Norway's Fairytale wins Eurovision - Chiara comes 22nd

Chanel Borg

Jun 7th 2009, 12:10

Fairytale kinet sabiha hafna u kien haqqa tirbah, apparti li kellom performance sabiha u tajba. What if we ma kella xejn x taqsam mas songs l ohra. Kien hemm songs ikrah minn ta Malta, imma kien hemm songs hafna isbah, u anka ballads.
Kien hemm hafna Maltin li ivvutaw lil Chiara mhux as song imma ghax hasbu li Chiara din id darba kienet ser tigi l ewwel. Fil Malta Song for Europe kien hemm songs isbah minn ta Chiara ez. Ta Claudia Faniello u ta Trilogy, imma mbaghad dak kien tort tal gurija.

Joe Fenech

May 26th 2009, 16:46

mtv:

"what do you mean we go up there to participate!!! we take part in the festival to WIN. no-one likes coming second or third. everyone wants to come FIRST. so be realistic!!! "

Do you REALLY think Chiara goes to participate after all the nonsense she, Where's Everybody, and the local TVs have bees giving us? That's just sours grapes on their part!

Caroline Vassallo

May 26th 2009, 13:51

The singer is as much to blame as the song, so please wake up Malta and accept the fact we were just not good enough and Chiara best pack it all in and stick to what Malta knows best and that just silly Ballads for the old fobies, and if you don't listen to the majority of the Maltese and decided to pack in this stupid eurovision sorry-- i rephrase that this silly eastern blocvision contest then i'll apply to join a monastry.

mtv

May 25th 2009, 09:09

how long are we going to give the prosits to people if we come last/22nd or 15th. what do you mean we go up there to participate!!! we take part in the festival to WIN. no-one likes coming second or third. everyone wants to come FIRST. so be realistic!!! stop clapping your hands and saying that we did well if we come last. also stop blaming on how other countries vote. when we came second and third we were still on this little island without any neighbouring countries!!! so face facts we did not have a good song. hopefully next year we will vote for the song and not for the singer

D.Galea

May 24th 2009, 16:05

@M.Bezzina Dejjem hemm differenza bejn wiehed x'jemmen u x'jixtieq!! L-interpretazzjoni ta Chiara kienet tajba? X'ghamlet? Jekk jogbok toffendiex l-intelligenza tal-maggoranza!

M.Bezzina

May 22nd 2009, 16:46

@Rita Mangion il Papocca

Li tmur ghall Eurovision u timira gholi ma ghamlet xejn hazin Chiara...mux qed nejdlek li kinet ser tirbah ta ...pero nisperaw li nieqfu imaqdru ghax l-interpretazzjoni ta Chiara kinet tajba fil-kas kont nixtieq nisma il vuci tieghek biex nara tikkwalifikax ghal kanzunetta tal Eurovision ...
Grazzi

A. Stafrace

May 22nd 2009, 10:02

@ Rita Mangion...

What is this fuss!? why dont YOU go and face the audience if you're such an expert? It's true that it wasnt a success, but you cant deny the fact that she was chosen to represent Malta and you cant either deny that Chiara has a breathtaking voice. I think we only needed a more lively song.

Anyway, you ARE actually getting the exposure, ghax ghandek tkun taf li l- kumment tant gentili tieghek qed idur Malta via Email.

Nicholas Attard

May 22nd 2009, 09:59

Honestly I don’t blame Chiara for Malta’s defeat but with great certainty I blame the Maltese people that voted for the person not for the song at Ta’Qali, giving her even a standing ovation before she sang, when there were obviously better songs that day. Personally I like Chiara’s voice but from the beginning I did not like the song itself. The only blame I put on Chiara is the way she criticized Alexander Rybak publicly on television in my opinion it was very unprofessional.

Natali Mallia

May 21st 2009, 21:24

@P.Aguis sorry but i think she actually got more then she deserved, she is blinking lucky she managed 31 popints, i think nil. pois would have been more deserving, don't you?
Natali &Danny Mallia

J abela

May 21st 2009, 09:21

Well done Chaira...u did you're best and so what.

Just a show as it used to be for the last 54 years..

It is easy to critize. Lots of preparations and dedication is involved in any work. People critizise bein good or bad...

So till the next year..Good luck!

Joe Fenech

May 20th 2009, 23:31

SDimech:

And that's a VERY partial list of commercial music festivals you've given!

On top there are hundreds of other arts festivals going on. Our lovely European oriented government also axed Maltafest where we used to see top artists (at least, most of the time!).

Suzanna Callejja

May 19th 2009, 20:47

Yes i am very surprised that Chiara have adopted a certain high and mighty attitude, it certainly doesn't go down well with me and alot of fans i would imagine,it didn;t do her image any favours this time wround and i can just see her fading away slowly but surely.Unless there is nobody else to follow except just this one Singer.. did i say singer? i will not be listen to her sleepy angelic lullabys i got Bin Crosby's lp's he can do that very easily, but for Chiara its Hasta La Vista(i read that somewhere from another blogger) don't call us we'll call you my dear.

Johnny il-Gringo

May 19th 2009, 17:53

What a fuss ...

Stop bitching the girl

As to the choice of the song/singer
... She was chosen to represent Malta ... so she has nothing to blame for this.

As to her preformance
... She cannot be accused of having given a poor performance ... (Good luck to anyone of you who would be in her place being watched by all those millions across Europe ... with your heartbeat over speeding)

Everyone knows how the Eurovision works when it comes to voting ... and after all if you bothered following the contest there were many good songs competing ...

Most Maltese take the outome of this contest way too seriously ... For those who like the Eurovision, enjoy the show and the excitement it brings with it ... and for those who don't like it ... don't watch and don't moan about it.

Those who wish that more cultural events take place in Malta ... do something about and show initiative ... things don't fall from the sky ... especially in Malta which is limited in most things. If you think things are better abroad ... get a flight and check it out !!

Danika Vella

May 19th 2009, 16:19

leaving the merits of Chiara's song apart, am I the only one who noticed that we (the Maltese) seem to be predicting which song is going to win?

I mean last year we were the only country having a Russian-themed song (with Russian words to boot) and guess which country won?
And this year, the clip just before Malta's song read 'Fairytale' in Russian.... coincidence? Lol!

T Borg

May 19th 2009, 13:39

Why is there all this moaning about neighbourly voting again? Its natural that some places will vote for a song which resembles their national music. If the UK sent a song in "Ghanja" style don't you think Malta would give 12 to them? Or when Switzerland had Keith Camillieri - we magically awarded them our douze (the only country to do so even though 4 out of the other 5 members were not Swiss). We are no better than the rest!

I was in Moscow for the whole two weeks. Chiara was constantly hinting at her 3, 2 ... ? position. It got to the point that I would not have minded had she not gone through to the final, especially when other artists such as Portugal's vocalist Daniela (who was not expected to result in much) was having the time of her life just by being given the oportunity to represent her country. Another sour point when Chiara kept on saying that for her Eurovision was a job she didn't complete. Well, as far as I remember, the points go to a COUNTRY not only a singer. It is the country that chose you - respect it.

John Lauri

May 19th 2009, 12:32

@ James Nicholl.

So if according to you this was a European neighbour voting, then it looks like Norway has 42 neighbours, by the huge volume of points it was awarded, most of which were the highest score any country could give out !

Also, may I remind you that Iceland, like Malta being an island, has no neighbours and yet came in second place.

Could this perhaps be a case of sour grapes, I detect in your comments ?

louis zammit

May 19th 2009, 10:26

one has to go and c the party they have done to the winner on arriving in norway...lets stop talking about our failing to get in the top 10...its a contest and let it be one..it was a great show great songs good music..and it seeems that Alexander Rybak will be a very populair winner since 1976................. so here we go the EUROVISION is still a very BIG SHOW so we go again..............and with a new singer....................go malta go

A.Calleja

May 19th 2009, 08:19

Well done Chiara, but I hope you have learned your lesson. Minn joghla hafna tisbita kbira ghandu jistenna. Next time they offer you to go tell them that there are other Maltese good singers that can represent Malta. In fact to protest I suggest that next year we should send "Josette" = Ray Calleja or Joe Demicoli. At least we have a good laugh. The organizers know very well that Malta cannot afford to organize it here. So forget it . Brava Ira Losco because she was happy with 2nd place and then started her own band and she is doing great.

jane deguara nee hughes

May 19th 2009, 07:07

chiara you did well in my eyes, you sang perfect, the stage was to big for 1 person, dont let people pull you down it had nothing to do with you. god bless

Tim Said

May 19th 2009, 01:32

.....and she said that She wasn't too bothered by the competition from Harry Potter! (Norway) very modest comment from her as usual, yet she goes on nagging when people judge her........I would say that what was good back 10 years ago ,might as well have long expired by 2009.....call it modesty? I say no its a proven fact now! We never seem to learn from past mistakes ,She was 3 times solo act on stage no special effects, no dancers, no nothing all the time, cause it distracts her apparently, yet in semifinals she performed pretty average , who was to blame the left Plasma screen this time around? , Brilliant voice cant argue about that and she sang perfectly in the final night but it was way too late and dead plain and simple compared to all the other performances, Great voice alone can never compete with a cute guy or SIze 8 chicks with decent voice,add some cute dancers ,top it with some great visual effects and some modesty ...and if you aint got a winner you sure got a better placing in final voting.

P.Vella

May 18th 2009, 21:13

@ Mary Pace:

Did we watch the same Eurovision?? Coz I don't think so! Or are you one of those people who gambled on Norway due to the craze which was created by Bookmakers to make money :) ... Did you hear some voting presentators say, "And 12 points go to our neighbours ...." ??

Freddie Vella

May 18th 2009, 19:06

What most of you don't understand is that it was us after all, the Maltese public, who choose to send her to Eurovision again. And now ironically, because we didnt do well, let the useless negative critism come rolling. People have to understand that this is a huge blow for Chiara and her career and we should help her get back one her feet because after all we were the ones who voted for her to go to Eurovision so we should take some responsibility. Also I find it so ironic that people who claim to hate eurovision find to actually watch it and comment about it.
I feel that Chiara gave a great performance and I really am not sure what went wrong with the voting. I have a feeling the jury vote effected her negatively since probably the majority of their votes went to other ballads. With just the public voting we came 6th in the semi.
Now its over so lets put it all behind and learn from our mistakes so that next year we ll do even better. Well done Chiara, I'm so proud of you, you did your best and thats all that matters!

kevin curmi

May 18th 2009, 19:05

Now these are all usual comments after the eurovision , the result is that and we have to accept it. Last year we sent there morena and we didn't make it to the final. There are some comments that doesn't make sense that we had no show on stage that we have fatty chiara, that she have no voice and etc. As with morena last year we hd everything , we had good song ,pretty and sexy, angelic face , show on stage and everything that others had and we didn't make it to the final. The thing is that this year everyone there tried to do everything to win.I'm one that i didn't blamed chiara as she did everything to make a name for malta. At least one possitive comment chiara made it to the final and as a maltese i enjoyed watching the eurovision as there was our country competing.

Andrea Vella

May 18th 2009, 18:50

I still can't understand how the Harry Potter song got more votes than the song by Lloyd Webber and the song by the BoyZone guy. If Chiara had a better song, she still wouldn't have won - look at the Iceland ballad - it had everything: a great melody, good lyrics, a beautiful singer, perfect singing and yet it came second. This ESC is a mystery.

Joe Fenech

May 18th 2009, 16:54

JoE Aquilina:

You have terribly misheard:

Graham Norton NEVERmentioned Chaira being a very talented performer.

When he said about "Chiara having no problem filling the hall" he wasn't referring to the voice! It was just a silly comment - as you know "political correctness goes out of the window during Eurovision"!

Ramon Micallef

May 18th 2009, 16:42

Chiara just got what she really deserved - nothing more, nothing less.

It is unreal that this contest favours any particular country for these two simple reasons :-
a) the results are what they are
b) the winner was always from a different country

I would still consider participating, however on these conditions :-
a) past participants would not be allowed to represent Malta a second time. We should leave space for other contestants to try their luck.
b) limit the winning song to Maltese singers/composers/ writers only. No doubt we have all the necessary talent to get a good result.
c) avoid all this nonsense and fuss about the Eurovision - just go there and finish the job.
d) minimise the delegation and limit it to the number of people really necessary to accompany the participant - and not half the nation. All savings should then be converted into an incentive prize for the representative team (singer/writer/composer) if they get a satisfactory result (say first, second or third placing)

Maria Attard

May 18th 2009, 16:32

@Robert Micallef
I perfectly agree with you. However, they will never stop contesting the Eurovision Song Contest because the singer and MOSTLY those accompanying her, benefit from a good holiday.
Kindly note that I am not the same Maria Attard who posted this comment:
the best Eurovision songs were UK's and Malta's!
STOP taking part.It's rubbish!

SDimech

May 18th 2009, 16:10

The local Council of Tilburg (Netherlands) have been wise enough to build a complex called the “013”, built next to a train station so they can host concerts etc by artists from all over the world, and people from all over Europe and even from the Americas travel there to catch their favourite international artists and even local Dutch artists. This boosts the small town’s annual revenue!

Why can’t the authorities do something similar here, is it such an out of the ordinary thing to achieve? The government can then rent out the place to local and foreign promoters and Malta could start being considered as another venue. Financing the ESC is a complete waste of money. We are probably the only west European country that has no summer festivals. Note:
UK – Reading, Glastonbury, Download, All Tomorrow’s Parties, O2 Wireless and more:
Germany: Rock Am Ring, Wacken
France: Hellfest
Spain: Primavera Sound Festival, Benecassim
Denmark: Roskilde
Belgium, Pukellpop, Le Botanique, Werchter
Sweden: Solvesborg
Holland: Roadburn
Malta? Nothing - too busy with the ESC!
The young tourist doesnt care about Malta, when all the fun is elsewhere!
The above festivals pull crowds ranging from 10,000 to 80,000 people.

silvio demicoli

May 18th 2009, 15:57

I agree with Mr Nicholl for a 100%. I thought she 's a shower singer with a very low music. Pushing Music, Football and other sports that do not make any good name for Malta. Who knows the results of some car / truck races being held abroad, who knows about Motor Sports in MALTA.

Rita Borg

May 18th 2009, 14:41

@ Stefan Sacco.......... Naqbel 100% mieghek.......julie u ludwig telghu bla hafna pompi u ftahir u waslu.....mhux talli hekk talli firxu s-sodda lil chiara fit-2005....... L-umilta kollox....... Ludwig dejjem kien jghid saqajna ma l-art meta xi hadd kien jghidilhom jekk hux se jirbhu.....niftakar sew jien..... Apparti julie u ludwig...mela Lawrence grey m'ghandux ikollu cans ukoll jew claudia? min hu tajjeb u umli ghandu jinghata cans pero dal-hafna paroli zejjed ikisser kull kredibilita ta kantant/a...... jghalla nara nies bhal dawn u nies ohra godda li jkollhom ic-cans jirraprezentawna bla hafna paroli vojt u jhallu lil haddiehor ifahharhom and not boost themselves

Rita Mangion

May 18th 2009, 14:28

Chiara nixtieq nejdlek prosit tas-sucess li ghamilt!!!!!!! Il-Vera ghamiltna kburin, qisek kif ghid inti - "Elton John ta' Malta"!!! Il-Gurnalisti vera dehru li kienu jafukax kif bdejt titkellem hsibt li kulhadd ha jtik 12 punti!! Imma ghaziza Chiara taghna li ghamilt sucess darbtejn lilek nnifsek u hassartu f'temp ta minuta al pruzunzjoni tiehek mort zbaljata! Msomma jiena nawguralek biex qatt ma terga tidher fil-Malta Song for Europe ghax nahseb li lill-Ewropej dejjaqtom u jridu jaraw wicc gdid... vuci gdida...u daqsxejn caqlieq ukoll (mhux rasek biss)!!! JIddispjecini talli qed nghid dan il-kliem ghax kont fan tieghek imma kibritlek wisq rasek, u nispera li din isservik ta taghlima ghalik! Dejjem Tieghek Rita Mangion il-papocca!

Tony Cardona

May 18th 2009, 14:17

I was flabbergasted when I saw the size of the Maltese delegation on Xarabank on Friday: Joe Dimech, Claire Thake, Isabelle Gatt etc etc etc. We are obviously footing the bill for the flights, accommodation, allowances and the rest. The result should bring Chiara down to earth. A diva does not have to say that she would like to be called diva, if she deserves to be called so, so be it. But surely she is no diva. Announcing that you always tear your dress up and give it to the 'poor' dressmakers in one wrinkled heap to mend, does not make you a diva. Thanking 'poor' so & so for being at your beck and call and would do whatever you order him, does not make you a diva. It is talent together with respect for the others and treating them as you would want them to treat you that what makes you a diva. Al buon intenditore... Chiara was very high-handed last Friday. I know of a few people who were wishing she would do badly after seeing her on Xarabank , where her superiority complex was exposed to all. On Saturday Chiara got what she deserved.

