Gianluca Bezzina facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gianluca Bezzina
Gianluca Bezzina during a Eurovision 2013 press conference
Background information
Born	(1989-11-09) 9 November 1989 (age 35) Qrendi, Malta
Genres	Pop
Occupation(s)	Doctor, Singer
Associated acts	Funk Initiative, L-Aħwa

Gianluca Bezzina, born on November 9, 1989, is a doctor and singer from Malta. He is well-known for representing Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 held in Malmö, Sweden.

About Gianluca Bezzina

Gianluca Bezzina was born in 1989 in Qrendi, Malta. He is one of seven children in his family. Many members of his family are also musical. His family even sang a song called "Tomorrow" on TV.

Family's Musical Roots

Gianluca's grandfather, Gaetano Buttigieg, was a famous singer in Malta. People knew him as Gaetano Kanta. He was one of the first to use the Maltese language in pop music. In the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, Gaetano wrote Maltese words for popular international songs.

Gianluca's Music Journey

Gianluca started learning music at a young age. He began playing the piano accordion when he was seven. At the same time, he also worked on his singing skills. He sang with the Malta Children's Choir.

Early Influences and Bands

His grandfather, Gaetano, always encouraged Gianluca to sing. Gianluca was also inspired by youth groups. He still attends these groups regularly. They often have musical activities and celebrations.

Gianluca was the lead singer for a band called Funk Initiative. They released three songs. These songs, like "The Liberators" and "Paris," were played on local radio. They even reached the top of the music charts in Malta.

Winning the Battle of the Bands

In June 2014, Funk Initiative won the Isle Of MTV Battle Of The Bands. This allowed them to open the Isle of MTV concert. The concert took place in Floriana in July 2014. Gianluca is one of three doctors in the band. The other members are engineers and an accounts teacher.

Gianluca as a TV Presenter

Gianluca has been working as a medical doctor since July 2012. He also presented the semi-finals and finals of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2014. He hosted the show with Ira Losco and Moira Delia. Gianluca and Ira Losco sang two songs together during the show.

A Tribute to His Grandfather

In March 2014, Gianluca performed in a special show. The show was a tribute to his grandfather, Gaetano. It marked ten years since his grandfather passed away. Gianluca and other family members sang 24 songs. All the songs were in Maltese. Many of them were popular international songs with new Maltese words. His grandfather, "Nannu" Gaetano, wrote all the Maltese lyrics.

Singing with His Siblings

In October 2014, Gianluca and four of his sisters formed a group. They called themselves "L-Aħwa," which means "the siblings" in Maltese. They entered the Maltese selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. Their song was called "Beautiful To Me." They made it to the semi-final.

Eurovision Song Contest 2013 Performance

Bezzina at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest

Gianluca won the Maltese national competition to represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. The contest was held in Malmö, Sweden. He sang the song "Tomorrow."

Unexpected Victory

Gianluca actually entered the contest just for fun. It was his first time participating. He was very surprised when he won the competition.

Eurovision Results

Gianluca took 4th place in the Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final. This happened on Thursday, May 16, 2013. He scored 118 points. This score allowed him to move on to the final.

In the final, Gianluca finished in 8th place. He earned a total score of 120 points. Malta received points from 22 out of 38 countries that voted.

Returning Home

When Gianluca returned to Malta on Sunday, May 19, 2013, he received a hero's welcome. Fans, family, and friends greeted him.

His song "Tomorrow" also made history. It was the first Maltese Eurovision song to enter the UK Singles Chart. It reached number 37 for one week.

Later Eurovision Attempts and Albums

In November 2014, Gianluca tried again to represent Malta in Eurovision. He was part of the group L-Aħwa. They sang "Beautiful to Me" in the Maltese national semi-final and final. The group included Dorothy, Samaria, Gianluca, Paul, Vincienne, and Francesca. They are all members of the Bezzina family.

In 2016, Gianluca released his album called Waiting for Tomorrow.

Recent TV Appearances

In 2022, Gianluca was a coach on the Maltese version of The Voice Kids. In 2023, he became a judge on X Factor Malta.

Gianluca's Views

Gianluca has shared his thoughts on how society's values are changing. He has expressed that he values traditional morals. He believes these values have been important for many years. Despite sharing his views, Gianluca has never been closely involved with any political party. He has also not shown interest in a career in politics.

Gianluca Bezzina's Music

Studio Albums & Singles

As a Solo Artist

• 2013: Waiting for Tomorrow - Count me In - Tomorrow - I'll Be There - Perfect - Light Me Up - High and Away - Picture - Happy Song - Walk on Blind - Perfectly In Tune
• 2023: Sabiha

With Funk Initiative

• 2015: Cartographers - Sunlight - Two Policecars and an Ambulance - The Furthest from Home That I've Ever been - Exclamation Marks - Idiots - Cartographers - Landmines - Old Bones - Vietnam - One more song Before I Go - Creatures of the Night

With Pilgrim & King

• 2015: Glorious EP - Glorious - King of Heaven - My Redemption - Fill My Life
• 2016: This is grace - Let Hope Arise - Abundant Love - Rain - Holy Spirit Song - Hands of Grace - Psalm 145 - Coming Home - King of Heaven - I praise you - I am with you

With The Tailors

• 2018: Something Happened
• 2019: Spacesuits
• 2021: Sailors
• 2021: Same Shoes, Different Day

With Mogadishu

• 2021: Just Enough
• 2022: Bonfire

Singles Chart Performance

See also

In Spanish: Gianluca Bezzina para niños