Junior Eurovision in Nice is now less than a month away. In the lead-up to the start of rehearsals, we will get to know a bit more about this year’s artists, their discography, and their Junior Eurovision journey so far. Next up, we will preview Albania’s 2023 representative, Viola Gjyzeli.
Viola Gjyzeli’s Junior Eurovision Journey So Far…
Albania opted to select its Junior Eurovision 2023 representative via its National Final ‘Junior Fest’, where the jury selected Viola and her entry “Bota Ime” as the winning entry and the Albanian entry for Nice. Viola’s entry was written by Eriona Rushiti, who was the lyricist for Albania’s Eurovision 2019 and 2023 entries, both of which made the final of Eurovision.
What do we think of “Bota Ime”
The team at That Eurovision Site have reacted to Albania’s entry for Nice. Tim, gave his thoughts on “Bota Ime”, which you can check out here:
Who Is Viola Gjyzeli?
Viola was born in Italy to Albanian parents and started to show her love of performing at the Age of 7, when she competed in a children’s song contest in Durrës and ended up winning, and has since worked on her dream of becoming a professional singer.
Albania’s Junior Eurovision Journey
Albania first made its debut to Junior Eurovision in 2012, represented by Igzidora Gjeta, singing her song “Kam një këngë vetëm për ju”. Their first participation was not initially successful, as Albania finished 12th of 12, receiving 35 points. Albania then withdrew for two years, before returning in 2015, achieving their current best result to date. In 2015, Albania finished in fifth place with “Dambaje” by Mishela Rapo.
Albania’s most recent participation came in 2022, when the Balkan nation was represented by Kejtlin Gjata. Her song “Pakëz Diell” was performed in Yerevan, as part of the 20th edition of the Contest. At the close of voting, Kejtlin finished in 12th place in a field of 16. In total, Albania finished with 94 points, of which 43 points came from the online vote. The remaining 51 points came from professional juries.
What do think about “Bota Ime”? Are you excited for Albania’s participation at this year’s Junior Eurovision? Let us know in the comments or on social media! Be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we prepare for Junior Eurovision 2023!
News Source: JuniorEurovision.tv / That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: RTSH
