Re: MALTA 2012
Valletta, Malta - Maltese broadcaster PBS have published the rules and regulations for the selection of their entry to compete in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan. Further details have also been released about the selection process itself.
Glen Vella won the 2011 Maltese national selection with the song One Life, and only narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Final of Europe's Favourite TV Show by a solitary point.
In 2012, Malta are aiming to reach the Final for the first time since 2009, and a brief summary of the rules are as follows :-
Authors and composers of songs do not need to be Maltese, however the lead artist needs to be Maltese or hold dual citizenship, one of which must be Maltese.
Artists may compete with more than one song, however they cannot have more than two songs in the final phases
The organisers reserve the right to allow wildcard entries in the selection process
The last five winners of the Maltese national final are not allowed to compete, this means that Olivia Lewis, Morena, Chiara, Thea Garrett and Glen Vella cannot participate
The national final will take place on 27th and 28th January 2012
Three phases for selection
Phase 1 will involve the submission of entries by CD to the organisers, a jury will decide which songs progress to phase 2. There is no limit on the number of songs which can progress. The closing date for submissions will be 21st October 2011.
Phase 2 will comprise of all of the songs which made it from phase 1 being performed live in front of the jury panel. The panel will select the 24 songs which will contest the final phase.
Phase 3 will see 24 songs whittled down to 16 in a semi final show on 27th January. The final 16 songs will be performed in the national final on 28th January, where the winner will be selected by a mix of jury and televoting.
The composers, authors and singers of the winning song will receive prize money totalling 7500 Euros, with the runners up receiving 5000 Euros and third place 2500 Euros.