Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009
| Eurovision Song Contest 2009 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country |  Malta | |||
| National selection | ||||
| Selection process | GO Malta EuroSong 2009 Euro Showbox | |||
| Selection date(s) | Weekly semi finals 8 November 2008– 10 January 2009 Final 7 February 2009 | |||
| Selected artist(s) | Chiara | |||
| Selected song | "What If We" | |||
| Finals performance | ||||
| Semi-final result | Qualified (6th, 86 points) | |||
| Final result | 22nd, 31 points | |||
| Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest | ||||
| ||||
Malta participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. The Maltese broadcaster, Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) held a national final, GO Malta EuroSong 2009, to select the Maltese entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, set to be held in Moscow, Russia. Chiara won the place to represent Malta in the early hours of 8 February 2009, and represented Malta for the third time with the song "What If We".[1][2]
Background
Malta made its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971. Having come last twice in a row, Malta withdrew in 1973 for two years, before returning in 1975 to do slightly better. Afterwards Malta withdrew from the contest, not making their return until 16 years later in 1991, when Georgina & Paul Giordimaina came sixth, their best place at that point. There have been a total of 21 Maltese entries at Eurovision, with the 2009 entry marking the 23rd. There has since been no gap in its participation at the contest since the 1991 contest, and one of only six to compete in every contest since the introduction of relegation in 1993.
Malta is one of Eurovision's most successful countries not to have won, having come second and third twice. Their most successful entries at the contest were "Angel" by Chiara and "7th Wonder" by Ira Losco, which came second in 2005 and 2002 respectively. Chiara came third in 1998 with her song The One That I Love, after one of Eurovison's most exciting voting sessions. Malta's worst result has been last, which they have achieved on three occasions, in 1971, 1972 and 2006.
GO Malta EuroSong 2009
PBS decided on a new format for its national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. Maltese songwriters would be allowed to submit up to two songs per singer, though only one singer will be allowed on stage. Submissions were accepted on from 13 October to 14 October 2008 at the PBS offices in G’Mangia. From 23 October to 26 October and 1 November to 2 November, 80 songs were chosen internally for the second phase.[3] In the second phase, the 80 songs would be presented in ten weekly televised shows, titled "Euro Showbox" to be held on 8, 15, 29 November, 6, 13, 20 December and 10 January 2009. A jury will choose 15 entries to move on to the national final, while another five entries will be given a wildcard through televoting.[3] The national final on 7 February will contain 20 songs and a jury will choose three of them to go on to the "super-final", where televoting will determine the winner. The votes given by the juries in the previous round, however, will be kept and tallied along with the televotes. The eventual winner will represent Malta in Moscow.[3] 182 songs were received by PBS, 43 less than last year.[4]
However PBS later changed the format for the show and instead of 80 songs taking part, only 56 out of the 182 songs submitted would be featured in the heats, now reduced from ten to eight. Each of the eight heats will include 7 songs, with the top 20 still going to the final of the contest. After discussions with the Union of Maltese Singers and Songwriters (UKAM), only one song per artist will be allowed in the final of the contest.[5]
15 entries from the 56 have been selected by another jury, which will qualify for the final. Five more songs will be selected by televoting, and all 20 songs that qualify for the final will be announced on the final heat.[6]
Many former Malta Song for Europe contestants entered a song to PBS. The 56 songs that were chosen were revealed on 27 October, with many known names to both Eurovision and The Malta Song for Europe being present once again. Former Maltese entrant Chiara Siracusa, who came second and third for Malta in 2005 and 1998 respectively, entered the contest again.[7] 2008's second and third place artist Claudia Faniello had re-entered, singing as well as writing for other competing artists.[7] Famous German Eurovision composers Ralph Siegel and Bernd Meinunger (under the pseudonym "John O'Flynn") submitted entries to PBS, which made it through to the semi-finals,the refrain of one of the songs written by them "Innocent Heart" sung by a new face in the festival Ruth Portelli was used in the song Just Get Out of My Life. Famous Maltese songwriting duo Philip Vella and Gerard James Borg,wrote songs together, apart and with other songwriters.[7]
