Albina & Familja Kelmendi have been selected to represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool with the song “Duje”.
The final night of Festivali i Këngës 61 took place tonight in the Palace of Congress in Tirana and was hosted by Arbana Osmani. A total of 21 songs competed; 16 established artists and five new artists, who were chosen from ten new artists during the second night of the festival.
The results of Festivali i Këngës 61 were determined by a jury vote, who awarded the following three prizes:
Overall Jury Prize
- Elsa Lila – “Evita”
- Albina dhe familja Kelmendi – “Duje” (Love it)
- 2 Farm – “Atomike” (Atomic)
Young Artists and Alternative Groups Prize
Erma Mici – “Kozmosi i dashurisë” (The cosmos of love)
Established Artists Prize
Rovena Dilo – “Motit” (Weather)
However, for the first time in history, the winner of the festival did not automatically receive the opportunity to compete at Eurovision. The Albanian representative for Eurovision 2023 was decided on by a public vote. The results of the public vote were as follows:
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- Enxhi Nasufi – “Burrë” (Man)
- Erma Mici – “Kozmosi i dashurisë” (The cosmos of love)
- Fabian Basha – “Një gotë” (A glass)
- Fifi – “Evita”
- Urban Band – “Në çdo hap” (At every step)
- 2 Farm – “Atomike” (Atomic)
- Rezarta Smaja – “N’Eden” (In Eden)
- Albina dhe familja Kelmendi – “Duje” (Love it) – 1st
- Serxhio Hajdini – “Vështirë” (Tough)
- Rovena Dilo – “Motit” (Weather)
- Melodajna Mancaku – “Gjysma e zemrës sime” (Half of my heart)
- Permit of Stay – “Fobia” (Phobias)
- Gjergj Kaçinari – “Dje” (Yesterday)
- Franc Koruni – “Në pritje” (Pending)
- Petrit Çarkaxhiu – “Emri yt mirësi” (Your name is good)
- Elsa Lila – “Evita”
- Gent Hoxha – “Ajër” (Air)
- Evi Reçi – “Ma kthe” (Give me back)
- Manjola Nallbani – “Dua” (Love)
- Lynx – “Nëse ke besim” (If you have faith)
- Alban & Lore – “Melodi” (Melody)
- Vanesa Sono – “Aroma jonë” (Our fragrence)
Image Source: EBU
Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest
Albania made its 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 has competed in the Eurovision Song Contest every single year since its debut. Since the success in their original attempt, they have reached 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.
