Shauna Vassallo

Audiences were definitely left Feeling Good after 13-year-old Shauna Vassallo delivered a stunning performance of the classic tune – recently covered by Michael Bublé – during last Sunday’s edition of Io Canto on Italian television.

Expectations ran high as the teenager’s performance followed that of fellow Maltese singer, nine-year-old Veronica Rotin, who had impressed the audience with her rendition of And I’m Telling You the previous Sunday.

“You need to deliver to keep up Malta’s reputation,” presenter Gerry Scotti told a smiling Shauna.

Unfazed, the teenager’s solid performance drew rapturous applause and cries of “brava”, leaving Scotti wondering in amazement: “Malta, how do you manage to produce such singers?”

Today, Shauna will be travelling to Milan where she will prepare for her second round, which will then be broadcast on Canale 5 in three weeks’ time.

The most beautiful moment was when she received a standing ovation

“We’re very proud of her,” Shauna’s mother Michelle told Times of Malta. “It was very emotional seeing her perform on stage. The most beautiful moment was when she received a standing ovation – only one other girl received one that night.”

Shauna has been training at La Voix academy under Gillian Attard for the past three years.

Four of Ms Attard’s students travelled to Rome for the auditions. She didn’t make it at the first round but qualified from the second.

“At first I was extremely nervous,” the teen confessed.

“But slowly, the nerves started to melt away and now I’m much more confident. I’ve always loved singing and this is a real dream true. It’s enough that I’ve made it this far. But naturally, I would love to win the coveted title.”

The popular talent programme, which has been running since 2010, showcases performers aged between five and 16.