With preparations well under way for the 64th Festivali i Këngës, artistic director Elhaida Dani has opened up about what fans can expect this year, from how the songs were selected to the new voting system, theme, and show details.
28 songs selected from a record number of submissions
Speaking on Radio Tirana 1, Dani said that 28 songs had been chosen by a panel of five professionals:
“I’m not the one who selects the songs. Of course, I give my artistic vision for the Festival, but it’s the five jury members who make the choices,” she explained.
A total of 120 artists applied to take part, the highest number of submissions to date.
“It’s a record I’m very proud of,” Dani said. “Last year’s festival created such a buzz that it inspired many artists to experiment and believe in the Festival again.”
All 28 competing songs will be released ahead of the live shows in November, allowing audiences to get familiar with them before the Festival’s four nights at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, which will take place from 17-20 December.
A mix of established and new artists
This year’s line-up includes 18 established acts and 10 newcomers performing at Festivali i Këngës for the first time.
According to Dani, the goal is to balance well-known names with emerging talent.
“We want to give space not only to the big artists who have shaped Albanian music, but also to the new voices who represent its future.”
She added that some well-known artists are hesitant to compete:
“Big artists find it harder to take part, especially after last year’s result when Shkodra Elektronike, a less famous duo, won. Some fear that newcomers might overshadow them, but that’s not the case. The Festival doesn’t bring you down or lift you up, it’s about music and the audience’s love.”
Alongside the competition, the Festival will once again include several guest performances. Dani hinted that the team is working to secure another international name, following Slimane’s hugely popular appearance last year.
From “Rrënjët” to “Neo Albania Future”
Following last year’s Rrënjët (“Roots”) theme, this year’s Festival takes on “Neo Albania Future”, a look at the future of Albanian music while staying true to its roots.
“Shkodra Elektronike influenced many of this year’s entries. We’ll see a modern take on Albanian folk, that’s something I love and wanted to continue developing.”
New voting system and FiK app
Dani also outlined the new voting structure for this year’s competition:
- 50% jury vote
- 25% televote from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia
- 25% online vote from viewers around the world
To make international voting possible, RTSH has developed a new mobile app called “FiK – Festivali i Këngës.”
Through the app, users will be able to vote, follow the contest live, and watch with Albanian and English transcriptions, a feature designed to make the show more accessible for international fans.
“The voting process will be even more secure,” Dani said. “The app can be downloaded worldwide, letting everyone follow the Festival and feel connected.”
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”.
Shkodra Elektronike represented Albania in the 2025 Contest in Basel with “Zjerm”. The duo made it to the Grand Final, where they ultimately finished in 8th place with 218 points. 173 of these came from the televote, while the remaining 45 points came from the jury.
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News source: RTSH
Photo credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
Tetiana Viznytsia 
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