Miss Universe Malta Heads to Mexico for the 73rd Miss Universe

Oct 29 2024

Malta’s Miss Universe 2024, Beatrice Njoya, has officially embarked on her journey to represent Malta at the 73rd Miss Universe competition in Mexico City, Mexico. Crowned last July on live television, Beatrice now steps onto the world stage, where she’ll spend three weeks involved in a packed schedule of interviews, photo shoots, fashion shows, and cultural activities leading up to the preliminary show on November 14. The Grand Finale, broadcast worldwide, will take place on November 16.

At 40, Beatrice stands out as the eldest contestant among the 130 participants this year, marking a record-breaking number of competing countries. She’s also among the 13 mothers joining the pageant, embracing the recent inclusivity reforms in Miss Universe that welcome participants without age restrictions and include mothers and married women.

A dedicated advocate, Beatrice uses her Miss Universe Malta platform to raise awareness on domestic violence and mental health. She also serves as an ambassador for a suicide prevention helpline, reflecting her commitment to meaningful causes.

Directed by Alan J. Darmanin, Miss Universe Malta wishes Beatrice an extraordinary experience as she represents Malta on one of the most celebrated stages in the world.

#MaltaDaily

Mużika Mużika 2025 Finalists Announced

Oct 29 2024

Festivals Malta has officially announced the 16 songs that will compete in the fifth edition of Mużika Mużika in March 2025. This year, unlike previous editions, all 16 songs will advance directly to the final night on Friday, without any preliminary eliminations.

After a thorough selection process from a wide range of submissions, 30 entries were shortlisted and performed live with backing tracks before a jury. Following careful deliberation, this was narrowed down to the final 16 in the presence of the Government Notary.

Frans Agius, CEO of Festivals Malta, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming festival, noting the high standard of submissions and the positive response from artists. He stated, “I’m eager to see these songs come to life on our magnificent stage in March, celebrating the fifth edition of this festival, which holds such cultural significance for our language. I am confident that, as every year, Mużika Mużika will be a success.”

The finalists are as follows:

Aħjar – Lisa Gauci (Composer: Philip Vella, Author: Emil Calleja Bayliss)
Festa – Hannah Theuma (Composers: Philippa Naudi & Bettina Muchmore, Authors: Philippa Naudi & Bettina Muchmore)
Fuq! – MARA (Composer: Philip Vella, Author: Joe Julian Farrugia)
Ġenna Fl-Art – Cliff Zammit Stevens (Composer: Philip Vella, Author: Joe Julian Farrugia)
Għadna Ngħoddu – Daniel Cauchi (Composer: Daniel Cauchi, Author: Michael Spagnol)
Għatxan – Marilyn Aquilina (Composer & Author: Marilyn Aquilina)
Ħsibijiet – Kapitlu Tlettax & Ema Vella (Composers: Joseph Mario Calleja, Liston Bongailas, Edward Magri, & Cyprian Cassar, Authors: Joseph Mario Calleja, Liston Bongailas & Emil Calleja Bayliss)
Int Kollox Għalija – Kersten Graham (Composer & Author: Kersten Graham)
L-Imħabba Verità – Jasmine Abela (Composer: Glen Vella, Author: Philip Vella)
Mill-Qalb – Gaia (Composers: Cyprian Cassar & Gaia Cauchi, Author: Emil Calleja Bayliss)
Perfett – Pamela Bezzina (Composer & Author: Pamela Bezzina)
Stajna Konna Aħna – Jamie Cardona (Composers: Jamie Cardona, Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur, & Shaun Farrugia, Authors: Jamie Cardona & Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur)
Stennieni Ġej – Janvil ft. Garison (Composer: Edward Abela, Author: Ian Vella)
Supereroj – Claudia Faniello (Composer: Glen Vella, Authors: Philip Vella & Claudia Faniello)
Tagħna t-Tnejn – Ryan Hili (Composer: Cyprian Cassar, Authors: Ryan Hili & Sarah Bonnici)
Tiegħek Jien – Brooke (Composers: Cyprian Cassar & Brooke Borg, Author: Emil Calleja Bayliss)

The festival will take place from March 27 to 29, 2025, celebrating Maltese music and culture.

#MaltaDaily

Rodri and Bonmati Crowned Ballon d’Or Champions in Historic Wins

Oct 29 2024

Rodri, Manchester City’s talented midfielder, has won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, making him the first Premier League player to achieve this honour since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. Rodri had an exceptional season, helping Manchester City secure the Premier League, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup titles. Despite recovering from a serious knee injury, he received his award on crutches, showing his dedication and hard work.

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Rodri beat Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who was expected to win, along with other top players like Jude Bellingham. Real Madrid’s team decided not to attend the ceremony in Paris after Vinicius didn’t win.

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On the women’s side, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or for the second year in a row. The Spanish playmaker led her team to big wins in Liga F, the Champions League, and the Nations League. She joins her teammate Alexia Putellas as one of only two women to win the award twice since it began in 2018.

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Emma Hayes, the former Chelsea Women’s coach, was named Women’s Coach of the Year for her achievements, while Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti won the men’s Johan Cruyff award for top manager.

#MaltaDaily

Lamine Yamal wins the Best Young Player award for 2024

Oct 29 2024

Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, recognising him as the world’s best male player under 21. The 17-year-old impressed with his 2023/24 season, becoming a regular in Barcelona’s first team. He scored five league goals and provided seven assists, appearing in nearly all games last season.

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Yamal has achieved many records, becoming the youngest player to score for Spain, the youngest scorer in La Liga, and now the youngest to win the Kopa Trophy. His standout performance at Euro 2024 included a memorable goal against France, as well as four assists, helping Spain win the tournament.

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At the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris, Spain celebrated multiple victories: Rodri won the main Ballon d’Or, and Aitana Bonmatí retained her Ballon d’Or Feminin title.

#MaltaDaily