Latest news

 

15/06/2002

 

 

 

10/06/2002

 

Ira was back on Tista’ tkun Int!.  If you have missed last Sunday’s programme you can watch the repeat next Wednesday at 14.30 on Channel 12.

 

03/06/2002

 

Ira’s album Butterfly is back in Exotique’s Top 20.

 

 

29/05/2002

 

After placing second in the Eurovision Song Contest, Ira was expected back home on Monday.  It is the highest placing Malta has ever had till now, and so one can only imagine what a proud nation Malta is.  It was expected that Ira would receive a memorable welcome home, but it resulted in another something Malta has never experienced.  She was expected to be back at 16. 10, but by noon people started to head for the airport.  The arrivals’ lounge was packed with fans waiting, everyone holding something: banners, flags, flowers, posters, and photographs.  There were people from anywhere, whatever status and of all ages.  Many were still hopeful that they would manage to get an autograph.  As the plane landed, the people in there started clapping, shouting and cheering.  This went on for the next hour or so, every time they catch a glimpse of Ira or someone of her delegation.  In the meantime Ira was at a press conference, which we was transmitted live on all local television stations. It was another successful press conference, very touching, especially hearing Ira saying with tears in her eyes, clutching a Maltese flag that, she is proud of being Maltese.  After being told by an official that finally she is on her way down to the lounge, every person who came down received a massive applause, since every glimpse of a person was taken as being Ira’s.  When finally she emerged, she was quickly escorted to a vintage car waiting for her outside under strict security.  Some claim that they were disappointed as most of the people did not even manage to get a glimpse of her, but considering the size of the massive crowd present it was only natural.  Outside the lounge was another massive crowd waiting for her, even bigger than the one inside.  The vintage car was supposed to take her home but ended up car-cading her around Malta.  Another welcoming was waiting for her at her hometown. 

 

Many thought that Tuesday would be a relaxing day for Ira and the delegation, but this was not the case.  The Prime Minister and the President gave Ira the official welcome and congratulations today.  She was also back on Minn Taghna (Max Plus) and later in the evening on Fatti tal-Hajja (Net TV).  Today Ira is expected to visit the Opposition Leader. 

 

 

25/02/2002

 

Will Ira break another record for Malta?!

 

Oh yes she did!  After “spellbounding” Europe, she rocked it tonight!  After a fight till the last country had to vote, Ira placed second with a total of 164 votes.  One could hear the disappointment in the hall when it became clear that Malta would place second to Latvia.  Another record broken by Ira for Malta.  She managed to continue to write local music history.

 

After giving an awesome, impeccable performance in Estonia, Ira was awarded one of the biggest applauses of the night.  Though a small country and this year with a small delegation, one could spot the Maltese flags amongst all the rest, who maybe incidentally were very very near to the catwalk on which Ira finished off her performance.  Ira was the only performer of the night who actually used the catwalk during her performance; an act showing confidence with the stage and cameras. 

 

A huge Well Done! goes to Ira and the team for showing Europe what Malta can offer and making Malta extremely proud.

 

Ira is expected to be at Malta’s International Airport next Monday at 16.10 CET.

 

 

24/05/2002

 

The Mediterranean party was a huge success.  The club they held it in resulted in being too small and people crowded in the street as well.  Certain reports say that it was a party that will be talked about for some time and next year’s will be awaited for.  Ira performed songs in Maltese, including Thallinix, her famous Spellbound and 7^th Wonder. 

 

Ira’s and the Maltese committee’s wish to keep the dress a surprise was ruined by some Maltese papers who ignored what was asked from them and published the photographs from yesterday’s rehearsals.  Obviously, such photographs will not be found on this site.  Luckily and apparently Ira has more surprises in store for the night.  Today’s rehearsals went as great as the one’s before them and some say that she is even getting better. 

 

The big day has arrived!  Tomorrow the winner will be known.  As everyone knows and as Ira herself said in yesterday’s press conference it is difficult for Malta to win the contest as we do not have ‘friends’ voting for us, so keeping Malta in top 10 is already quite a job.  This year’s competition is great, good songs and a lot of countries wanting to win.  This year most countries are claiming to have send their best.  We have sent our number one!

 

Ira by now has a history among the Maltese of breaking records.  She was the first and last to have participated in the national final with four songs last year.  She was the first to place first and third at the same festival (and did this before in another festival the year before).  She was the first to be voted first and second by the public in the same festival.  And, she was also the first to win the national final with full votes from both the jury and the public. 

 

Will Ira break another record for Malta?!

 

Best Wishes to Ira! Malta is right behind you and is already proud of you!

 

 

23/05/2002

 

After “spellbounding” the Maltese Islands, Ira seems to be doing the same to Europe.  Checking out Eurovision sites today, one could see reports and comments on Ira’s rehearsals and press conferences everywhere.  Estonian newspapers seem to also be giving Ira extensive coverage.  Bookmakers are placing us between 4^th and 6^th.

 

Everyone has been curious about Ira’s dress for the big night.  Today curiosity flared up when it was known she did her rehearsal in it and the Maltese committee requested that no shots of the dress be published until the night.  So all we got today were close-ups.  Apparently she will surprise us next Saturday.  All she had said about it before leaving is that it is somewhere in between her two outfits she had for the Malta Song for Europe 2002, and all we know now it that it is white based and sparkly!  All the rest is reserved for Saturday. 

 

Everyone in Estonia is wondering and marvelling at her charm and friendliness.  Today she had another press conference and once again she had full control on the press.  She seems to be enjoying herself.   In the last press conference she was asked to sing in Maltese, which she did.  She sang the refrain from Ingawdu z-Zoghzija by which she had placed second in the Festival Internazzjonali tal-Kanzunetta Maltija.  Today she was asked once again to sing and she sang her famous Spellbound and obviously Seventh Wonder.  She sang live without backing music.  The power in her voice could not have gone unnoticed.  Something we may sometimes take for granted when listening to her singing with backing music or not singing live.  She also sang parts of the other contestant’s songs.

 

Tonight she had to sing at the Mediterranean party organised by Malta, Spain and Cyprus.  Tomorrow she will have other dress rehearsals.

 

 

22/05/2002

 

Today was a relaxing day for the Maltese delegation.  They spent the day exploring what Tallinn offers.  Ira would now be preparing for tomorrow’s rehearsal.  In the picture on the right, Ira while chatting with fans yesterday on the official chat room hosted on this year’s official website.

 

 

21/05/2002

 

Today Ira had her first rehearsal on stage.  Her backing vocals are from Estonia.  She was described as stunning on stage by many reports.  Who has watched today’s news, by now it is known that she is going to use glitter.  This reminds many of last year’s Song for Europe festival when she used glitter in her famous song Spellbound. From the news one could also see the good use she’s making from the catwalk of the stage. 

 

Ira had also her conference.  Reports say that she managed to overwhelm the audience with her smile and answers.  She was asked to sing something in Maltese, which she did.  Ira stated that she went there to win but knows that if she does not, the Maltese will still love her.  She also said that the stage look big but not big enough to scare her.  That should put many Maltese supporters’ minds at rest!  She is getting attention from journalists and press and is rapidly gaining popularity.  Ira seems quite happy over there, she said she is enjoying herself and is satisfied with how things are going.

 

 

 

20/05/2002

 

The countdown for the BIG day has started.  Last weekend was pretty hectic for Ira.  Starting Friday, she was back on Baraxx on TVM.  Saturday saw her back on Bla Agenda on Super 1 TV.  Sunday morning, Ira did not disappoint her supporters and those who believed in her when she was at the beginning of her career – she performed on Tista’ Tkun Int on TVM.  Sunday afternoon she was at her Farewell Party organised at Bay Street, which will be broadcasted exclusively on Net TV next Wednesday.  Sunday evening saw her back on Pop In.

 

Monday morning, in the early hours, Ira together with the Maltese delegation, left the island on her way to start her adventure in Tallinn.  Ira left Malta with a promise to the Maltese public – She will do her best and whatever happens in Tallinn, whatever the result, she will be back, and the same Ira will be back.  Nothing will change.  Well, we all know that she will do her best… she always does! 

 

 

08/04/2002

 

Just a little clarification about my review on the video 7^th Wonder (below: entry dated 25/03/2002):  (Also in reply to a Kate from St. Paul’s Bay).

 

I never said that song videos should portray the real life of the singer.  The video is the interpretation of a song.  All I said was that one of the reasons some people might feel ‘cold’ or something of the sort, after watching the video for the first time - especially those who support Ira – is that in the video there is a different Ira presented. 

 

One last thing, for ANYONE who did not get what the scene in Gozo is all about, before criticising watch out for the details: the car has run of out petrol!  That is why Ira is walking in the countryside of lovely Gozo in a leopard-print suit.

 

Once again, I definitely like the video and am in no way criticising it.

 

 

 

05/04/2002

 

As you well know by now, Ira’s mythic Spellbound was nominated for the ‘Best in the Last 10 Years’ title.  Well, this well deserved title was given to Spellbound last Sunday, at Pop In on TVM.  Spellbound came first with a total of 1155 votes, winning even over last year’s song which represented Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest, with about 300 votes.  Congratulations goes to the winning team, which is the same team representing Malta in this year’s Eurovision, namely Ira Losco, Philip Vella and Gerard James Borg.

 

Last Sunday Ira also performed on Kollox il-Hadd on Max Plus.  She has recorded the opening song of Ipokriti, a successful, popular, local production.  It was given a more professional touch, both music and performance wise.  She also gave another excellent performance of 7^th Wonder.

 

 

28/03/2002

 

Ira’s Spellbound was nominated for the “Best in the Last 10 Years” title.  At the moment it is holding first place in the chart. 

 

Also, Ira’s debut album Butterfly is still in the local charts.  It is holding second place in the Music Club chart and in the Top 10 in Damato’s chart.

 

25/03/2002

 

7^th Wonder – the video

 

The video of 7^th Wonder was launched last Tuesday 19/03.  The first few clips I got to see were from the local news.  I liked what I saw.   I only got the see the whole video without interruptions the following day in the repeat of C’est La Vie on Max Plus.  Personally I liked it.  For the first time, this year we have a video about the song and “the singer”, not about Malta – not that I minded the views and shots about Malta in previous years’ videos but it is a pleasant difference.  Well, I was happy with it.  It did leave me with a certain strange feeling but I did not stop to think about it.

 

I got to hear the first not-so-positive comments that same evening, but since they came from a part of the local media who do not particularly support Ira, I dismissed the comments to pure envy.  It did make me angry, as the comments were not made in any way professionally.  I got some other comments from other Eurovision fans online.  Some of them did criticise the video.  I was looking forward for Friday’s C’est La Vie, as I was sure that they would discuss it.  Personally, I give great weight to what comes out of that programme as they have been very supportive of Ira even before the festival and usually have knowledgeable people discussing such issues, along with Claudette Pace’s expertise and experience.  I have to say I was a bit surprised at their reaction.  In summary these are some of the points that came out:  from Deo Grech - that it is a simple video; not something to dislike but not something special; said it leaves him ‘cold’; Alfred Borg said he liked it as it has a story and mentioned Ira’s versatility – the possibilities for the video ranged from a total virtual reality one to a traditional one; and Claudette Pace said that with Ira, visually, we could have done a real 7^th Wonder.  They also took calls from people who expressed basically the same feelings – could have been better.  Many pointed out that they expected something more, considering the crew had Ira to work with.  Hearing all this, I literally had to sit down and think about what had I missed from the video - why are people not liking it that much.

 

I lost count of the number of times I saw the video after that, I did manage to come to some personal conclusions – some things which had not drawn my attention before.  It is really difficult for me to criticise anything with Ira in it, not to say impossible.  In fact I do not think the following is anywhere near criticism. 

 

I still like the video; that has not changed.  As I already pointed out, the video is not centred on promoting scenes from Malta but around the song and “the singer”.  Why in quotes?  What there is in the video is Ira in the role of a super successful singer.  The video is not about the real Ira.  In fact, in my opinion it has nothing to do with who she really is and that incongruence may be one of the reasons why the video has not gone down so well with the public yet.    It portrays more the incorrect image some might have had of Ira, which I think should have been corrected by now from the interviews one can read or hear.  I cannot really say who the real Ira is but I really do not think she is the same as the one in the video.  For instance, Ira is more determined and confident.  In the video there are many shots, the “mirror” close ups especially, in which she is presented as vulnerable and maybe lost.  I think she would have a different reaction to the “7^th wonder” crossing her path in the busy Valletta street – that reaction would only be elicited from Ira if he managed to get her in a really bad mood or day; I do not think that Ira would be able to go through the airport or out of a hotel like she does in the video, she would be noticed, maybe even stopped and talked to and I think Ira would have personalised the licence plates of her car! 

 

The video relates quite a sad story.  The video is going to tell “the story of a lonely star, with secrets, beauty, success and dreams in search of the seventh wonder” Michael Begasse had said before the shooting of the video.  Personally I think he brought out the lonely issue too much.  The star in the video is not only lonely in her personal life but she is also portrayed lonely everywhere else.  That was the initial feeling I had been left with and it is a feeling which maybe is elicited in others who put it down to not liking the video.  Those who support Ira would not wish her such a life and seeing her in that role might sadden them, as it did to me.  In my opinion the fact that a “star” would have followers and supporters was a bit overlooked and there were instances where they could have included it – like in the airport, in the hotel (it is nearly empty), when she gets out of the hotel, in the Manuel Theatre (it is left in the dark and the people are barely visible).  Actually the part that is really touching is when she gets out of the hotel after finishing her performance to an empty space and her loneliness is really brought out here – she walks out, head down, walking slowly, dragging her ‘shawl’.  It is really very touching, really not Ira and really something we hope Ira would never experience in real life.  Ira is loved.  As many have said after the festival, she has won the hearts of the Maltese people.  So now, yes, I think I can see why people might not like the video at first. 

 

We are not accustomed to seeing Ira like that.  Ira is lively, always happy, very approachable, almost always surrounded by people, determined, with the right amount of confidence, her sense of humour always just under the surface, ready to pop up anytime and even her walk cheerful.  In the video she is presented as almost the opposite.  I am not in any way criticising the way she is presented there; it is just not her.  This also goes to show Ira’s acting talents.  Since I think that in the video, she is not presented as she really is, then she had to act that way, and she is very convincing!  Above all, there is something I really missed in the video – her smile.  It is a characteristic of Ira – wherever she is, she smiles. 

 

Again, I liked the video.  The work put in it is visible.  It is full of details which match the lyrics of the song.  A couple of excellent examples include: in the airport scenes there’s a shot with “Gate 7” “Tallinn” and a shot with “Spirits” as she sings, ‘my spirits high’. Ira herself was satisfied with it, so, since she liked the image they portrayed of her, I do not think we should worry about that.  If one goes into the details, the video is deep.  It relates a touching story.  Seeing the video from this perspective might help those who are saying they do not like it.  Maybe it is not the video they do not like but the feelings that it elicits.  It should be given a chance and should not be judged after one or two viewings.  It is different, but it is good.  It gives another side of the same song.  The video relates the song in a not-so-happy way while Ira will give an impeccable performance, full of life and happiness as she is always doing.  Anyone who have seen her performances on Stedina on TVM or in the Hair and Beauty Marathon on Channel 22 have seen that her live performance has not changed in any way… still lively, happy and accompanied with a smile which we hope will rob Europe’s heart as Chiara’s wink has done before.  So… we have nothing to worry about!

 

19/03/2002

 

Ira’s single 7^th Wonder has been launched and is out for sale.  The video was also launched today. 

17/03/2002

 

Ira has been interviewed by many during this last month, on radio programmes, TV programmes and newspapers.  It is next to impossible to comment on every single interview here but one that really struck me was the interview by Josanne Cassar for The Malta Independent.  It is a lengthy interview contained in the centrefold of the Friday 8^th March 2002 issue.  The reason why it struck me more than others is because it focused more on Ira - the person rather than Ira – Malta’s star representing her country in the Eurovision.  It includes comments from the interviewer about how she felt and what she thought during the interview.  It is written in a way that the reader can imagine what has happened there, even though s/he was not there to actually see it.  Obviously she covered all the Eurovision topics like any current interview does but went beyond.  If someone has managed to miss the fact that Ira has an excellent sense of humour, it could not have gone unnoticed here.  The interviewer stated that, “Even if you try very hard, … it is virtually impossible not to like Ira”.  She is sensitive; hearing a comment from someone who has a mistaken impression of her upsets her and worries that she cannot prove herself to that person.  She still values what people think of her, and that one comment amongst the billions of good ones she receives sets her thinking for a while.  Honesty is another of her virtues, and it has not gone unnoticed by the interviewer.  They also talked of her family, studies and her band.  The interviewer commented that Ira might start to sound too good to be true - something I have said to myself a couple of times.  But with every interview, appearance, feature or whatever she proves to be better and truer.  She also asked her about her life on campus. And when Ira said that she is like everybody else and does not go off on ego trips, the interviewer commented that the readers would find it hard to believe.  After reading that article? I wonder why!  It is an excellent interview - it can change a mistaken impression some might have of Ira or strengthen that of her supporters and fans.  For those wanting a glimpse of who Ira is, it is a must-read.