Heats
After the initial line-up of Euro Showbox was confirmed, changes occurred in its line-up. In the first heat, Klinsmann, instead of singing the initial "Butterfly Sky", sang "Rock and Rise", which had been planned to be performed in the last heat.[8] Chiara was then moved to perform in the seventh heat of Euro Showbox on 3 January 2009, switching places with Maria Mallia, due to Chiara encountering some problems.[9]
Heat 1
The first heat of Euro Showbox was held on 8 November 2008, and featured a total of seven songs. The first song was the operatic ballad "Lament", performed by Ludwig Galea along with Fidela tal-Bambinu. Galea had previously represented Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004. The second song was "I'm In Heaven", performed by Dominic Cini. It began as a ballad, but transformed into a swing song. The third song, "Tonight at the Opera" by the Classic Rebels, was a schlager song, written by the past Eurovision composers Ralph Siegel and Bernd Meinunger (as "John O'Flynn"). The fourth song was Klinsmann with the pop-rock song "Rock and Rise". The fifth song was Talitha Dimech's "Earth and Sky", which begins as a ballad before becoming more up-tempo. The sixth song was the mid-tempo ballad "One Million Ways" by Rosman Pace, and the final song was "Falling in Love" by Francesca Borg, a ballad which features Borg alone in a black dress.[8][10]
The Classic Rebels and Rosman Pace qualified to the final, with the other acts being eliminated from the competition.[11][12]
Controversy arose after the heat had been broadcast, after it was revealed that the incorrect SMS numbers had been displayed on screen. As such, a 20-minute voting window was opened at the beginning of the second heat the following week for a re-vote.[13][14]
| Draw | Artist | Song | Composer - Lyricist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ludwig Galea ft. Fidela tal-Bambinu | "Lament" | Philip Vella |
| 2 | Dominic Cini | "I'm In Heaven" | Elton Zarb, Rita Pace |
| 3 | Classic Rebels | "Tonight at the Opera" | Ralph Siegel, John O'Flynn |
| 4 | Klinsmann | "Rock and Rise" | Philip Vella, Gerard James Borg |
| 5 | Talitha Dimech | "Earth and Sky" | Philip Vella, Gerard James Borg |
| 6 | Rosman Pace | "One Million Ways" | Rosman Pace |
| 7 | Francesca Borg | "Falling in Love" | Jason Paul Cassar, Mario J. Farrugia |
Heat 2
Euro Showbox's second heat was held on 15 November 2008, featuring seven songs.
The first song of the night was the Pop song "Live for Today" performed by quintet Q. The song was composed by Fleur Balzan and Paul Giordimaina, who represented Malta in the 1991 Eurovision Song Contest. They were followed by Josmar, performing "Circus". Jessica Muscat sang "Smoke-screen", a pop-rock ballad, composed by Eurovision veterans Philip Vella and Gerard James Borg. The fourth song was the ballad "To Be Myself", sung by Georgina. She represented Malta in 1991 alongside Paul Giordimaina.
Laura Bruno, a newcomer to Maltese Eurovision selection, performed her song, "Something About You", composed by Vella and Borg. The penultimate song was "Castaway", performed by Marija Galdes. The final song of the second heat was Vittorio & Dorothy's ballad "Promises".[15][16]
Only Vittorio & Dorothy were able to qualify to the final, with all other entries leaving the competition.[11][12]
| Draw | Artist | Song | Composer - Lyricist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Q | "Live for Today" | Paul Giordimaina, Fleur Balzan |
| 2 | Josmar | "Circus" | Josmar |
| 3 | Jessica Muscat | "Smoke-screen" | Philip Vella, Gerard James Borg |
| 4 | Georgina | "To Be Myself" | Rafael Artesero, Joe Julian Farrugia |
| 5 | Laura Bruno | "Something About You" | Philip Vella, Gerard James Borg |
| 6 | Marija Galdes | "Castaway" | Philip Vella, Rita Pace |
| 7 | Vittorio & Dorothy | "Promises" | Chan Vella, Alexia Schembri |
Heat 3
Euro Showbox held its third heat on 29 November. PBS paused between the second and third heats in order to broadcast Malta's participation in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008.
