Outpouring Of Support For X Factor Malta Singer After Last Night’s Shock Elimination
Last night’s elimination of soul singer Michela Galea has shocked X Factor Malta viewers, with several taking to social media to criticise judge Howard Keith Debono’s decision.
Michela’s rendition of ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ had wowed Howard Keith, who is in charge of the female’s category, initially earning her one of six chairs and a ticket to the next round. However, Howard was left with a tough choice to make after Danica Muscat delivered another soulful performance, and he decided to announce the competition’s first sing-off.
His decision to give Michela her marching orders didn’t go down well with several viewers, who flooded X Factor Malta’s social media pages with support for the singer..
“Michela is a class act! She is astonishing and I’m honestly shocked that she was sent off!!” one person said. “She is beautiful, talented and confident and I firmly believe that it is a loss. She will be a star regardless of this! Shine on Michela you are a STAR!”
“This is not on. He just kicked out two great singers in Michela and Gail and then asked Michela to join a group because he believes she’ll be good there,” another said. “So he can see her progressing in a group but not by herself? Oh, give us a break, Mr Howard!”
“Seriously?! Michela had it all and you just gave it away like that!” another person said. “And what you said to her after made it even worse !!!! Join a group ?! Because you thought she’ll be off in the next stage anyway? Sorry but that’s just the dumbest thing I’ve heard. And I didn’t expect you to say that. Such a pity! HOWEVER ! With a voice like that and with all she’s got going, she’ll def go far, with or without the X Factor! Thank God we know who you are girl! Stay strong and keep going!”
Although Michela, along with fellow eliminated singers Kelly Moncado and Shauna Vassallo, were given the chance to form a group, Michela appeared extremely hesitant to do so and indeed confirmed on her Facebook page last night that she opted against taking up this offer.
Meanwhile, Howard responded to the controversy by saying his decision to keep Danica over Michela was based on a gut feeling.
“At yesterday’s Chair challenge, both singers seemed to be going for the same soul style so my decision to chose one of them was unfortunately inevitable at that point,” he said. “Many a times gut feeling decisions are not easily understood outside of the industry. I have to honestly say the majority of the live audience were actually spot on & their chants matched exactly what I was feeling in the hall. Truthfully I needed eight chairs.”
“Ultimately it will boil down to 3 ‘Girl’ contestants who will be going to the live shows with the chance to win & trigger the record contract with Sony Music. That is my focus and goal where hopefully the end justifies the means. It’s something I sense. I am looking at the bigger picture and in my case it’s presenting the best three contestants from my category.”
Danica was joined in the next round by Kelsey Bellante, Michela Pace, Karin Duff, Jade Vella and Nicole Frendo. The six girls will now proceed to the judges’ houses stage, with the top three qualifying to the live shows.
What did you make of last night’s decision?
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