Mbrëmje e mirë, or, good evening Europe from Albania! The 57th edition of the country’s music competition and first national final of the season Festivali i Këngës 57 has now thrown its curtains and we have a winner: Jonida Maliqi was victorious at tonight’s Grand Final and will fly under the Albanian colours to Tel Aviv!
A total of 14 qualified artists performed tonight, but only one has now grabbed the chance to follow in Eugent Bushpepa’s footsteps and represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest in May. As with every year, the eventual result was determined by a jury panel consisting of music experts from the country.
Here is the running order of tonight’s event:
- Dilan Reka – Karma
- Gjergj Leka – Besoj
- Orgesa Zaimi – Hije
- Lidia Lufi – Rrëfehem
- Soni Malaj – Më e fortë
- Elton Deda – Qetësisht
- Eliza Hoxha – Peng
- Marko Strazimiri & Imbro – Leyla
- Jonida Maliqi – Ktheju tokës
- Bojken Lako – Jeto jetën
- Klinti Çollaku – Me jetë
- Eranda Libohova – 100 pyetje
- Alar Band – Dashuria nuk mjafton
- Artemisa Mithi & Febi Shkurti – Dua te besoj
The national broadcaster RTSH delivered an impressive show, full of music, dance and suprises, which annually takes place a little before the end of the year. Ana Golja and Viktor Zhusti hosted the shows, while Inva Muta served as the event’s director for the first time.
After all, “Ktheju tokes” becomes the very first fully revealed Eurovision 2019 entry. However, some minor revamps in the song are still possible, as usually happens after Festivali i Këngës.
Below you may watch the winning performance. Was it the best choice that Albania could have made, or do you have any other opinion?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG4VSyMD8kQ
