In defence of I-Lo

One wonders what prompts someone to play down an up-and-coming rising star, incredibly now that she is standing out with unreserved local approval.

All this is so unbearably sad, considering that barely six weeks ago this local talent, backed by millions voting for her from all over Europe, outshone and outclassed tough international competition, charming everybody's pants off.

I thought the Weekender Ira Losco cover story by Saviour Testa rotten to say the least. Coming clean right from the start by admitting he never met the girl, Mr Testa must have come to his rushed conclusions by talking to friends of his. Certainly not Ira's.

One wonders about the point of pinning this gifted but absolutely unassuming local talent with the likes of celebrated entertainment global icons Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears.

Ira may have been utterly naïve in candidly speaking out about her dream to fame but one may find that in the end she is totally down to earth.

Even after many months basking in what must indeed be considered as the best ever local entertainment success story, you get the impression that winning for her is not about beating everyone else and finishing on top.

I do not think she considers her finishing second in the Eurovision a setback because her true potential is self-confidence and she never plays the blaming game, always appreciating the situation and responding in her own unique way. You see it all the time in Ira and the people love her for it.

Even after the heartbreaking result and the let down in the final two shameful Baltic votes in the Eurovision Song Contest she responded without inferiority.

I am sure she does not even envy winner Latvia. Not even after their cheekily wicked "sorry Ira" voting add-on.

But she responded best to the people who went to greet her at the airport and she is still living that immense and unforgettable embrace.

What I find unarguable in the whole write-up is that Ira needs an equally committed management team to back her up. Even if she has all it takes to get wherever she sets her mind on, Ira cannot reach her goal without the backing and support of people who care for her deserved success.

What she surely can do without in this highly particular and challenging backdrop is someone killing off her dreams. But if she never makes it in the Top of the Pops Chart Show (or thereabouts), her dazzling rise and rise is good enough reason for everyone to see Ira, live and enjoy her accomplishments and capabilities.

One cannot sideline such a sensation in a Sunday morning show and expect improvement. Even if we must, however, recognise and respect Tista' Tkun Int for letting us enjoy a song or two by Ira every Sunday.

Let us hope local television gurus acknowledge and appreciate Ira's attraction and the people's passionate pleas to see more and more of this outstanding winner.

All the approval must go to PBS for showing her recent Ta' Qali concert. Credit must go to all concerned for two hours of uninterrupted family entertainment with Ira's charm and all the other refreshing local talent.

Mr Testa just missed pinning Ira up with J-Lo. This he could have. She is our I-Lo.