Malta’s representatives, Julie and Ludwig, gave two impressive performances of On Again... Off Again in the two dress rehearsals that were held yesterday afternoon and night, triggering encouraging remarks from ESC fans and journalists alike.
As they left the stage, the Maltese duo were greeted with a roaring applause in the green room, and were later inundated with requests for comments by the press.
In fact, they were still giving interviews more than an hour after they had finished their afternoon performance.
The Maltese singers appeared on stage with the clothes they are expected to be wearing tonight.
Julie had a summery pink dress while Ludwig wore a white shirt and black trousers.
Julie and Ludwig are really looking forward to this evening, and are prepared to give it their best shot.
“Reports in the press have been very positive,” remarked Julie. “Many who had heard our song on CD were sceptical about whether we were able to perform it live, but then they came for the rehearsals and they were persuaded! I believe that we have one of the best songs at the semi-finals stage.
“We have always believed in the song and will now leave no stone unturned to ensure that we give the best possible performance on stage.”
Even Ludwig is oozing confidence. “We are relaxed because we know what our target is,” he said. “Each day we go on building on the day before. Julie and I really believe in the song’s potential. What is also giving us strength is the fact that we are backed by a united Maltese contingent that is supporting us all the way.”
Philip Vella, the composer, and Gerard James Borg, the author of Malta’s ESC entry share the same positive feelings.
However, they have a word of caution for everyone: let us not take tonight’s semi-finals for granted.
Tonght’s show will be broadcast live in the 36 countries participating in the ESC and is expected to be watched by 100 million viewers from all over the world.
In Malta the semi-finals will be aired on TVM with a live commentary by Eileen Montesin.
The spectacle will be held at the Abdi Ipekai, a covered sports centre with a seating capacity of 10,550.
The 22 countries to take to the stage tonight, in order of appearance, are Finland, Belarus, Switzerland, Latvia, Israel, Andorra, Portugal, Malta, Monaco, Greece, Ukraine, Lithuania, Albania, Cyprus, FYR Macedonia, Slovenia, Estonia, Croatia, Denmark, Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina and the Netherlands.
The countries that will be voted in the top ten places will make it to the final night alongside the 14 that have already secured their participation.
Malta ended up having to go through this preliminary test after it was voted last but one last year.