Finalists announced for the title of Vodafone Upcoming Artist 2011

The competition is being organised by Maestro Sigmund Mifsud in conjunction with Vodafone Malta and The Palace Sliema. The aim of the initiative is to provide new emerging Maltese singers and musicians with the opportunity to perform live before an audience and compete for the title. The competition was open to anybody over the age of 16 who performs pop and rock music.

16 talented artists, who made it through the auditions, participated in four Vodafone Live Jamming Sessions held at Temptasian where 2 finalists were declared after each session.  The finalists (in no particular order) are Chris Grech, Stephanie Desjardins, Mikaela, Victorio, Rebecca, Paul & Kevin, Lyndsay, and Gianluca.The Vodafone Live Jamming Sessions will come to an end with the Final Night on 26 April, where the Vodafone Upcoming Artist 2011 will be declared. 

Videos of the finalists are uploaded on the Vodafone Facebook page where the public can vote for their favourite artist via SMS until Tuesday 26 April at noon. All SMS voters will also get a chance to win a weekend break for two in The Palace’s View Suite on bed and breakfast basis. The voting will work as follows: 20% through SMS voting, 20% through “Likes” on Facebook, 40% from a Panel of Judges and 20% by Mro Sigmund Mifsud.

Daniela Abela, Brand Executive at Vodafone Malta, said that “the Vodafone Jamming Sessions have mirrored what we wanted to achieve: an opportunity for young musicians and singers to showcase their talent and a different night out for the audiences who have turned up numerous to our events. It was great to see young and enthusiastic performers sing and play music. They enjoyed every minute of the experience and the finalists are now looking forward to the last exciting leg of the competition.” Vodafone Malta offered free entrance to the general public and on each night a number of loyal customers are awarded VIP hosting.

Maestro Sigmund Mifsud who is the producer for this initiative and who also headed the judging panel said that he’s really looking forward to the final night, "I feel ecstatic by the amount of talent, dedication and preparation of all the artists that participated. It will definitely be a tough decision selecting the Vodafone Upcoming Artist 2011."

Kevin Callus, Hotel Manager at The Palace Hotel said that, “Temptasian was well received by all musicians and the atmosphere created by the crowd was truly unique. The turnout in all four sessions was encouraging and all this motivates us further to keep the Palace at the forefront of supporting the local music industry. We augur the best of luck to all the finalists.”

The final night of the Vodafone Jamming Sessions is going to be held on Tuesday the 26 April at the Temptasian, The Palace at 8pm. Entrance for the final night is free but it is highly recommended to book by calling on 21 333 444 since a high turnout is expected. The winner will be given the title of The Vodafone Upcoming Artist 2011 and 2 nights stay at the Music Suite, The Palace.