Lawrence Magrin

May 18th 2009, 12:17

It is such a shame to compete with a song written by Belgian song writers and composors and then not to get one single vote from Belgium.

This clearly means that we were taken for a nice ride, even by letting a foreign jury choose the three songs for the televoting. When are we going to learn.

Having done so the Malta Song for Europe 2009 was doomed from the very beginning. We should have choose the three songs ourselves and not let anyone else interfere. This was the organising committe's responsabilty.

I feel sorry for our very talented local composors who must have waited a year long for this unique opportunity only to be given the side. If anything Chiara could have written the song herself and I am sure she would have done a better job like when whe wrote and composed Angel.

James Nicholl

May 18th 2009, 11:47

Very simple......

when are we going to realise that this 'Contest' should be renamed as
"Eurovision NEIGHBOURS' SHOW Contest".........

Stop wasting time, effort & money......... or one can even argue, it's a good holiday for the delegation.........

Martin Büttner

May 18th 2009, 11:43

I believe that this year's Eurovision Song Contest was one of the best ever. 20 out of the 25 songs were just great! Nice tunes, good rhythms, eye catching stage performances and professional artists.I am a bit sad about Greek's and Turkey's result. I saw them at the very top.
But the Norwegian song is also quite good and deserved to win, maybe not necessarily with the highest score a winner ever had.
Malta's 22nd place was the best Chiara could achieve with this poor and monotone and boring package. I almost fell asleep when she sang.
I am sad that Chiara now presents herself as a bad loser with unnecessary comments about other singers or about how and why other countries voted.
But I am pretty sure that soon we will see another Maltese success at the Eurovision. Malta has so many talented young singers. Now it is up to the Maltese to choose a better package at the next festival. I hope that politics understand the message from Europe and stay out of the finding process for the next year's contest.
My message to the Maltese: Don't give up! Choose new and unused faces, voices and tunes!

Robert Micallef

May 18th 2009, 11:40

It's now clear that it's about time that we pull out from this non-sense, money-wasting farce! Why should Maltese people pay so once a year a singer gets the chance to perform in europe! If they want to go perform, they can fork out the money from their own pockets!
Money can be spent other wise on evens where a lot more of Maltese can tak part and appreciate ez- good initiatives like notte bianca, notte gozitana, wine/beer festivals, valletta/nadur carnival etc!

Monica Pace Bonello

May 18th 2009, 11:10

I was amazed, Alexander Rybak performance was captivating and exciting I was spell bound! As the points showed on the night, no other performance came anywhere close. Chiara I am sorry to say was amazing to us the Maltese, but on Saturday the competition was too great, and so as the songs where sang and the show carried on you slowly forgot 'What if we'...

Dave Mifsud

May 18th 2009, 10:07

If next year we are going to waste money in the Eurovision again...... send Josette....at least we have a laugh!!!!

Brian Fenech

May 18th 2009, 09:57

Everyone is always moaning that other countries vote for their neighbouring countries & so on. Well i must say that, in my opinion the maltese people vote for the singer and not for the song. i've heard it alot of times that people vote for a certain singer just because they r relatives or friends. this is totally wrong cos either we want to send a relative/friend to represent us, or else we send the best song!!

Edward Caruana Galizia

May 18th 2009, 09:06

Personally i really didnt like norway's song. i thought it was rubbish. However, it is just a singing contest. Lets just enjoy it for what it is.

Andrew Vinci

May 18th 2009, 09:02

When are we going to get over our denial and accept that the eurovision contest is practically set up from the beginning with all the block voting that goes on?

It's a waste of money that could be put to good use locally by sponsoring the initiatives of young Maltese music, film and theatre groups creating much higher culture productions than the kitsch-fest that the eurovision contest is.

R. Calleja

May 18th 2009, 08:32

Fejn huma r-Russi?

"Kif tidhol Chiara x'imkien hawnhekk kulhadd jieqaf .............vera populari!!!!"

U b'danakollu lanqas punt ma tawna r-Russi!!!!!!

Carmelo Zarb

May 18th 2009, 08:03

have been brousing through the internet forums checking what the ECS fans are saying about Chiara and the Maltese song. Most agree about her great voice like most of the other participants. But many are saying that this was her end and are begging her not to come back. The number of jokes i have seen was increadible..(some cannot be said here!!!) Many of her fans have turned against her saying that this was unfortunately her end.

N.Sciberras

May 17th 2009, 22:43

Bentornata a terra Chiara !!!..... You might have a good voice but your attitude leaves much to be desired.

J galea

May 17th 2009, 22:35

Chiara when u come back to malta make sure of a public apology on xarabank and also make sure to say that harry potter has won the eurovision....to evboard ...please make sure you install once again robert abela as head of delegation...

S. Callus

May 17th 2009, 22:26

Chiara and the UK singer had the most powerful voices yesterday and both their performaces were impeccable. However both songs were extremely boring, the UK were lucky to have Andrew Lloyd Webber on the piano!

This year the competition was very fierce, there were at least 7 songs which could have won the contest. If we stand any chance to make it through the semi finals in the future, the selection of songs must be better. I'm sure we're capable of producing better music and go to the Eurovision with a more entertaining package - after all that's what the contest is all about.

I notice that Turkey always do well in the contest and I like the fact that their music reflects their culture. It would be a great idea to have Etnika or Tribali in future songs we send.

And by the way, Norway's singer looks like Harry Potter!! Iceland had a better package, they should have won.

charles camenzuli

May 17th 2009, 22:22

Irrespective of all the comments, Chaira is and remains Malta's top female singer. Best credentials irrespective of what happened in Moscow.
I suggest each and everyone to go through this link:
htty://eurovisionbloguk.spaces.live.com/?GT1=61503

Charles C

P Agius

May 17th 2009, 22:20

She go what she deserved. Period.

Stefan Sammut

May 17th 2009, 21:52

There was no doubs about Chiara's perforamance.. she made us Maltese proud! So those who are saying unfair comments should be asamhed of themselves..
22nd place was very unfair ... desvered first 10 for sure!
However, one thing I would say, is that in we are in 2009 we should change the themes of our songs.. and learn from others.. maybe more beat. some shows and "a story to tell" .. like Norway had!

Marlene Spiteri (Toronto)

May 17th 2009, 21:48

Yes Rachel Sanders i am with you on that malta will certainly be a winner also for me, but i just cant abide some singers namely Chiara who tend to be cock sure of herself and also belittle other singers in Malta thinking she is god's gift to the maltese islands. i just hope she gets off that pedistal of hers and come down to earth with the rest of us mortals, my message is retire or put a sock in it period!, you're too old for the game, there are plenty more in Malta and Gozo i am sure of that with better talent ,better voice and no doubt less arrogant. Good Bye from Toronto.

David Nielson

May 17th 2009, 21:41

Malta, I pity the artist/songwriter and management that will represent Malta in next years Eurovision song contest. You will reap all the harm that this year's artist has made with her insipid comments. You deserve to send more worthy representatives.

M. Pisani

May 17th 2009, 21:10

Chiara has a great voice ... but it's the song that is contesting .... and ..... this year the song was a loser from the beginning ..... I attended the festival last February and there were a lot of more songs much better than What if we .... but they didn't stand a chance ..... well this is the result .... we knew it all along so this is no surprise !!!

Peter Farrugia

May 17th 2009, 20:59

Ref Martin Buttner i must say me as an Anglo/Maltese and you saying that once more you're pleased that Germany was placed higher then Malta,, that shows your national arrogance once more, admit your entry was crap thats more then i can say for our maltese entry.
Peter Jones Farrugia (Bath) ENGLAND

Maurice Pace

May 17th 2009, 20:41

All the other failures seem to have come and gone it seems disappeared in thin air and unfortunitly being so cock sure of herself Chiara has just entered a new chaper in her career..Its the begening of the end.. Hasta la Vista. no more Agelic ballads please, i feel depressed for looseing as it is, i think i might even join a choir and sound like a local, but first i must lay off the pastizzis for a while, i feel blotted after last night's disatrous results from our tourists:- can i call then FRIENDS? except for the UK and Ireland who felt sorry for us,good job Terry wasen't presenting that would have been better then Benny Hill.

gerard magri

May 17th 2009, 20:01

STOP. wasting our money. If you believe the eurovision serves as publicity for Malta I am sure the money can be invested in some better advertising. If not pass the money saved to one of he non profitable organisation like Puttinu

Claire Galea

May 17th 2009, 19:58

When are we going to learn? We should be sending different artists every year so they can gain experience from the organisation and professionalism of an international event. It will help them evolve as an artist and in the meantime give Malta good promotion. If Malta wins in the process well and good, if not, we can still appreciate the artists' success in future years after giving them this sort of boost. They will still make Malta proud in the end.

P.Gauci

May 17th 2009, 19:52

Arrogance, overconfidence and lack of creativity were the causes of this failure. I hope she learned her lesson.

Maria Attard

May 17th 2009, 19:52

the best Eurovision songs were UK's and Malta's!
STOP taking part.It's rubbish!

J Spiteri

May 17th 2009, 19:47

@Noreen Abela
Chiara had a professional team with her, making her appear more than a star. Her dress was really, really flattering. Don't worry ... Chiara already knows about her figure & she made sure that the dress designed for her would be suitable for her figure like all we women do! She wore perfect make up & she performed her song very professionally. I must say it was the best performance I saw so far from Chiara.
Full stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Appearances have nothing to do with anything you mentioned. Being constructive in your criticism could help you deal better with people around you!

This also applies to Chiara herself. I already made a previous comment about how disappointed I was with Chiara's comments on Xarabank when referring to other Maltese and foreign singers. This is really sad in my opinion because a person has to grow up in such matters.

v.pulis

May 17th 2009, 19:37

For all those who feel surprised and disappointed we should have seen it coming!
Imagine going to an art exhibition and seeing forty or so large oil paintings and one small albeit good sketch. that's how it was with malta's entry this year. There were all those spectacular songs complete with dancers, backing vocals, acrobats, fire jugglers musicians... then there was Chiara alone on stage with just her magnificent voice to woo the public. No matter how good a singer is the ESC is all about spectacle. To top it all this year saw some very good entries. What really surprised me was the UK's placing as in my opinion it along with france had the worst songs.

Joe Galea

May 17th 2009, 19:37

@C Camilleri: My political mindedness came from the fact that we knew that Chiara was going to win theMaltese Song for Europe weeks before. There were many much better songs than hers. It was so obvious that they wanted her. And to know why just click on the following link. (it says it all):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ydzraoOwBI

Marion Pace

May 17th 2009, 19:17

Chiara got the result she did because of her public snide remarks. She got a good placing in the semi finals so why did she get such a disastrous result in the final? Did any one notice in the 2nd finals a small crowd chanting 'Malta, Malta' before the Dutch started to sing. Do you not know that such behaviour will reflect on the present and future contestants as might have happened after Chiara's last entry in 2005 as regards the remarks she passed on the Greek competitor?

William Bellia

May 17th 2009, 19:10

I do believe it is time to be mature once and for all and stop blaming other nations for voting to their neighbours etc. Does Iceland have any neighbours? Is all Europe neighbour of Norway since most of the countries gave the 12 points to it?
Let's be real this time, and admit that there is something wrong with the songs we are delivering and with the performance we put up on stage. (In which, this year, Chiara's ego prevented any other presence on stage except herself)

Moreover, Chiara's attitude became, unfortunately, disgusting. Being confident is an asset, but being arrogant, and possibly big headed is something which any professional must avoid!

I am only sure of something, that Harry Potter was serious this time, and whooped some serious behind.

Well done Norway, and let's hope the people in charge the people responsible will stop wasting time and money, and be mature if we have to offer some serious competition.

JOE Aquilina

May 17th 2009, 18:50

I was very disappointed with Chiara"s placing - I think she deserved better. I am an expatriate now but very proud of Chiara's peformance. For the critics please note that the BBC commentator Graham Norton said that it takes a very talented peformer to fill that hall with just one voice and she did it briliiantly. Well done Chiara from a very proud expatriate !!

Rachel Sanders

May 17th 2009, 18:40

Watched the Eurovision from Washington State...I'm a proud Maltese and always be and Chiara you did an amazing job...Congrats to the winner.....but Malta will be always be a winner for me ..

Noreen Abela

May 17th 2009, 18:39

The Eurovision had many good songs of a high quality and unlike other years everyone seemed to be young and attractive too, budding pop stars. Unfortunately, Chiara does not look the part or fit the image. Rightly or wrongly we judge people by their appearance more than anything else and she let us down. To win a competition like this, it is not good enough just to have the voice, you have to have the entire package. Norway had a good song which was catchy and fun, a cute singer that the female population liked (after all it is mainly women that vote), and also a couple of attractive ladies to complete the picture. Chiara was the only big woman on the show. Here in Malta we have lots of talented beautiful people, perhaps we should give one of them the chance next year.

Alexander Morana

May 17th 2009, 18:13

M Schembri, Pride comes before a fall.....................................


...........................and what a fall. The whole of Russia heard it....

D Mifsud

May 17th 2009, 18:08

For all those saying that "we" maltese chose chiara, my answer is - Did we really have a choice? A jury limited our choice to 3 songs/artists and of course from the 3 presented to us Chiara was the best choice. If a jury had not handed us this limited choice maybe we would have chosen another song. I also would like to comment on Chiara's remarks in various tv shows. I was really disgusted listening to her belittle al the other songs, and acting like she was a Godsent to Malta and to Eurovision. She made fun of the Norwegian singer and his song, and instigated a fight with the Dutch just because they madet a joke she did not appreciate. Reminds me when she came back to Malta in 2005 and started saying that Helana Paparizu was not as good as she was, and that she was better than her and deserved to win. The wolf occasionally drops his skin to reveal true colours. I wish her all the best in her future career wherever that may take her.

Miriam Ellul

May 17th 2009, 18:07

The story , or rather the comedy goes like this ..... again and again.
The singer is chosen to represent Malta. The 'good willed' sponsors ...... i.e. hairdressers, makeup artists, nail technicians (though nails are not visible on screen....but well, we'll gain something anyway) fashion designers, all offer their 'EXCLUSIVE' lol product ...... hoping to gain that free holiday to the Eurovision venue! Events in his/her honour, tears and emotional sessions on Xarabank ..... appraisals and high hopes....during ''A day in the life of....whoever he/she may be''! Then there will be the delegation.....all feeling important with that identification card hanging by their neck, heading for the airport.......haha....at last we're there again!
This magical time will end abruptly with the 'Malta..... un point'! The comedy has ended and now be ready for angry comments of disappointed viewers. This is a very reasonable price to pay! So be patient and reflect!
I am very proud to be Maltese....but not when it comes to Eurovision! No way!

JUSTINE CAMILLERI

May 17th 2009, 18:02

I no longer live in Malta and I couldnt have felt more proud to be maltese when Chiara sang on that stage.As always you were incredible Chiara and I have nothing but praise for you.IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED, TRY, TRY AGAIN ....

M Schembri

May 17th 2009, 17:56

Pride comes before a fall.....................................

M.S. Anastasi

May 17th 2009, 17:50

Positive thinking sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible but arrogance and excessive ego, diminishes wisdom.

J.Pace

May 17th 2009, 17:42

EUROVISION MANIA . Before the start of yesterday eurovision, speeches were addressed to the nation by PRESIDENT of Malta, PRIME MINISTER and OPPOSITION leader. These stupid things happen only in Malta.

Anton Valletta

May 17th 2009, 17:31

Like the saying says : who laughs last laughs best. I would like to tell Chiara, do not ruin more your career, stop being arrogant. On Xarabank you said the boy for Norway resembles Harry Potter and the expression on your face should as if he is not going to impress. From the silence of his country he gave you his answer. Your "Harry Potter" hit the news with flying colours.

Marton Saliba

May 17th 2009, 17:24

This year's eurovision had a good lot of winning songs, including Malta's.
There's nothing shameful about Chiara aiming high and all of that, because, you go to a song contest to win! SO ambition is part of a winning formula...it's just that sometimes somebody's formula is preferred by the public.
Lord Webber's song raked high simply because it was Webber's and nothing much, I love hig work but this wasn't a forte of his.
Turkey ranked high due to her flaming hot movements. And after all once on stage, on has to perform...
BVut I still think that withough neighbour countries, it's difficult to win...
I also think we should stop wasting fund on this contest anyway...

Alex Coppola

May 17th 2009, 17:16

Once again year after year we pretend to win the contest, always quoting the bookmakers that we are one of the favourites. It seems we never learn - for a whole six months all we talk about is the Eurovision and nothing but the Eurovision as if it is a national issue of utmost importance - we dedicate whole programmes like Xarabank, Bondiplus etc. on just Euroivision - what a waste of time in this Eurovision-mad country.