Trilogy performed first with a schlager ballad, "The Song in Your Heart". This was followed by a classically inspired Pop song, "Mozart Revives" interpreted by Dorothy Bezzina. She was followed by Derrick Schembri and Yanika Fava with "For A Moment", composed by Philip Vella and Rita Pace. The song begins as a ballad, developing into an up-tempo dance number. Jo Zette, a Maltese drag act, performed the fourth song of the evening, "I'm Me". It was composed by Steve Compagno and Noel Zammit and is an anthemic Pop song about being true to yourself. Philip Vella then performed his second song of the evening, Evita Magri's "Sexy Girls". Trevor Fenech and Claudia Faniello composed the penultimate song, "This Ain't a Love Song" performed by Christian Arding. The final contestant was Gloriana Arpa Belli, performing "Love Was Made of Clay", composed by Renato Briffa and Doris Chetcuti.[17][18]
Trilogy were the only act from this semi-final to qualify for the final, with all others leaving the contest.[11][12]
| Draw | Artist | Song | Composer - Lyricist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trilogy | "The Song in Your Heart" | Paul Abela, Joe Julian Farrugia |
| 2 | Dorothy Bezzina | "Mozart Revives" | Chan Vella, Alexia Schembri |
| 3 | Derrick Schembri and Yanika Fava | "For A Moment" | Philip Vella, Rita Pace |
| 4 | Jo Zette | "I'm Me" | Steve Compagno, Noel Zammit |
| 5 | Evita Magri | "Sexy Girls" | Philip Vella, Melchiore Magri |
| 6 | Christian Arding | "This Ain't a Love Song" | Trevor Fenech, Claudia Faniello |
| 7 | Gloriana Arpa Belli | "Love Was Made of Clay" | Renato Briffa, Doris Chetcuti |
Heat 4
| Draw | Artist | Song | Composer - Lyricist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruth Portelli | "Innocent Heart" | Ralph Siegel, John O'Flynn |
| 2 | Eleanor Cassar | "Someday" | Paul Giordimaina, Fleur Balzan |
| 3 | Dario and Grecia Bezzina | "Fjamma tas-Sliem" | Philip Vella |
| 4 | Claire Caruana | "Harmony" | Augusto Cardinali, Giovann Attard |
| 5 | Maria Mallia | "Love in the Sahara" | Charlene Grech, Clinton Paul |
| 6 | Charlene & Natasha | "Alchemy" | Charlene Grech, John A. Agius |
| 7 | Claudia Faniello | "Midas Touch" | Sean Vella, Philip Vella |
Heat 5
| Draw | Artist | Song | Composer - Lyricist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miriam Christine | "Mama" | Miriam Christine Warner |
| 2 | Baklava | "Kamikaze Lover" | Philip Vella, Gerard James Borg |
| 3 | Ruth Portelli | "Blame It On Your Heart" | Ralph Siegel, John O'Flynn |
| 4 | J. Anvil | "Choose Your Number" | Augusto Cardinali, Giovann Attard |
| 5 | Corazon Mizzi | "Another Side of Me" | Philip Vella |
| 6 | Rebecca Bonnici | "Carry Me" | Renato Briffa, Rita Pace |
| 7 | Justine ft. Siconix | "Rhythm of the Night" | Renato Briffa, Doris Chetcuti |
Heat 6
| Draw | Artist | Song | Composer - Lyricist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamie Tonna | "Where Was I?" | Jason Paul Cassar, Mario J. Farrugia |
| 2 | Q | "Before You Walk Away" | Paul Giordimaina, Fleur Balzan |
| 3 | Julie Pomorski | "Shades of Memories" | Johann Schembri |
