The songs of Claudia Faniello and Foxy Federation for tonight's Go Malta Eurosong contest have been rearranged following complaints by other singers.

On Thursday, the majority of participants refused to take part in the dress rehearsal after claiming that the two contestants had more people on stage than permitted by the regulations. The rehearsal was moved to the evening.

When contacted yesterday, contest coordinator Peter Busuttil said the performances had been adjusted so that no more than six people would be allowed on stage.

"This will not change the song, just the visual performance," Mr Busuttil said, although he would not specify whether this meant one of the dancers had been dropped.

He insisted the case was simply a misunderstanding, which was swiftly addressed. Eurosong regulations only allow six persons on the stage, including the singer, backing vocalists and dancers.

The Guild for Maltese Composers, Authors, Singers and Musicians (UKAM) said it had helped contest organisers PBS to ensure singers were in line with regulations. It said it was not prepared to defend anyone who did not conform to the rules.

Armenian pop singer Sirusho will be taking the stage during today's contest. The 23-year-old had placed fourth in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with her song Qélé, Qélé.

A number of Maltese singers, including Chiara, Mary Spiteri, Chasing Pandora, Winter Moods, and Dancell will also perform during the show.

The 20 songs competing to represent Malta in the Eurovision contest were performed in front of some 600 children during a special dress rehearsal yesterday.

The winner, to be chosen by a jury and televoting (each has a weighting of 50 per cent), is expected to be announced before midnight. Tonight's show, presented by Keith Demicoli, Pauline Agius, and Owen Bonnici, starts at 8.30 p.m. and will be screened on TVM.