Manjola Nallbani who is set to compete in Festivali i Këngës 59 has contracted COVID-19 and is currently isolating.
Manjola Nallbani who is due to compete in the Albanian selection process for Eurovision 2021 has confirmed on social media that she currently has COVID-19. The singer is currently self-isolating and as a result has been unable to attend the rehearsals ahead of the contest which will take place in just over two weeks time.
A spokesperson for the contest has confirmed that the singer is still due to compete in FiK explaining that:
Manjola Nallbani has not withdrawn from the competition. There is enough time, if she recovers eventually. Let us hope and wish that there will not be any health complications.
Twenty six acts are due to compete in Festivali i Këngës 59 which will be held between December 17 and 19. Blendi Salaj and Jonida Vokshi will be hosting the contest near the Italia Square in Tirana.
Image Source: YouTube / Source: Zeri
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.
