Tonight, on TVM’s evening program “Xarabank”, the top 24 songs for the Maltese Preselection were announced.  Similar to last year, these songs will go up against each other on February 3, to be winnowed down to an exclusive list of 16 Finalists.  We should know the eventual Maltese representative on February 4th.  After much ado, the semifinalists are (after the jump):

Answer with your Eyes – Amber

Still Waiting – Anna Azzopardi

Whoop it Up! – Annalise Ellul

Pure – Claudia Faniello

Mystifying Eyes – Corazon Mizzi

7 Days – Danica Muscat

You Make Me Go, Uh Uh – Deborah C featuring Leila James

Autobiography – Dorothy Bezzina

I Want to Run Away – Eleanor Cassar

I Will Fight for You (Papa’s Song) – Fabrizio Faniello

Take Me Far – Francesca Borg

Petals on a Rose – Gianni Zammit

Walk on Water – Isabelle Zammit

While Her Eyes Still Glow – Janice Mangion

You are my Life – Janvil

Dance Romance – Jessica Muscat

First Time – Kaya

No Way Back – Klinsmann

This is the Night – Kurt Calleja

In Your Eyes – Lawrence Gray

Can’t Get Away – Nadine Bartolo

Look at Me Now – Richard Edwards

DNA – Romina Mamo

Time – Wayne Micallef

Many of these names are familiar to Eurofans; it seems that most have competed in past Maltese National Finals.  Claudia Faniello is the younger sister of Fabrizio, who has represented the island nation twice before at Eurovision (2001 and 2006).  Richard Edwards was last year’s runner-up in Malta Eurosong (and is the brother of Wayne Micallef).  A few notable names have been specifically excluded from the list, however.  Due to network restrictions, recent Eurovision performers Olivia Lewis, Morena, Chiara, Thea Garrett and Glen Vella will not be able to participate.

Who do you think will take the Maltese flag to Baku?  A familiar name, or a new face?  Let us know in the comments!