It has been one week since the life of a Gozitan teenager has been turned upside down. One week since a new starlet was created. At just 18 years of age, Michela Pace has found herself a household name, after winning the coveted X-Factor title and becoming Malta's Eurovision entry for 2019, not to mention a Sony recording contract in the process. "I still can't believe it! It just seems so surreal" Michela said. "I never thought I would actually win."

Michela's story started a few months ago, as she impressed the panel of judges with an incredible rendition of Bonnie Tyler's classic Total Eclipse of the Heart, bringing Judge Ira Losco to tears. As the weeks went by, Michela went from strength to strength showcasing her vocal diversity and potential. Last weekend, Michela was voted winner of the first-ever X-Factor by the Maltese public in a nail-biting face-off with rapper Owen Leuellen. Michela also beat the stiff competition from fellow X-Factor discoveries - Nicole Frendo and established singer Petra

Speaking exclusively to this newspaper, Michela revealed the hardest challenge she faced during the gruelling audition process was leaving her family behind in Gozo. "For the first time, I found myself alone in Malta rehearsing without my strong family support. Along with the weekly live shows, I could only go back home one or two days a week. I consider myself a real family person, so it was a real challenge to overcome." Despite not having her home to go back to at the end of a long day, with the support of Howard Keith Debono and the team she was able to channel her emotion successfully into her performances. "Howard has taught me so much; it was incredibly inspiring having his support, and he encouraged me to start playing the piano again, something I used to do when I was younger. I really hope one day to write my own songs and make my own music". 

Aside from Joseph Calleja, with whom she recently sang a duet on one of the live shows, she added: "When it comes to other local artists I would love to collaborate with, Ira Losco is one of them. I have always been such a huge fan of hers; I have loved her since I was a little girl."

Despite a whirlwind week of returning a horde of fans in Gozo, multiple television, radio and media appearances, Michela remains incredibly level headed and calm. "I know that I am just starting out in this industry; I have a lot to learn and anything could happen" she adds acutely aware of how fragile fame can be. "I was studying sociology and biology this year, and had intended to become a police detective -- well I still might!" she laughed.

Michela, who has three brothers in Victoria, Gozo describes her upbringing as very musical. "My mother is in a choir, my dad plays the French horn, and my mother's cousins are conductors." It certainly seemed a career in music was on the cards for the young star.

Her affinity with her family and Gozo remains clear throughout our meeting. "Life in Gozo is very quiet, as you can imagine, I would just wake up, go to school, study, and sleep. I am still trying to adjust to a different way of life and getting my head around what is happening"

Asked if she had time to process the week's events she said: "I am excited about where this journey will take me, whether locally or abroad, whatever happens Gozo will always be my home; I am very proud of my heritage".

When questioned if she had any messages for those who had backed her throughout the contest Michela said: "I can't express my heartfelt thanks enough; thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to do something I love so much. This has opened so many doors for me".

The X-Factor, a Syco Entertainment owned format is globally co-produced/licensed by FremantleMedia Limited and locally produced by Mint Media Limited and Public Broadcasting Services