One Night in Baku

Charismatic and confident is how Kurt Calleja’s first Eurovision Song Contest rehearsal in Azerbaijan has been described by fans – but the bookmakers are less impressed.

Kurt is a very charismatic performer and knows how to play the cameras well

The contest’s official website said it was clear Mr Calleja and his team were well rehearsed as the chemistry on stage, “their slick routine” and their confidence in each other, was evident for all to see.

“In addition, Kurt is a very charismatic performer and knows how to play the cameras well,” according to eurovision.tv.

The popular Eurovision website, oikotimes.com, also praised Malta’s performance and said Mr Calleja “brings happiness on stage”. However, it felt something was missing.

Both websites felt the stage’s LED backdrop was very effective, featuring a crowd of shadows raising their hands in the air and clapping as though they were at a concert or disco.

Mr Calleja will be competing fourth in the second semi-final on May 24 with the song This is the Night, composed and penned by Johan Jämtberg and Mikael Gunnerås. He is vying to qualify among the first 10 from 18 finalists, to go on to represent Malta in the final on May 26.

Mr Calleja is joined on stage by two male electric guitar players, a female drummer, a DJ/dancer, and Amber, who placed third in the local contest, providing extra backing vocals.

Despite the good reviews, bookmaker William Hill is still unconvinced and is placing the island at the bottom of the second semi-final as the least likely to qualify. Other bookmakers place Malta consistently towards the bottom from all 36 competing countries.

Speaking about his first impressions of Baku and in particular the Crystal Hall, Mr Calleja said: “It really looks dynamic, something that as an artist you can easily play with if you are adventurous on stage. I think the fact the arena was purpose-built is a big advantage from both a sound and choreography point of view.”