I think it is about time we stop participating and waste time and huge sums of money in this freaky contest - we never stand a chance of winning it not even in a hundred years though we were close on a couple of times - the element of neighbour voting is still there. Chiara's song was up to standard but it seems that it is impossible to win it - how come every single country nearly gave 10 or 12 points to Norway? In my opinion Iceland's song was much better.
ONCE AGAIN STOP PARTICIPATING just like Italy did and nevertheless good luck Chiara - you deserve much much better. Let's give priority to other important issues.

Martin Büttner

May 17th 2009, 17:14

This year's most professional song/performance was that of UK. Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber did a great job. That's why it ranked so high. However, it could not reach the top position(s) as Europe wanted more of joy, fairytales and professional good looking (sexy) performers/artists.
Putting a single strong voice on stage was definitely not enough.
The quality of the Eurovision is increasing from year to year again. Already last year I noticed this.
Malta has to catch up with it. And Malta can do it! There are so many young talents on the islands whom should be given the chance to represent Malta.
As a German let me say that I was happy to see Germany placed better than Malta. This does not happen too often. :-)

Nadine Agius

May 17th 2009, 17:12

I don't think it is fair that people now criticize Chiara, song and everything. Ok, maybe she aimed a little bit too high, and perhaps there was a little bit of high self-esteem, but overall, Chiara, for the third time, confirmed that the Maltese are talented!

I would have also preferred the song being composed by the Maltese, but, all in all, What If We was the song chosen democratically by the Maltese on the night of the MSFE. Thus, if we the majority put their faith in her, every Maltese citizen's duty is to support the decision. I was disgusted yesterday by having to listen to horrible comments about Chiara, and her performance. With all due respect, it clearly reflects ignorance.

And to be fair, yesterday's show was one of the most harsh competitions in Eurovision history! We were lucky to having gotten through the Semi-Final!

There's always a next time.. so we'll just have to wait for another go..

Thank you Chiara for making me proud to be Maltese! You were amazing up there!

J Spiteri

May 17th 2009, 16:54

Chiara needs to deal with some real issues once she is back home to Malta.
First and foremost, she must get her feet on the ground from high above cloud 9! Maybe she could make use of Xarabank once again to express herself, as she is now used to! During the recent Xarabank programmes she was really arrogant by belittling others who represented Malta in the past 3 years. I have always loved Chaira for her charm, for her voice and for her determination. It is however a real shame to have a singer of such popularity who was loved by all Malta, that in a matter of a couple of weeks become subject to phrases like "x'tahseb li hi?" "kemm kibritilha rasha" and worse than that, hearing satisfied comments that Chiara obtained such a bad result "forsi tigi f'taghha".
I believe that her sarcasm which we had heard about the winner of this year's festival by calling him Harry Potter and saying publicly that she starts to laugh when she sees him, etc, has to stop for her own sake! Being jovial is one thing ... being arrogant is another!

C. Busuttil

May 17th 2009, 16:54

Now Chiara has to face the music, while there is no doubt in her talent, she must make way for others.
Not that I have high hopes in these others, wether they are winter moods or kevin borg. Had they taken part instead of Chiara they would not have finished any better. We have the tendency to believe that those who achieve some fame abroad are household names throughout europe. Kevin Borg is unknown and will remain so. So is Chiara and all the rest. the Eurovision is the only occasion in their career in which they would perform infront of such audience.
While Chiara needs a large doze of humility. Kibret rasha wisq. What she declared before the final is a clear indication that she has a too high opinion of herself and no consideration for other performers. I hope this was her last performance in the ESC, or else the Malta Song for Europe festival should be renamed the Chiara song festival.

Mario Vella

May 17th 2009, 16:48

I am not worried about the waste if money. We waste enough money with dubious infrastructural projects et all so a bit of money invested in music is welcome. What I abhorr is that these funds are reserved for the Eurovision which is little more than a drag show for retards. A horrid celebration of everything that's wrong about pop music. Wake up silly listeners. Chiara was never talented in the first place. I still would stand by my claim if she delivered the trophy home. Same goes for singers of her ilk, wading in the filthy waters of mediocrity. Now go buy a Beangrowers, Areola Treat, Forsaken or Brikkuni album if you want to listen to something worth listening to locally.

Melvin Tonna

May 17th 2009, 16:45

So many comments were left on this article! Wow! How come everyone is saying that we take Eurovision so seriously, we have a Eurovision fever and we should drop out of the contest and yet everyone watched it yesterday from the looks of it? This is a reply to some comments…

“U minn fuq tghajjar lil tan-Norvegja…ghamilielha Harry Potter!!”
Ok. This is true but no one mentioned the instance when a singer from the Netherlands passed silly comments about her figure. Why?

“We should stop sending ballads. They are old-fashioned.”
Ok. Iceland placed 2nd this year and United Kingdom placed 5th. Both of them were ballads weren’t they? And do you remember Molitva? It was a ballad and she won like 3 years ago!

“Korjografija Mejta”
3 years ago we had the same coerography and Chiara placed 2nd. It could be that “What if we” is not as strong as “Angel”, this is true. I don’t think Chiara deserved 22nd…

There are no reasons why the result is disappointing. Let's just accept the result and try again next year! I feel that Chiara's performance was outstanding. Chiara, simply steer away from ESC! You don't need it!

Goodluck Chiara!

c.camilleri

May 17th 2009, 16:29

Now that Chiara has not done well we have the 'usual after the event comments' from usual know-it-all presumptuous persons.

@ j Galea . Have you any idea of how Chiara and her song were chosen? Or were you in outer space when the song for Europe contest was held here in MAlta. Joe can you tell us how politics came into this? The trouble with you is that you have become too much politically minded. You cannot put up an argument without mixing politics.

T Vella

May 17th 2009, 16:26

We shouldn't feel upset that Chiara's song did badly - after all neither Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber neither Ronan Keiting's song won the contest.

J. Pace

May 17th 2009, 16:09

Unfortunately I was proven right as per my previous posts here ie. that is we will not place top ten. The whole package was pathetic to say the least. And who thinks that we could have done better with dancers, notice that Iceland came second with a wonderful song and voice - they had no xenxilli on stage, they only had great music, great clear voice, great singer, great song.

Anyway, has anyone noticed Chiara 'sigh of relief' just exactly at the end of the song? As if saying "finally is over". It looked extremely unprofessional gesture. If I have seen it, means millions have seen it. See again the video and notice the guesture.

Finally, now I hope that the maltese next festival will vote for the best song, not because - 'she is chiara', or 'she deserves to go now', or because 'she is gozitan, so all gozo votes go to her' etc etc. I think you understood what I mean. Use your mind when to vote, be intelligent. And if I remember correctly, when we had judges in Malta to select the song, I think we did better in Eurovision than the maltese televoting paprata.

Rogger Mifsud

May 17th 2009, 16:03

Although i think Chiara is a good ballad singer and hits the right notes, but to me like most of our Maltese singers seem to have a sort of a *choir voice, sort of *angelic sound projection which now a days doesn't mingle on what the public really want to listen to all the way through without looseing concentration and falling asleep, i hear most europeans did just that last night apparently during our turn, a bit rude i say but then we've probably done exactly the same to some of their ballad singers,others like Turkey for instance and Azabajan keep me listen in amazement the amount of energy they put into it., ours unfortunitly needed some red bull to get it going last night, ah well can't please everyone i suppose, but then who cares, Frankly my dear i just don't give a damn! i read that in this paper somewhere last week, i like the phrase.

Jamie Hudson

May 17th 2009, 16:03

So Harry Potter won the song contest? was it by magic?

M.S. Anastasi

May 17th 2009, 15:47

One must admit that this year the Eurovision Song Festival achieved a very high standard and in my opinion there were some eight songs that could easily have made it to the top. Fairytale was one of them - one of the best songs won and I am glad for Alexander.

On the other hand, we must all admit that our participation lacked the full package - 'Il-Pakkett'. We had the singer but not the song.......perhaps, if Chiara believed more in the talent of Maltese Composers and Authors.....she would have done much better!!!!!

I was always taught to keep my feet on the ground because as the maltese saying goes, 'Min jiftahar jaqa' l-bahar'!.

Gerald Fenech

May 17th 2009, 15:37

Amongst the hundred or so comments here, no one mentioned the incredible amount of beautiful and sexy women who graced the festival this time round. Azerbajian, Iceland, Turkey, Romania etc all did considerably well no doubt due to their appeal. The less comment on our entry the better.

Jennifer Soames

May 17th 2009, 15:34

My question is: why did the Norwegian song win? true, it's a pretty song but not the best one in the contest. Iceland should have won.

Another question: why does Azerbajan take part? it's not in Europe.

Ronnie Gauci

May 17th 2009, 15:14

Xi hadd skanta bhali ghala mhux bhal snin ohra m'ahna naraw xejn fuq il-Eurovision fuq PBS specjalment din is-sena li hadu r-rights huma? Tal-misthija, ghamilna kwazi sena ghaddejjin bil-EV fever imbghad l-ghada tal-EV, wara tisbita bhal din, kollox sieket fuq il-mezzi tax-xandir, x'gara??. Jien qed nissupetta dawn l-affarijiet:

1) Hemm xi struzzjonijiet li l-EV u l-partecipanti Maltin hadd ma jikkritikahom jew ipoggihom skomdi mhux bhal ma jsir f'pajjizi ohra. Dan biex ma ssirx hsara lill-EV biex sena wara sena nibqghu nitilghu. Xhieda ta` dan kien il-kummentarju fjakk ta` Valerie Vella l-bierah, kien se jigri xi haga kieku qalet li morna hazin?
2) Tant telghu nies Moska li ma fadal hadd Malta biex ikun jista jittella programm, Min fadal Malta?? Fejnhom tal-WE jew PBS?? Fadal xi hadd minnhom Malta?

Andrew Grech

May 17th 2009, 15:14

WHO GIVES A FLYING HOOT !!!!!!!

Louis Grima

May 17th 2009, 15:09

Norway had an excellent song with a wonderful all round performance,so it was undoubtedly a worthy winner.
Despite her beutiful and terrfic voice,Chiara's song was the weakest of the three with which she participated so far.Still she did her best,and in my opinion deserved a better placing.
I expected the UK to do better as well.
Does the fact that this year a very good song won the Eurovision mean that the problem of diaspora voting been eliminated? I think that a look at how the votes were distributed amongst the other participants will show that this is not so,and is still very much present.

Patsy Palmer

May 17th 2009, 15:02

@ Rita Borg

Seems like you're related to Kevin Borg! The fact that you explicitly say that Ira Losco can't be compared to Kevin Borg shows your lack of competence in the music industry. Has anyone offended your Kevin Borg?? Yes i prefer a million times more Ira's music and style...is there a problem with that??!!!

Monique Agius

May 17th 2009, 15:00

Chiara's song was weak compared to what we saw last night. In my humble opinion it was not even suited for her voice. But it is the best we could have come up with this year. Maybe we thought we had our winning card, just because she placed second and third in previous editions, that makes us over confident and makes the disappointment worse. The Maltese should really stop giving this contest so much importance and take it with a pinch of salt. Other Maltese artists are doing well abroad.
Still, thank you Chiara for being the Maltese ambassador but now I think you should really let other Maltese singers represent this country.

Dione Sant

May 17th 2009, 14:55

I T O L D Y O U S O !!!!!! (pity this is the largest font possible!!!!!)

M Camilleri

May 17th 2009, 14:52

We are a really a bunch of hypocrates..... just applaud Chiara for her performance which was definitely much better than that of the semi-final ...and that is it....as an earlier post said.... most of us were all locked inside, at home or with friends, or in pubs/bars watching the contest... It brings people together !!!!....

... and please be humorous ... Alexandre really looks like Harry Potter and he won.... he is a good musician but not an optimal singer... so many tough personal jokes were put on Chiara's front since her career kicked off.... so let it be..

.... also its us who chose the song... so why putting all this harsh criticism... Johnny Logan was in a number of times ...ok he won as well, but it is not important

.... just because she hasexposed herself fully ... good....that is what Eurovision is all about after all.... exploit the opportunity of stardom till it lasts....

Well done to the PBS organisation board.... at least no more low disputes between outgoing chairmen... it was getting out of our ears.....

Well done Chiara.... you deserve a break and enjoy your family - the FAIRYTALE)!!!

Cardona charles

May 17th 2009, 14:51

Dak li rebah li ghidt qisu Harry Potter? Nipreferi inkun qisni harry potter milli naqa wicci l'art

C. Gauci

May 17th 2009, 14:31

Jidispjacini nghid imma toqodux igibu skuzi bin neighbours ghax gejjna f posizzjoni hazina. chiara kellha vera diska boring u bla sens. fuq il palk deher kollox monotonu. norway kien jixirqilom jirbhu , kellhom diska tal widna, originali u show fuq il palk. u il kantant kien simpatiku. chiara qabel telghet il eurovision bdiet tamila ta diva u tamila fatta li ser tirbah zgur, f'kellma wahda ta wahda imkabbra. ma jfissirx li ghax giet it tieni u tielet , din id darba kienet gejja l ewwel , bhal kif hafna hasbu u ghalhekk ivutawalla biex titla ghal eurovision.

Trevor Mizzi

May 17th 2009, 14:30

another year,same crap!!!
welcome back down to earth Chiara,hope this result will put your feet back on the ground
x'tisbita dik!!!!

F Zammit

May 17th 2009, 14:29

"Congratulations" to all those asking to pull out from the Eurovision. This is pure sarcasm for those who haven't realised. I simply cannot understand how these people cannot see that Malta needs more exposure to foreign markets both from a marketing and a careers point of view. Keep in mind that our economy is based on Tourism and if Malta does not expose itself in EVERY possible way, how are people supposed to realise that Malta still exists. Now it is usless crying over spilt milk. I strongly suggest investing more in this event by using a REAL marketing strategy, a GOOD choreographer and some well qualified dancers. We need to give up the cheesy stuff and bring in a real creative team. Congratulations and best of luck to Chiara, even if it wasn't the best of results. It takes a lot of courage to be out there.

karen grech

May 17th 2009, 14:21

we told whole europe that we only have one talented singer and no talented composers/authors cause ours was not a Maltese package. Besides the countries of the composer and author didnt appreciate our song and didnt gave us any voteII Maybe thats why they wrote Chiara's song, cause they are not appreciated in their country.

a abela

May 17th 2009, 14:16

That's what happens when you aspiration levels are beyond reality.

John Borg

May 17th 2009, 14:16

Only in a dead-end country like ours is a cheesy song festival turned into an event of national importance. Someone asked how come none of the Maltese resident in Belgium voted for Malta. The answer is that they probably have better things to do on a Saturday night than sit in front of their TV.

r.attard

May 17th 2009, 14:14

for all of those who are saying that the song was not good enough. WHO CHOSE IT ?? it was us. so please for the upcoming years chose well. all of us should be responsible enough. it is by far easier to critize rather than pulling up our socks and take action.

Martin Büttner

May 17th 2009, 14:12

Chaira's voice is out of this world. But the package that Malta sent to Moscow was poor at the end. A flat song, no visual effects on stage, no animating choreography, and a climax was missing. The Maltese entry had to fail.

Europe wanted a package full of joy and liveliness that gives hope in these difficult economic times. Perfect stage performances, good rhythms, nice melodies and real eyecatchers were presented by Norway, Iceland, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Now surpise these countries took the top ranks.

Malta needs to sense the European taste better. Putting just a lonely singer with a good voice in the middle of a huge stage was the wrong concept.

I really hope that in future new young local talents will be given a chance to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest for Malta. I also hope that politics will loose further influece in the local festival and that the media become a bit more realistic.

dorianne bugeja

May 17th 2009, 14:00

Although Chiara gave a brilliant interpretation with her song, in my opinion it was not a winning song, infact it was dead boring.

When choosing the maltese song which will represent Malta for the Eurovision Song Contest, the maltese televoters have to keep in mind to vote for the best song and not for the sympathy or fame of the singer.

Last year's choice was also not good. I am not a fan of Claudia Faniello but I think she had a potential song to represent us in the festival.

If we want to achieve good results, we must do our homework right.

D.Galea

May 17th 2009, 14:00

@Patrick zammit

No, that's exactly where you're wrong!! To be Maltese doesn't mean supporting the singer, but well if supporting Chiara is an act of charity for you, well then I don't blame you! ;)

Stefan Sacco

May 17th 2009, 13:57

David Meilak

I perfectly agree with you.....and that Chiara became so big headed is not because of that story of the Gemel she told us in Xarabank but because of many other remarks during the festival in February

Michael Azzopardi

May 17th 2009, 13:57

@ Geir - It is not all the Maltese who are ignorant. I agree with what you have said very much.
Norway deserved to win. Our song was boring, old fashioned, and although chiara has a good voice it was not enough to impress europe. She sold the illusion that because she was 2nd and 3rd she would win. I found her to be very arrogant in nature making comments about other people (and commenting about looks and then going over to xarabank to act hurt because somebody has made a joke about her is plain fake) and putting all her competitors down. It would have been best if she spared us all the diva-like behaviour. She acted like she was Malta's saviour. I would have not minded her position because I believe taking part is the most important thing, but after all this, I hope she will learn her lesson. As for all those saying that we should send x or y - hope you realise that France has sent Patricia Kass who is a multi million selling artist, and yet they did not win either. It makes no diffference. People vote for the song they like.

