Many returnees as usual in Malta, which is not surprising considering its size and population. This year the national final in Malta had 2 stages, and consisted of a Friday semifinal and a Saturday final. A big disappointment for some, considering the 'veteran' Eleanor Cassar fell at the Friday hurdle. There was more luck for the former Junior Eurovision participants Deborah C, Klinsmann Coleiro and Danica Muscat. Amongst the usual faces were the Faniello siblings, of which Fabrizio represented Malta in 2001 and 2006, and has been in many of the preselections for over a decade. Claudia debuted in the middle of the noughties but has yet to represent Malta, coming closest so far tonight.
Kurt Calleja, at the current age of 22, debuted only 2 years ago in a duet with Priscilla Psaila, reaching a 12th place. He was more lucky last year when he scored a very respectable 3rd place behind Glen Vella and Richard Edwards. The latter was also present this year, scoring 5th. His participation in Maltasong last year is seen as his musical breakthrough, which was confirmed tonight when he won the 2012 edition. He also regularly features in shows on TVM and another Maltese channel, Favourite Channel.
Kurt Calleja was the winner of the public vote, with the jury giving slight preference to Claudia Faniello. This is the full result:
1. Kurt Calleja - This is the Night 84
2. Claudia Faniello - Pure 78
3. Amber - Answer with Your Eyes 55
4. Gianni Zammit - Petals on a Rose 42
5. Richard Edwards - Look at Me Now 32
6. Fabrizio Faniello - I Will Fight For You 31
7. Lawrence Gray - In Your Eyes 29
8. Dorothy Bezzina - Autobiography 27
9. Danica Muscat - 7 Days 26
10. Corazon Mizzi - Mystifying Eyes 18
11. Wayne Micallef - Time 10
12. Francesca Borg - Take Me Far 10
13. Kaya - First Time 9
14. J. Anvil - You Are My Life 8
15. Deborah C feat. Leila James - You Make Me Go Uh Uh 7
16. Klinsmann Coleiro - No Way Back 0
