Tonight, the second semifinal of the Albanian Festivali i Këngës will take place. A total of 19 acts will compete for a place in the final, to be held on Christmas Day. Sixteen of them are assigned to the “established singers” category, while the other three are newcomers. Eight established singers and one newcomer will qualify for the final tonight.

The show

Albania will not be the first country to choose its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest this year, as Switzerland selected their song and singer nearly two weeks ago. The formula will be once again the prestigious and stylish Festivali i Këngës, a long-lasting tradition in the Adriatic country that is about to see its 49th edition. Albanian Christmas wouldn't be the same without the Festival, to be held this year over three nights – 23rd, 24th and 25th December. As usual, both established artists and newcomers battle for the honour of winning Festivali i Këngës and therefore representing their country in the Eurovision Song Contest.

How to watch

• Live on TVSH at 20:45 CET
• Via satellite. Parameters: Eutelsat W2, 16°E, 12656V 4883 1/2
• On a taped format on TVSH tomorrow at 00:45 and 05:00 CET

The line-up

Established singers

1. Adhurim Demiri – 24 orët
2. Besa Kokëdhima – E bukura dhe bisha
3. Emi Bogdo – Letër për ty
4. Denis Hasa – Mbi xhaketën time
5. Kujtim Prodani – Ti ishe kreyvepër
6. Goldi Halili – Në krahët e tua
7. Marjeta Billo – Përjetësi
8. Françesk Radi – Kemi dasëm’o
9. Aurela Gaçe – Kënga ime
10. Heldi Kraja – E diela pa ty
11. Sonila Mara – Egoist
12. Mateus Frroku – Dimër në shprit
13. Xhejsi Jorgaqi – Rastësi
14. Enkelejda Arifi – Një dashuri
15. Kejsi Tola – Pranë
16. Saimir Braho – Shtegëtar i jetës time

Newcomers

1. Albi Xhepa & Semi Jaupaj – Dritë
2. Bledi Polena – Të jemi të dy
3. Rudina Delia – Tek ti gjeta dashurinë