Rachel Spiteri

May 17th 2009, 13:57

Have to say i enjoyed alot of the songs in euro 09 this year.. Turkey, Iceland and Norway were my fav i must say... Malta's performance was better than last Tuesday's. Must say to Chiara that she done a good job although the result is poor.. Norway deserved to win and its amazing the amount of points they got.. A record... Malta in the Semifinal came 6th so that was a good result. Welldone to all...

G Psaila

May 17th 2009, 13:54

When are the Maltese going to stop using 'neighbours' as an excuse? It's only natural for people to vote for those they identify themselves with (culture, language, historical connections etc.) I'm sure that if Italy were to compete, most Maltese would react positively to an Italian song.
Chiara has a great voice, but the song was hopeless. I blame the Maltese public for voting for it in the first place. Moreover, it was totally drab; we've seen some lovely performances during the contest, everyone tried to be original, except Malta, of course. And sweet Alexander deserved to win, no sour grapes please!

S Muscat

May 17th 2009, 13:52

First the media and Chiara herself building high expectations. Now we get another disappointing result.
She should have avoided certain boastful comments and attitude, because the truth was that her song was not that good enough when compared to the other ones.

Estonia's song, which was performed exactly after Malta in the final, placed 6th with 129 points; A simple yet powerful song (with oriental and contemporary tunes blended well together performed by an ordinary humble girl with a lovely voice) justly outshined our entry! Hope this teaches us a lesson!

Stefan Sacco

May 17th 2009, 13:49

@ G .Mangion

Min Jisfida il Chiara ??? Julie & Ludwig qualified from the semis and fared better in the final placing 12th...so I hope we stop it once and forever that Chiara is the only sent from Heaven in this country

Simon J. Aquilina

May 17th 2009, 13:40

Maybe next time we should send something 'more' Maltese, rather then try to imitate what others do. This is just an opinion of course, however we should use an occasions like the eurovision to export our culture and heritage. I do not wish to start any argument with anyone, Chiara's song was nice of course, however there wasn't anything that made me feel proud to be Maltese in it. It was a song like many others that come and go. We should try and think hard to send, something original something that distinguish us from them, a song that when people hear it they immediately know which country it originated!

Adrian Grech

May 17th 2009, 13:28

PROST CHIARA .GHAX MA NIPRUVAWX LIL
TRIBALI JEW WINTERMOODS
TRIBALI JEW WINTERMOODS
TRIBALI JEW WINTERMOODS
TRIBALI JEW WINTERMOODS

Sandro Agius

May 17th 2009, 13:27

Clibe Borg - if she partecipated and she won she go even 10 times if needed - its not a jolly but a Maltese proud of her nation which tried her best - But the Eurovision is not the place to partecipate - its not worthed

We don't need any eurovision to become famous - remember Kevin and Joseph Callejja

Edmund Azzopardi

May 17th 2009, 13:26

Please stop wasting the people's and my money on this rubbish!!! I prohibit you to spend all those thousands on this useless and irrelevant contest. This must have costed us tens and tens of thousands of euros. All those officials tripping on each other in Moscow advertising, lobbying , ENTERTAINMENT ( of course its the people's money, isn't it?) These could have gone in important things as I regard the Eurovision as very unimportant. It is rubbish. Nothing comes out of it for toursim and for Malta for that matter.
If, for example, we give ten per cent of the importance we give to this so called contest to CLEANLINESS, we would be the cleanest country in the world. Just ten per cent , please!!!
I do not follow the Eurovision song contest at all but one hears the news , of course. Now all this coming week, we shall try and justify the unjustifyable and defend the indifensible, as usual. And we never learn and fall in the trap again next year. Well done !!!

J.Borg

May 17th 2009, 13:25

As i said she didn't deserve better!!!!!!
And all people writing about neighbour votes....when Chiara came 2nd and 3rd we didn't mention these votes.
Chiara was over confident....she was always saying 3...2.and now 1.
After the semi final she said "Irnexxieli" ( i did it) , isn't this a whole package or just a singer.....she shouldn't have said that word.
For me a complete flop......i am sure with Eleanor we would have placed better.
But as usual since it's CHiara she wins...the contest...what a joke

P Debono

May 17th 2009, 13:25

Well without a doubt, the best song won.

Malta should have given a chance to another artist, not always the same old faces.

Kevin Borg has shown that he is one of only two world-class Maltese singers, along with Joseph Calleja. But then again, both of them did very well not to reduce themselves to such a cheap competition, and now look at where they are...

A. Farrugia

May 17th 2009, 13:17

Lambesting the singer gets us nothing. She did a great job, however no one can deny that the winning song was good. Had the theory of friendly voting been true, then there was a chance that not even Norway would have made it to the top. Norway won by general vote and not neighbour voting only.

However I do agree that Chiara should have known better than going on for the 3rd time, its not like she needed the publicity or she's a mejta bil-guh.
We should all respect her efforts though. Remember that she was chosen by popular vote amongst the Maltese and also from the jury.

We need to give an opportunity for others to participate, remember Ira Losco, she was an unknown and got a good placing. Chiara in her time was unknown as well and also got good results.

We need catchy music though, we need something that stands out. I think melody that catches on is hard to find. I can still sing to Norway's song, but I constantly only remeber Angel of Chiara..cant remember the tune of this year's song.

Its a whole package, song, words, tune and appeal.

Chiara keep your head high.

Eric Sant

May 17th 2009, 13:08

All of you who are saying that Chiara gave a brilliant perfomance: well, evidently the whole of Europe begs to differ.

It is these kind of delusions that have kept us from quitting while we were ahead and that have marred Chiaras so far excellent record with this horrible blot.

clive borg

May 17th 2009, 13:02

please hang up your voice, malta needs some other performers not only chiara.... your voice is beautiful but one was good, two was a good opportunity, going there for the third time was telling whole of europe we haven't got talent except her....

its better if we try other singers rather than trying to win using our ''jolly'', ther are others singers in the pipline waiting, that i'm sure can do much more sucess than chiara

Mariella Galea

May 17th 2009, 12:55

I don't think the Eurosvision has ever had to do with the singer... If anyone looks from this year backwards, one can notice that in the few years previous Malta entering the EU, up to that same year, Malta always came in the first 10, showing us how Good and how Indispensable we are. Since then what ever we do or whoever we send makes no difference. Ormai we are in the oven and baking very well thank you. No need to fatten us with lies anymore. I am one of those few people that does not get side tracked with silliness, to forget the real problems that are killing this Island. WAKE UP PEOPLE

Tanya Briffa

May 17th 2009, 12:53

I think we had a great singer and a beautiful song and our placing was just unfortunate. We really need to stop taking the Eurovision so seriously, treat it as a bit of fun. There is so much more talent out there, lots of seriously good bands and artists that we don't give a second thought to. How about the authorities taking a bit of the limelight away from the ESG and giving more importance to other talent in Malta, of which we have loads.

Jeremy J Camilleri

May 17th 2009, 12:38

Would a simple 'I told you so!" suffice?

J aquilina

May 17th 2009, 12:36

at first as a maltese i was supporting chiara until i saw friday program xarabank when chiara said that the russian people when they see her it's like in malta when elton john is performing here, i thought this comment was out of place and it confirmed at the final cause the russian people doesn't gave us neither 1 point. as the maltese saying say and rightly so il kliem zejjed lanqas ghal avukati mhu tajjeb.

Anthony Magri

May 17th 2009, 12:33

The result is a lesson to anyone who reaches one of the top positions. One will be remembered for it. But taking further part, risks creating a shadow. Feel proud of the best result and retire from any future similar competition. It is like playing poker. Don't risk losing everything by contnuing to play after a substantial win.
Chiara's result this time will in fact throw a shadow on her ability and her previous performance. Out of two performances the best and the worst what will people remember?
Reaching nearly the peak enjoy that glory and stop there and be satisfied. Further trials, with passing of years, could only bring deceptions.
One cannot always win particularly when growing up. Eurovision is for youths under thirty.
Chiara did her best and that's all. She cannot please every body every time. She has got a career to follow but not to compete with younger people
Prosit all the same

Anthony Roberts

May 17th 2009, 12:30

Either Malta should pull out and have a break and come back with a brilliant song with backup ie musicians and dancing or pull out altogether. We are too old fashioned and who wants a ballad when we could liven ourselves up? Looking at the competition as a whole Chiara was completely out of place by appearance as well as by the song she sang. I don't wish to be personal but we need to be a bit more with it. It seems that other countries seem to have a lot more funding behind them and we need to direct our funding in a more positive way.

patrick zammit

May 17th 2009, 12:29

for heaven sake can we stop all this crap. we are meant to be all Maltese and pull the same rope. Forza Malta . Charity begins at home. well done to Chiara and her team.

I Alamango

May 17th 2009, 12:26

@ all of you who always complain and moan about the Eurovision

Yesterday night I went out to st julians @ around 9.30 - 10pm and funnily enough all the way from Marsascala to St Julians i was impressed by the deserted roads i found! It felt like the war and everybody was locked in his home!!

I am no eurovision fan.. but some of you tend to always critizise such event and always stay at home watchin this lousy event!

Why are you complaining when you get excited and lock yourselve indoors to watch such event?

Miriam Borg

May 17th 2009, 12:26

What does sending a band who is only famous in Malta got to do with it? In foreign territories people look at more unique elements as well as a full package. Lets talk about the full package and the few who have it instead. Lets talk about respecting each other. We have a way of always putting down others in order to put others up.

Chiara does have a good voice and anyone who says otherwise is a complete loser. Chiara was a bit over confident in her attitude i agree and the song was weak and her performance not the best. And its also worth mentioning that whilst Chiara has a good voice there are hundreds if not thousands in the world who have the same. What stands out is the X factor and that is what we need to work on here. And this applies in everything in my humble opinion of course.

Arthur Vella

May 17th 2009, 12:24

well done Chiara we know you did your best. Just ignore what others say.

C. Farrugia

May 17th 2009, 12:24

Chiara has a great voice. Song was boring and repetitive. Full stop. Wouldn't have been that elated had we placed first either, Belgian composition!!!

Norway deserved to win. It was the first I watched on Youtube weeks ago, and felt immediately it had all the right ingredients to be an outright winner. I was proven right. Good for you *Harry Potter*!! (sic)

Maybe next year, for a healthy change, we should send a band, the great LOCAL newcomers, Airport Impressions!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zExM_FD4V0g&feature=related

Ray Zammit

May 17th 2009, 12:21

Can someone answer this serious question for everyone's sake?Who is going to pay the hefty bill for d forthnight stay of the entourage in russia & d live program of last friday too.With d state of financing in malta & other factors who decide to give the green light for such burden.What malta gained with this result?We should stop participating like d italians did long time ago,d only ppl that r benefiting r d choosen onces year after year & we d tax payers pay d bills,thank u thank u yes sir 3 bags full.By d way chaira with all your respect,nothing against you!

Geir Nilsen

May 17th 2009, 12:17

I also want to add that I think Chiara performed well. Why give her stick? She won the Maltese competition fair and square. It was the best you could come up with, so deal with it. If you think you can perform better, compete yourselves.

I find it amusing that some of you say that Norway shouldn't win because he looks like Harry Potter and is ugly when.. ehemmm... Chiara.. *cough*... Never mind. Fact is that Alexander Rybak has a lot of charisma and women find him adorable.

The English newspaper The Guardian: "Fairytale my ass. Could someone please poke him in the eye with his violin bow, please? He is like a school-boy from a Charles Dickens novel with a violin and way too large eyebrows, and it is theatrical".

Oh boy.

This is not a singing contest, but a song contest. If this was based on the best voice, we would send one of our opera singers (like Sweden did) or Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world's truly great singers who also has sung the Titanic Overture (not Celine Dion): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tis7uLQD4Yc&feature=related

But when it comes to musicality, Alexander "Mozart" Rybak held violin concerts from the age of six...

G. camilleri

May 17th 2009, 12:16

Oh Malta, what a flop!!! Chiara's song was not even a starter compared to what we saw. Now we cannot blame lack of neighbours as half of the votes came from the judges. We keep spending thousands of Euros out of people's pockets and we keep saying the same things year after year. And how come, we have Goverment employees including teachers in state schools accompanying our singer for two whole weeks in Russia to the detriment of students who only missed two whole weeks of rightful tuition. A shame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Louis Borg

May 17th 2009, 12:13

ok ok - kulhadd jiffantasizza issa... for starters, someone mentioned that in a contest you need "something new". true and well said. how can you hope to woo the crowd with a deja vu? second mistake: the people have chosen chiara as a last resort for winning this contest. she is good dear me, but her song this time round lacked a lot of meaning in my opinion. her previous self-composed numbers had that "i know what you're talking about" feeling. this one, "what if we?" ends up in ?????.... last thing: next time we have 3 options. a) stop participating - but we are probably too ambitious to do so. b) send a silly song which criticises the European song contest's voting methods, but we are too cowardly to do so, c) send something fresh like tribali as someone mentioned and just have fun with the alternative show, but we are too darn stupid to do so. unfortunately, chiara did not deserve the maltasong this year, but people simply felt it was her time again, so they voted. same had happened to olivia lewis, and fabrizio faniello. we are too stupid and pretentious to think outside the box.

J. Mallia (student)

May 17th 2009, 12:11

@M.Mamo i agree as long as Winter Moods will not be repeating the same old song over and over again, thats all i seem to be hearing lately or is it me? and lastly but not least nobody in europe especially, want to be put to sleep with boredness and listen to some sleepy number that olny grannies will or maybe not listen to, get some energetic talent, get a reddy move on, energy and charisma and please- please- please- NO SILLY BALLADS, those days of Frank Sinatra and such like are well passed their sell by date. Lastly just one big laugh to get over the depression, who in his right mind wants to buy a dvd of the whole show? go on laugh and cheer up, at least Air Malta will be flying be doing business from Moscow to-day.

Joe Vella

May 17th 2009, 12:10

Hadet li haqqa , ghax kibritila rasa dan l-ahhar , hasbet li ma hawnx bhalha . . . u minfuq tajjar lil tan-Norvegja 'Harry Potter' . . . amilila Harry Potter hehe . . . . jien xtaqt tat-Turkija li tirbah imma overall ghal Malta hija posizzjoni gusta . . . korejografija mejta . . . palk mudlam . . . stil ta' kanzunetta skaduta (minajr ma inehhi l-mertu tal-vuci ta' Chiara).

Mark Grima

May 17th 2009, 12:09

how do you explain that Malta came 6th in the semi-final and 22nd in the final - lost all of its neighbours in mere 5 days????????? This year's entry was weak next to the previous 2 by Chiara and I believe it got what it deserved. Just because you are Chiara doest make you win, I expected much better from her, both song and performance wise

Marianna Galea Xuereb

May 17th 2009, 12:06

Chiara would have done better had she stuck to her own talent for song composition and not squandered her good voice on songs composed by others – and foreign others at that.

Please do not take this too badly. As we say in Maltese “Xi darba tmiss lill-Papa”.Good luck with your future normal life.

Dorothy Borg

May 17th 2009, 12:06

I think it would have been much better that the money wasted in the Eurovision would have been used to patch some of the many potholes in the Maltese roads!

Joanne Debono

May 17th 2009, 12:05

Firstly, I feel that we must appreciate that if it was not for Chiara, Malta would have never made it through the semi-finals this year. I still think that " What if We " deserved a much better placing. To all those that are arguing that we should have had a better show, please remember that Chiara was alone on stage when she placed 2nd with "Angel"! "What if We" was clearly not as powerful as "Angel" or "The One that I Love". The competition this year was very stiff and I totally agree with the top positions. Norway's song was clearly to be the winner. And to Chiara...thank you dear Chiara for doing your utmost and for your splendid performance. We love you XXX

G .Mangion

May 17th 2009, 12:04

@ All experts, On Ucuh Godda

LEWWL IRID IKUN HAWN MIN JISTA JISFIDA LIL Chiara IL - BRAVISIMA TA MALTA !
MELA INSEJTU LI KWALIFKAT, MILL - MALTA SONG FOR EUROPE ? Chiara REBHET KEMM
LIL - MIN KIEN TAHT 20 YEARS U KEMM OVER 60 YEAR !!!
WELLDONE CHIARA WELLDONE WE LOVE YOU !

M. Zarb

May 17th 2009, 12:00

Who was in charge of the shoddy camerawork? Blurring Chiara's face didn't really add anything to the song, and the climax of the song - where Chiara ever so dramatically takes the mic off the stand and does her signature neck-move - was laughable to say the least.

I have a question which I hope will be answered. The UK act reportedly toured Europe - did Chiara do the same? Did we expose Europe to the song pre-ESC? The night's important, but a ballad needs to *grow* on you. Not counting channels such as YouTube, how many European countries have had the pleasure of listening to What If We??

Second- I'm checking the iTunes store just now, and am looking at the Eurovision 2009 section. Chiara's song isn't there! Norway isn't either, so maybe it's not as important, but I do wonder if the song has been marketed enough..

Louis Spiteri

May 17th 2009, 11:55

For those who understand Spanish this website offers interesting and varied comments as to what Spanish readers had to say about Spain placing 23rd.

http://www.abc.es/20090517/gente-tv-radio-programacion/noruega-gana-eurovision-soraya-200905170221.html

Michael Darmanin

May 17th 2009, 11:54

the neighbour vote will always be there but this year proves that a good song with a decent presentation and a young natural performer will carry the day. Malta's song was pathetic, the lyrics horrendous psychobabble "Mystify our wisdom in time and then we will see" indeed! well we saw. Please stop sending mediocre ballads (a ballad depends on good lyrics) consisting of repetitive refrains. A good singer dressed in black with Swarovski crystals is so passé. We need a complete package. I personally thought that Chiara's club mix version with 4 male dancers dancing their hearts out to the rythm would have placed much better.

Michael Vella

May 17th 2009, 11:54

Us maltese we take the Eurovision TOO SERIOUSLY! EVERY YEAR ... All these negative comments! Stop and think... Well done Chiarra, I am sure you did your best.

t farrugia

May 17th 2009, 11:49

her performance was gr8!!! but the song was not that good and also every other country gave a show. when people watch a live song show they expect to watch a spectacle not just see some one singing. its about time we stop this excuse of neighbour voting!!! When Malta did well noone mentioned it!!! having said all this I do feel Chiara deserved more points.

andrew sultana

May 17th 2009, 11:49

Its also worth mentioning that on this island we have no respect whatsoever to artists who have done so much for music. Without a past there is no future so lets NOT be disrespectful towards them. Its shameful. I mean i'm all for saying this year's entry was weak but NO one had the guts to say this in public before today. WHAT hypocrites.

Darren Mercieca

May 17th 2009, 11:48

1. Chaira's attitude was very arrogant with her comments towards other singers before the contest. I hope this result taught her a lesson.

2. I think we should make way for new and original talent. There is a lot of it out there. 3 times is just too much and selfish.

3. The song was repetitive and annoying. It's the people's mentality that has to change. Just because Chiara got good results 1st and 2 nd time, does not mean that any song will do for the 3rd time.

Peter Bonnici

May 17th 2009, 11:48

Who's idea was it to install a Valerie Vella as commentator? It was one constant rant, from start to finish. The arena sound was so muted we lost all sense of participation. It was like watching a football match without hearing the spectators' roar at a near miss or a goal.

Why are our TV channels, TVM particularly, allowing such low-level presenters to hijack such well-followed events.

Sarah Bartoli

May 17th 2009, 11:47

The contest is about a good song and a good Performance. Chiara gave a flawless performance, It just so Happens that the other countries had a) Far better songs b) Great voices too c) were better looking. So what....so we didn't do great. Do people have to claim that Kevin Borg and Joseph Calleja have made it and compare other artists to them . Do we Have to even consider sending anyone at this point to represent us in a contest that does nothing but waste everyone's money. Artists like Winter Moods have specifically said in public that they are not looking for international success....while other bands are still investing their own money touring or playing concerts abroad. You cannot start comparing artists of different genres.

Katy Hu

May 17th 2009, 11:45

Congratulations! Chiara has a beautiful voice.
As weel as I agree with Ms P Graham. It's the taking part, not the winning.
Chiara has to do Malta proud.

Geir Nilsen

May 17th 2009, 11:41

Claire Mula wrote: "Norway built a brand new multi million arena they couldn't afford! Solution- host the Eurovision next year ! no need for a good song just Harry Potter and some folk dancers - abracadabra kazoom kazoom : Crisis is over! poof!!!"

I understand you are frustrated Claire, but please. Norway is one of the few countries in the world who don't have foreign debt, but actually have a mammoth 175 billion euros in the BANK (Sweden have the same amount in foreign DEBT..)! Before the recession we had 250 billion euros. In the whole world only Luxembourg are richer, but they have an extremely artificial economy (large part of GDP is down to foreign workers).

And the multi-million arena you are referring to, is that the opera? Yes, we just built an opera, but with a capacity of 350 people it will not be used for Eurovision. Oslo Spektrum takes 9700 people, and a venue in Bergen is also possible.

We could build 375 of these operas and still have money in the bank. 750 and we would still have more money than Sweden.

Oh, and only 10% of our GDP comes from oil and gas.

Maltese ignorance!

Victor Testa

May 17th 2009, 11:41

@ Chiara - Your greed and high expectation was evident! You tried to, again 'wink' the passing cameraman to gain audience last night.... But it was all down the drain because the first 3 songs where definetly better than our song. You said you came back.. to win right?? two and two... twenty two!! It's the same as, one and one times two, but you will never be number one!!!

jcmicallef

May 17th 2009, 11:36

Silly song - the winner that is. Many others were much better, IMHO, esp. Iceland.

Anyhow, expected more or less for Malta to flop. song was no good, despite Chiara's efforts. It was her wonderful voice that gave the otherwise bland song some life.

Competitors have to be onfident, otherwise they wont even make it to the stage!

Now we're probably hear the usual nonsense, like 'no regrets', 'we believed in our song' or the accusations start flying on the voting practices.

I wonder how much this charade cost us. Agreed with R.Sciberras.

Jesmond Sammut

May 17th 2009, 11:34

I was overjoyed with the last nights results. Well done to norway.
as regards to malta We should be proud that we are maltese with tons of extremly Good talent. why use forign composers and song writers.
Chaira is to big headed and we maltese are not good enough for her

This serves you right for all those you have used and abused verbabally afterwards in the past

Cheers goes to all those who suffered your bad deeds

Joe Galea

May 17th 2009, 11:30

I hope now that she swallows all her crap!!!

Song was just boring all the way.

Next time those who choose the Maltese song should do it on merit basis not on political ones.

A Tanti

May 17th 2009, 11:29

I am sure that she did her best, and that is most important. The only negative move that she (Chiara) did was to say certain phrases that one should never say about himself/herself. To compare yourself to certain personalities is something that one should always avoid! I am not a music expert, but personally, Chaira and Elton John are similar as much as Valletta FC is similar to Real Madrid FC!

r. attard

May 17th 2009, 11:26

min jitolla jitbaxxa. u min jitbaxxa jitolla. ;) fl opinjoni tieghi lil chiara rajtha tkabbret. importanit li temmen fis song u fik innifsek pero lestrem qatt ma ghen.

u ghal eurovision li gej, ghandna bzonn niktbu naqa songs sura u nivvutaw sura wkoll.

Tony Caruana

May 17th 2009, 11:21

I told you she would be a disaster

Sammy Debatista

May 17th 2009, 11:18

I agree with Mr. Miceli! Kevin Borg, Ira Losco, Joseph Calleja, Marc Storace ,The Beangrowers, Forsaken and some young upcoming bands have the right ingredients for foreign territories to like. Its so obvious that what works here is not what works abroad. Lets stop the boring ballads once and for all. And yes can someone please tell me why PBS said they got sponsors to pay for the night? That is the biggest lie ever! PBS gave the sponsors air time and promotion in return of money. Okay but isn't TVM on out tax payers money?
Therefore isn't it fact to say that what actually happened is still ending up coming out from tax payers money? DEFINITELY At the end of the day sponsors will have less money to invest on cooler events held locally.
Anyhow my point isn't even that , as after all its fair to say that if we want entertainment we have to pay for it But kets at least balance it out with some "cool' uptempo stuff as well. Whining , boring songs are really starting to get to me in Malta.

tico torrez

May 17th 2009, 11:16

next year lets bring a violinist and a guitarist duo...im sure we will win

M.Mamo

May 17th 2009, 11:13

I completely agree with Rita Borg and David Meilak, Chiara was over Confident and certain comments such as the "Harry Potter" ones were out of place. I think that respect towards other competitors is very important and i hope that next year we keep all the money we spend organizing the song for Europe, send Winter Moods to represent us and use that money for some serious promotion of the song.

Joe Borg

May 17th 2009, 11:13

Not much to say.......GREAT FLOP !!!!!!!!!!!

A. Vassallo

May 17th 2009, 11:13

First of all I do not agree with the issue of the neighbouring countries. As, not all countries that voted for Norway are its neighbouring countries. Secondly, I think it would have been much better if we had some nice choreography and not just Chiara singing the song. We should not be happy just because we made it to the finals, we should be ashamed that lately we never manage to get some good placing.

D.Galea

May 17th 2009, 11:13

Ah people, we all know it will be the same story all over again next year! Someone in the circle get 'chosen' to 'represent' country with some song many wish they like resulting from the overhype and will fail miserably in the festival... I don't know what point is there in this but in a way not being so serious I find it quiet funny actually. That until we start making radical changes at how we look at this festival, It's interesting to notice that we are not the only ones like this, Sweden seems to be suffering from the similar problems lately for some reason, but ah yea, they did win the Eurovision at least once!

J,Laus

May 17th 2009, 11:12

OK.. OK...its all over now,,,,,Televiewers want to see a show (and nice attractive figures)besides the contest song,,,,not a singer although with a good talent voice standing there on the stage like a clay statue giving us winks,and a good song(after all),,, Chiara,,please Stay away from it once and for all..and W.E. and Peppi please do not waste another 2 silly (not to mention another title )programmes on such an unimportant issue.One last thing .Chiara good luck for your future normal Life....

Miriam Ellul

May 17th 2009, 11:11

Thumbs up for the so called 'Harry Potter'!! That's what some called him....anyway it was a very good song and more or less the results came as they should. Personally I would have opted for Iceland to come first. Of course, I would have preferred Malta on top, but not Chiara or any other singer with 'What if We'....it is too repetitve and boring.
Perhaps Chiara with another song would have done better....no one can deny that she has the most beautiful voice on the island , although she should have been less confident in the placing. On the other hand, if I was in Chiara's position, I would have stopped participating in this game when placed 2nd, and leave the Eurovision for others, while holding the prestigious place I obtained.
I don't think that we can find the same excuse of neighbours or enemies. That's an old story now. Have all the 8,10 and 12 points obtained by Norway come only from a neighbouring country? Let's give space to new talents or else we should wave goodbye.
But anyway, as I always say.... that's my humble opinion ;)

Rita Borg

May 17th 2009, 11:07

Min qed iqabbel lil ira losco ma kevin borg? you must be joking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kevin is international.......He is sony Bmg.......he made platinum records....... The only only only international stars we have are Joseph Calleja and Kevin.

People are being fooled by this local band scene......yes we have good quality but their songs are only aired on one radio station The "mtv" bay radio which by the way gives awards too.... Most are unti ESC including Ira who is famous in Malta thanks to ESC.

Wheather you like it or not ESC is a Very Good showcase........I mean we've all seen UK this year.... The perfect strategy because with just one night you can end up being a european star.

Ara jaccettawx xi wintermoods jew any other band jekk jghidulhom biex jirraprezentaw lil malta fl-ESC? Kulhadd mil-bands jigi anke fl-esc ta Malta minhabba l-following....so let's be fair.

Pero qedghin nibilghu hafna affarijiet hawn... xi hadd isir l-aqwa kantant/a jew grupp through bay awards? lol lol lol lol lol L-aqwa kantant huwa bhal kevin li jivvutawlu il-miljuni mhux stazjon minn miljun li ghandna.

I agree li nibqghu nidhlu esc come what may. u min ma joghgbux ma jarahx

jesmond zammit

May 17th 2009, 11:06

his was the best .the best song

R. Sciberras

May 17th 2009, 11:06

This was just another exercise to increase the country's deficit and the annual holiday for a selected few. It-tifla kibritilha rasha !

Abigail Sciberras

May 17th 2009, 11:06

I thought the ESC was overall really great!! I mean the Russians simply outdid themselves!! the stage was impressive!! I think Norway's song was a great sing-a-long and it should have won!! and seriously he does not look like "Harry Potter"- one word to who said this comment go watch Harry Potter issa fis-sajf hiereg iehor ta!!

and pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee PBS begging you actually change that commentator; what a disaster!!! WE SHOULD get retired Terry Wogan to commentate for us! : ) that would be a pleasure listening too!!

Joseph Micallef

May 17th 2009, 11:05

@Stephen Farrugia:
"Showbiz needs 4 main factors: Talent, Appearance, Style and Something New. " - I do believe that we did all that with Vertigo and Vodka - they were both NEW (especially Vertigo which was very unusual) and surely Morena had appearance. They were both choreographed. But did not make it to the final. I assure you Mr. Farrugia that even if we have the best every song possible, written by the almighty himself, we would still not win, and probably not even pass through to the final! I repeat - the Eurovision has nothing to do with the performance. Having said this - I agree that Chiara's song was of lower standar than her previous entries and she was not up to scratch in her singing.

S. Caruana

May 17th 2009, 11:04

I'm not disappointed in the least. Bad choice of song. ' What if weeeeee...' was such a boring boring song. Chiara could do so much with her big voice and yet......
Oh well....thanks Chiara anyway. Regardess of d song, your performance was faultless so 'Prosit' to you.

J. Fenech

May 17th 2009, 11:04

to all those that are saying that Chiara does not have an appearance or whatever.. well last year Morena had a catchy song (NOT A BALLAD), a lot of vibe, choreography and a good looking singer (if I remember well it was voted as the most sexy woman of the Eurovision) ..therefore this would sum up that we had a full package.... what was the result??.. DA DAN! ....she did not even pass to the final! ..now what do you say? =)

jones, m

May 17th 2009, 11:04

@tanja van poucke
That's the problem, it's a song contest not a voice contest, it proved us that we do better with local talented composers.

natalie said

May 17th 2009, 11:04

i really dont agree with comments re neighbours as when malta took part and came second and third we still had the same neighbours!!!!

i think that in order for malta to win the contest the song has to be good and not just the song.....

in my opinion the winning song was the best and personally i was hoping it would win coz it was original. it was performed to the tops!!!!

chiara`s voice is great but come on!!!! the song was boring and she was there standing alone doing the head tilt and winks!!

can that be compared to the winning song?

sometimes i wonder - what is wrong with this country? we had deja vu from olivia lewis which was original and had good qualities and who made it through to the eurovision contest?? ...... i do by faniello!!!!!!!!!!

i really think that chiara should give some space to other talent like faniello should have done and like ira losco did after all!!!! you`ve been there and done that, now please let someone else do it so that we can be proud of someone else for a change!

Stefan De Battista

May 17th 2009, 11:01

Chiara wants to become famous! My god.
She said it on tv. She also said that she cries while she prays.. My god.. how disguisting

Chiara likes to sing but she's not a singer or she's not a professional singer. We need something ore contemporary not a song which represents the titanic or it's soundtrack. Chiara always the same.. ballads, ballads, ballads..

I suggest Chiara to keep singing during church events, weddings & those summer nights called ( lejla fil-pjazza ) Malta needs a Contemporary voice, a song which is not copied and a new concept.

WHAT IF WE... don't send Chiara anymore...?

John Pisani

May 17th 2009, 10:58

Some people just love it when our singers fail to make it even to the finals that way the next year they get to have another holiday all expenses paid from our taxes. Next destination - Norway. Oh by the way..... how many people went to Moscow this year? How much did it cost us to accomodate and feed all of them during this extravaganza holiday? Helllllloooooo??? Wake up please!!!!!

S. Calleja

May 17th 2009, 10:55

How about sending Diane Castillo next year? Check out her songs on http://www.dianecastillo.com ...

Francesco Apap Bologna

May 17th 2009, 10:55

Thank you Chiara. Great effort. Now let's move on.

Simon Dimech

May 17th 2009, 10:50

Geez I wasn't even aware that Chiara said all that non-sense in the media. Serves you right mela ha titghallem! 3rd, 2nd .....22nd? is there some kind of progression here i can't work out? degression more like.

Tax-payers money down the drain...that's the sums we have do ma'am!

David Meilak

May 17th 2009, 10:46

I was so much against that Chiara took another shot at this competition that I made sure not to watch the show alltogether.....but I could not resist watching the points being given out...........and yes I enjoyed seeing our country being voted out........... We should have had some new faces there with some energy and a good stage act..............I couldn't accept this show of selfishness and greed and for the cherry on the cake extreme pomp and this wierd superiority complex that Chiara gave us a taste of lately.................back to earth girl................right down to earth.........

Stephen Farrugia

May 17th 2009, 10:45

And one other thing... if it was "neighbours voting neighbours" ... WHY is it that the contest is never won by the same country??

Stephen Farrugia

May 17th 2009, 10:43

Showbiz needs 4 main factors: Talent, Appearance, Style and Something New. Chiara has a beautiful voice, but no glam, no appearance, no style, and nothing whatsoever which is new. I just hope the eurovision authorities do their best next time to find the whole package.

