RTSH, the Albanian national broadcaster, has unveiled the exciting roster for Festivali i Këngës 62, a key event that plays a pivotal role in determining Albania’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024. This year, Festivali i Këngës will feature a robust competition with 31 entries, a significant increase from the initially announced 27 entries. These selections were made from a pool of over 80 entries.
This eclectic mix of participants promises a dynamic and varied music showcase at Festivali i Këngës 62. Some of the intriguing entries include “Esenciale” by Besa Krasniqi, “Jetën n’Skaj” by Erina & The Elementals, and “Vallëzoj me Dritën” by Kejsi Tola, who notably represented Albania at Eurovision in 2009 with “Carry Me in Your Dreams.”
The excitement continues as Festivali i Këngës 62 is scheduled to take place from December 19 to 22 at the prestigious Palace of Congresses in Tirana. During this event, the best performer and song will be chosen to represent Albania on the Eurovision stage in 2024.
Notably, in the previous edition of Festivali i Këngës, Elsa Lila emerged as the winner, but a separate public vote was employed to determine Albania’s Eurovision representative. With the promise of another thrilling competition, the anticipation for Festivali i Këngës 62 is building, and fans eagerly await the announcement of the next Albanian contender on the grand Eurovision stage.
In the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, Albania was represented by Albina & Familjia Kelmendi with the song “Duje.” They delivered a memorable performance, securing 9th place in the second semi-final with 83 points from the public and a notable 12 points from the Rest of the World. However, they finished in 22nd place with 76 points in the Grand Final. Albania’s Eurovision journey continues to captivate the hearts of fans and promises yet another remarkable chapter in the world of music and song.
The competing entries in Festivali i Këngës 62 are the following:
- Besa Krasniqi – “Esenciale” (Essential)
- Eldis Arnjeti – “Një kujtim” (A memory)
- Elsa Lila – “Mars”
- Erina & The Elementals – “Jetën n’Skaj” (Life on the edge)
- Jasmina Hako – “Ti” (You)
- Jehona Ponari – “Evol” (Evolve)
- Olimpia Smajlaj – “Asaj” (Her)
- Sergio Hajdini – “Uragan” (Hurricane)
- Shpat Deda – “S’mund të fitoj pa ty” (I can’t win without you)
- Tri Gjoci – “Në ëndërr” (In a dream)
- Martina Serreqi – “Vetëm ty” (Only you)
- Big Basta & Vesa Luma – “Mbinatyrale” (Supernatural)
- Festina Mejzini – “Melos”
- Mal Retkoceri – “Çmendur” (Crazy)
- Michela Paluca – “Për veten” (For myself)
- Santino De Bartolo – “Dua të rri me ty” (I want to stay with you)
- Stivi Ushe – “Askush si ty” (Nobody like you)
- Kleansa Susaj – “Pikturë” (Painting)
- Kejsi Tola – “Vallëzoj me Dritën” (I dance with the light)
- Kastro Zizo – “2073”
- Andi Tanko – “Herë pas here” (From time to time)
- Anduel Kovaci – “Nane’”
- Arsi Bako – “Zgjohu” (Wake up)
- Besa Kokëdhima – “Zemrën n’dorë” (Heart in hand)
- Bledi Kaso – “Çdo gjë mbaroi” (Everything is over)
- Melodajn Mancaku – “Nuk jemi ne” (It’s not us)
- Olsi Ballta – “Unë” (I)
- Troy Band – “Horizonti i ëndrrave” (The horizon of dreams)
- Samanta Karavello – “N’majë” (At the top)
- Luan Durmishi – “Përsëritja” (Repetition)
- Sardi Struga – “Boshatisur” (Empty)
Image Source: EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett | Source: RTSH
