better composing talents - she had composed Angel herself (both music and lyrics) and did so much better! As expected we voted for the singer and not the song!

Caroline Zammit

Feb 8th 2009, 10:00

Well done to Chiara ! Let's all be grateful that even if we won't win the Eurovision this time, at least we can be certain that Malta will enter again in the list of the semi-finals, coz with Chaira's voice that is something to to be assured of. Its been already 2 years that we were left standed, so it's about time that that we show them again Malta's talent.
Go Chiara - you rock girl !!

Eve Bajada

Feb 8th 2009, 09:54

Raquella,s was one of my favourites too .Slightly shocked she didnt make the last three .

Joseph Micallef

Feb 8th 2009, 09:52

@ Kevin Farrugia:
'a. We are battling through a global economic crisis. We are told to tighten our budgets, save every penny, invest in solar heating , photovoltaic tech..... so on and so forth.

b. Some used to say " Allahares nerbhu l-ESC ghax il-pajjiz ifalli!" '

Don't worry - we will not win - not this year anyway!

Joseph Micallef

Feb 8th 2009, 09:47

Chiara is a fantastic singer - I agree. Chiara has a particularly original and beautiful voice - I agree. Chiara's song deserved to win - I beg to difffer...I definitely don't agree! With all honesty I do believe that Raquela's song was so much better and she even outshown Chiara with her voice and fatastic talent. I believe that Chiara commited a very bad career move - I mean till now she was a hero for us and we knew her as the one who came third and second at the Eurovision. What will happen if - as i predict - she does not even pass through the semi finals?!! Won't that hurt her reputation?

Kevin Farrugia

Feb 8th 2009, 09:44

Maybe this is out of context, but i wish to undertand which of the following statements are still relevant.

a. We are battling through a global economic crisis. We are told to tighten our budgets, save every penny, invest in solar heating , photovoltaic tech..... so on and so forth.

b. Some used to say " Allahares nerbhu l-ESC ghax il-pajjiz ifalli!"

c. Others used to say that we participate as" its the only window of opportunity for our singers to shine in the european arena" .

d. Like others, Chiara has talent, but do we have to send her every time she decides to stretch her legs to travel around Europe.

e. Ok Ira Losco won the Maltese festival but i believe that she built her fame on her own merits. Many singers/groups can eaisly prove (eg Kristina Casolani, Winter moods, Kevin Borg, Chasing Pandora, the Riffs...etc) that ESC is not essential for success . Well done to you guys!!!!!

f. Is the ESC with all the lobbying, and token of friendship to neighboring countries a true song contest?

Adrian Cardona

Feb 8th 2009, 09:43

we must look so desperate and boring, sending the same singer over and over again.

Eve Bajada

Feb 8th 2009, 09:40

@ P Debono ,Sorry i totally disagree ,I was one of the 5000 and the show was very good indeed ,Im English and i really think the Maltese sometimes underestimate there own talent .Personally thought there was better acts that should have made it into the last three but well done Chiara .Fantastic Voice .

Mike Magri

Feb 8th 2009, 09:35

I kept very patient and did ALL my VERY best to keep myself awake to see and listen to ALL the songs. However, in my openion, MOST of them can easily be classified in Maltese as `IMQANZHIN u BLA MELODIJJA` completely..

Now as far as the winning song is concerned, i am Very Very sorry to say, that this year`s surprisingly `winning` song, is NOTHING ELSE, but a very, very POORLY RECYCLED song from Chiara`s own previous winning songs, `Angel` and `The one that i love`...

Sorry Chiara.... Nothing Personal... Beleive me.. BUT in my openion, these kind of same musical mix-ups in the HOPE of creating `new recycled` Eurovision winning songs have a limit of how far one can stretch and mix the musical notes themselves. So i see NO CHANCES WHATSOEVER for this recycled song to EVEN go through the Semi Finals...

However, having said all that, and as a Maltese, I still Augur you the VERY BEST... WHO KNOWS...!!!!

A Conti

Feb 8th 2009, 09:27

Is Malta SOOOOOO lacking in talent.....it's time to get the originality police out! Get your act together or stop spending our money!

Tony Bonello

Feb 8th 2009, 09:25

I agree with you Mr.Alamango, I personally know Chiara and I wish to congratulate her as she's a wonderful person and singer. I don't believe in the Eurovision, but lets look at some local artists who didn't go to Euro vision and succeeded in Malta and abroad just an example the tribal band Tribali the went to play in England, Australia where interviewed on BBC and had the biggest crowd ever in the last Beer Fest.They never went to Eurosong. I believe that a good manager will take you higher than Eurovision.

Franco Farrugia

Feb 8th 2009, 09:20

Oh, God, Chiara again!

