Two PBS singing competitions spark outrage in social media

The government broadcaster PBS has received overwhelmingly negative reactions for its “amateurish” and “disorganised” Malta Eurovision Song Contest.

While previous editions had been held in large venues, PBS opted for a so-called “televised festival” from its headquarters without a live audience this year.

“It’s like we ordered Sanremo from Shein“, one viewer joked on Facebook, comparing the show to knock-off products from the Asian fast fashion retailer.

Many described the show as “boring”, pointing out it failed to create enthusiasm due to lack of crowds applauding and cheering their favourite contestants.

The artists’ performances were further limited by a narrow studio set created in an old studio that was refurbished for the occasion.

Citing sources, The Shift has reported that the refurbishment “cost taxpayers some €1.6 million in direct orders”.

The Nationalist Party branded the production as an “insult to singers, viewers, and workers of the national broadcaster”.

Outrage over X-Factor eliminations

The ‘elimination’ of two World class non-Maltese singers from X Factor Malta shocked their mentor and the audience on Sunday night.

Filipino singer Rose Marielle Mamaclay and Sean Kamati from Namibia were outvoted by the TV audience which favoured Maltese semi-finalists.

This came after weeks of social media comments urging viewers to ensure that a Maltese national wins the fourth season of the show.

X Factor judge Howard Keith Debono, who also served as a mentor to both artists, said he was “uncomfortable” with Sunday’s result.

The outcome was “an obvious case of eliminating two top potential winners cause God forbid it was won by a non-Maltese national”, Debono charged.

“We’re okay with [foreigners in certain jobs] as their minimal salaries are squeezed to the last cent, but when it comes for a top job, a top place, or a €50,000 prize, we just can’t swallow it”, he said.