Aside from the new version, re-edited for the upcoming Eurovision Song contest, the CD includes a dance mix and a video clip.

This year’s exciting innovation, Maltasong Chairperson Grace Borg explained, is that the duo have actually managed to sign a prestigious production and distribution contract before the song has even qualified for the song festival.

The CD, produced by Ralph Siegel at Jupiter records, will be distributed by BMG Germany. The song’s composer Philip Vella praised Ms Borg’s efforts “without whose contacts this would not have been possible” he said.

Asked whether there were any problems with this year’s organisation, Ludwig replied that the team was “really tight” and that, everything, including the ideas for the video, was agreed upon collectively.

“Everyone is happy with Julie’s outfits and the rest is going according to plan”, Ms Borg said. The couple added that this year’s entourage will also include a psychologist and a nail technician.

“Any minor problems that cropped up have been ironed out without hassles. Although we need to keep our feet on the ground, we are going there with a winning attitude”, the duo added.

The Lithuanian Eurovision contestants, Linas and Simona joined the press conference and were introduced by the Maltese couple as old friends.

Julie and Ludwig will leave today for London where they will continue with the promotional tour. They will be taking part in the New Europe Festival, organised by the Foreign Commonwealth Office with the theme, Meet the Neighbours. The festival will celebrate the EU expansion.

The CD is for sale at music outlets for Lm3.95. Ms Borg called for the public to support the duo’s production and gave a stern warning to whoever dares to produce pirate copies of this CD, saying they will face both criminal and civil action.