The dates for the 60th edition of Festivali i Këngës, Albania’s national selection for Eurovision, have been revealed.
An end to FiKmas
Per tradition, Festivali i Këngës is takes place in December. Typically, the selection is the first major national final in the Eurovision calendar – with other countries following suit.
In addition, the final is usually held in the run-up to Christmas, leading many fans to call the selection “FiKmas”, to signal the beginning of the national final season.
However, Albanian public broadcaster RTSH announced a break in this tradition for 2022. For this edition, the festival will begin two days after Christmas on December 27th. The show will then be held for two further days, with the winner being determined on December 29th.
RTSH has not announced any other official information regarding Festivali i Këngës 2022. Competing artists, songs, hosts and interval acts have yet to be formally revealed.
However, there has been speculation over the artists supposedly competing in the upcoming edition – including Arilena Ara, who was meant to represent Albania at the 2020 Contest. Other names include MIRUD, who appeared at the festival twice before; as well as Ronela Hajati – a successful popstar in Albania.
Albania’s history in Eurovision
Despite Albania only making their debut in the Contest in 2004, the Balkan nation has had varied success. Debuting with a 7th place finish with Anjeza Shahini’s “The Image of You”, Albania has qualified for the final 10 of 17 times. Their best result came in 2012, with Rona Nishliu giving Albania its first Top 5 position with “Suus”.
In 2021, Anxhela Peristeri represented Albania in Rotterdam with her song “Karma”. Qualifying for the final in 10th place, Peristeri finished in 21st place. In total, Albania managed to receive 57 points combined from both the jury and the televote.
Are you going to be watching Festivali i Këngës this year? Who would you like to see in the competition? Do you think Albania could have a chance at winning in Turin? As always, please let us know what you think by commenting below. Be sure to follow ‘THAT Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
News Source: RTSH
Photo Credit: EBU / Thomas Hanses
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