Helen Micallef, Eurovision 1972 singer, dies aged 75
Micallef was one half of the duo Helen and Joseph, who sang L-imħabba in Edinburgh
Helen Micallef, the singer who represented Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1972 as part of the duo Helen and Joseph, has died at the age of 75.
Her daughter said she died on Thursday peacefully and surrounded by her loved ones.
Born in Birkirkara on 8 May 1950, Micallef was the fourth of eight siblings and the sister of fellow singer Renato, who later went on to represent Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1975.
In a social media post, her grandson Matt Vella described her as a "diva queen whose voice filled rooms with light".
She began singing from a young age, taking part in festivals as a child before joining the group The Links at just 14.
The group became a regular presence on Maltese television in the 1960s, appearing frequently on The Oscar Lucas Show.
Micallef later embarked on a solo career, winning several song competitions locally and internationally.
In 1972, Micallef took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in Edinburgh alongside Joe Cutajar after he won the Maltese national final with L-imħabba. Although Cutajar won as a solo artist, Micallef accompanied him on stage.
The duo performed in vibrant red polka-dot outfits and finished last with 48 points, their highest score coming from the United Kingdom. It was only the second time Malta had competed in the contest and Micallef was the first female entrant.
She had won the Malta Song Festival in 1968 and placed second a year later. After getting married, she stepped back from singing for a period to focus on her family.
She later returned to the stage for a number of special appearances. In 2021, she took part in the first edition of Mużika Mużika, performing during the duets night, and in 2022 she reunited with Cutajar to perform L-imħabba on the 50th anniversary of their Eurovision participation.
Joe Cutajar died in March 2024. Helen Micallef is survived by her three children and extended family.