Abandoning your dreams can be heartbreaking, especially when it’s due to reasons out of your control, but X Factor Malta singer Celine Agius showed tonight that there can be a way back.

Before her audition, Celine, 25, said she started singing at a young age but stopped for six years because the online harassment got out of hand.

“I had a YouTube channel and I had to take it down because I was receiving so many comments and threats,” she said.

“You must understand that once you’re in the public eye, you must be ready for…” judge Howard Keith Debono, before Celine stopped him to say it wasn’t the criticism that got to her but rather serious, personal threats.

Celine then belted out a rendition of Conchita’s Eurovision-winning song ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’, which she chose because of its symbolic nature.

And although she only re-started singing again two months prior to her addition, she impressed the four judges enough for them to send her through to the next stage.

“I think what you may need is to develop a bit more confidence so you can learn to smile and shine. You deserve it,” Ray Merceca said.

“The song you chose was perfect for you to express your voice and transmit honest emotions, and unlike those who threatened you I’m ready to give you a chance,” Howard added.

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