With December right around the corner, the search for Albania’s next Eurovision entrant comes ever closer, with the list of participants for Festivali i Këngës 62 now being revealed.
Who will participate?
The 31 acts that are hoping to win Albania’s most prestigious music award, and represent Albania at Eurovision are:
| Artist | Song |
| Anduel Kovaci | Nane’ |
| Andi Tanko | Herë pas here |
| Arsi Bako | Zgjohu |
| Besa Kokëdhima | Zemrën n’dorë |
| Besa Krasniqi | Esenciale |
| Big Basta & Vesa Luma | Mbinatyrale |
| Bledi Kaso | Çdo gjë mbaroi |
| Eldis Arnjeti | Një kujtim |
| Elsa Lila | Mars |
| Erina & The Elementals | Jetën n’Skaj |
| Festina Mejzini | Melos |
| Jasmina Hako | Ti |
| Jehona Ponari | Evol |
| Kastro Zizo | 2073 |
| Kejsi Tola | Vallëzoj me Dritën |
| Kleansa Susaj | Pikturë |
| Luan Durmishi | Përsëritja |
| Mal Retkoceri | Çmendur |
| Martina Serreqi | Vetëm ty |
| Melodajn Mancaku | Nuk jemi ne |
| Michela Paluca | Për veten |
| Olimpia Smajlaj | Asaj |
| Olsi Ballta | Unë |
| Samanta Karavello | N’majë |
| Santino De Bartolo | Dua të rri me ty |
| Sardi Struga | Boshatisur |
| Sergio Hajdini | Uragan |
| Shpat Deda | S’mund të fitoj pa ty |
| Stivi Ushe | Askush si ty |
| Tri Gjoci | Në ëndërr |
| Troy Band | Horizonti i ëndrrave |
Included in the names above is Kejsi Tola, who had previously won the contest in 2009 and represented Albania in Moscow with ‘Carry Me In Your Dreams‘. The song managed to qualify, and finish 17th with 48 points.
Having confirmed the dates of its next edition last week, we are one step closer to Festivali i Këngës 62, as well as finding out who will represent Albania at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.
What is Festivali i Këngës?
Similarly to Italy’s Sanremo, and Spain’s Benidorm Festival, the history of Festivali i Këngës predates that of its connection to Eurovision. The contest has decided every Albanian Eurovision entrant, and every song with the exception of 2015, when winner Elhaida opted to change her song for Vienna.
Albania’s Eurovision Journey
In 2004, Albania made their debut into the Eurovision Song Contest with Anjeza Shahini with “Image of You”, which placed 7th in the final. Since their debut, Albania has participated 19 times, and made the final 10 times, with their best result in 2012 where Rona Nishliu placed 5th with “Suus”. In 2023, Albina Kelmendi and her family represented Albania at the Contest in Liverpool with their song “Duje”.
Performing in the second semi-final, the six-piece group qualified for the final. At the close of the voting in the final, Albania finished in 22nd place with a total of 76 points. Of these, 16 points came from the juries, whilst 59 came from the televote.
Are you excited for the return of Festivali i Këngës in 2024? Who would you like to see represent Albania at Eurovision in 2024? Let us know in the comments or on social media. Be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik-Tok, Threads and Bluesky as we prepare for Eurovision 2024!
News Source: RTSH
Photo Credit: Corrine Cumming / EBU
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