04/03/2002

 

On Saturday Ira was on Bla Agenda on Super 1 TV.  It is a programme where they discuss about everything and anything.  One of the topics of this week was related to the Eurovision.  When introducing her, Norman Hamilton, reminded the viewers of the two records broken by Ira this year, namely placing first with maximum points and third in the same festival.  Apparently, during the week someone has written some article full of destructive criticism in a local newspaper.  Since I did not read the article, I will not comment.  Not there is any need since Ira gave her tactful, diplomatic, mature comments about the article in the programme.  As expected she gave another impeccable performance of her winning song, 7^th Wonder.  She also got invited for next week’s programme.

 

Yesterday, as promised by the team producing Pop In, they had a feature on Ira.  They had a video shot in Germany during the photo session, where Ira went to record her single CD.  They took some comments from Manfred Holz, the managing director of Cap Sounds.  Hearing his comments, about a local star, must have made every Maltese person proud and honoured.  His comments included, … “she’s acting and behaving excellent and really really professional.”  They also took the comments of her photographer, Christian Sauber.  Once again he had nothing but praise for her and her natural talent.  He described her as “friendly, … she’s dreaming, happy, sexy – she’s what she wants to be, … the laughing (probably meant smile) is also nice, but the eyes say it all.” 

 

“It is a big thing to represent your home country in front of prime time TV in twenty-five countries, so the pressure will be on her shoulder.  But I have the feeling that she will handle it very professional and very good.”  

Manfred Holz.

 

Also, Holz’s reply when asked what is the best thing about Ira:  “First the voice … this is the first and main thing for a singer, that she has a fantastic voice.  Secondly, of course, for marketing, we always like if we have good-looking young artists – and she is fantastic looking.  And thirdly, we like very much and we need that she has a charisma, a natural charisma, because you cannot learn charisma, you must have it and a good personality.  And I think these are the three main subjects you need for being an international star and I’m very happy that Ira has it. 

 

And to end up the feature… what better way than with Ira singing the refrain of 7^th Wonder live and the clapping of the people present at the studio.

01/03/2002

 

From the interview on Max Plus the viewers managed to get some news about what happened this week in preparation to the Eurovision song contest.  Philip Vella gave some news which I am sure went down extremely well with Ira’s supporters … One Step Away will be on the single of the winning song.  This is another first since it has never happened before.  Another first was the “interview” which they did during the shooting of the video.  They went at Manuel Theatre at the backstage where Ira was getting ready for another session.  The viewers got a glimpse of how Ira will look during this bit of the video.  We also got to know that another bit was shot on a yacht.  We also got to that Ira’s trip to Italy has been postponed, and that was the reason why today she was not on Ci Vediamo in TV.  (Here, I would like to apologize to those who spent 2 hours in front of the TV, like me, waiting for her to appear because they saw it as an upcoming event on this site or received the details by email.  I did not know it was postponed until I saw the interview tonight.)

 

 

What has happened during this week?  Ira’s first appearance after the outstanding results she obtained last Saturday was her regular appointment with the viewers of Tista’ Tkun Int!, on TVM.  It was quite a surprise to see her there, as most expected she would not show up.  The presenters gave that impression too and seemed to have to content themselves and the viewers with showing clips from the emotional closing of the festival of the night before.  It was a nice surprise to see her come out after the first few notes from her winning song were sounded, something which was appreciated by viewers and audience, fans and others alike. 

 

“Tiddomina Ira Losco”; “Ira Losco makes clean sweep to win Song for Europe Festival” – Sunday’s front-page headlines in local newspapers Il-Mument and The Sunday Times read.  “Ira Losco ghall-Estonja” read it-Torca’s little tribute on the second page.  Today, we woke up to “Song festival winner aims high” – another front-page headline from The Times and back page of same newspaper “Ira Losco for Frankfurt on Wednesday”.  Ira’s smiling face was on The Malta Independent front page, with the centre pages dedicated to her as well with the headline reading “Wild and classy Ira Losco wins hands down”.  She was also on the front page of In-Nazzjon with the article on the 5^th page titled “Is-success tieghi jista’ jkun il-ftuh ta’ opportunitajiet godda”. “Ira Losco trid fama internazzjonali” was l-Orizzont’s tribute on the 4^th page. 

