ESC+Plus has had the chance to talk to Maxine Pace, finalist of this year’s Maltese national final for Eurovision. The young singer will perform the song «Bombshell» at the final of MESC 2017, set to take place tomorrow.
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?
Maxine: Thank you! So I’m Maxine, from the little Island of Malta. I have been singing since I was 6 years old and have always love Eurovision. Right now I’m a student and currently in the sixth form.
E+: What impelled you to take part in MESC 2017?
Maxine: I’ve always been a fan of Eurovision, and so when I turned 16 last year I submitted a song called “Young Love” to the MESC. I was so happy that I came fifth, but this year I was just as surprised to make the final. I’m really excited about tomorrow and can’t wait to give it a go!
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
Maxine: No, I was very surprised and felt very lucky to have made it. We have a lot of good songs submitted let alone in the competition, so to be in the finalists is amazing.
E+: You already tried to represent Malta last year. How do you think this previous attempt will help you to improve your result?
Maxine: Certainly it has given me a lot of experience form taking part in the competition, and also excitement – I just couldn’t wait to get back on the stage again! But this year is a new competition – new songs, some different artists too, so the result last year doesn’t affect this year’s competition.
E+: This year, the winner of MESC will be decided by 100% public vote. Do you think this will give you more chances to win the competition?
Maxine: The public have all the power this year, but it’s also a big responsibility. We need to choose the best song to represent Malta, so I hope that people watch all the songs and make their choice. If it’s for me, I’ll be very happy!
E+: What would it mean to you to represent Malta at Eurovision?
Maxine: I would be incredibly honoured and proud to represent Malta. We are a very small country and to know that you are representing the whole population would be an amazing feeling.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Kiev? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
Maxine: I think it’s a fun, catchy, and contemporary song that people can easily sing along to. For me I fell in love with it the first time I heard it and I hope everyone else will too.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What is your favorite song in the history of the competition?
Maxine: Oh yes, I’ve always watched it and been a fan since I was a small child. It’s hard to pick a favourite song, but I must say that both Amber and Ira Losco have really inspired me since I was young.
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Maxine: Definitely either Amber or Ira, as I said above they’re both great and have had a big effect on me!
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Maxine: Yes, hello to everyone reading ESC+Plus. I hope you will tune in to the Malta Eurovision Song Contest tomorrow, and if you like my song, maybe you’ll vote for me too!