A clean-shaven Toto Cutugno yesterday said that he was looking forward to charming the Maltese people with his heart and voice during the performance he will give tonight as part of the Malta Labour Party Workers’ Day celebrations.

Speaking during a press conference, the famous Italian singer explained the reason behind his new look saying that he will start working in a film that will take place in Russia.

“They told me that I needed to shave off my hair for the part. However, it will not affect my performance as my soul, heart and voice are the most important things,” he said.

Organiser Norman Hamilton explained that this year’s celebrations are different to those organised in previous years.

On the main stage in Freedom Square at 8pm, the festivities will start off with a short fashion show, followed by a performance by the young singer Klinsmann Coleiro.

“Scar and Winter Moods will follow and there will a special surprise performance by Olivia Lewis. She will be performing on the night before she leaves for Finland,” said Mr Hamilton.

“Olivia will perform a duet – for the first time – with Ira Losco on Olivia’s request,” he added.

Following Olivia’s and Ira’s duet, there will be a short performance by Italian singer and songwriter Alessandro Canino, who is best known for his song Brutta.

Katrina, formerly of Katrina and the Waves, will also entertain the crowds and will be followed by Toto Cutugno.

After his performance, DJ Alex Tamburini will liven up the evening with commercial music.

Mr Hamilton added that even the English football fans can participate in the activities.

“A giant screen will be set up in front of City Gate showing the football match between Liverpool and Chelsea. The giant screen will not interfere with the show on the main stage so people need not worry,” he explained.

Alessandro Canino said that he was very happy to be in Malta again and that his performance will be based on many of his most famous songs.

However, he added, during the concert he will also launch a new single called La Verità.

English singer Katrina said that Malta is a very beautiful country and added that Malta always had a special appreciation for the Eurovision Song Contest.

“It will be a privilege to sing along with all these famous singers and I am looking forward to tonight,” she said.

When asked whether she heard the song Vertigo by Olivia Lewis, she replied that she will hear it for the first time in the evening.

“However, even though I did not hear the song, Malta had many good years in the Eurovision but you can never say how well it will do in the contest. I am confident that my good friend Chiara will one day win the Eurovision,” she said.

Organiser Ray Azzopardi said that Maestro Joe Brown will perform in Palace Square with a 12-piece band while accompanying some of Malta’s best known singers.

Another stage will be set up in Great Siege Square where the Big Band Brother, composed of 18 musicians, will play popular and jazz numbers, he added.

Furthermore, said Mr Azzopardi, there will be public transport until midnight – or later if needed – and all shops in Valletta remain open.

A fireworks show will be held next to the Old Opera House, he said.