Albania has selected their Eurovision Song Contest participant via ‘Festivali i Këngës’ – congratulations to Besa Kokëdhima.
Festivali i Këngës has entertained viewers over four evenings of competition, awarding several prizes, including one for the overall best song, which was voted on by a jury and won by Mal Retkoceri with Çmendur, however, the Eurovision Song Contest participant is decided by a televote.
Besa Kokëdhima won the televote with her song Zemrën N’dorë and will head to Malmö for Albania.
Overall, Shpat Deda finished third in the jury vote with S’mund Të Fitoj Pa Ty, while Tiri Gjoci placed as runner-up with Në Ëndërr, and on an evening packed with prizes, Peter Pan Quartet won the best newcomer prize with their song Edhe Një Nerë, and the Critic’s Choice award was given to Martina Serreqi for Vetëm Ty.
It’s expected that Besa will take Zemrën N’dorë to Eurovision 2024, though revamps cannot be ruled out, and we expect a final confirmation in 2024.
Last year, the show’s overall winner was picked by the Festivali i Këngës juries – that was Elsa Lila with her song Evita – however, the act winning the chance to represent Albania at Eurovision had to win the public vote, and so Albina & Familja Kelmendi won the ticket to Liverpool with their song Duje.
Festivali i Këngës is one of Europe’s longest running competitions and broadcasts – having started life on Albanian radio in 1962 it has evolved over its 62 years into one of Radio Televizioni Shqiptar’s most innovative and prestigious shows.
Festivali i Këngës (affectionately known by fans as ‘FiKmas’ thanks to its traditional broadcast slot coinciding with the holiday season) saw 31 acts compete.
The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö, Sweden on Tuesday 7 May (First Semi-Final), Thursday 9 May (Second Semi-Final) and Saturday 11 May (Grand Final) 2024.
Listen to all 37 songs from Liverpool 2023 via your favourite streaming services, and watch the official music videos on our YouTube channel:
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James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