| 4 | Jessica Muscat | "Hey You" | Rafael Artesero |
| 5 | Raquela | "Crossroads" | Philip Vella, Gerard James Borg |
| 6 | Ludwig Galea | "Inferno" | Philip Vella, Gerard James Borg |
| 7 | Kylie Coleiro | "Let It Shine" | Andrew Zahra, Joe Julian Farrugia |
Heat 7
| Draw | Artist | Song | Composer - Lyricist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alison Ellul | "Typical Me" | Philip Vella, Gerard James Borg |
| 2 | Daniela Vella | "Soulmate" | Ray Agius, Alfred C. Sant |
| 3 | Eleanor Cassar | "This is our Life" | Paul Giordimaina, Fleur Balzan |
| 4 | Georgina and Ruth Casingena | "Avalon" | Paul Abela, Joe Julian Farrugia |
| 5 | Claudia Faniello | "Blue Sonata" | Ray Agius |
| 6 | Chiara | "What If We" | Marc Paelinck, Gregory Bilsen |
| 7 | Christine Barbara | "Visions of You" | Philip Vella |
Heat 8
| Draw | Artist | Song | Composer - Lyricist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charlene & Natasha | "King" | Charlene Grech, John A. Agius |
| 2 | Annabelle Debono | "Army of Lovers" | Sean Vella, Gerard James Borg |
| 3 | J. Anvil | "Love Me or Leave Me" | Trevor Fenech, Claudia Faniello |
| 4 | Christine Barbara | "Life is an Opera" | Rita Pace |
| 5 | Klinsmann | "Butterfly Sky" | Klinsmann Coleiro, Joe Julian Farrugia |
| 6 | The Elements | "Ha Hi Hu" | Carm Fenech |
| 7 | Wayne Micallef | "Where You Belong" | Wayne Micallef, Luke Ambrogio |
Final
The final of GO Malta EuroSong 2009 was held on 7 February. The 20 finalists from the semi-finals were revealed at the last semi-final of Euro ShowBox on 10 January, along with the order they will perform in.[11][12]
The rules for the final were revealed at a press conference held by PBS on 12 January. The show will be held by Pablo Micallef and Valerie Vella, to be held in Ta' Qali. From the final, three songs were selected by a jury to compete to a Super Final, where 100% televoting will select the winner, who will represent Malta at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest in Russia.[19]
A number of local Maltese artists and bands performed during the interval, namely Niki Gravino, Airport Impressions, the Yada Dance Company, Crisitina Casolani & Toby, The Riffs and Morena, last year's Maltese Eurovision entry. Two international entries also performed during the show: this year's Turkish entry Hadise performed her Eurovision entry "Düm Tek Tek" during the show, and the United Kingdom's entry, Jade Ewen also performed "My Time", the UK entry, during the show. An interview with Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer of the UK song, was also shown.[20][21]
After the first performances, five international juries ranked all 20 songs in order of preference, giving 22 points to their favourite entry, 20 points their second favourite, followed by 18 etc. until 1 point was gioven to their least favourite entry. A sixth set of votes was also added to the votes, which were based upon the televoting figures from the semi-finals.[22]
Amongst the international juries was Linda Martin, who won the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland with the song "Why Me?", and Nicki French, who represented the United Kingdom in 2000 with "Don't Play That Song Again".[22]
