RTSH, the Albanian national broadcaster, has revealed the finalists of Festivali i Këngës 59. The eighteen artists that have qualified for the Grand Final on Wednesday evening are:
- Orgesa Zaimi – Valixhja e kujtimeve
- Festina Mejzini – Kush je ti dashuri
- Devis Xherahu – Peng
- Inis Neziri – Pendesë
- Florent Abrashi – Vajzë
- Sardi Strugaj – Kam me t’ba me kajt
- Gjergj Kaçinari – Më jep jetë
- Rosela Gjylbegu- Vashëzo
- Kastro Ziso – Vallja e jetës
- Wendi Mancaku -Vesi i shpirti tim
- Evi Reçi – Tjerr
- Xhesika Polo – Më mbron
- Anxhela Peristeri – Karma
- Era Rusi – Zjarri im
- Giliola Haveriku – E lirë
- Viktor Tahiraj – Nënë
- Kamela Islamaj – Kujtimet s’kanë formë
- Mirud – Nëse vdes
A jury picked 18 songs to advance to the final after all 25 artists performed over two nights. The second night of performances will be broadcast tonight at 21:00 CET and will feature acoustic versions of all 25 songs. This is to ensure fair promotion of all songs. The final will be broadcast tomorrow and will also be mainly pre-recorded, except for the jury voting and prize giving ceremony.
Festivali i Këngës 59 is being held in the patio of the National Archaeological Museum in Tirana and is hosted by Blendi Salaj and Jonida Vokshi. This is the first year that the festival is held outdoors, the first year not to feature an orchestra and the first year since 1989 that the contest is not being held in the Palace of Congresses.
Image Source: RTSH / Source: RTSH
Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest
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.
