Albania: RTSH releases the Fest 59 entries

by Sanjay (Sergio) Jiandani 1,533 views

RTSH, the Albanian national broadcaster has released the twenty six competing entries at the forthcoming edition of Festivali i Kenges.

Albania is gearing up in full steam for Eurovision 2021, with its national selection preparations in full swing in Tirana.

You can listen to all the Fest 59 competing entries here.

Fest 59 will consist of three show and is scheduled to be held between the 17-26 December in Tirana, the exact dates are yet to be determined and the schedule will depend on the weather conditions and the COVID 19  restrictions during that period.

All three shows will be held in an open air venue, namely next to the iconic Italia Square in the Albanian capital due to the COVID-19 restrictions in the country. Usually the competition is held at the Congress Palace in Tirana, but due to the pandemic RTSH has opted to hold the festival at an open air location.

The Albanian iconic song festival will be hosted by Blendi Salaj and Jonida Vokshi and will be directed by  Martin Leka.

A total of 26 acts will be battling for the golden ticket to Rotterdam.

FiK 59 Candidates

  • Devis Xherahu
  • Orgesa Zaimi
  • Festina Mejzini
  • Franc Koruni
  • Inis Neziri
  • Sardi Strugaj
  • Gjergj Kaçinari
  • Durim Morina (Mirudi)
  • Evi Reçi
  • Rosela Gjylbegu
  • Klevis Bega (Kastro Ziso)
  • Klinti Çollaku
  • Anxhela Peristeri
  • Wendi Mancaku
  • Fatos Shabani
  • Florent Abrashi
  • Enxhi Nasufi
  • Kamela Islamaj
  •  Era Rusi
  • Erikson Lloshi
  • Xhesika Polo
  • Manjola Nallbani
  •  Giliola Haveriku
  • Viktor Tahiraj
  • Agim Poshka
  •  Stefan Marena

Albania in Eurovision

Albania debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004 with Anjeza Shahini and is yet to win the competition. The country’s best result in the contest in the contest was achieved in 2012 when Rona Nishliu placed 5th in the Grand Final in Baku.

The Balkan country has participated in Europe’s favourite television show 16 times and has not missed a single contest since its debut in 2004.

Arilena Ara was set to represent Albania at the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam with her entry ‘Fall from the sky‘ but unfortunately was not able to grace the Eurovision stage due to the untimely cancellation of the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.