Until yesterday afternoon it wasn't certain yet if the 43rd edition of the Festivali i Kenges, since last year used to select the Albanian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, could take place. After a long meeting, directors of Albanian broadcaster TVSH and the organizers of the Festivali i Kenges solved the last disputes regarding the budget.
In the end, the Albanian broadcaster showed up with the money needed to let the festival take place. This year's budget of � 157.712 is almost the same as last year's budget. After the meeting Mr.Gezim Podgorica, director of the Festivali i Kenges told that he is glad with the return of experienced composers to the festival.
According to Podgorice, one of the reasons why they participate again is the voting, in which the public decides 50% of the votes and a jury the other 50%. “We will still have a jury, even after a lot of people complained about it,” he said to Albanian newspaper Panorama. “Aother reason why known singers and composers are coming back is that the winner of Albania will be participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2005.”
Mr.Gezim Podgorica and TVSH admitted they are behind schedule but added that they are currently working non-stop to turn the contest into a big show in which several special guests will be invited. On 16th, 17th and 18th December Albania will select a Eurovision Song Contest representative for the second time.
