Popular heart-throb Fabrizio Faniello won the 2006 Maltasong Festival with 7,729 votes for his song, I Do, written and composed by Aldo Spiteri and the singer himself.
Olivia Lewis again came a perennial second with 7,628 votes. Her song, Spare a Moment was composed by Ray Agius and written by Godwin Sant.
Third place went to the group Trilogy with 4,954 votes for their song, This Heart of Mine, composed by Paul Abela and written by Joe Julian Farrugia.
Festival presenters Eileen Montesin and Josef Bonello seemed pretty stiff at first, but got into the rhythm of the show as time passed.
J. Anvil’s song, You too built on the success of last year’s debut, this time with some more action and theatre into the bargain. Anna Belle looked resplendent in blue and sang her ballad Amazing with passion and emotion. On the other hand, Ali and Lis pumped all their usual energy into their number, Only till the morning, that included some fine choreographic effects. This number and Fabrizio Faniello’s had to be repeated at the end due to technical problems.
Lara was spellbinding in her brilliant orange outfit and showed all the composure and talent of a professional in her rendition of Stay with Me. Charlene and Natasha sang Echoes of Gaia with fine nonchalance – powerful yet subtle. Manuel brought the first round of six songs to an end with the rousing I Promise You that had the Green Room in constant clapping mode.
The second round of songs got underway with veteran singer Fabrizio Faniello who gave a typically energetic interpretation of I Do, although it was unfortunately marred by technical hitches. Nothing daunted Eleanor, who sang the ballad Tell Me with characteristic reach and power. This Heart of Mine, composed by Paul Abel and written by Joe Julian Farrugia, was also given an excellent interpretation by the trio Trilogy, fronted by the likeable Roger Tirazona.
Andreana was impressive in her long blue gown and she sang with her usual forthrightness in So Good which, however, could have done with a little more lift. Another veteran, Paul Giordemaina, blended with youth in the shape of Morena with their song, Time, which was nothing to write home about. Pamela brought the second round to an end with a spirited rendition of Reachin’ Out that was rather similar to Olivia Lewis’ entry last year.
The third and final round of songs started off with newbie Christian Arding rocking the place with his dance number, Stronger.
Nadine Axisa had by far the most original song, harping back to the blues and soul age with a sultry rendition of Waves, composed by Vinny Vella Jnr. It Just Comes Natural, another catchy song, was also well sung by Josef and Amanda who were making their festival debut.
Next on was Kevin Borg with You’re my dream, another classic ballad that came across quite well. High Elert by Claudia Faniello had some jaunty rhythms but was nothing special while Olivia Lewis sang with her usual panache in the ballad, Spare a Moment, which brought all 16 songs to a close.
The show came to an end with a typically versatile performance by the indefatigable Ray Calleja of Il Kotra Qamet u Ghajtet Fame together with journalist-cum musician Lou Bondi' on the guitar, Willie Mangion singing John Lennon, Giorgina providing the vocals on Come Together and Mike Spiteri singing The Long and Winding Road. Surgeon Alex Manché made a surprise appearance on the piano, while Claudette Pace sang Let it Be.
All four past Maltasong winners came together for Hey Jude at the end of the show, with the festival’s participants also joining them and last year’s festival winner Chiara also making an appearance, singing the inevitable Angel to make for a memorable conclusion.