It's X Factor Chair Challenge weekend!! Have you got your tickets? First aired in 2018, X Factor Malta was an instant hit amongst the Maltese. No one could have foreseen the level of vocal and artistic talent that Malta has to offer. Thanks to X Factor, Maltese singers have another platform where they can showcase their talent and get discovered by a wider audience.
Each year, people are always curious to find out who the next X Factor winner will be. However, with each edition, another hot topic among avid watchers is the selection of judges. We’ve done our research on this year’s set of judges and we are sharing our findings with you!
Howard Keith Debono
An artist, performer, producer, manager, organiser and, most recently, an X Factor Malta mentor and judge. You guessed it; we’re talking about Howard Keith Debono. In 2003, he co-founded a production company that also develops and manages artists like Ira Losco, Michela, Destiny and The New Victorians. Howard Keith is one of the main organisers of Earth Garden, the leading gate-money music festival in Malta, attracting over 24,000 people per year. His name was further projected into the limelight when he was chosen as one of X Factor Malta’s judges. Phew, what a Résumé! (Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10159375676959043&set=pb.682514042.-2207520000..&type=3)
Ira Losco
Who is she? She’s only Malta’s biggest popstar! Ira Losco kick-started her career back in 2002 when she represented Malta at the Eurovision in Estonia with the song "7th Wonder", where she placed second. This was just the beginning; much more was to come! Losco went on to write songs and albums, play at concerts and international stages, as well as collaborate with local and even international artists. She has released six studio albums so far and she is one of Malta’s most successful musicians to date. Could you find a more qualified judge and mentor for X Factor Malta? Yeah, don’t think so.
Ivan Grech
A new face in X Factor Malta, but definitely not a new face in the Maltese music scene - Ivan Grech is best known as being the lead vocalist for the award-winning Maltese band, Winter Moods. They were voted as the Best Band at six editions of the Malta Music Awards and in 2008, Winter Moods was awarded the Legends Award – the first time such an award was handed out! The band etched its name in Maltese music history by performing in front of the largest ever Maltese crowd to attend a paying concert. The concert, which was held on 30 July 2010, was attended by more than 10,000 fans! Winter Moods have also had the opportunity to perform alongside some world-famous artists, including Bryan Adams, Elton John, Bob Geldof, Deep Purple, Antonello Venditti, and many others.
Philippa Naudi
Last, but certainly not least, is X Factor Malta’s youngest judge - Philippa Naudi! Philippa is best known for being one of the singers in the popular sister-duo, The New Victorians. In 2015, they launched their debut album, Seeker Seeker, and in 2018 they released Silence, the EP with which they opened for multi-platinum artist Anastacia, on her European Tour – Evolution, and for the BBC Concert Orchestra. In April 2019, the duo was awarded Artist of The Year by the Arts Council Malta. Lastly, she was chosen to be a mentor and judge for the 2021-2022 edition of X Factor Malta!
We can’t wait to see what this year’s edition of X Factor Malta has in store. Bring on the live shows!
