PBS looking into possible breach of Eurovision rules by MESC song entry

PBS are currently looking into the possibility that an entry in this year's Malta Eurovision Song Contest has breached competition rules after claims that Aidan Cassar's entry 'Dai Laga' used a publically available production track that can be purchased online, PBS CEO Charles Dalli has told The Malta Independent.

The song, which is apparently an original composition from Aidan, appears to use the production sample titled '(Justin Bieber, Major lazer type) Come Alive Prod By Lttb' that can be bought on BeatStars.com for $30.

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https://www.beatstars.com/beat/justin-bieber-major-lazer-type-come-alive-prod-by-lttb-326373

This becomes particularly evident when hearing the song next to other artists who have used the sample, such as Odessa's 'Come Alive' and JRoa's 'Ulit Ulit'.

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Eurovision rules clearly stipulate that "the compositions (lyrics and music) must not have been commercially released before 1 September 2017." However, the original production was first released on YouTube on 14 August 2016 and uploaded to BeatStars on 18 September 2016.

While it may seem that the use of samples is strictly prohibited under competition rules, it appears that this could be allowed should the ESC Executive Supervisor authorise its eligibility.

The September 1 rule reads as follows:

"In case the composition has been made available to the public, for example, but not limited to, on online video platforms, social networks or (semi-) publicly accessible databanks, the Participating Broadcaster must inform the ESC Executive Supervisor, who shall have authority to evaluate whether the composition is eligible for participation in the Event.

"In particular, the ESC Executive Supervisor shall assess whether such disclosure prior to the Release Date is likely to give to the composition an advantage in the Event vis-à-vis the other compositions.

"The ESC Executive Supervisor shall authorise or deny participation of a composition which may have been available to the public as described above, subject to the prior approval of the Reference Group."

Dalli did not expressly reply to a question asking whether this had been the case with Aidan's entry.

The singer also has a second entry in this year's competition as a member of boy band Avenue Sky and their song 'We Can Run' which was composed by Jonas Gladnikoff, Matthew Ker, and Glen Vella.

The newsroom has attempted to contact Aidan for a comment but is yet to receive a reply.

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