Why didn't Morena's song Vodka reach the final night? This year I find it very easy to answer that question.

Her performance on stage was not very strong, her interaction with the cameras was weak, and the background show was confusing the audience more than it was supporting the act.

But besides all this one has to realise that the European competitors all entered the contest with much stronger packages. Of all 43 starters there were only a handful that made me say "No No". Be it the performance on stage, a catchy tune, a strong voice, or a poppy rhythm, this year I found it hard to name my favourite. Unfortunately, Malta never reached my personal top 20.

People will again say that it was neighbourly voting which lead to such a result. The phenomenon has been there from the beginning, but still Malta came second twice in the past few years. We have to accept that the entries are getting stronger and stronger. Some countries really take it seriously and offer a package which is difficult to beat

In Malta a lot of hype surrounds the Eurovision, although after the latest defeats this is diminishing somewhat.

But the hype doesn't mean that the packages chosen in the national Song for Europe Festival are as good or better than their European competitors.

Lately, I feel that the Maltese composers, writers and performers either fail to sense the European taste correctly or just ignore it. The concept is the same every year - nothing outstanding.

This has to change! Of course, Malta doesn't need a singing turkey, but something catchy.