Ira Losco, Howard Keith Debono, Ray Mercieca and Alexandra Alden. Those are the four judges in the coming X-Factor Malta where the winner will represent the country at Eurovision. We take a closer look at the four judges in order to find out why they are there.
Earlier this month, it was announced by the Maltese broadcaster, PBC, that the existing format, Malta Eurovision Song Contest, was dropped for 2019. Previously know as Malta Song Festival, this format had been used to select the Maltese entries for Eurovision since 1971. A new era is about to begin, as X-Factor now will be used to find the country’s next participants. The winner will have the chance to wave the Maltese flag at the upcoming contest.
The preparations already started and the four judges are now known. Let’s take a closer look at the them.
Howard Keith Debono
Mr. Debono is a music producer. He has already offered a lot to the Maltese music industry, as for over twenty years he has been pushing local artists internationally. He is now working with Ira Losco, former Eurovision participant, as he is her manager. The Maltese producer also collaborated with Chiara( Malta 1998, 2005, 2009). One of the biggest achievements in his career is working with a Lord of the Rings production. So, it’s a big chance for the new artists to gain experience from a person like Howard Keith Debono.
Ray Mercieca
Ray is a well-known singer and songwriter in his country. He achieved a lot of success back in the eighties and inspired a lot of people, especially younger musicians, through his songs. He is frontman of the music band named The Riffs. Mr. Mercieca is also known as the lead vocalist of the former band The Characters. Having enormous experience and good knowledge about how the music industry has evolved, him being in his team it’s a very good pick.
Alexandra Alden
24-year old Alexandra is a singer,songwriter, guitarist and tutor. She is currently living in Rotterdam, the Netherlands where she managed to graduate as Bachelor of Music. Alden started recording her first songs in the age of 16. Many of her songs climbed in the peak of Maltese charts. Also, she’s just released her first album Wild Honey in collaboration with the international label MARS Worldwide. Alexandra promises to do her best to help the rising stars to build their career. So, Alexandra is the right person who can guarantee the youngsters a chance for an international career.
Ira Losco
Double Eurovision participant Ira Losco is a well-known singer in Malta and abroad. She first tried her luck in the contest back in 2002, when she achieved the best ever placing for Malta until now. Performing the song 7th Wonder, she came second. Fourteen years later, in 2016, she represented again the nation with Walk On Water. In the big stage of Stockholm, she finished 12th out of 26. With the winner of the show having the chance to follow her footsteps in the contest, working with her it’s a great opportunity for those who want Eurovision success.
