The Albanian broadcaster, RTSH released some days ago a preliminary participants list for Festivali i Kenges 49. The final list of the participants and the running order has been now confirmed, as well as the presenters and one of the guest singers.

Albania is the next country to choose their ambassador for the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest. In two weeks’ time, the winner of the Albanian national final, Festivali i Këngës, will be known. RTSH, the organizer of this event, has announced the final list after few replacementsand the running order draw for the show. It is quite remarkable that all the singers from Kosovo have withdrawn from the competition.

Semi-final 1 – December 23rd

Established singers
1. Selami Kolonja
2. Alban Skenderaj & Miriam Cani
3. Orges Toçe
4. Kamela Islami
5. Blerina Shalari
6. Ernis Cili (NRD band withdrew)
7. Dorian Nini
8. Etmond Mancaku
9. Ardita Tusha (Ernis Cili & Onata Sapihu withdrew)
10. Klajdi Musabelliu
11. Evans Rama (Linda Halimi withdrew)
12. Dorina Garuci
13. Hersiana Matmuja
14. Agim Poshka (Humus withdrew)
15. Marsida Saraçi
16. Entela Zhula

Newcomers
1. Ilir Kazaferri
2. Maria Prifti
3. Megi Laska

Semi-final2 – December 24th

Established singers
1. Adhurim Demiri
2. Besa Kokedhima
3. Emi Bogdo
4. Denis Hasa
5. Kujtim Prodani
6. Goldi Halili
7. Marjeta Billo
8. Françesk Radi
9. Aurela Gaçe
10. Heldi Kraja
11. Sonila Mara
12. Mateus Frroku
13. Xhejsi Jorgaqi
14. Enkelejda Arifi
15. Kejsi Tola
16. Saimir Braho

Newcomers
1. Albi Xhepa & Semi Jaupaj
2.Bledi Polena (Shpat Deda withdrew)
3. Rudina Delia

In each semi-final 16 songs from the established singers and 3 songs from the newcomers category will be presented. From each semi-final, 8 songs from established singers and 1 song from the newcomers category will qualify for the final.

The preparations for the live shows have already started. More specifically, from December 5 the singers begun with the rehearsals in the studio. This first phase will be closed on 19th of December. The stage rehearsals will take place from 20th of December till the first semi-final.

The show will be hosted by the trio:
Jonida Maliqi, hostess, singer and songwriter
Jozif Gjipali, opera singer
Mirela Naska, actress

Juliana Pasha, theAlbanian representative at the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest, has confirmed to Esctoday.com that she will be on the list of the special guests of 49th edition of Festivali i Këngës

The semi-finals will be held on December 23rd and 24th and the grand final will be the 25th of December. An expert jury from different fields will decide the winner.