ESC+Plus has talked to Franklin, finalist of this year’s Maltese national selection for Eurovision. Franklin will perform «Follow Me» in the final of MESC 2017 set to take place on February 18th.
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 2017!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Franklin: It all started 5 years ago when I won a TV singing competition. Never looked back and thanks god opportunities continued to arise. Now this is my 5th time competing in the Malta Eurovision selection. Had various important achievements, some of which were national important shows and concerts with thousands of viewership.
ESC+Plus: What impelled you to take part in “MESC 2017”?
Franklin: I love the feeling of excitement when at backstage and during the week of rehearsals at the Malta Eurovision. I never plan to enter but when I hear a good song with a great potential, I can’t say no.
ESC+Plus: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
Franklin: I never expect to qualify with the finalists although I really believe in what I do, but I was over the moon as soon as I heard my name.
ESC+Plus: What would it mean to you to represent Malta?
Franklin: It has always been a dream to represent my country in one of the biggest shows in Europe, so obviously this would be something very big if someday I manage to wave my country’s flag abroad. Been watching the Eurovision since young, having always 1 wish, to be on the big stage during the Eurovision song contest.
ESC+Plus: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Franklin: It’s a heartfelt ballad with a message to all those who are going through a rough path. By following me and listen to the song’s message, they will surly gain courage.
ESC+Plus: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Kiev? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
Franklin: I believe that the song and its message are powerful enough to compete against other songs in Kiev
ESC+Plus: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What is your favorite song in the history of the competition?
Franklin: ALWAYS!.. never missed one. How can a big Eurovision fan miss an episode of Eurovision? 🙂
Few past favorite entries were ‘Rise like a Phoenix’, ‘Fairytale’ by Alexander Rybak which I had the pleasure to work with, and ‘Euphoria’
ESC+Plus: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Franklin: I already did! 🙂 Alexander Rybak wrote my song back in 2015. was such an honor and pleasure to work and spend 3 days locked in a studio working on the same song. He’s such a humble artist!
ESC+Plus: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Franklin: I really hope that my song leaves the same impact as it does to me. I really believe that ‘Follow Me’ is a good ballad with a strong message.