X Factor Malta: Here’s What To Expect From Each Of The Judges

August 1, 2018 at 9:03 am

Anticipation for X Factor Malta’s big debut continues to build with the announcement of all four judges on the panel. Ira Losco, Howard Keith Debono, Alex Alden and Ray Mercieca will be the ones calling the shots this October.

But what can we expect from the chosen personalities? Who will be the overly-harsh one, and which judge will play devil’s advocate?

1. Ira Losco will laugh during the bad auditions

Ira is cool and composed while on stage performing, but when she’s not singing she loves a good laugh. During an out-of-tune audition she’s definitely going to be the first one to get the giggles.

2. Howard Keith will whisper his criticisms to fellow judges

Strongly opinionated, Howard Keith will have a lot of things to say about each contestant, but will probably not say them all out loud or to their face. There will be a lot of side stares towards Ira, or whispered comments to Ray before the song is over.

3. Alex Alden will be nice to everyone

Still very new to the music scene, let alone the judging one, Alex will be sweet to all contestants, trying to encourage them to keep going even if they really shouldn’t.

4. Ray will pull a Sharon Osbourne and argue with other judges’ feedback

Ray will not hold back, and if his opinions differ from the judges’, he won’t smile politely and agree to disagree. He will keep disagreeing, and do so wholeheartedly.

5. Ira Losco will get up to hug a fan who is panicking about singing in front of them

One of the auditionees is bound to get cold feet, and what better way to thaw out those nerves than a hug from Malta’s sweetheart. The mother in Ira will leap out when she sees a young contestant starting to panic.

6. Alex will be creeped out by a weird act

There’s always that one creepy contestant who sings with their eyes too wide staring straight at a judge. While Ira will probably be on the receiving end of a stalker fan, Alex will be the one to shuffle her papers uncomfortably and let everyone know that crossed a line.

She’ll probably also be the first to get emotional over a moving performance.

7. Howard Keith will ask the performer to change song

Pulling a Simon Cowell, the producer in Howard Keith means he’ll instantly know when a song isn’t right for a voice, and ask for it to be changed. The singer’s second choice will be a smash hit and see them fly into the final.

8. Ray will love a weird contestant no one else really likes

You know that 45-year-old woman who decided she loves heavy metal late in life? Everyone will be a little uncertain about the screams mid-audition, but Ray? Ray will love it.

9. The categories will be predictable for the first year

Ira Losco – Boys

Ira will take the boys to new heights as she coaches them on more than just singing. Stage presence, emoting and connecting with an audience is important.

Alex – Girls

Teaching them what she’s learnt from her travels, Alex will inspire the girls to be true to themselves as artists.

Ray – Overs

Knowing the business for so many years, Ray will be able to connect with his team in a way most judges wouldn’t.

Howard – Groups

And just like any good producer, Howard knows how to make a band find its sound and push all members to shine.

X Factor Malta: Here’s What To Expect From Each Of The Judges

1. Ira Losco will laugh during the bad auditions