Many would argue that Malta is Eurovision mad. For decades now, the island has been desperate to win the coveted top spot in the contest – placing second twice, in 2002 and 2005, and third in 1992 and 1998. Every year, parties are held across the country on Eurovision night in the hope that, this time, we will be successful.

Flying the flag for Malta this year is songstress Christabelle Borg, who wowed audiences at the Malta Eurovision Song Contest with her rendition of her own song, Taboo. She’ll be performing in the second semi-final in Lisbon on 10th May, while the grand final will take place on 12th May.

Christabelle studied music at Mount St Mary’s College in Hollywood, and returned to Malta to continue working on her career around six years ago. “Since then, I have been working with American and British producers on my songs, and I’m very grateful to have had several songs reach the number one spot on the local charts.”

Now, Christabelle is moving steadily towards her Eurovision dream: “I’ve always been a big fan of the Eurovision and think it’s wonderful that so many countries come together to celebrate music. For me, the Eurovision is a way of getting my music – and, of course, the message my music aims to pass on – to tens of millions of people.”

That message makes Taboo a very personal song for Christabelle, as it talks about the importance of breaking down reservations when discussing mental illness. “I think many of us often feel trapped in our own heads, and what’s being said out there can have a real effect on whether we open up or not. As someone who has dealt with mental illness first hand, I feel it’s my duty to further the message as much as I can. I’d like to break the taboo of mental illness, by ensuring that those suffering are encouraged, both by those who have experienced it and by those who haven’t.”

This message has already proved popular with Christabelle’s many followers and she is now looking forward to sharing it with the wider European community. “I’m so excited to get to Lisbon and meet all the other contestants… and, of course, to give it my all during the semi-final performance and hopefully make it to the finals!”

But, while still at home, she has words of praise for the island’s lively music scene. “I think Malta is blessed with some incredibly beautiful voices and people who work very hard at what they’re passionate about. As a small country, audiences, sales and opportunities are what they are, but many musicians move mountains to be able to continue creating music and express themselves artistically,” she says.

Christabelle also has an interesting tip for those visiting the island: “head to the Hypogeum in Hal-Saflieni,” she smiles. “It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, although it dates back to around 4,000BC, it has impressive acoustics! I am always impressed by it. Just remember to book well ahead, as tickets aren’t always easy to come by.”

Christabelle’s perfect day in Malta

“In winter, I love strolling down the streets of Valletta and stopping every now and then for a coffee in the sun or a quick visit to one of the many museums. I just love the city, and the recent face-lift it has received has truly given it a new lease of life. In summer, I enjoy Peter’s Pool, which is this pretty, rocky bay in the southern part of Malta. This would be followed by lunch in Marsaxlokk – fresh fish is always the order of the day here – and, finally, I’d head to the old capital, Mdina, for dinner with my fiancé. It’s very romantic there!”

A final tip

“Don’t forget to spend a day in Gozo, Malta’s sister island! The beaches there are amazing, the history enticing, and the people incredibly friendly… Also, pop over to Nadur (a small village) for a Gozitan pizza!”