Disclaimer: The video and written reaction below features the opinions and views of the reviewers and does not necessarily represent the views of That Eurovision Site as a whole!
As the songs competing for this year’s competition in Basel continue to be selected, the team at That Eurovision Site will react to the entries participating at Eurovision 2025. The next entry we will react to is Albania, which will be competing in this year’s competition with “Zjerm” by Shkodra Elektronike.
Our thoughts on “Zjerm”
In this series, we will provide our opinions via two methods. One of our team members will be reacting on video, which you can see below, whilst up to three members will give their written opinion on the entry. Molly will be on the main seat and will be showing her reaction to “Zjerm”
What did the other team members think of “Zjerm”?
Daniel: I can’t believe I didn’t get this at first listen. What a fool I was. The second I saw the live performance I knew it couldn’t be anybody else for Albania, because this is absolutely fantastic. Beatriçe’s vocals and energy are absolutely hypnotising and I had the rhythm of the song playing throughout my head all throughout FiKmas when I was trying to sleep. Providing that they don’t mess it up with an awful revamp that Albania are infamous for the likes of, this could easily be the best result for Albania for a long while.
Kittens: I was not a ‘Zjerm’ truther on first listen but it’s definitely got that impact! It was really good to see the reaction on the night (especially the final night) by the crowd, and I’m sure we’ll have that mirrored in Basel. I’ll echo Daniel’s calls here for no revamp or at least just a light touch on this one, because I think it has plenty of impact just on its own without needing much work. I’d love to see some upgrades to the staging though (bin the music stand drum machine table) and a bit more of a balance in the level of drama between the performers. But all very tweakable in the run up to Basel. Can’t wait to see what they do!
Angus: FiK is always an adventure, and I am ecstatic to see Albania send in a song that could only come from and rise to the top in such a contest. “Zjerm” is surprisingly experimental by Eurovision standards while also using some very traditional musical elements. Beatriçe has a great voice and knows how to use it, elevating the song further and making the performance into a true moment. While I understand the staging choice and why Kolë basically is just standing around, I do hope that we get some great graphics on the LEDs or inventive camera shots in Basel to help this song click for more people on first listen.
Listen to “Zjerm” on streaming platforms
You are able to listen to Albania’s Eurovision 2025 entry on the following streaming platforms:
Spotify
Apple Music
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 20 times, and made the final 10 times. They achieved their best result in 2012, where Rona Nishliu placed 5th with “Suus”.
Besa represented Albania in 2024 with the song “Titan”. “Titan” performed in the second semi-final, where it ultimately placed fifteenth out of sixteen, receiving 14 points from the televote.
What do you think of “Zjerm”? Are you excited to see what Shkodra Elektronike will do in Basel? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Tumblr, Threads and Bluesky as we gear up for Eurovision 2025!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: RTSH