Foreign composers and authors can have two songs and not just one shortlisted for the final phase of the Malta Eurovision Festival.

This follows a revision of the festival’s regulations, which also allows authors and composers to submit as many songs as they wish. However, the rules specify that in the final 24, Maltese nationals can have a maximum of four songs, while foreigners can have up to two.

The new regulations, revised following talks Public Broadcasting Services held with stakeholders, were released yesterday.

Opening up this year’s contest to foreigners has not gone down too well with the Union of Maltese Composers and Authors (UKAM) and it will be holding an urgent meeting today to discuss the matter.

Foreign participation has been a sticking point for years. In 2005, UKAM threatened to boycott the contest if foreign composers and authors were allowed to compete in the Maltese festival. A compromise was later found thanks to a reciprocity clause through which composers from countries that allowed Maltese in their contest were able to take part.

PBS CEO Anton Attard insisted the move was not intended to dishearten Maltese composers and authors; on the contrary he believed in their talent. “Our interest as organisers is to ensure we have a good final product and we believe competition is healthy. By opening up the contest to foreigners we hope to encourage local composers and authors to take on the challenge and perform better,” Mr Attard said.

He reiterated that the finalised regulations were not foolproof, and these could change, but PBS wanted to give the contest its best shot and send a good product to perform on the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest in Germany in May.

Highlights from the final regulations

· In the first part of the final phases, which will consist of 24 songs, foreign composers and authors may have up to two songs while Maltese may have a maximum of four.

· Composers have to declare the song is original and has not, and will not, be submitted in an identical or similar form in any other festival in 2011.

· Singers may take part with more than one song in the eliminatory phases. However, those who submit multiple interpretations will only be allowed to compete with two songs in the final phases.

· The winning singer/s of the last three years is not allowed to take part in this year’s festival.

· The lead singer has to be Maltese or hold dual citizenship.

· Backing vocalists have to sing live after the eliminatory phases. The same backing vocalists, individually or collectively, can be used in different compositions. The number of persons on stage should not exceed six.

· Authors may choose any subject for their songs, however, entries with racist, political, sexist or anti-religious remarks will be disqualified.

· For the eliminatory phases, the music must be pre-recorded, including the backing vocalists. During the two final phases, backing vocalists shall sing live on stage.

· In the first phase, selection will be based only on the CD interpretation submitted. A judging panel will determine the songs, which should qualify for the second phase.

· In the second phase, selected songs shall be interpreted live in front of a judging panel. Twenty-four songs will qualify to the final phases.

· The 24 finalists will sing live in a televised show during a semi-final. Judging on the first night will be made by a panel responsible for 75 per cent of the votes and 25 per cent televoting

· The 24th finalist will be the winner of last year’s L-Isfida television programme. Should the latter not take part, the next song in line from phase two will qualify.

· In the final night, which will be held in February, 16 songs will qualify for the final phase.

· The winning song will be chosen through 60 per cent expert jury and 40 per cent televoting.

· Artist/s shall bind themselves to abide by any sponsorship agreement PBS enters into for the eventual winner. Failing to do so will lead to disqualification.

· The organisers will finance participation in the Eurovision, flights and accommodation of not more than six persons, including, composer and author of the winning song.

· Make-up artist, hairdresser, wardrobe, any other image-related personnel and entourage shall, if need be, travel at the expense and responsibility of the winning artists/artists.