 

For the benefit of are not following the local news: a little summary of what’s happening.  Ira managed to win the judges’ hearts and the Maltese’ public’s heart.  She got the maximum points a song can get.  Though I stand corrected, I think this is one of the two new items written in the local music scene with Ira’s name on it, this year; the other being that no other singer have ever placed first and third in the same festival.  Ira is hoping that by representing Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest coming May would be a stepping-stone towards achieving her dream – international fame.  Ira showed her ‘wild’ and ‘classy’ sides last Saturday.  The wild side seems to have surprised a lot, seeing how many comments were read on articles about her leopard outfit. 

 

Yesterday, Ira signed a contract with Cap Sounds, which would record and promote her single CD.  On Wednesday she is off to Frankfurt to record her song.  She would be off on a promotional tour by 1^st March, starting off in Italy by appearing on a programme – Ci vediamo in TV on Raiuno, apparently this is going to be another new item in the local music history with Ira’s name on it as she is going to be the first Maltese singer to appear on Raiuno.  After that she would be off to Finland, Cyprus, Denmark and UK.  Next Monday the shooting of her video would kick off and is expected to take three days.  The video is going to tell “the story of a lonely star, with secrets, beauty, success and dreams in search of the seventh wonder” said Michael Begasse, the video’s director.  The star with secrets, beauty, success and dreams is already there.  We only hope that she would never be lonely.  This was captured in the caption of the photo on today’s front page of The Malta Independent by the comment, “Ira’s Era: She’s got the looks, the voice and an unparalleled stage presence …” 

 

What Ira said

 

  “This is just amazing.  On my way to the festival I told myself that I wanted to give my best and do a great job.”  “I hope that winning the festival will open new doors and that it will be the stepping stone towards achieving my dream – international fame.”  - The Sunday Times 17/02/2002

 

  “My ambitions go beyond Eurovision.”  [International public would] “see my face and hear my voice and hopefully, someone will notice me.”  “I set out to give my best performance and was well-prepared, with the support of the composer and author and of those who love me.  The results speak for themselves.”  - The Times 18/02/2002

 

  “Is-success fil-festival jista’ jfisser il-ftuh ta’ opportunitajiet godda fil-karriera tieghi bhala kantanta.  Il-holma tieghi hi li nistabbilixxi ruhi fil-qasam internazzjonali.”  - In-Nazzjon 18/02/2002

 

  “The competition was very tough.  What was most important to me was to give my best and a good performance to the public.  What I wanted most was not to win but to live up to the people’s expectations.  I was myself on stage, wild and classy at the same time.”  - The Malta Independent 18/02/2002

 

Yes!  She did it big time this time!  Ira won the Song for Europe 2002 festival.  Her song 7^th Wonder, written by Gerard James Borg and composed by Philip Vella, will represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest which will be held in Estonia on the 25^th of May.  No need to say what a brilliant, wonderful and exceptional performance she gave tonight - of both songs.  And to top it all, she called the other singers in her closing triumph!  Something we have never seen before, at least in the last decade.  She’s unique! A very well deserved result – she got full 20 votes from all judges.  She was voted also second by the public vote but in the final result placed third with her other song One Step Away, written by Philip Vella and composed by Ray Agius.  She was back in writing new history in the local music scene – being the first singer ever to win and place third in the same festival.

Just wanted to add a little note on the performance Ira gave on the eve of the Song for Europe 2002 festival.  What a brilliant performance!  A very well done!  An outstanding performance for One Step Away and an exceptional interpretation of 7^th Wonder.  When interviewed earlier on this month she said she was slightly tense as she felt the public wanted a performance better than last years.  She had no problem in giving exactly that and much more. 

 

Ira was back on Pop In to interpret for the first time her second participating song 7^th Wonder composed by Philip Vella and written by Gerard James Borg.   As expected, another great song with great potential.  She has two fantastic songs, which should go down well with the public.  Certainly, two songs which we are going to hear a lot during the coming year.  Both songs have the Spellbound-potential, and that is saying a lot for a song, as Spellbound has been a great hit and is still very requested even a year later. 