Chiara is a great singer, a great voice. But come on, from what we have gone through now, she certainly won't bring the Eurovision to Malta - and thank heavens for that!!!

Trust the Maltese people to vote for Chiara!

luke balzan

Feb 8th 2009, 09:15

Chiara has the most beautiful female voice that Malta has ever produced but I think this year's song will let her (and us) down. The One That I Love and Angel were far superior. I think that Chiara should have quit while she's ahead not that placing lower than third will take away her past glory. This year's song is not strong or original enough to win. having said this,nothing would give me more pleasure than being proven wrong.

Alex Debono

Feb 8th 2009, 09:12

I think that the Malta Song Board should decide how many times should a person represent our contry. Because by this way it seems that the same persons are going to remain represent us. I think there should be place for other artists to have new talents

It seems that we only one good singer, which is not the case..So please do soemthing, for instance say that only 3 or 2 times a singer should take part as a representative. Hope this will be the last time for Chiara. This is not because i dont like her, but because i think everyone should have a chance.

I undoubtly have faith in Chiara's voice, but this particlular song i am not sure about it. I would prefer if Elenoer had won it.

A Conti

Feb 8th 2009, 09:11

Congratulations to Chiara - she went for it and she won it! But totally thumbs down to the festival and organisers. With public voting-Chiara's popularity would win...it's obvious (no need even think about song or talent) What wil this do for our image...same singer, same style, same everything. Are we really so limited, so inadequate that we can't even afford to give new talent a shot? (how many points for originality???) Get your act together or stop wasiting our hard earned tax money!!!

g.c.Forte

Feb 8th 2009, 09:10

I still remember a girl coming out of nowhere ( because at first she was part of a choir ) singing for the first time for the Eurovision song festival, with the song "The one that I love" and won. By than nobody have guessed or thought that she was going to place third in the Eurovision.I still remember that 8 years later,the same girl, again won the trust of the Maltese people to represent us for the same festival,but this time we had faith that she will do what we have been waiting for so long. We were so disappointed because she should have made it to the first,but for some reason that only few personnel knows, she came second, with the song " Angel". Third time lucky we say.........Go Chiara, we want to see the 2010 Eurovision Song Festival here in Malta. GOOD LUCK............

John Portelli

Feb 8th 2009, 09:06

I wish the best to Chiara,but can't we come up with something more original if we want to win?? I mean how can we ever win this if it's always the same,how about some hard rock ,funky dress be creative invent a new style that nobody has...And again we're not going to win because we have same of the old out dated boring style.Sorry!! I want Malta to win but we won't ,I'll watch it here in Perth WA. MALTA NEEDS TO CHANGE EVERYTHING FROM EUROVISION TO POLITICS,If it wants to compete to win and fight to exist fullstop.Also Chiara is a beautiful woman yet her beauty is concealed in her weight,and silly make-up. Good luck sweety

Joanne Hendy

Feb 8th 2009, 08:37

Well Done Chiara!!!! I was sure that you win again. I liked your song as soon as I heard it....God Bless You! xxx

Michael Andrews

Feb 8th 2009, 08:33

Not alot to choose from this year unfortunately.
Claudia Faniello,i liked alot as well as Q too.
However Chiara was always going to be the winner,when the 3 Super-finalists were announced,and quite frankly she deserved it.
There is nothing or nooone to touch the voice she has got

Well done Chiara and very good luck.

D Attard

Feb 8th 2009, 08:32

Once again a very big well done to Chiara, All the best. !!!!
I just hope that one day a similiar festival, with such promotion and support would include other arts, such as dance!!

adrian sammut

Feb 8th 2009, 08:20

So sorry for Eleonor! I think she deserves to represent her country some day. In my opinion the majority of the songs where very poor. Well the usual menu from the usual array of composers and writers. , and Tara!! Low quality sound as usual. WHEN WILL WE LEARN??. Good luck to Chiara !!

Stefan Sacco

Feb 8th 2009, 08:17

Next time Chiara participates in this Festival I might as well go out for a Chinese!!! The judges left maltese people with no choice...Chiara's true rivals were left at bay. Chiara's songs are all the same. You hear one you hear them all...we could just as well participate with Angel next may.What a shame for Georgina!! Thanks Dearest Jury

Jane Deguara nee Hughes

Feb 8th 2009, 08:00

Well done Chiara, fantastic voice, there was 2 more songs i lked but when you came with the last 3 my vote and my familys went to you well done get out there and blast your voice out. well done to Wayne Micallef and Roseman Pace you was there for me also....

P Debono

Feb 8th 2009, 07:48

Farcical show... Typical Malta. We knew who the winner was going to be so why did 5000 people even bother to turn up? What a small-minded population we really are.