Bad name il malta, ghax qisu kantanta wahda biss ghandna.... u it talent nhalluh jsiefer u jaghmel name ghalih innifsu :)

joseph mallia

May 17th 2009, 10:43

Peppi, if you do a whole program about this farce i swear i'll eat one of my smelly socks,
and give the other one to Chiara as punishment for calling the eventual winner Harry Potter.

mark zammit

May 17th 2009, 10:40

Chiara can come back down to earth,comparing herself to elton john what a joke !......and waste of money!!my money!

tanja van poucke

May 17th 2009, 10:39

Dear Chiara; congratulations! You gave a big preformance! You proved again that you have a very beautiful voice!This time all the candidates were of a very good level, and it's all about taste....

Joseph Micallef

May 17th 2009, 10:38

"What iffffff weeeeeeeee" ....send The Riffs, Winter Moods, Tony Micallef Grimaud, and so many other excellent Maltese artists and bands? Know what? I believe we would still get the same results - the Eurovision is not about songs - according to me Vodka and Vertigo were very original and excellent songs but they did not make it to the final. Chiara was disastrous in the Semifinal - but she made it through to the final! Why? Maybe international fans? In the final she sang better though not as nicely as we are used to! - BUT - we could participate with Id-Dulli singing a song composed by the late Charles Clews - and WIN! It has nothing to do with how good the song is-NOTHING! And I honestly believe that when we came second or third - it was just because people were voting to the song they though least likely to win so that they would not vote to the really good one's, to give a better chance to their own song! They voting system - a farce....a jury of experts....judging from their own country!

MMuscat

May 17th 2009, 10:38

I love watching the Eurovision Final, but I have always said the same declaration..Eurovision Finals gives you an amazing experience on stage, 450 million will watch you, but will forget you. Not even Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber was appreciated yesterday! The reality of the matter is that Eurovision is a Fantastic Camp Show, and we should just go to enjoy, not to compete. Just remember how the past Maltese Singers that competed never made it in the international scene...Please just name one Maltese Singer that really made it thanks to Eurovision..and I will shut up.

A Camilleri

May 17th 2009, 10:35

I am sorry to say that we never learn.

Firstly, ballads used to be appreciated but alas that was many years back. We still keep on harping on the same style of song. If this is the style of music that is most popular in Malta let it be, but let us not expect it to be appreciated by other countries that have understood the times and changed their moods radically.

Secondly, the newly introduced 50% voting by a jury was obliged to consider décor and choreography among other points. Why did our entry lack these two important features? Did we really expect miracles to the extent that just Chiara’s voice would be able to overcome the choreography and spectacle afforded by the other participating countries? Big deal!

Thirdly, was it not obvious that countries were to a great extent voting for their neighbours’ contributions. If this were not apparent to a naïve few, some countries’ spokespersons even stressed that they were giving their top points to their ‘neighbours’. Could they have been more barefaced?

So I advise our Euro Song Committee, let’s polish our act or else let us not venture to take part in these competitions. Please!

J Brincat

May 17th 2009, 10:34

'Min jiftahhar jaqa' l-bahar' is an apt Maltese saying.

This is what happened to Chiara after all those vain words she said during the festival.

The end result was a disappointing one and which makes our face chilli red in shame!

Marc Miceli

May 17th 2009, 10:33

I think its very clear the song was weak from DAY1. The excuse of neighbours is rubbish. "Angel" placed 2nd with and/or without neighbours. Same singer....same country. The sound excuse is the delegation's fault this year. The song was badly produced unlike previous years and Chiara was over excited.

Lets put things into perspective. We've had artists who decided to give EV a side kick- Ira Losco case in point- Kevin Borg. Both are young and they never bluffed they were on top of the world. Being humble is so important. We shouldn't expect too much. Lets be happy with what Kevin Borg, Ira Losco, Joseph Calleja, Marc Storace ,The Beangrowers, Forsaken and some others...achieved abroad without blowing it as well out of proportion. BUT at least its the real deal. Its also pathetic to think that being no.1 in Malta or having a BIG concert means anything. We've had loads of concerts in the past in Luxol grounds. We've had so many no. 1s. SO WHAT? Those who got nothing abroad its because they were only good for Malta. Its a fact that what works here might not work for abroad. We like ballads here. Boooorrrrring.

laurence schembri

May 17th 2009, 10:31

At least it gave us a break from Lawrence, Simon and David, thank you Chiara.

adrian agius

May 17th 2009, 10:30

NOW THAT ALL IS OVER AND WE FAILED MISERABLY AGAIN I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THOSE SCORES OF PEOPLE WHO THESE LAST 2 WEEKS ENJOYED A LOVELY HOLIDAY IN RUSSIA ON THE TAXPAYERS MONEY IF THEY WILL SINCERELY THINK OF STOPPING DOING THIS NONSENSE AND INVEST THE MONEY ON MORE SENSIBLE CULTURAL EVENTS IN MALTA AND PROMOTING MUSIC TO YOUNG KIDS.
ANOTHER WORD TO ALL THE MALTESE MEDIA, PLEASE STOP TREATING THE EUROVISION AND OUR LOCAL REPRESENTITIVES AS VIP'S OR SUPERTARS. WE ARE SICK OF IT!!

Simon Dimech

May 17th 2009, 10:30

what an incredibly boring bland song in an incredibly expensive and boring song contest...what if we...stop participating. Or has it turned into a fetish we just can't shake off?


Halluwna kwieti...ambaxxaturi taz-zuvjet!

Jane Fava

May 17th 2009, 10:29

In the last days Chiara has rubished all her competitors, and gave us the illusion that just because she was 2nd and 3rd in the past, history could repeat itself. We were not given a choice here in Malta during the song festival. A group of so called EXPERTS limited the choice to 3 songs only, and we could only vote for those 3 songs. Apart from all this, one can't deny that Chiara has a good voice, but as many commented, the song was flat and very boring. This is a song contest after all. We should be in this to have fun, and let us not take it too seriously. The important is being there but let us hope we go there with some original material even if we are last, at least we can say we have sent something interesting.

Robert Govus

May 17th 2009, 10:27

This makes me laugh year after year. Just because we get a crap result then we should stop participating. How childish !!! Did we really expect to win with such a boring song? Come on, Chiara is a very good singer, but the song is more important than the singer I guess. It's a shame that she will no longer be remembered as the Queen of Malta though. I guess this should teach us all a lesson ............ over-reaching ambition is suicide !!!!! We have younger talented singers here ...... The song as I said is boring, outdated and repetitive. I have never felt for one minute that Chiara was ever actually singing it ........... a bag of nerves she was bless her.

martin saliba

May 17th 2009, 10:27

So now the count down sequence has to be changed. Instead of 3 , 2 , 1, it will be 3 , 2, 22,
Like i said yesterday , the higher tyou go the harder you fall. Chiara and her team are responsible for all the disapointment they have brought on the Maltese public who , rightly so , were convinced the she was going to win. Chiara has a great voice and she has some good songs but unfortunatley this is not a voice contest. Had it been a voice contest she would have placed in the top three, Now you can all go ahead and be appologist but history has been written and nothing you say can change it. Good luck to the future Chiara but not in the eurovision.

Mark Piscopo

May 17th 2009, 10:27

@S Grech@Mzammit
A very disappointing performance by our singer in the beginning of the song.It was a also a BIG mistake building high expectations. How much was the difference in points between Chiara and so called Harry Potter? We must admit that we had a boring song. Why do we always have the worst stage background and choreography?Winter Moods must represent Malta in next year Eurovision.

Ms P Graham

May 17th 2009, 10:22

Why on earth are so many being so negative?

Chiara was 22nd out of 43 contestants and credit should be given to Malta's achievement.

What happened to, "it's the taking part, not the winning", Chiara did Malta proud. Not my cup of tea, but she took part and represented her Country with great dignity.

S. Maniscalco

May 17th 2009, 10:20

Solution: Send a joke song next year!
Low Budget
Fun to watch
No high expectations

Give us a break!

Stefan De Battista

May 17th 2009, 10:18

In My personal Opinion. I think it's about time to reflect and analyze how we are going to improve our local talent. It is very clear that in Eurovision other countries are creating concepts and innovative approach on stage, while us Malta still presenting soundtrack films, ballads celine dione styles etc. This particular song reminds me of My heart will go on...

Hope chiara and other singers in Malta take this festival seriously and creates new concepts.
It's about time, My god 2009 still with ballads..

Cheers

Rita Borg

May 17th 2009, 10:11

This is what they're saying on ESC Today

Chiara of Malta Qoutes:-
"I gave the maltese singers 3 years to get us back on target and their results were not succesfull" (ON XARABANK)...... What about yours chiara now?
"Daniel Testa did ok in Junior ESC but 4th place is not fine with me"(ON XARABANK)..................How about 22nd place?
"I heard all the songs and there's nothing" (ON XARABANK) .... are you talking about the same esc we saw yesterday?
"How can you like Norway's song? He looks like Harry Potter" (ON XARABANK)....... Well!!!!!! Alex won dear
"I came 3rd, 2nd now do your sums" (ESC Press Conference) I got this sum 2+2=22.....Got it
"Once I pass the semi-finals it will be no problem for us with the jury"........ Wrong guess....

Last and not least the funniest comment I have ever heard from the Maltese Commentator V.Vella after Malta coming 22nd... " A "satisfactory result" Was she doing the commentry to the ESC or another show where Malta was participating and went really well?

Neville Calleja

May 17th 2009, 10:09

Everybody just stop bitching and philosophising.

Get a life and let things be! Concentrate on more important things.

Good job, Chiara - we all know you worked hard and did your best and that's the important thing.

Trevor Naudi

May 17th 2009, 10:00

Everything is now said and done... another Eurovision song contest is over and we can go on and weep for Chiara's disapointing 22nd spot in the ranking.

But who is so delusional in this day and age to believe that Malta ever had a chance of winning the contest? is there anybody out there who seriously thought that the voting during the Eurovision song contest would not be a biased farce this year too? please? anyone?

Well, I am sorry to break the news to all and sundry... THE VOTING AT THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST WILL NEVER CHANGE! Unfortunately we will keep seeing neighbours voting for eachother, promoting the victory of a Nordic country, an ex-Soviet country, an ex-Yugoslav country or a country which has numerous ex-pats living around Europe (eg. Turkey).

Of course I still feel that Malta should participate as a matter of sportsmanship and to give our local singers a bigger event/audience to aspire too.

However, I STRONGLY SUGGEST that we do not allocate much budget to promote the song before the festival. Let the song be rated for the performance on the night. The other countries cannot be convinced to vote for us anyway!

M. Żammit

May 17th 2009, 09:59

I personally think it was a great show all over. I hate the day after the Eurovision song contest simply because the Maltese public is idiotic in its comments. I couldn't choose a winner because there were so many great songs. The cutest guy won the contest fair and square.

There can only be one winner but so much enjoyment all around for all of us who are not always finding fault and expecting our country to win! Who do we think we are! I am disappointed for Chiara not because she didn't win but because she will now have to face the Maltese "Ilsien hazin" who has to blame someone or something all the time!

Malta is not the centre of the universe you know! Bigger countries don't make a big deal so why do we.. simply because we are small minded people. The truth is it was fun to participate and that is what is important. Whoever disagrees is an idiot to say the least!

C Calleja

May 17th 2009, 09:57

Sa gimghatejn ilu konna qeghdin nghidu li se nigu l-ewwel.

Issa ma jibdewx l-iskuzi please.

U bil haq mhux kulhadd girien ta' NORWAY ta

Joseph Duca

May 17th 2009, 09:57

When are we going to learn? Every time we build high expectations for our song and pretend that we win. Then we find all the excuses for our failure. Why do we always have the worst stage background and choreography. I can`t believe Chiara was so optimistic about winning with her poor song when there were several good entries. Credit for the UK and Ireland for their usual guaranteed votes for not finishing last. We have some good bands in Malta, like Winter Moods, Corkskrew and Scream Daisy,to name a few, so why don`t we try something different next time?

H Gatt

May 17th 2009, 09:56

Norway deserved to win as they got maximum points from almost all voting countries. However, Turkey and Iceland should feel hard done by as valuable points they should have easily won were instead wasted on ‘neighbours’ with crappy songs (ex-Soviet and ex-Yugoslav countries come to mind). As for us, to err is human but to persist in error is diabolical. When are we going to get it in our minds that we have no bloody chance of ever winning?

Stephen Cutajar

May 17th 2009, 09:51

Who were we kidding? This was a boring song as most of the others to be honest. I would have been surprised if it did any better. The only reason I watched it was the amazing stage and thinking about what we would have done locally to design a better one next year if we won lol. Can't wait for Xarabank to see who is blamed for the miserable 22nd place, well at least Valerie seems to think it was a good placing, yeah right, try to convince Chiara and the Maltese population.

Ramon Zammit

May 17th 2009, 09:50

Italy had noticed how the thing works and pulled out many years ago and its an example to follow...its a waste of money and a humiliating event...MALTA - DO NOT COMPETE ANYMORE

Claire Mula

May 17th 2009, 09:48

Norway built a brand new multi million arena they couldn't afford! Solution- host the Eurovision next year ! no need for a good song just Harry Potter and some folk dancers - abracadabra kazoom kazoom : Crisis is over! poof!!!

L. Montebello

May 17th 2009, 09:48

No offence to Chiara, but her song "Angel" was at least ten times better then "what if we". I am still flabbergasted that some people think the song was good.
Also, where are the dancers.light work or even a small hint of good choreography? Did it not occur to anyone from the delegation that the "music" is only part of the show?

Also to the naysayers using the "neighbours" excuse, was Malta any closer to mainland Europe when we came in the top five more than once? The fact is that the winning song has always been one of the best.

Franco Farrugia

May 17th 2009, 09:47

Well, let's thank our lucky stars that this is now all over. Chiara has an excellent voice but that does not mean that others don't have one too; what others had that we didn't have was a good song. Here in Malta, with the votes left to the people, we know how they tend to prefer the singer and not the song - it's with everything we do in life.
Anyways, as I said, thank goodness it's all over!

mary Pace

May 17th 2009, 09:40

PS. I'm not an expert, but I don't think ,Chiara gave her 100% good performance!! maybe stage fright, who nows! she shouldn't have entered, she should have stopped while she was ahead, @nd & 3 rd place!! now shes 20 place , with the failers!!

mary Pace

May 17th 2009, 09:38

@p vella
grow up!! & don't blame the neighbours,as usaul!! Blame the song
It was such a boring Song!! I said it from the start, that WHAT IF WE is BORING BORING Song!!I no EXCUSES please!!!!!

A. Mallia

May 17th 2009, 09:36

To win a ESC one must have a catchy song with a nice rythm. You ususally can't instantly like a ballad, one would have to listen to it a half a dozen times, which doesn't happen at ESC. Chiara has a superb voice, but voice is not the most important thing here. Catchy is the word! However flawed the voting system is, in my opinion, yesterday the best song won. Still, well done Chiara!

J. Fenech

May 17th 2009, 09:35

@ d castillo

She did a very good performance.. She was far better than tuesday and most of the notes she hit them perfect..

do you know anything of music?

....I do not think that Chiara had a winning song but neither Norway.. I cannot understand why most of the countries voted for this song!!

C.Vella

May 17th 2009, 09:35

I must admit that I would have been really surprised had Chaira won the Eurovision. Compared with some, our song and presentation looked something coming from 1980's. There was nothing fresh about the song, in fact rather boring. Let's face it, this is a Song Contest not just a voice contest. It was good while it lasted Chaira but I think you should really look elsewhere now and who ever is responsible to do his homework properly and present a fresh modern look.

Chris Micallef

May 17th 2009, 09:27

Ghamililek 'Harry Potter'!!!! Chiara. Why dont you stop those comments you give to the media.

duncan Tanti

May 17th 2009, 09:27

Did I read well in the times that Chiara is thinking of taking part again?dont you thiink she is overdoing it now?even this time was a mistake to take part.i think we should send joe demicoli or jozette to poke fun at the contest.

Peter Aquilina

May 17th 2009, 09:26

'NIL POIS" = NO PEAS .........never heard of this new pea point system. Possibly, that's why the chickens came in "before they hatched" !!!! LOL

Pierre Portelli

May 17th 2009, 09:24

Chiara gave a wonderful performance...but the song was so boring especially when compared to other songs like Norway's enchanting entry! Let's admit it, our entry was flat and would have sounded even worse if it was not for Chiara.

J Brincat

May 17th 2009, 09:22

Oh powers that be, please give us a good long break and stop wasting our tax money which we pay through our teeth!

Christian Calleja

May 17th 2009, 09:21

No problem guys, we'll just send Chiara again next year (ironic).

