RTSH has confirmed that Festivali i Këngës 58 will not change, with the contest scheduled for the end of this month.
The Albanian national broadcaster has confirmed that Festivali i Këngës 58 will take place on December 19, 20 and 22. The confirmation comes after speculation in the Albanian media that the competition could be delayed until January, due to the earthquake that struck the country last month.
The twenty participants in the 58th edition of Festivali i Këngës are:
- Albërie Hadërgjonaj
- Aldo Bardhi
- Arilena Ara
- Bojken Lako
- Devis Xherahu
- Eli Fara & Stresi
- Elvana Gjata
- Era Rusi
- Gena
- Genc Tukiqi
- Kanita Suma
- Kamela Islamaj
- Kastro Zizo
- Olta Boka
- Renis Gjoka
- Robert Berisha
- Sara Bajraktari
- Tiri Gjoci
- Valon Shehu
- Wendi Mancaku
Jonida Maliqi represented Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019. She took the nation to the Grand Final for a second consecutive year. Performing “Ktheju tokës”, she finished 17th scoring a total of 90 points.
Source: RTSH
Albania made their debut at the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2004, the same year the televised semi final was originally introduced to the competition. Albania succeeded in their first showing with Anjeza Shahini’s “The Image of You”, sailing through the semi final in 4th place and eventually landing in a respectable 7th place at the grand final. Albania have competed in the Eurovision Song Contest every single year since their debut. Since the success in their original attempt, they have reach the grand final a further six times. They bettered their 2004 score in 2012 with Rona Nishliu’s song “Suus” who finished the contest in fifth place with 146 Points, their first time reaching the top 5 and their best placing to date.