Christabelle: “Kingdom is a song that bursts with empowerment and encouragement” (Maltese semifinalist – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Christabelle, semifinalist of the Maltese national selection for Eurovision 2o16. After being selected to compete in the live shows, the singer will perform the song “Kingdom”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ty8Nf1fsUU

ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Maltese national selection for Eurovision 2016!

E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?

I am a 23-year-old who just became an accountant who loves music, fashion, food and keeping fit 🙂 As a singer I am one who strives to have the best performances possible and I love being involved in the songwriting process. I have had 6 number one singles in my country and have won awards for Best Solo Artist 3 times, Best RnB Artist and also the Best song award for one of the best singles I personally ever released. I have also performed with Gigi D’alessio in Rome, was an opening act for Laura Pausini and gigged in Malta, UK, Italy and the US.

E+: What impelled you to take part in “Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2016”?

MESC is a stepping stone for Maltese artists and every Maltese artist tries to take part in it just because 90% of the Maltese population watch this spectacle. It is a learning curve and every year I learn something different from the people taking part and from the directors and producers of the show. It gives me great pleasure to go up on that stage to sing and dance my heart out.

E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the semi-final? Did you expect it?

I was really happy about it and I was glad that people were going to hear KINGDOM for the first time. I love my song Kingdom but you obviously never really know what the judges choosing the semi-finalists are going to think.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Malta? Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?

I would love to represent Malta in Stockholm for the fact that I believe KINGDOM is a great song with a great message that would inspire many and It would be an honour for me to represent my country in such a sought after spectacular show. Kingdom has a Universal message, Elton, Muxu and I all spent nights on end in the studio to try come up with something spectacular and with eachothers’ help and efforts, KINGDOM came along. The song speaks about encouragement and has an empowering message behind it, we are all equal and no one is better than any one else, we are all one, we make mistakes but we learn from them and all try to make this world our own by owning up for our mistakes and ultimately being ourselves.

E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are your strengths to reach the top in the competition?

I believe that KINGDOM has a powerful message that many people would relate to, it is actually a song that bursts with empowerment and encouragement. It is also a really catchy song that I think would fit perfectly in Stockholm. I believe that a strong song and a great performance on stage would do the trick to reach the top

E+: How are you preparing your performance for “MESC 2016”? Can you reveal us anything about the staging?

At the moment we are preparing for a good vocal performance as well as the choreography for the song. We also have several TV and radio appearances that also help us to get more exposure for our songs. This is a really busy time for us singers but I have to say it is the best time of the year. I wont be revealing anything about the staging so you will have to watch it

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favourite songs of the history of the competition?

Yes, I have always followed Eurovision, my favourite song has to be Heroes, just because it has a powerful message and it is such a current song.

E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing with, who would it be?

I always looked up to Helena Paparizou, however if I had to perform with any ESC artists it will have to be IL VOLO just because of their wonderful voices.

E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?

I will be working on my long-awaited album in the studio and I simply cannot wait.

E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?

I am one of you, I love Eurovision and I really hope you love my song KINGDOM and perhaps you can relate to it some way or another

E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!