Those of you who follow the Eurovision religiously will remember Isabelle from the team that went up to Dusseldorf last year – Isabelle lived the whole experience already when she accompanied Glen Vella for the big night. Before that, she was also a finalist as soloist in 2007. Will it be a case of third time lucky for the singer who says she got into music at the tender, tender age of three?
“Even as a toddler I used to dance and sing in front of the telly whenever a singer or a dancer was on. I spent hours and hours mesmerised and lost in the world of music, the stars fascinated me!”
So did she always want to be famous?
“No it wasn’t like that at all. It wasn’t a case of ‘hey, I wanna be a star’. It was more about the music and the feel-good factor it brings with it rather than the glamour and the popularity.”
This feel-good factor is part of the reason she decided to try her luck again as soloist: Isabelle describes the buzz that surrounds the event. Contrary to what we might expect, she says that the spirit of camaraderie is very strong. Isabelle’s entry this year is called Walk On Water and is a veritable vehicle for positive thought:
“It speaks about the fact that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. In life we must do the things that make us happy and that make us who we are and before pleasing anyone else, we must learn to please ourselves. The melody of the song is a very catchy one and the final act will leave everyone with a very positive vibe!”
When asked what makes her song different to the rest, Isabelle replies that she believes in it and in the positive vibe it brings with it:
“If I didn’t believe in it I wouldn’t be singing it in the first place. We’re also preparing a cool act that fits the song perfectly!”
Isabelle gets an early wake-up call everyday at six in the morning. A couple of snoozes later it’s breakfast time, work – she is a Learning Support Assistant - and eventually errands, rehearsals, cooking, reading and even a workout or two.
“At the moment it’s a mad rush. Lots of meetings with stylists, frequent rehearsals... I’m trying to take it day by day as a lot of commitment is involved in all of this. It’s such a busy time but, as always, this will all be forgotten after the show is over and hopefully both me and my team will be satisfied with the performance.”
Isabelle believes that the reasons Malta hasn’t yet clinched the Eurovision title are various. As for any criticisms the contest attracts, she points out that there are as many followers as there are critics.
“Thousands of people from around Europe wait eagerly for this exciting event. There are many fanatics of this just like any other thing. What might be boring for me, might be exciting for you and vice versa. The same goes with this event!”
As for the question of talent vs luck, Isabelle laughs: luck, she tells me, plays a part in everything in life.
“There is no way that it play a part in this event too, right? I do believe that there were some years where luck outweighed the talent but in most of the cases, talent won.”
Getting to know Isabelle
Favourite singers: Beyonce`. I also like Adele, Joss Stone, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera.
Can’t stand: Metal.
On her MP3 player: Beyonce`, Adele, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Joss Stone, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, amongst others...
Superstitions on stage: None, what will be will be.
Favourite gadget: Iphone and EBook Reader.
Web addict? Claims not, but then again always checks for free wi-fi wherever she is to catch up with her mail.
Favourite fast food? Cheese Burger with salty, very salty fries. "Oh, did I say I like my fries to be salty?"
Drives: a Perodua Kelisa, named Kelly.
Pets: An English Springer Spaniel named Sasha.
Last book read: Leasley Pearse’s Georgia.