Shawn Grech

May 17th 2009, 09:16

I think Chiara's song was not that bad at least we managed to be in the finals this time, still I believe that in pop Malta is still way behind the rest of the world. We should send artists who have their songs on the radio everyday, their is so much talent why are we stuck in sending always the same people? Also I am disgusted with Valerie's commentary (at least better than Eileen Montesin). In the end come on!! we don't need a commentary!! We all can see with our eyes and understand in English.
I watch the Eurovision becuase I love music and love to see music from the rest of Europe, we should not stop competing, but some of us are real sore losers. It is a competition sometimes we do well sometimes we do bad, but you should be ashamed to blame the singer!! She did her best as expected but our act did not deserve top 10 that's for sure!!!!

Alf Sacco

May 17th 2009, 09:14

This endemic form of eurovisionitis fever which has hit Malta's psyche in the last weeks will hopefully fade out now. It made such a fuss, topping TVM headlines, garnering 3 whole programmes of Xarabank (oh what a fuss Peppi!!!!) and even attaining flash news in our dailies. Please give us a break, a long one, PLEASE!

F J Brincat

May 17th 2009, 09:11

Celine Dion herself wouldn't have placed any better than 22nd with that song. It bored my socks off!

As someone else said, you need to "sell" the song on stage. A little bit of action wouldn't go amiss (depends on the song) as long as it is not some burlesque circus.

I liked Norway's song. It was catchy, unpretentious and in a way, memorable.

D. Xerri

May 17th 2009, 09:09

High Hopes - High Dreams - And the Song remains the same. If Malta won the Eurovision Song Contest Im sure the Government would introduce the Eurovision Surcharge Tax to organize next years event.. Another Thing is ALL COUNTRIES should budget the Eurovision and NOT the BIG FOUR so England,Spain,Germany and France will STOP once and for all their Colonisation on the show and participate with their songs and NOT their money. And one last thing - Can someone tell me please why ISRAEL takes part in the Eurovision - why not let Syria, Lebanon,Jordan,Egypt and maybe Iraq and Iran take part too.

Ivan Micallef

May 17th 2009, 09:06

When are we going to learn and take this Eurovision lightly?!? Year after year we go for this festival with high expectations and everybody knows what happens then!! I think we should seriously start thinking about giving back the Eurovision what the Eurovision gives back to us and thus making fool of them!! And the only person who can do that in Malta is Joe Demicoli!!!!! I think that time has come to seriously consider sending this humor genius to the Eurovision, after all its just a big humor show!!!!! It has rarely been about the good song (although this year it wasn't bad), instead it was always about neighbors, good looking singers, and doing some sort of a show on the stage!!! So let's play their game and take the Eurovision with a pinch of salt!!! JOE DEMICOLI 12POINTS!!!! :-))

Neville Bonavia

May 17th 2009, 09:06

neighbours... neighbours.. neighbours...!!

Can we STOP trying to BLAME it all on the NEIGHBOUR VOTING!!, I agree that some countries do vote to their neighbours, but they are only the minority (only 3 countries were mentioned in this article). I do agree with Brian Hansford that the song selection strategy must be reviewed accordingly. Now we must stop doing the dopo-festival and funny stuff trying to make up an excuse for wrong choices that were made but start focusing on what to do next.

In my humble opinion, Chiara's past song Angel was by far better than the What if We cause I could really "feel" the song passing through while she was singing it. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for this year's song, hence the result.

As a side note, I would like to mention that there's nothing wrong in participating and not making it up to the first places, however the most important thing to do now is to have a positive attitude and try to improve ourselves not blaming on the neighbours!

Paul Vella

May 17th 2009, 09:05

Next yime round it's tombola time 3 & 2 = 32....unless we do like the Italians and get rid of this national obsession which is becoming more costly as the years go by.

Charmaine Attard

May 17th 2009, 09:01

There were many beautiful songs and Alexander Rybak of Norway had charisma, good lyrics, music and a great performance overall. I thank Chiara for the best performance and getting us through the semi final. However on a last note I do not see any benefits to participate in the Eurovision cause it boils down to channelling energies and costs which end up with dissappointing results! We need to be realistic and not too optimistic cause from past experience we know how voting goes.

Adrian Mifsud

May 17th 2009, 09:01

@ all whiners and badlosers posting here!

Take a break and get a life!! Life goes beyond the Eurovision festival. Why do we always have to pretend that our song has to make it to the top? The festival was great, Chiara's performance was top notch and she gave everything, but let's accept the verdict and look ahead! There's no need to find any explanation to anything - because there aren't. Andv please at least for this year let's not start with blockvoting, neighbouring favouritism and politics - it has nothing to do - yeterdays' result is to proof!

R. E. Muscat

May 17th 2009, 08:58

Norway had a good performance and a good song, and even though our song was excellent, stage entertainment was missing...
If Eurovision was on Radio, I'd agree to an empty stage, but on TV, voters are also voting for the visuals (directly and indirectly).
To some point I still agree to going to Eurovision, as at least we are there trying and making some form of advertising of ourselves, however as in every competition, you can give your 100% but still you do not come first!
For sure we cannot argue about who represented Malta as we have chosen our representative with all the pros and the cons!

David Coleiro

May 17th 2009, 08:55

A few weeks ago on TVM Saturday afternoon show, our EXPERT, Mike Spiteri, said that he would give Alexander Rybak a few english lessons. So much for bias and lack of objectivity! Chiara's song was not good enough and it should have never made it from Malta being a caricature of her previous entry. But you know maybe some day we will learn. I really doubt it.

edwin demarco

May 17th 2009, 08:55

In my opinion the "smoke" (used as a stage-effect) which was used in the other songs performed before Chiara's had a disastrous effect on our local girl. I think she ahould have sang N.K.C.'s (Nat King Cole's) "Smoke gets in your eyes" instead. Who ever said? The singer not the song...........Any way, hoping we don't get any more Xarabanks to excuse our failure now. All the money allotted to our participation could have been used for a charitable cause.

Mary Zammit

May 17th 2009, 08:51

Chiara is a very good singer BUT not a song contest person. She was like a fish out of water.

Stefan Kottmann

May 17th 2009, 08:48

In my opinion, the interpretation was excellent. Chiara did what she does best and we voted for her because quite frankly all the other songs in the Maltese competition were inferior. I think the audience did not 'find the key' to understanding the song and the audience had a bad case of 'mistify'. At least I did. Norway, on the other hand, talked about a sweetheart, which is what Chaira did the first and second time she competed, but not this time. Real lesson to be learned: the song must relate more to the average person.

Why pull out? I think the postcard from Malta was of far better quality than anything the Tourism Authority came up with on CNN. The competition puts us on the map, as long as we come with good quality songs, no matter the outcome. Chiara certainly got the international media's attention.

And the real 'taxes down the drain' are fountains (we're always building them but they never work), money given to local councils to build more monuments (instead of repairing infrastructure), the bus ticketing system ( I suppose no money was left to clean the ticket dispensing machines) - things I see daily.

leonardo vince

May 17th 2009, 08:46

Thinking Big

Talking Big

Big Humble Pie

Shut up

David Magro

May 17th 2009, 08:45

Wasting of recources and money. History is repeating itself. Are we capable of making an evaluation ? Nearly all singers had a team accompanying them on stage....we only had chiara... sorry to say standing still. We never learn beacuse those on top are enjoying a holiday each year and they do not care about our position. I am not saying this for Chaira, but for the management. Resign....we need new blood, new ideas, we need to be adventorous. It all boils down that we need to unite and accept people in the committee which have diffent ideas not just the colour....sorry to say this but united we stand divided we fall.

L. Mifsud

May 17th 2009, 08:40

1. The song was boring, totally devoid of anything exciting or outstanding. I'm not saying this because Malta didn't do well but because I've always believed it.

2. Sour grapes are no use (such as saying "neighbour voting") We fared badly because the song was bad. Full stop. We could perhaps have fared slightly less badly if we had neighbours. However, reality is that if we do not have a good song we cannot expect to place in the top ten.

So, when all is said and done, the ESC is good, harmless fun. The Board (which was PBS itself) did a great job and well done to whoever came up with the idea of getting private sponsors to finance our entry - so it didn't cost the taxpayers any money (not that it would have mattered - if we want our fun we need to be ready to pay for it.) At the end of the day, the show was great fun and a great way to spend Saturday night with friends/family and a takeout. It would be silly to pull out of the festival. Frankly, I think we got what we deserved for being so plain boring.

edwin demarco

May 17th 2009, 08:38

Min jiftahar....jaqa' l-bahar! Two comments which I never saw in any newspaper but which Chiara said on local TV. "Smajt il-kanzunetti u l-ebda wahda ma 'mpressjonatni." After she managed through the semi-finals (x'battikata!) she said. "Issa zgur li 'relaxed', specjalment li issa smajt il-kanzunetti kollha u naf li m'hemmx min jikkompetili!" Whatever happened to: "L-importanti li tiehu sehem...allovolja gejt it-tielet qabel l-ahhar!." Anyway, the song was old-fashioned & nothing special;Chiara's hard-headed decision to appear on stage alone proved disastrous. My fault... I should have followed Antonella Clerici's programme instead. Some really fantastic up-and-coming professionals there, although most of them still in their preteens. (The Italian's never bother to participate in the Song for Europe) The stage & the lights were fantastic, american style. Anyway, I wouldn't have refused a free trip to Moscow...
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Prosit talli ghall-darb'ohra hlejna l-flus!

A Borg

May 17th 2009, 08:36

To be honest, I'm happy with the result, After your "goddess" was shamed , after all the high expectations, after she declared herself our saviour, maybe this eurotrash will be our last and we will start promoting some real talent in another festival, not sending someone on holiday for the 3rd time! and to Moscow, with 6 team members plus the crew of PBS.


The next time you hit a pot hole with your car, don't swear, say thank you to those who spent money on eruovision.

Paul Vella

May 17th 2009, 08:36

I hope that by now Chaira has worked out the maths!!! 3...2...22!! She should have realised that maths IS an exact science unless the variables change!! And unfortunately as seen last nght the variables HAVE changed. No more holidays for massive delegations at our expense!!!

J. Mifsud

May 17th 2009, 08:35

............... and, by the way, Valerie's commentary on TVM was pathetic and childish. A good spring cleaning is needed at PBS, and we should stop wasting our finances.............

Audrey Zammit

May 17th 2009, 08:34

Iceland does not have 42 neighbours in fact it has none!! Unless you think salmon and whales voted yesterday then stop this neighboring thing! I live thousands of miles away from Iceland with many countries in between and still i voted for them because i thought they had the better song! I'm disappointed they didnt win but the best songs were up there because they deserved to be there not because of neighbours. With your reasoning Germany should have won because it has the most neighbours! What an ugly song.

Alex Fenech

May 17th 2009, 08:34

Well done Chiara - excellent interpretation.

Who had the bright idea of making Pauline read the Malta votes results inside a discotheque?
We had a 30 second opportunity or so of featuring one of the many unique sites in Malta as a backdrop during the delivery of Malta votes to millions of Eurovision viewers....

And we choose a disco...

(with all due respect to nightclub owners)

Joseph E Briffa

May 17th 2009, 08:34

Ok it's over...it's not as if our prestige is at stake..this is just a show contest , nothing else. It was a foregone conclusion that Malta would not do well. This is a show not a song contest. Unless we stage a show we don't stand a chance. It's difficult enough as it is..We don't have neighbours except the UK and Ireland, while the Scandinavians band together, the Slavs band together etc etc

andrew scicluna

May 17th 2009, 08:30

Well done Chiara you did your best,seeing from my TV the sound was not as those of other songs.
All other s sounded very clear vioces could be heared very clearly ,during our song the transmsion was not so good.Even at the semifinals there was this sound problem.
I am very dissapionted that this problem has been present for these last years during the contest .
Chiara performance was perfectly good, it is all to do with those taking care of the setting of the audio sound.

J. Mifsud

May 17th 2009, 08:28

Regarding the NIL points Malta got from Belgium, although the author and composer were Belgians, I find it most ironic that not even the HUNDREDS OF OUR COMPATRIOTS working in Belgium voted for Chiara.

Chiara gave a good performance, but the talents and performances of most competitors outweighed ours. The results were just, and we should stop whinning, and thank the lucky stars that we made it to the final.

Going back to our Song for Europe which was held last February, I think and thought at that time that the best song was not chosen, not that there were many to choose from, but in my opinion the second and third placed had better ingredients.

Malta was one of the FEW that did not give 12 points to Norway.........does this mean that we HAVE the BEST EAR FOR MUSIC , or that we are.............................?!?!

R.Gatt

May 17th 2009, 08:28

Chiara should have followed Ira's example and resigned from ever attempting to grasp Eurovision Gold after coming second with Angel. Second place is as good as we'll ever get in this biased competition. Placing First is an out of bounds spot reserved solely for select countries. The only way we could ever have a chance of placing first is by having the points being assigned by a non-European visually impaired jury.

That being said, gratz to Chiara for an impeccable performance.

Joseph Stagno

May 17th 2009, 08:28

Am I alone in thinking that Valerie Vella's commentary was the pits?

Come back, Eileen Montesin. All is forgiven :/

Victor Buhagiar

May 17th 2009, 08:25

Glad I slept right through the programme and woke up knowing ITALY had won again. About time we began to imitate their stance towards this farce of a festival.

Pauline Sciberras

May 17th 2009, 08:24

Wake up Malta. Can't you see the story repeats itself year after year. What a waste of time and tax payers money. Italy did the right thing and got out of it once and for all and we keep getting humiliated. I wonder what the board has to say for itself this time, what excuse they are going to get for such a result. I am not a fan of the eurovision and never was and never will be and i will always spend my Saturday evenings doing something worth while and not waste my precious time. Continue wasting your time dear Malta for nothing.

D Farrugia

May 17th 2009, 08:23

For those who think that block voting is still in force think again. Iceland and Norway do not have 42 neighbours but surrounded by ice, ocean and whales yet they came first and second. The best songs won and there is no beating around the bush. As the excellent Maltese commentator said yesterday, to be up there and for every country to vote for you, you must have had something special and not because you have a lot of neighbours. Please stop this silliness of the show being pre-determinded. It was an excellent show.

Keithscgrech

May 17th 2009, 08:19

Here we go again!

D Rapa

May 17th 2009, 08:18

Unfortunately (and predictably for many) Malta placed in the lower (lowest) ranks of this Eurovision Song contest. of course like on every other occasion when we didn t manage to do so well, we start blaming geography.....as if Malta was situated in a different part of Europe when we placed 2nd and 3rd! Just get over it and accept the fact that this year Chiara wasn t enough to challenge the competition. A small suggestion...wouldn t it be better to invest in our 3rd world country roads instead of having to spend a fortune to take part in this contaest?

V Caruana

May 17th 2009, 08:16

Don't be surprised. ESC is a business unit and we are part of it. Who believed in Chiara's song? Even the maltese dj would introduce the song by saying that "chiara's magical voice" is going to make in top rankings. Seldomly the song was mentioned! I believe that Chiara would confess that Angel ( who she claims that it was written by her) was by far a better song than What If We. From Chiara's original 3 entries which song was the best? What If WE was the worst song. Maybe since it was written by Belgians some might have beleived that that would do the magic. Personally Iceland, UK and Norway were the best song.

Teresa Pace

May 17th 2009, 08:16

Chiara you were angelic. You had the best voice. And you gave the best interpretation. Don't let this mishap get you down. You are no ! and you will always remain as thus for you have the best voice ever. There was no one else yesterday who had a voice better than yours not even Norway's. However the song itself wasn't the best (not your fault). In my opinion, you deserved 2nd to 6th. Anyway, Chiara if you didn't win it, we will never will....the first time I said it...Malta pack your bags from Eurovision it's waste of time and money.

Adrian Allain

May 17th 2009, 08:14

I was very disappointed with Malta's entry, as I hoped that Malta would do well. I have listened to Chiara's ballad over and over again and I cannot make out the words. I could make out 'What if we' because I was expecting that, but I couldn't even lip-read to help because the microphone was always so close to her mouth. By contrast I could hear every word of the German and Albanian entries, not to mention Norway.
Better luck next year Malta.

Paul Vella

May 17th 2009, 08:14

It,s great to see some people's ego nicely cut down to size. Now dear Chiara please do us a favourand ride into the sunset. As to the Authorties please stop wasting our well earned money!!!

anthony vella

May 17th 2009, 08:12

naqbel li naghtu cans lil ucuh godda ma naqbilx li hela ta rizorsi...kollox irid ikun...ma noqodux naghmlu dak l-ghageb bhas snin ta qabel...prosit lil chiara xorta wahda...

Carlo Abela

May 17th 2009, 08:12

I am happy that Chiara did really bad!! MAYBE NOW SHE WILL BACK DOWN TO EARTH!!

D. Cassar

May 17th 2009, 08:12

I believe Chiara got such low points due to the fact that (in my opinion) she did a disastrous job of it! Could have been stagefright, but her voice did not carry across the arena and she had a hard time hitting the high notes - was I the only one to realise she was as stiff as a board??? Norway deserved to win because Alexander was relaxed and natural and one could see he really enjoyed singing his song - well done to him!! Sorry Chiara, what a pity.

