Rhiannon is taking part in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest for the second time in a row this year. After last year’s debut with “Fearless”, she is back in the Contest this year with the song called “Beyond Blue Horizons”, and hopes to be the one to represent Malta in Lisbon.

We had a pleasure to chat with Rhiannon, get to know her better and find out more about her entry “Beyond Blue Horizons”, and the team behind it. Check out everything she told us right here in this interview:

Hello Rhiannon! First of all thank you for your time for doing this interview, and congratulations for making it to the Finals of MESC! How did you feel when you found out that you are one of the finalists?

It is always exciting to be part of the MESC. “Beyond Blue Horizons” is a song I had been working on for months, and I felt ecstatic to be a finalist from 129 entries. I feel blessed and overjoyed to be taking the stage once again.

How did you decide to enter the song this year?

Taking the MESC stage for the very first time last year, has truly been an encouraging turning point in my life; not only having inspired me to grow as an artist, but also flourished my development on a personal level. I am currently pursuing a gap year after having completing my B.A. (Honours) certification, which has allowed me to prioritize and boost my musical career. “Beyond Blue Horizons” is a project I have been recently experimenting with, which I was very keen on performing at the MESC – at the largest artist platform in Malta.

Can you tell us more about the story of the song, what it’s about, and the team who worked on it?

“Beyond Blue Horizons” is the product of an artistic experiment that I have been working towards the past couple of years. The song is a conceptual and emotional ballad perfectly highlighting artistic versatility and vocals. The contemporary ballad is unique and exclusive from the other 15 competing entries, both through its writing technique and style: sourcing the voice as the core instrument in driving dynamics, intensity and melody. Composed and penned by myself, and Cyprian Cassar of Tenishia fame, this modern and soulful piece is enriched by a powerful message and eloquent harmonies, sung by the 2011 MESC-winner Glen Vella, and the remarkable vocalist and tutor Pamela Bezzina. Inspired by the hardships my parents have faced throughout my 20-year career in music, to invest in me and in my future, “Beyond Blue Horizons” is a song of praise and gratitude of their unfailing efforts and love.

How are you getting ready for the night of the final?

Preparations are well under way. I must say that I am looking forward to perform, but I am relishing every moment of the experience! PBS, my fellow contestants and my fans have all been incredibly supportive!

How do you plan your stage performance to look like? Are you planning to have any props, backing vocalists, or anyone joining you on stage?

3rd of February, 2018 … that is all I will say 🙂

What do you usually do when you are not singing?

I enjoy spending time at the park with my three dogs, reading, travelling and hiking.

Why should you be the one to represent Malta in Lisbon?

I believe that “Beyond Blue Horizons” is a song with huge potential. Not only because the song conveys immense emotions of real-life experiences but also because the song delivers … and I do my best work, live on stage. In considering past ESC winners, namely “1944” in 2016 and “Amar pelos dois” in 2017, we can definitely conclude that songs of which live performances have been sentiment-enriched, have triumphed over commercial and radio-fitting entries.

The competition is on a very high level this year. But which is that one act that you think is your biggest competition to win?

Yes, I agree with your statement. I believe every song contributes to the high artistic competence within the competition this year. This year we can also see several ‘comeback’ acts, which are sure to make a big hit in the scene. I believe they are the more challenging to newcomers, such as myself.

Are you currently involved in any other projects?

Yes, I am currently involved in the Opening Concert for Valletta 18, as Valletta is the Cultural Capital of Europe for 2018. I am also pursuing personal projects which will emerge shortly after the MESC.

We also have a couple of questions for you just to get to know you a little bit better. What would be your favorite book?

Game of Thrones sequel

Favorite movie?

Titanic, a classic.

Your own signature dish?

Would a fried egg count? Sorry, not much of a cook!

In a movie about your life, who would be playing you?

The one and only, Jennifer Hudson.

What would you bring to a desert island?

My piano? (is it even possible?!)

Favorite taste of ice-cream?

Vanilla

Your ideal duet-partner would be?

Sam Smith

The last song you listened to was…?

“Beyond Blue Horizons” … practice, practice!

Favorite Eurovision winning song?

“Rise like a Phoneix” by Conchita Wurst

The song you heard and wished it was yours instead?

“Not My Ex” by Jessie J

Thank you very much for your time Rhiannon, and we wish you the very best of luck at the MESC Final!

To keep up with all the latest news about Rhiannon, make sure you follow her on Facebook right here. Give a listen to Rhiannon’s entry “Beyond Blue Horizons” right here:

If Rhiannon is your own personal favorite in this year’s Malta Eurovision Song Contest, make sure you cast your vote for her in our poll here: