Franklin Calleja is back in Malta Eurovision Song Contest for the third time in a row! After not qualifying to the final in 2013, coming 7th in February this year, he is back for a third try with the song “Still Here”, written by no other than the Eurovision winner from 2009 – Alexander Rybak!

We had a nice chat with Franklin about his co-operation with Alexander Rybak, his views on Eurovision, favourite songs, and a lot more! Check it all out in the following interview:

• Hi Franklin ! First of all congratulations for making it to the top 20! How do you feel?

This is what I always wanted, so I’m feeling over the Moon at the moment! Bring on this year’s festival!!! It’s gonna be great especially singing on the big stage of the Junior Eurovision 2014.

• How did you decide to enter the Contest this year?

I’m a BIG fan of this contest so it comes naturally that I apply every year. It means so much to me! I can’t see myself at home watching it and not being part of it now. The vibe is amazing and to share the experience with such amazing singers who have the same passion as yours, is wonderful. It’s so addictive! 🙂 

• How did you get in contact with the composer of your song?

Ohh what a long story! Youtube is a definite powerful source. Alexander Rybak saw my live performances on Youtube and apparently he really liked my voice. He made contact with Olivier Vanhoutte asking for my contacts to reach me. When I fist saw an email from Alexander I was OVERWHELMED! A Eurovision winner is contacting me and wants to work with me?? I couldn’t believe it until I saw him coming towards me with a violin case in his hand in Malta during the production phase.

• Can you tell us a little bit about your song?

It’s a very modern ballad which touches the heart. The lyrics are really simple yet powerful which everyone can relate to.  It’s all about persistence for love. If you love someone, you’ll do ANYTHING for them!

• How are you preparing yourself for the national final?

Very much! Time is really restricted and at the moment we’re so busy with rehearsals, discussions about the feel of the song on stage, about the clothing etc. Having great people around me who help me to be at ease along the process, helps me a lot to focus just on my vocals.

• Have you already had some thought about how your performance will be on stage?

Definitely.. but everything will be reveled on the day! 😛

• Who do you think is your biggest competition to win this national final?

I like everyone’s song! In fact I almost know all the songs by heart! haha.They’re all good! 

• Malta is hosting Junior Eurovision only a week before the national final. Are you planning to attend this event?

Already got the tickets in hand! So excited to be there amongst the audience!

• What does Eurovision mean to you?

It means almost EVERYTHING! Music is part of me, my life..  Since young I’ve been a big fan of Eurovision. NEVER missed it. Finally I’m being part of it now 🙂

• Have you got an all time favourite Eurovision song?

Ohh there are a lot of good songs!!!! “Waterloo” by Abba, “Gravity” by Zlata, “My Number One” by Helena Paparizou.. It’s a never ending list!

• Do you have a message for all the readers of escbubble?

Hi guys, I hope that you all enjoy my song this year, and I hope to meet each and every one of you in the nearer future!  Thanks for your continuous support 🙂 xx

• Thank you so much for taking your time out for this interview, and we wish you the best of luck in the Maltese national selection!

Thank youuu! :)))))

Give a listen to Franklin’s entry in Malta Eurovision Song Contest right here: