Having your own branded Tastees is not an everyday occurrence but then, in Glen Vella’s “one life”, anything can happen.
The “Glen Tastees” are part of the promotional material to be distributed by the Maltese entourage in Dusseldorf during the Eurovision Song Contest.
Mr Vella, 27, this year’s Maltese entry, leaves today for Dusseldorf for a two-week stretch of preparations and rehearsals before performing in the first semi-final on May 10. If his song One Life goes through, then he will compete with the finalist countries on May 14.
Speaking to The Times yesterday, in a breather between one hundred and one last-minute errands, he joked he felt like Kate Middleton: “She must have been so hectic preparing for that wedding and I really feel the same at the moment.”
This year, lobbying has mostly focused on promoting the song in participating countries and his promo tour took him to Croatia, Athens, Portugal, Georgia, Holland, the UK, Italy and Armenia. “By now I’ve certainly become more confident in dealing with the media.”
Will there be any winks, glitters, stripping or any other gimmick to bolster the song? “No, it’s the visual act which will clinch it,” he said, adding that the choreography has been enhanced: “There’s more energy in it now, it’s more dynamic – and it’s one whole act”.
The outfit, designed by Charles and Ron, will be similar to the one he sported in Malta but “in different colours”. So he is doing away with red, his favourite colour? “Yes, but I’ll still have my boxers in red, don’t worry,” he jests.
One Life, composed by Paul Giordimaina with lyrics by Fleur Balzan, highlights diversity. The video, uploaded on YouTube, sparked several negative comments on homosexuality. Mr Vella, however, does not feel this is an issue: “The song does not talk specifically about gays – its meaning is a general one which can be adopted by anyone who feels unaccepted by society.”
He has taken a decision not to look at online fora: “Comments which are too positive or too negative are not what I need to keep me focused. I need constructive criticism,” he said.
Unlike previous years, there has been no speculation about final placing. Why has it been all very low key? “The aim is that we give a good performance. I want to come back, watch my performance on YouTube and be happy with what I see. Anything else over and above that would be a bonus,” he said.
His lucky charms will be giving him a special boost. On the semi-final night he’ll be wearing a bangle, embossed with the words “One Life” given to him by his friends.
He will also be carrying a photo of his cousin Desmond Vella, who passed away two years ago, as well as a pile of holy pictures. “I feel I can’t say no to those – but I have to see how I’m going to fit them into my jeans pocket.”