The 20 semi-finalists of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest were announced this evening on Xarabank during a show which also saw a wedding proposal.

The choice was made from a shortlist of 49 entrants selected last week. There were originally 153 entries.

The semi-finalists include former winner Ira Losco, the only singer who saw two of her songs qualify. 

The singers chosen today are Maxine Pace (Young Love); Deborah C (All around the world); Lawrence Gray (You’re Beautiful); Brooke Borg (Golden); Raquel Galdes (Flashing Lights);

Corazon Mizzi (Falling Glass); Kimberley Cortis (Lighthouse); Jasmine Abela (Alive); Dominique Azzopardi (Empty hearted); Jessika (The Flame); Daniel Testa (Under the Sun);

Ira Losco (That’s why I love you); Franklin Calleja (Little Love); Dario Mifsud Bonnici (I Love You); Dominic (Fire Burn); Danica Muscat (Frontline); Ira Losco (Chameleon); Christabelle Borg (Kingdom); Sarah Crystal (Right here with you) and Stefan Galea (Light up my life).

The singers will perform on stage in a semi-final on January 22. Fourteen will be selected for the final show, on the following day.  

During the show, singer Dominic proposed a church wedding to his long-time partner Ina. She said yes.

The Malta Eurovision Song Contest is presented by PBS.