C Farrugia

May 17th 2009, 08:10

we should stop participating after all it is the tax payer's money. And by the way these people are the same when chaira came 3rd and 2nd. maybe they saw she was OVERCONFIDENT or maybe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John Carmel Navarro

May 17th 2009, 08:04

Chiara was fantastic we all thought so unfortunately the rest of so called Europe did not share our believes. This so called European Song Contest has got out of hand and is being manipulated by the big powers, what chance did we really have for a couple of days we dreamed “What if we”. I must say that now is the right time to say thanks but no thanks to this contest. If England could not pull it off with Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber what chance did we really have with some unknown Belgian writers? In a way let us be honest should we ever win how could we ever stage such an event, it would be financial suicide!

Joe Galea

May 17th 2009, 08:01

And the bubble burst!!! I am happy that Malta came amongst the last 5 as she was becoming a vain bubble crticising everyone and thinking that she is a diva comparing herself to Elton John and Angelina Jolie. I think the result serves her right. Her voice is a gift from God but the song is boring.

J.Borg

May 17th 2009, 08:01

Chiara didn't deserve better.....

michael borg

May 17th 2009, 07:59

hbieb tijaj ..... dejjem l istess paroli !!! meta ha tindunaw li aw Malta ghandna talent muzikali aktar bis sens fi gruppi bhal tribali...wintermoods.....filletti & friends .......gravino ??? stop this EU h5n1 fever !!!

Patrick Farrugia

May 17th 2009, 07:43

To whom it may concern:

Pls nistghu nibdew nonfqu l- flus f' xi haga hafna izjed ta' bzonn??

Thanks.

Julian Zarb

May 17th 2009, 07:39

it definitly says one thing - we need to up our own standards and quality of the performance, presentation and delivery. It also says alot about the festival itself which is nothing more than an opportunity for the dreaded betting shops (including the borderline outlets we have on these islands) to make a fast buck - it is all about making money and influencing voters. There needs to be regulations on the websites promoting predictions online, that are promulgated through the betting organizations. The Eurovision has degenerated into a dirty game about money. it is not a question of quality and real music......Norway'e entry lacked any finesse and should not have taken over from a superb presentation by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber!

joseph mallia

May 17th 2009, 07:33

Whoever coined the phrase eurotrash deserves a nobel for brilliance, what a waste .
If you want trills watch Ac Dc ...... You shook me all night long......

Rocco Cauchi

May 17th 2009, 07:28

Too dark, too black, too lonely.
Problem is we think too highly of ourselves
- and raise false hopes sky high.

J.Pace

May 17th 2009, 07:28

22nd was the right place we deserved. Chiara was excellent and her voice is brilliant, but the song was very poor, it cant be compared to her previous " The one that I love" and "Angel". We must believe in Maltese composers.

Victoria vella

May 17th 2009, 07:18

Chiara you did a wnderful job - we were all so proud of you and we always will be!! Keep doing what you do best!!

Andrea Portelli

May 17th 2009, 07:15

One cannot deny that Chiara's interpretation was astounding

However, even though only 50% of the vote belonged to the public the whole voting for neighbors system is still very present.

Spain for Portugal, Cyprus for Greece, Ukraine for Russia, Scandinavians for each other etc.

Unfortunately as an isolated island, we don't really stand a chance in such a contest

I think it's about time we faced the music and pulled out of this godforsaken competition

Trevor Chircop Bray

May 17th 2009, 07:12

I'm very sorry for the result obtained but it is time to get real and face the truth, The Eurovision is a joke, Malta shouldn't be wasting our TOP quality talent year after year pursuing a 'dream'. The money spent should be more wisely used to create The Maltese Pop Idol for instance, and give the opportunity to NEW talent to develop just as Kevin Borg did....he wasn't good for the maltasong festival but everyone knows what happened after!!

Bernice Bruno

May 17th 2009, 06:54

Dejjem rajna kbir. In-Norvegja ma nahsiebx li ghanda dawk il-girien kollha biex gabhet dawk il-punti.Kellna kantanta tajba b'diska medjokra,ma nahsiebx li kien haqna ahjar.Meta ndahlu f'rasna li zmien il-ballads spicca u fid-diska nibdew naghmlu naqra varjeta fuq il-palk forsi xi darba jirnexxilna.

Sandro Agius

May 17th 2009, 06:40

Good job Chiara....but we must learn from Italians....after Chiara finished her song I changed station to Rai and thats music...from San Remo....while we hold on something which is impossible to win for many don't hold not voting to "neighbourings"....Cyprus, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, Denmark...Italy creates new stars...Let's Learn...but stilll.....thanks Chiara....we're proud of you

Kevin Cassar

May 17th 2009, 06:34

Can't say I did not expect this. Chiara's performance on the night was perfect but the song was the worst of the three she competed with. Too repetitive, nothing original and no dancers or anything to entertain the people with. Just a good voice and that's it which is really not enough. The Norway entry had it all, an original track, great voice, good show, great music and for the first time I easily predicted it would win because it was a complete package.

charles ciantar

May 17th 2009, 06:00

Chiara is a GREAT singer but i am sorry her style is not the eurovision song contest style of singing. I am sure this is all waste of time and money .If we want to compete we have to send a young and novative singer with a fresh song and fresh ideas .What is good for us is surely not good for this type of competition.

R Huber

May 17th 2009, 05:54

My surprise was when we made it to the semi-final!

I have nothing against Chiara, she was chosen and so she went, but it was clearly evident that as a country we had no chance not only to win, but make a hit. The problem is that as a country we do not have the capabilities to chose the best but to chose the name and the name is not always the best.

If we take Kevin Borg (the Swedish Idol) many did not even know his name let alone his capabilities, buy out there in Sweden his as popular as Madona is to the rest of the world.

The problem in Malta is the we do not try to be creative and the Eurovision is a show contest and not a song contest.

Unless we leave the contest in the hand of young creative people who can see the world as it is today there is never a chance for Malta to be placed in a good position again.

But as always, we ‘the grown ups’ think that it’s only us who know the best!

Sorry Chiara, the voice was good but the performance was miserable.

Anne Bartolo

May 17th 2009, 05:51

Please do open your minds . Stop taking part in the Eurovison as this is a waste of , time , energy and money. It is better to put money in new jobs instead !

David Mizzi

May 17th 2009, 05:44

As you can see, all we need is a new way of writing lyrics and composing music.

We've been using the same "traditional" method for ages.... and it's proved itself it's no longer feasable.

We should change the usual ... chorus ... 2nd chorus method.

Writers & composers need to think "outside the box"...

Until then ... better luck next time !

R Cauchi

May 17th 2009, 04:41

Norway deserved to win! Also it was a great song and at the end everyone voted for norway and there was not much neighbor voting this year! Malta was not good enough! Hopefully we will do better next year! We are not bad losers...

Wilfred L Camilleri

May 17th 2009, 04:26

The voting system used for the contest is absolute nonsense! The same used to happen in Figure Skating at the Olympics until enough people got mad that they changed the voting system so that countries couldn't make arrangements to vote for each other ahead of the competition. Why do people put up with this rubbish?

a darmanin

May 17th 2009, 04:20

Imma kemm se ndumu biex indahhluha f'rasna li l-Eurovision mhux min ghandu l-isbah diska jirbah.....sa l-inqas haga tkun irrangata minn qabel, u jirbah min ikun imissu dik is-sena ez. din is-sena kien imiss lil Norway, as simple as that!!! Why we have to worry and bother about it every year?

philip pace

May 17th 2009, 03:22

As I have been hammering for more than ten years, we have to stop completely from competing in this most useless and unaspiring faded junk of a festival.
We have to stop sending a few lucky people as the results haven't been that encouraging in these last years.
Can the Minister be honest about this and ask herself what is the point of competing?
This latest Chiara disappointment should be loud enough to force the Minister to cancel anything that has to with Eurovision! It is the only honourable thing left to do.
We have to stop flogging a dead horse that has since decomposed and giving out a nasty putrid smell!!!
The list of underperforming singers is getting long now. How many is it now 3,4,5 or 6 or by the next twenty years I shall be still counting?
The participation is a complete waste of money and obviously unproductive!

Miss Araidne Massa.
Why do you always describe the Eurovision Winner title as coveted?

To the Minister and her entourage.
There are better ways in investing in Maltese Culture than this.
We can meet to discuss this anytime and any place as I can give you some positive indications.

John Borg

May 17th 2009, 02:42

Give it a rest with this boring obsession about the Eurovision. Quit with this annual pity party on how the poor Maltese are always being thwarted by dastardly foreigners.

C. Schembri

May 17th 2009, 02:00

No matter what place we ended up in, Chiara was EXCELLENT tonight!!! Welldone for your performance.. you really showed that you gave your best. A pity that it was not appreciated so much!

Alex Agius

May 17th 2009, 01:59

come on People! Let's admit it even though chiara sang well our song was weak and dated. Now nobody can accuse neighbourly voting because it was split between a jury and televote. The winning song got points from every country and is in the western block. The top songs were the best songs (and got votes from every country), ironically most of them in the 2nd semi final - so we are lucky we did not have to compete with them because otherwise we might have not made it either to the finals. With all due respect, I found our song very dated. I wish Chiara well, She is a wonderful ambassador but let's face it, she did not impress this time around. I feel this contest is nevertheless good publicity and we should continue to take part like all the other countries. Let us not be bad losers, especially since we were competing with a very average song this year. Well done to everybody and once again, well done to chiara anyway. But please, next time, no big talk again chiara.

Joseph Borg

May 17th 2009, 01:48

@Simon Abela

Your argument makes no sense because Malta placed among the 1st 3 on 4 occasions recently. This year we lacked quality and we paid the price with the result. Period.

a attard

May 17th 2009, 01:40

The Eurovision song festival is a wonderful show and it keeps getting more spectacular. Its great to see so much talent in one evening. Well done Chiara for such a good performance. It was good to see Malta back in the finals. This contest grown so much that its also sad to see countries like Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and so on missing the final, and others like Italy, Luxembourg and Austria not participating at all. It is impossible to accommodate all for the big night. Its just good entertainment and no one should get hot headed over it! A winning song cannot just thrive on neighborly love, but needs to have some kind of general consensus to be on top, so well done to Norway.

Franco Tabone

May 17th 2009, 01:29

Chiara you have done your best and deserved more points. I hope you won't try again to compete in the ESC and give others the chance. You performed fantastic but unfortunetly you did not have a strong song. Albania singer gave an outstanding performance so has Iceland and United Kingdom. I wonder if Malta had to win who was going to fork out all that money. I read that Russia spent some $42 million? The phone calls and all the SMS's we sent for the votation, I wonder where all the money goes to? I think Robert was wise to advertise in saying if Chiara wins he would refund the money for all the fridge's and all the washing machine's purchased during this week from his shop.

Saviour Cauchi

May 17th 2009, 01:26

22 place out of 25 countries in the finals. Maybe this time Chiara will stop competing for a euro spot and let some of the young talent compete for the spot. This will give the young talent in Malta some exposure in europe and maybe a shot at fame away from Malta. This competition should be viewed as a stepping stone into Europe for our singer's. Malta will NEVER win the eurovision contest unless we hire a well known singer to preform and then maybe we will win this popularity contest. Klinsman for 2010

Ronnie Gauci

May 17th 2009, 01:26

I was sure that Chiara would flop from the day she won the Maltasong, the song was crap and then the Europeans punished her arrogance as she should have retired honourably from this contest as the great Ira did and let somebody else try his luck. Now she got what I predicted and tainted her good EV reputation. Now Chiara is no more the Eurovision champion but a Eurovision failure like many local participants as many only remeber you for your last performance. Now what, will she try her luck yet another time? A fourth time in 11 years??

darren cassar

May 17th 2009, 01:22

I do not like being negative but the argument that the Ev song contest brings tourism is my opinion unrealistic.
These resources should be spent on true cultural events and education because they in return will really bring tourism and cater for culture loving tourists. Don't say we have MCAST.

I think we are one of the few countries in Europe without an art academy.
We should look at Italy overflowing with academies and schools tutoring art, design, dance etc producing top quality artists.

Talent is not enough. There is that subtle step which is hard to achieve but which distinguishes from an artist of a certain level to a talented amateur.

Michael Borg

May 17th 2009, 01:21

Now she's learnt her lesson!

Maria Xerri (student)

May 17th 2009, 01:14

So much for the Belgians and the Dutch with NIL POIS how awful and disapointing it must be for Chiara, if it weren't for countries such as the UK,Ireland and Serbia Malta would be a definite last and even then only a mere few points from the bottom 3, its ok for the female commentator in Moscow to say that we haven't done too badly but who is she kiding i wonder certainly not the majority who were banking on Malta to win, someone said don't count your chickens before they hatch, and how right they were too. LOOK LISTEN & LEARN my last words are Pack it in Malta Euro board. Paul McCartney once said>you can never reheat a soffle! the eurovision has passed it sell by date and i am now totally convinced. How terrible and embarrassing for our country and even more for our lovely Chiara who gave a good performance but helas the voters weren't convinced even after so many appearances in various countries before the semis, what a waste of time. Still Norway deserved to win and i thought the UK's entry was also brilliantly put together. maria Xerri (UK/Malta)

Brian Hansford

May 17th 2009, 01:10

while i congratulate Norway and Chiarra for her performance tonight ,i can't not show my disbelief at that the way we choose the winning song to represent Malta in the euro vision.
i have said this before on TV in front of 4 ex chairpersons we should get all the composers to work as one and build the right song for Malta, once we agree on the song , all singers will sing that same song the best voice will be Malta singer!!
one more thing why is it that if its l-istrina we have Valerie if its the euro vision we have Valerie is it possible our other females presenters don't have what it takes to simple guide us through the voting system ! i along with other was disgusted listening to Valerie commenting on others not giving points to Malta and that we did really good considering that out of 42 we are in the middle this is a very naive way of looking at things .

R. Degiorgio

May 17th 2009, 01:09

Oh give it a break. The Maltese will now (as usual) blame the dress, the hair, the performance, neighbour votes and whatever else, but the truth is we needed a better song. And that's just about it. We all know we did excellently when we sent the right song.

Let the "PULL OUT!" calls begin.

d castillo

May 17th 2009, 01:07

sorry but i disagree that she did her best - i think chiara was disastrous this evening! her voice did not carry across the arena and she had a hard time hitting the high notes. could be a case of stagefright, i don't know, however i think by now she should be above all that and should have given a full-hearted performance as opposed to the meagre 25% effort she made this evening. what a pity.

Keith Davis

May 17th 2009, 01:07

No show - No Party!
Malta did nothing on stage to entice voters except for doing the least, which is place the singer in the middle of the Eurovision stage!

Where is Malta's choreography and stage entertainment?!

Why do we have a whole delegation go up there, just for dressing the singer!!!

When will we learn from the winners?!

Reuben Abela

May 17th 2009, 01:04

Iceland had the best song in my opinion, i cant understand how almost every country gave 12 points to Norway... it was a good song... but not as good...

Mario Bonnici

May 17th 2009, 01:02

Worst result so far for Chiara. For her it was a mistake taking part again with this boring song.
It was a also a BIG mistake building high expectations. I'm talking about the maltese media and Chiara's comments during the past weeks.

P.Vella

May 17th 2009, 00:59

Erm.... the voting process is a deja vu' .... neighbours neighbours neighbours. Chiara did all her best and people who are professional in music could tell that she deserved better ratings however unfortunately we don't have any neighbouring countries voting for us so.. hard lines. I tell you this, if Freddy Mercury was born in Malta and we sent him to represent us, we still don't win coz of the strategic voting used where in my opinion big money is involved between countries including bookmakers. Btw Chiara prosit xorta you did gr8!

Simon Abela

May 17th 2009, 00:56

Please people stop wasting your time and energy.. dont you people see that this is all about one thing?
This happens every year.. Its like playing baseball but everything is determined prior the Game.
I am sad becuase Malta has talent, but select countries make it.
thanks Chiara just the same.
ciao

Philip Micallef

May 17th 2009, 00:55

Thank God for little mercies, for we could have done worse. It is high time we make a break with the past and give space to newcomers.

J. Camilleri

May 17th 2009, 00:55

W e should follow Italy's example... Hela ta' rizorsi u hin.

Albert Fenech

May 17th 2009, 00:44

And some used to say that ony Chiara could win the ESC. 3.......2..............22!!! There goes the money of our taxes down the drain again!!!! And many are finding it so difficult to make ends meet. We have had enough please give us a break and a chance for somebody else to shine. Three times is more than enough. So disappointed that we were tricked by our own media. I was given the impression that we stood a good chance to win!!! And now BANG....22......now please come up with some valid excuses.

S Grech

May 17th 2009, 00:22

Thanks Chiara you absolutely did your best. Your interpretation was formidable. ; )