Singer Ira Losco wants her fans’ opinion. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiSinger Ira Losco wants her fans’ opinion. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Songstress Ira Losco is tempted to take part yet again in the Malta Song for Europe contest and has taken to Facebook to ask her fans whether she should have another go.

Along with Chiara, Ms Losco is Malta’s most successful participant in the Eurovision Song Contest, having placed second back in 2002 with her song 7th Wonder.

“In 2002, I was fortunate enough to get a second placing for Malta with just 12 points away from a win,” she wrote on Facebook.

“What are your thoughts if I had to return to Eurovision with a song I wrote? We’re in this musical journey together plus I value your feedback.”

Her post has been replied to by over 1,500 people and has divided opinion: some have encouraged her to go for it, saying “Maltese people have been waiting for this day for a long time” and that she was the country’s only chance of winning the festival.

Others, however, believe that the singer is above it, adding that a poor placing could damage the successful career she built for herself post-Eurovision.

Submissions for the Malta Song for Europe are closed but sources say it is likely Ms Losco has entered the competition, with the option to withdraw. Eurovision enthusiast Edward Montebello said the return of former Eurovision artists meant they still had faith in the festival.

“Ira Losco’s return has been rumoured for quite a while. There’s also a very positive vibe among the international community,” he said.

Performing at the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2002.Performing at the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2002.

Expectations will naturally be very high – but the scenario is very much different from the 2002 one, when the number of participating countries was much lower.

Rules for the Malta Song for Europe have also changed. Once a winner has been elected, there lies the possibility that they could eventually perform at the Eurovision with a completely different song from that which they won the contest with.

“There can be repercussions if she places poorly. But I believe she is very determined and she also has a good management team behind her,” he added.

“Eurovision gives you access to 120 million viewers – if you manage to tap into just one per cent of that, it’s already a lot.”

Eurovision Radio host Deo Grech admits that, as a fan of the Eurovision, he would be glad to see Ms Losco’s return.

“There are always risks involved but I’m sure that, together with her management, it would be well calculated. If she did well, it would be a positive boost to her career.”

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