A list titled ‘Things to do Tomorrow’ was the first thing that greeted Eurovision singer Gianluca Bezzina when he entered his office for his first day back at work.
Doctor Feelgood, as he has been dubbed by the media, returned to the surgical wards of Mater Dei Hospital yesterday following two adrenaline-fuelled weeks in Malmö with his song Tomorrow.
It was a good day, the young medic said, despite being constantly stopped by well wishers – and his Eurovision participation was a good ice-breaker with patients.
At one point, he passed by the paediatric ward.
The Gianluca of yesterday considered singing as merely a hobby. I did it merely for the fun of it
“Big mistake,” he laughed. “I was besieged by children asking for my signature and posed for countless photos. I’ve signed all sorts of items, including T-shirts and jeans.
“The weirdest moment was when I was handed a pair of sunglasses – I was left clutching them, wondering what exactly was I meant to do with them,” he exclaimed.
Those who asked him to belt out parts of Tomorrow did not get their wish fulfilled – after having twice sung before a massive European audience, Gianluca is too shy to sing in front of individuals.
Following his successful eighth placing in the contest, many doors have swung wide open. His calendar is packed with performances, including one with tenor Joseph Calleja in his upcoming summer concert.
Plans are in the pipeline to release an album. Six songs had already been recorded and mastered prior to his trip to Malmö. It will only take another four or five songs to complete it.
Would he consider abandoning his medical practice to focus solely on singing?
“Well, I would consider taking a year or two off to focus on singing. Now would be the right time – I started practising medicine only a year ago and I haven’t established my own private practice yet.
He paused. “Then again, it would have to be a really, really good opportunity to entice me to focus solely on singing. It would need to be able to sustain me for three years or so.”
Gianluca yesterday and Gianluca tomorrow – what’s changed and what does he foresee?
“The Gianluca of yesterday considered singing as merely a hobby. I did it merely for the fun of it.
“Now that my career is taking shape, I’ve gained more confidence in myself. I’ve started thinking to myself that I might actually be liked by audiences and that it might be worth it to take music more seriously.
“However, my ultimate wish is to advance in both my careers in equal measure.”
How to get a song into the UK charts
Gianluca’s song has been something of a hit beyond the Eurovision contest with the British, who gave him seven points on the night.
But how does one penetrate the BBC’s UK Top 40 Singles list, as Tomorrow did with a 37th placing?
What it takes is to sell enough songs in audio and video format.
Sales figures are collected by the Official Charts Company from all significant retailers, including independent stores, high street chains, supermarkets, internet mail order and download services.
Gianluca has gone from an unknown to placing ahead of Korean sensation Psy’s Gentleman in the UK charts.