Eurovision 2018: Christabelle to Fly the Maltese Flag!

It was a super Saturday, with no less than five national selection shows. In the midst was Malta, who were holding their national final to select the act and song that would be representing them in Lisbon at Eurovision this year. A total of 16 participants took part in the competition, including some newcomers to the Maltese selection, and of course some of the usual names we see year after year.

Here are the competing acts:

• Dai Laga – Aidan

• We Can Run – Avenue Aky

• Heart Of Gold – Brooke Borg

• Taboo – Christabelle Borg

• One Step At A Time – Danica Muscat

• Turn It Up – Deborah C

• Back to Life – Eleanor Cassar

• Supernovas – Jasmine Abela

• Love Renegade – Lawrence Gray

• Call 2morrow – Matthew Anthony

• Breaking Point – Mikhail Attard and Cherylis Camilleri

• Rocket – Miriana Conte

• Evolution – Petra

• Beyond Blue Horizons – Rhiannon Micallef

• Song For Dad – Richard & Joe Micallef

• First Time – Tiziana Calleja

The voting consisted of 50% jury vote, and 50% televote. The jury consisted of music professionals representing Albania, Czech Republic, Iceland, Italy and FYR Macedonia.

Here are the results of the jury:

The jury votes showed a strong preference for Christabelle and her song Taboo, receiving 12 points from all the juries. The 10 points were more spread out across the acts, with Richard & Joe Micallef, Jasmine Abela and Aidan receiving a set of 10 each, and Brooke receiving 2 sets of 10 points. The songs receiving points from all the juries including of course Christabelle as well as Aidan, Petra, Brooke Borg, Richard & Joe Micallef, Matthew Anthony and Eleanor Cassar.

With all the jury votes added up, Christabelle took an easy first place with the maximum of 60 points, with Brooke Borg taking second place with 37 points, then Aidan with 34. Of course, it wasn’t just up to the juries, as the public had to have their say too.

The winner of the televote was once again, Christabelle, with 73 points. Coming in a close second with the Maltese public was Richard & Joe Micallef with 67 points. Trailing behind in 3^rd place was Brooke with 47 points.

So, even if you’re not a maths wiz, I’m sure you can guess that the winner of both the jury and televote, Christabelle finished at the top of the table, and quite considerably. She received 133 points, with Richard & Joe Micallef finishing in 2^nd with 98 points, and coming in third was Brooke Borg with 84 points.

Watch the national final performance below: