Sweden's Pop Idol Kevin Borg returned to his native Malta yesterday in buoyant mood ahead of his live concerts at Splash and Fun Water Park this weekend.

Bleary-eyed but typically bubbly, the star was clearly delighted to return to his homeland for only the second time since he beat 8,000 contestants to claim the Pop Idol title in front of 1.7 million Swedish TV viewers last December.

"When I saw the island from the plane I was thinking 'yeah, finally'," he gushed, adding that he was looking forward to relaxing at Għadira Bay if he got the chance.

Flanked by local promoters, his management team and his demure Swedish girlfriend Sofia, Mr Borg looked every inch the pop star as he told the press he was excited about performing in Malta for the first time since he won the competition and signed a record deal with Sony BMG.

He intends to perform songs from his debut album The Beginning with his band, as well as rock classics such as Free's All Right Now and Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer, which he believes local audiences will appreciate.

The Floriana-born singer arrived in Malta after a hectic eight months of touring Sweden and playing over 50 concerts to promote his debut album and singles, the first of which - Every Bit of Me - debuted at number one in the Swedish charts.

On his return to Sweden, he will begin earnest preparations for Disney's High School Musical, in which he will play the lead role of Troy Bolton at Stockholm's Göta Lejon theatre, a challenge he accepted to broaden his artistic horizons.

The concerts will take place at the water park in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq today and on Sunday from 8.30 p.m., and the €30 ticket price includes a VIP barbecue.

Mr Borg will be supported by Claudia Faniello today and Daniel Testa, Rebecca Debattista, Sophie and Claudia Faniello on Sunday. The affable young star will also be meeting fans and signing CDs after the concert.