Charles J Buttigieg

Feb 8th 2009, 07:45

Sending Chiara to sing in Moscow is like sending a star salesman to sell fridges in Alaska. Eurovision is not Chiara’s arena; it’s the amphitheatre for clowns and untalented people.

C Micallef

Feb 8th 2009, 07:28

Well done Chiara ... great voice.

Donatella Vella

Feb 8th 2009, 07:26

Good LucK Chiara!!! You have a strong voice and hope you make success again. However, with all due respect, I watched all the programme and listened to all songs and in my opinion i think there were better songs for example that of Classic Rebels Of that of Elenor with a nice coreography, and which unfortunately placed 2nd.

God bless you all and good luck to all singers.

D Fenech

Feb 8th 2009, 06:47

I cannot understand how people who state they did not watch the show can comment.....but
I did watch it and was positively impressed. The vast majority of songs were excellent. Everybody made a big effort! Well done!
As for Chiara...she is undoubtedly a fantastic singer however i am not so sure about her song.I believe it was obvious before the contest started that she would be the winner because the Maltese are so desperate to win. However Chiara has put a lot at stake from her perspective here becauseshe has done so well in the past that to top that is almost impossible.
But she is a brave girl! Good luck to her but please leave her alone. Don't pressure her it is obvious that she has recently gone through a lot emotionally with the loss of her father. Just let her be Chiara!
As for Claudia Faniello, another great voice and personality! What on earth convinced you to wear THAT dress! It was awful and disguised all that is you.
As for ,of Paul Giordimina and Fleur Balzan... their talents have been finally vindicated! Well done!

Alfred Fenech

Feb 8th 2009, 05:48

What a farce!!!! We asked a group of people who we will be competing against to judge our songs!!! Do you think the English judges were going to choose a song that could possibly beat the British entry? Anyway the three songs that should have been the Super Finalists were the last three songs Klinsman, Trilogy and Claudia Faniello. The rest left a lot to be desired.

Dr EMMY BEZZINA,B.A.,LL.D.,S.Th,

Feb 8th 2009, 05:48

A Hearty Congratulations to Malta`s CHIARA now a seasoned and professional performer in her natural talent & mature Art of Singing,Delivering,Interpreting + above all GIVING IT ALL psychologically and physically. Well Done.

I do not even possess a Television so I did not watch her in action. I was professionally busy otherwise and for me it is nonsensical waste of time to view what in the majority of instances is nothing but idiocy.However I have been following CHIARA as She is REAL,not an artificial idiot who seeks to impress with unsuitable attire,grotesque make-up,inaudible and undecipherable diction,bad sound,lots of senseless movements,back-up Groups who would be much better emulated by fishmongers,and all the usual entrappings that had rendered this Malta Song Carnival into an abusive contest that one triumphs by and large through pre-set lobbying,as had occurred in cases where indeed Malta then did not fare well,on the contrary was not good at all,with one and all blaming anything but the truthful reality.

My Party ALPHA which will be contesting the EU Parliamentary Elections with my Candidature in June has always emphasized MERITOCRACY - this time round Malta has a Professional Contestant who LIVES HER PERFORMANCE.AWGURI!

a abela

Feb 8th 2009, 03:02

wonderful voice chiara im very happy for you ,well done and good luck xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx god bless you

D Zarb

Feb 8th 2009, 02:52

Well done Chiara and all the others that took part!! Both Eleonor and Q songs were beautiful but someone needs to win!! Hope that we will be part of the FINAL :)) Gluck MALTA

K Attard

Feb 8th 2009, 02:44

I am definately not pinning any hope to the issue ...

Tony Scott

Feb 8th 2009, 02:14

Congratulation Chiara. Go there and do your best (as always). Let me make a point here for those who doesn't know me how I feel about this festival. I DON'T AT ALL AM IN FAVOR ABOUT FESTIVALS AT ALL.
Also would like to point out that I did not listen to the song so I wont comment on it. My point is that I hope people concerned about this festival (or others) don't start putting a lot of pressure on the singer as you usually do. I am sure that Chiara will give her best as usual. Again go for it Chiara. Sorry I couldn't be there (as I normally do whether working or giving support) but for nearly a year and a half been home for health reason..well that's another story.
Again Good Luck.
Tony Scott

Maria Zammit

Feb 8th 2009, 02:10

Congratulations Chiara!

I Alamango

Feb 8th 2009, 01:16

She won a third flight from our taxes. Looking forward for another miserable Eurovision (nothing against singer but against the event)

Stop wasting money, Invest in local talent. Malta doesn't need the Eurovision.

Kamal Awad

Feb 8th 2009, 01:03

Chiara you are a great asset for us. A talent that constitute a trademark for success indeed.

Tony Caruana

Feb 8th 2009, 01:02

Another DISATER ! Terry Wogan would have had a Field Day !