In the first of a regular series this National Final season, our editors have listened to all the songs competing in Saturday’s forthcoming Malta Eurovision Song Contest, where the Maltese representative in Lisbon will be chosen. 16 acts are competing, but here are who we think are the ones to watch…

ERVIN

1 Eleanor Cassar – Back To Life

I have to say that this is the best produced song in the Maltese selection this year! The melody is very memorable, however, I wouldn’t mind a slight re-write of the lyrics, but even so I really like it a lot! I know that Eleanor is a fantastic vocalist, and that this is going to sound amazing on the night as well. Should it work well on stage as well, this could easily win MESC.

2 Christabelle – Taboo

This is a very cleverly done song! I love the dark parts at the beginning with sharp drumbeats, before the song opens up more at the chorus. And what I like especially is that the song doesn’t “open up fully” at the first chorus, but the more the song goes on the better it is. The “animals” and “criminals” parts are very powerful and this is where I really feel the message comes across. I just wish the song itself had slightly more power, but I’m sure Christabelle will manage to give that additional oomph with her live vocals on the night.

3 Richard & Joe – Song For Dad

This song is the definition of emotions. Its power is in the lyrics, and the family vibe. I live far away from my parents, and as cheesy/pathetic as it might sound, this song reminds me of the times when I was a kid and they were taking care of me, and it sort of also makes me want to be closer to them than I actually am. And that the same way they were there for me when I was a kid, I want to be there for them for whatever they might need now when I grew up. And even though I put this one as my third (I would more often choose to listen the other two), I think that if the emotion really comes across on stage as well, this is the song that would score the best result for Malta of all 16 finalists.

ORSI

1 Christabelle – Taboo

To me this is the most convincing performance. Great vocals from Christabelle. I’m pleasantly surprised by how many great female vocals there are among the best 16!

The song starts out mysteriously, turns into an anthemic chorus. Although I can’t really make out what the song is supposed to be about, so I can’t identify with the lyrics.

2 Petra – Evolution

A powerful anthem again – these seem to be my choices, but it’s not a dance song it’s more downtempo. It has a dark-ish feel to it but it’s still very listener friendly. Great vocals again. The lyrics also have a positive and universal feel.

3 Brooke – Heart of Gold

The third place was a harder choice. I chose this because it’s sweet and playful (especially the performance) unlike the first two. I can identify more with the lyrics, their meaning is more obvious. Great vocals once again. So far this video has the most views so we might have a winner in Brooke? We shall see.

ANNE

1 Brooke – Heart of Gold

Oh hello Wiktoria! Very reminiscent of recent Melodifestivalen entries and the lyrics are ever so slightly lamentable but it’s so damn catchy that it doesn’t really matter too much! Is this finally Brooke’s year?

2 Deborah C – Turn It Up

I love a tropical bop and Deborah doesn’t disappoint. Extra points for including ‘zigah zigah zigah’ in the lyrics!

I am expecting a very colourful stage performance here, and I am sure Deborah will give us everything she has got!

3 Eleanor Cassar – Back To Life

This builds up nicely to a chorus which hits the spot. Eleanor sounds amazing and this would be a worthy winner – that last 45 seconds ?

DANNY

1 Eleanor Cassar – Back To Life

Eleanor’s vocals really are something else. She sounds effortless on this strong and powerful track, which has great production , but best of all has a double chorus! She’s one of the more established names in this line up and I think she has a great chance of winning the prize and finally getting to represent Malta at Eurovision!

2 Brooke – Heart of Gold

Eleanor’s biggest competition comes from Brooke who has been in the upper echelons the past two years, and you can tell she really wants this. A very uplifting track with a positive message. Brooke is an excellent performer who always gives it her all, and I am really looking forward to her live performance!

3 Jasmine – Supernovas

Jonas Thander, who co-wrote this, has also written two of my other favourite potential Eurovision entries this year for Greta Zazza in Lithuania and Isabell Otrebus in Poland , he is fast becoming one of my favourite songwriters.

This is another song with a powerful message and fantastic vocals from Jasmine, and the keychange takes it to another level. If she manages to perform this well, she could be one to watch.

So that’s what we think, but what about you? Let us know your personal favorite by voting in our poll here: