X Factor Malta judge Keith Howard has taken to Facebook to lament the fact that all everyone seems to want to speak about following last weekend’s finale is the Eurovision.

In his online rant, he called out the focus on the Eurovision instead of the focus on the fact that Michela, the X Factor Malta’s winner, is set to sign a deal with Sony Italia, among other ailments, or that the show is breaking television records.

“From all the possible headlines out there such as -‘Michela Pace wins first season of X Factor Malta’, “X Factor once again breaks new viewership records”, ‘Michela pace secures her deal with SONY MUSIC’. ’12 great finalists at first ever X Factor Live shows’. ‘Michela, Owen, Nicole & Petra give stellar performances’ …we just have to make it about Eurovision. Ehhhh. Why? We didn’t do one song from Eurovision, the judges didn’t refer to it once, we tried to give different flavours in the live shows! And just to be clear it’s not that I have anything against Eurovision at all. Of course it’s the most viewed TV show in the world – Yes. Doing one’s best efforts to have a great song and show – Absolutely!! Just like any other event using it wisely to one’s advantage and gain more visibility and followers – Totally – But please ease off from the exaggerated and dramatic, sensational narrative. It makes us look rather desperate as a nation. Just as we need to accept criticism more, accept losses, different opinions and be mature. I was so happy to see the public voting for different vocal tones, different styles and young trendy stuff. That was the biggest personal satisfaction in X Factor seeing the younger demographic so engaged and following it because we were losing them locally to the Insta fashion blogging, material things for the sake of getting likes and music was just not on their agenda. Change takes time but it will happen – if everyone works together!”

Malta and Gozo have been glued to the screen as singers were eliminated weekly during X Factor Malta, with the show breaking broadcasting records.

With Michela emerging as the winner of the first season, many now look towards what song Michela will choose for the Eurovision.

The winner of X Factor Malta is set to represent the island at the Eurovision, as well as sign a deal with Sony. Meanwhile, calls are now open for Season 2 of the X Factor Malta.

Do you think Howard Keith has a point?

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]