Amber represented Malta in the 2015 contest.
Thomas Hanses (EBU)
PBS have just published the set of regulations of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest, which will lead to the selection of the Maltese representation in the 2016 Eurovision to be held in Stockholm next May.
It was back in November 2014 that Malta previously staged a national final, following their highly successful staging of the 2014 Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Now they have reverted back to their normal pattern of staging their national final in January, and have announced the rules and format for their 2016 entry.
Summary
Last year’s winning artist (Amber) may not participate as a performer in the Contest.
All artists participating in lead role must be of Maltese nationality or hold dual citizenship, one of which Maltese. Authors and composers may be of any nationality.
Submissions will be received on the 29th and 30th of October 2015. In addition to the original song, artists need to submit a recording of another song, which can be a cover version, or a song that has already been published.
Twenty finalists will be announced in November 2015. The finalists will perform live with backing vocals in the Contest. The panel of Judges will be made up of six judges. Televoting will represent the vote of a seventh judge. Artists will be allowed to interpret two different songs during Part One of the Final phase.
Fourteen songs will qualify for the Final phase (Part Two). An artist will be allowed to interpret one song during Part Two of the final phase.
The full regulations of the contest may be downloaded by sending an email to [email protected].
In 2015, Malta just missed out on qualification for the Grand Final, as Amber finished in 11th place in Semi-Final Two.