Chiara, Q and Eleanor Cassar were selected by the jury to qualify to the Super Final.[23][24]
| Draw | Artist | Song | Composer - Lyricist | Jury | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Elements | "Ha Hi Hu" | Carm Fenech | 25 | 19 |
| 2 | Baklava | "Kamikaze Lover" | Philip Vella, Gerard James Borg | 30 | 18 |
| 3 | J. Anvil | "Choose Your Number" | Augusto Cardinali, Giovann Attard | 71 | 10 |
| 4 | Wayne Micallef | "Where You Belong" | Wayne Micallef, Luke Ambrogio | 85 | 7 |
| 5 | Classic Rebels | "Tonight at the Opera" | Ralph Siegel, John O'Flynn | 94 | 5 |
| 6 | Vittorio & Dorothy | "Promises" | Chan Vella, Alexia Schembri | 57 | 16 |
| 7 | Chiara | "What If We" | Marc Paelinck, Gregory Bilsen | 129 | 1 |
| 8 | Rosman Pace | "One Million Way" | Rosman Pace | 76 | 9 |
| 9 | Q | "Before You Walk Away" | Paul Giordimaina, Fleur Balzan | 124 | 3 |
| 10 | Kylie Coleiro | "Let It Shine" | Andrew Zahra, Joe Julian Farrugia | 14 | 20 |
| 11 | Jamie Tonna | "Where Was I?" | Jason Paul Cassar, Mario J. Farrugia | 51 | 17 |
| 12 | Christine Barbara | "Life is an Opera" | Rita Pace | 62 | 14 |
| 13 | Eleanor Cassar | "Someday" | Paul Giordimaina, Fleur Balzan | 126 | 2 |
| 14 | Raquela | "Crossroads" | Philip Vella, Gerard James Borg | 71 | 11 |
| 15 | Miriam Christine | "Mama" | Miriam Christine Warner | 61 | 15 |
| 16 | Georgina & Ruth Casingena | "Avalon" | Paul Abela, Joe Julian Farrugia | 71 | 12 |
| 17 | Alison Ellul | "Typical Me" | Philip Vella, Gerard James Borg | 79 | 8 |
| 18 | Trilogy | "The Song In Your Heart" | Paul Abela, Joe Julian Farrugia | 87 | 6 |
| 19 | Claudia Faniello | "Blue Sonata" | Ray Agius | 113 | 4 |
| 20 | Klinsmann | "Butterfly Sky" | Klinsmann Coleiro, Joe Julian Farrugia | 65 | 13 |
Super Final
At the super final, the three remaining acts performed again, with the public choosing the winner who would represent Malta at Eurovision. Chiara was the winner, with her song "What If We".[1][2] Eleanor Cassar placed second, and Q finished third.[24]
| Draw | Artist | Song | Composer - Lyricist | Televote[25] | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chiara | "What If We" | Marc Paelinck, Gregory Bilsen | 12249 | 1 |
| 2 | Q | "Before You Walk Away" | Paul Giordimaina, Fleur Balzan | 4619 | 3 |
| 3 | Eleanor Cassar | "Someday" | Paul Giordimaina, Fleur Balzan | 9785 | 2 |
Promotion
After winning Eurosong, Chiara promoted her entry in other countries before performing at Eurovision. Her first stop was at the Greek national final, held on 18 February, where she performed her Eurovision entry "What If We" alongside acts from six other countries.[26][27] She later performed at the Bosnia and Herzegovina song presentation on 1 March.[28]
At Eurovision
Since Malta is not one of the "Big Four" nor the host of the 2009 contest, it had to compete in the first semi-final of the contest on 12 May 2009. Malta performed 17th in the running order, following Portugal and preceding Bosnia and Herzegovina. It won a place in the final but eventually finished in 22nd place.