 

Once again Ira has been a guest on a number of local programmes.  She was on Mini-Bugs (Net TV) in which one could not miss the playful side of her character.  She gave a unique interpretation of her most-requested Spellbound, with backing vocals she never had before – namely, Griz, Mini and the rest of animated characters on the set.  Later she was asked a number of questions by them and they gave her their wishes for the coming festival which I am sure, echo what Ira’s fans, friends and admirers would like to wish her.

 

She participated in Xarabank on TVM, once again with all the other singers.  The topic being discussed was ‘nicknames’. 

 

She was also invited, together with other singers participating in the Song for Europe festival, to participate in Let’s Go on Super One TV.  This is a quiz-like programme in which the participants are asked to take part in various games.  Here one could not miss the “team” feeling there is this year amongst the singers, and one could also notice Ira’s dancing talents and energy.

 

She was also on the special programme on Net TV, in which all the singers had to sing the refrain from their participating songs.  They finished off the programme by backing Freddie Portelli (a Maltese popular signer) in two of his popular songs.

 

She was also on Red TV (Net TV), once again with the other singers.  Here they sang a couple of songs together and again, viewers could get a glimpse of her dancing talents in the background.

 

Along with the other singers she was also on Siesta on Net TV.  Here she gave another remarkable interpretation of Spellbound, and was interviewed by Claire Agius.  The viewers were surprised by getting a little glimpse of how Ira will look next Friday.

 

She was also invited on Bugs@Net on Net TV.  She was asked to sing something live, to which she courageously complied and sang the refrain of her famous Spellbound.  She was interviewed by Andrea and she took a couple of calls from admirers and fans.

 

She was interviewed by Ali Bubaker on Gianni’s Show (Net TV).  (For those who do not know who Bubaker is – he’s a very nice, humorous character.  He comes from Tajikistan(?).  He does not have very good English so he tends to misunderstand certain things.)   He asked her a number of interesting questions on various topics including how she likes singing in Malta, her career – music and academic, something about her personal life.  He also asked her to sing something live to which she once again complied and sang the refrain from her latest single Butterfly.  She also had to give a very detailed definition of what a butterfly is, since Mr Bubaker did not know what it is.  Even though he got a life history of a butterfly he did not seem to grasp the concept that it has nothing to do with birds and butter. J  

 

Finally Ira’s most awaited album is out on the shelves and already holding the second place on Exotique’s Top 30 chart.  The CD is titled Butterfly and all that can be said is … it is what was expected … that is, the best and something more. J  Go and get it!!  It includes her last single and title track, Butterfly, her songs from the Song for Europe, a couple of dance tracks from last summer and songs in Maltese including her two great songs from Festival Kanzunetta Indipendenza.  In a few words, there is something for everyone; it is a great album… should not be missed.

 

Photograph taken from http://www.timesofmalta.com

 

 

Those following local television stations have seen Ira participating in a number of programmes these last few months.  (The following is in no particular order and includes the last few months.) Some of these include Minn Taghna on Max Plus, in which she participated in a discussion about Maltese songs.  Here she also sang Ingawdu z-Zoghzija, her latest success in a local festival.  On Max Plus she also participated in C’est la Vie – Il-Hajja Hekk Hi. Here she took part in a discussion about image and clothes (another forte of hers).  On the same station, one could have seen her in the recording of Claudette Pace’s concert.  On Net TV she was on Gianni’s Tonight Show on Net TV where she was interviewed by Gianni, where as usual he asked the most bizarre questions imaginable.  She was also on Trimm and on Red where she was participating with her band Tiara in the Hopleaf Smooth and Creamy Band Awards and in which they placed second!  One could have also seen her acting talents in the local production Angli, where she interpreted herself.  On the local TV station TVM she was on Ideat.  She was also on Baraxx with her band in the last programme of 2001.  One could also get a glimpse of her dancing talents in the annual charity marathon, held on TVM, L-Istrina 2001.  She also took part in an event held at the Chameleon Club, on Aids Awareness Day, held by the Malta Gay Rights Movement and was also on the advert for the same Aids Awareness Campaign. She took part in the Christmas activities held in Valletta. 

 

Photograph taken from http://www.maltagayrights.com/

 

The results of the 16 finalist songs for the Song for Europe 2002 festival were published.  Each singer could only sing two songs.  Ira chose two of her seven songs which made it to the semi-final and they both made it to the final.  Her two songs are titled “One Step Away” and “7^th Wonder”.  The festival will be held on the 15^th and 16^th February 2002.  Good Luck to Ira!!

 

 

 

At the moment, Ira is holding the first place in the Sorell Song Contest.  She was participating with her song Deep Inside My Heart. This is a partial result as it only includes the voting accepted through the Internet.  The votes from the postal jury have still to be added.  The official result is expected to be published sometime in December. 

 

Tiara are competing in the Hopleaf Smooth and Creamy Band Awards.  They had their performance on the 5^th November and 10^th November.  They are participating with two of their songs, Basketball and Super Pollen Colour.  They gave a wonderful performance – very elegant too. 

 

On the 9^th November, Ira gave a live show at the Galleria Shopping Complex Fgura.  As usual it was a great experience to be there.  Because of the lack of publicity, the audience was not a numerous one but the show was great.  All the songs were from her repertoire, which included Thallinix, Shine, Deep Inside My Heart, Don’t Give Up, Spellbound, Fejn Stahbejtli, Hawn Jien Jekk Tridni and her new song Butterfly.  Also, one could not miss the number of fans going near her from time to time asking for autographs, and taking the occasional photo.

 

The following Sunday, 11^th November, Ira participated in the Kampanja Milied Hieni marathon, held at St. Luke’s Hospital.  Once again, a great performance and a warm audience.  She opened with her latest success: Ingawdu z-Zghozija; managed to dumbfound (literally) the audience with her new song Butterfly and finished off with the renowned Spellbound.

 

 

On the 19^th October, Ira participated in the eve of the Festival Internazzjonali tal-Kanzunetta Maltija.  She gave a brilliant and relaxed performance.  A lively song with a message for all, titled Ingawdu z-Zghozija.  She also sang in the closing song where all the singers took part including the foreigners.

 

On the 20^th October, the final evening of the Festival Internazzjonali tal-Kanzunetta Maltija, she gave another exceptional performance.  Again she sang in the song dedicated to the year of languages with all the participating singers, foreigners included.

 

This year Ira closed the summer season and started autumn with a series of events.  Her first appearance was in the PBS presentation of the autumn schedule, which she closed with her awesome ‘Spellbound’ and as usual gave an incredible performance.

 

She also took part and won! the festival Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza.  It was one of the few occasions in which she sings in Maltese.  She had two songs.  She placed third with Hawn Jien Jekk Tridni written by Ray Agius and composed by Philip Vella.  This is a dynamic song with a message.  The other song was titled Fejn Stahbejtli composed by Mark Spiteri Lucas and written by Paul Ellul.  This song was the winner of the festival!!  It is a very touching song, slow and with very beautiful lyrics – could easily make one cry.  During her performance, one could also notice that Ira does not forget her fans – even though in the midst of competing in a festival, she could be seen waving to people here and there.

 

Ira was one of the leading artists of the last live concert of Insahhu Pajjizna.  She opened the concert with a wonderful cover of A Bright Sun Shiny Day, followed by the lovely Midnight at the Oasis.  In her second appearance, she gave an awesome version of the romantic song In the Arms of an Angel.  After that, she gave a splendid cover of Perfect.  In the last appearance she gave a great version of Eternal Flame.  In the closing off of the concert, she joined the other artists in a medley of a couple of songs.  For anyone following her career, it was easy to notice the difference in her voice – the ease with which she is mastering it, the wider range she is using.

 

The next day she took part in Baraxx in which she sang two of her new dance songs.  As usual she gave a fantastic performance.  Quite a different style of music, compared to the style she usually sings – showing off her potential.  Once again, her fans could hear a softer and higher aspect of her voice, quite different from what they had heard the day before.

 

The following day she contributed in the UNICEF marathon.  She sang two of her songs, Don’t Give Up and the popular Spellbound.  As expected, she gave a great performance and one could also catch a glimpse of her playful character.

 

After that, the next day she participated in Sajfest, thus having introduced herself to the followers of the two local leading political parties in the same week – a very wise move.  Here she sang Don’t Give Up and the always-requested Spellbound.  Needless to say at this point, that her performance was brilliant as usual, and again, never forgetting to wave to a couple of fans making them feel special.

 

By that, Ira closed a very hectic week. Obviously these were the one-off events, leaving out the usual places in which one can see and hear her perform.

 

The photograph in this section was scanned from “In-Nazzjon” 18/9/2001.

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