TVM had revealed that the Maltese votes would be announced at the final of the contest by TV presenter and producer Pauline Agius.[29]
Points Awarded by Malta[30]
Semi final
|
Final
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 points | 10 points | 8 points | 7 points | 6 points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 points | 4 points | 3 points | 2 points | 1 point |
| 12 points | 10 points | 8 points | 7 points | 6 points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 points | 4 points | 3 points | 2 points | 1 point |
| Televoting Points Awarded to Malta | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 points | 10 points | 8 points | 7 points | 6 points |
| 5 points | 4 points | 3 points | 2 points | 1 point |
| Jury Points Awarded to Malta | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 points | 10 points | 8 points | 7 points | 6 points |
| 5 points | 4 points | 3 points | 2 points | 1 point |
See also
References
- ^ a b Klier, Marcus (8 February 2009). "Malta: Eurovision entrant chosen". ESCToday. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b Sanz Martin, Jorge (8 February 2009). "Malta: Chiara bids in Eurovision 2009 for third time". Oikotimes. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c Klier, Marcus (2 September 2008). "Malta: major changes to the selection process". ESCToday. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Klier, Marcus (16 October 2008). "Only 182 songs". ESCToday. Retrieved 16 October 2008.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Viniker, Barry (17 October 2008). "Malta chooses Eurovision entry on March 7th". ESCToday. Retrieved 17 October 2008.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Konstantopoulos, Fotis (2 November 2008). "Malta: The draw for the Eurovision preselection". Oikotimes. Retrieved 2 November 2008.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c Grillhofer, Florian (27 October 2008). "Malta: Big names for Malta's Eurovision bid". ESCToday. Retrieved 27 October 2008.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b Klier, Marcus (8 November 2008). "Malta: 1st semi final". ESCToday. Retrieved 8 November 2008.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Euro ShowBox change; Chiara on January 3rd". Oikotimes. 21 November 2008. Retrieved 26 November 2008.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Euro Showbox: Heat 1. Television Malta (2008-11-08). Retrieved on 2008-11-08.
- ^ a b c d Calleja Bayliss, Marc (10 January 2009). "Malta: The 20 Finalists Revealed". Oikotimes. Retrieved 10 January 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c d Viniker, Barry (11 January 2009). "Malta: The twenty Eurovision finalists". ESCToday. Retrieved 11 January 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Viniker, Barry (12 November 2008). "Mistakes in Malta Eurovision show". ESCToday. Retrieved 12 November 2008.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Press Release (8 November 2008). "Mistakes in Maltese show to be corrected". Oikotimes. Retrieved 8 November 2008.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Klier, Marcus (15 November 2008). "Second semi final in Malta". ESCToday. Retrieved 15 November 2008.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Euro Showbox: Heat 2. Television Malta (2008-11-15). Retrieved on 2008-11-15.
- ^ Klier, Marcus (28 November 2008). "Third semi final in Malta". ESCToday. Retrieved 28 November 2008.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Euro Showbox: Heat 3. Television Malta (2008-11-28). Retrieved on 2008-11-28.
- ^ Calleja Bayliss, Marc (12 January 2009). "Malta: PBS announces details regarding the Final". Oikotimes. Retrieved 12 January 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Horvat, Ivan (21 January 2009). "Malta: Hadise and UK representative in Eurosong final". ESCToday. Retrieved 21 January 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Calleja Bayliss, Marc (21 January 2009). "Malta: Hadise and UK representative/s guests in the Final". Oikotimes. Retrieved 21 January 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b Webb, Glenn (8 February 2009). "Chiara completes her Maltese hat-trick!". EBU. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Sanz Martin, Jorge (7 February 2009). "Malta: Results of the first round; Chiara in the superfinal". Oikotimes. Retrieved 7 February 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b Pinto, Sónia (8 February 2009). "National final in Malta". ESCToday. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Calleja Bayliss, Marc (8 February 2009). "A Day after the Malta EuroSong 09..." Oikotimes. Retrieved 9 February 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Floras, Stella (12 February 2009). "Malta: Chiara returns to Greece". ESCToday. Retrieved 12 February 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Hadise and Chiara confirmed for Greek selection". Oikotimes. 16 February 2009. Retrieved 16 February 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Floras, Stella (16 February 2009). "B & H: Eurostar studded song presentation on 1st March". ESCToday. Retrieved 16 February 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Costa, Nelson (12 April 2009). "Pauline Agius to read the Maltese votes". Oikotimes. Retrieved 12 April 2009.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Eurovision Song Contest 2008