Albania: Recap of Night 1 & 2 of Festivali i Këngës

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Albania is currently underway with their annual music festival, known as Festivali i Këngës. An annual Christmas tradition some might even say, which has been held since 1962, and this year it celebrates it’s 61st edition of the contest, and so far, we’ve halfway there.

Festivali i Këngës 2023 – Night 1 & 2

In a new twist this year, Albanian broadcaster (RTSH) decided NOT to reveal the songs ahead of the show this year, which could be a result of some “changes” that has been made for this year’s edition. Probably the great change of them all, would be that a public vote will be involved this year, and of pure speculation the broadcaster wished to give all participants the same chance of success.

Anyhow, over the first two nights of the festival, all 26 participants were given a chance to perform their song in front of the audience and viewers, with the acts being mixed in all together. Turns out that the are categories within these group of acts, but first, let’s see who are still participating and who no longer stand a chance of glory, in the big final on the 22nd of December 2022.

Participants of Night 1 (in order of performance):

1. Enxhi Nasufi – “Burrë“
2. Erma Mici – “Kozmosi i dashurisë“
3. Fabian Basha – “Një gotë“
4. Anduel Kovaçi – “Malli“
5. Fifi – “Stop“
6. Urban Band – “Në çdo hap“
7. 2 Farm – “Atomike“
8. Sara Kapo – “Para teje“
9. Rezarta Smaja – “N’Eden“
10. Albina & Familja Kelmendi – “Duje“
11. Sergio Hajdini – “Vështirë“
12. Luna Çausholli – “Jetën ta fal“
13. Rovena Dilo – “Motit“

Participants of Night 2 (in order of performance):

1. Melodajn Mancaku – “Gjysma e zemrës sime“
2. Permit of Stay – “Fobia“
3. Arsi Bako – “Sonte dua të jem me ty“
4. Gjergj Kaçinari – “Dje“
5. Franc Koruni – “Në pritje“
6. Petrit Çarkaxhiu – “Emri yt mirësi“
7. Elsa Lila – “Evita“
8. Gent Hoxha – “Ajër“
9. Evi Reçi – “Ma kthe“
10. Manjola Nallbani – “Dua“
11. Lynx – “Nëse ke besim“
12. Alban Kondi & Lore – “Melodi“
13. Vanesa Sono – “Aroma jonë“

As can be seen, some of the acts are either typed out normally, while others are marked in bold and the rest are crossed out, to explain to those that haven’t been following up with the lastest Festivali i Këngës news. Names that were marked in bold – 16 in total – are part of the “established” group, which are pre-qualified acts for the final, who got to perform with the other group of acts, which are known as the “New Artist” group – 10 in total – and among them only 5 would qualify to the final and compete for a separate title, while the remaining 5 that are crossed out, have been eliminated from the competition.

With that in mind, there are now 21 out of the original 26 acts, that still remain with hopes of representing Albania in Liverpool next year, and all of whom will perform in the final and fourth night. The Third night will be a celebration night, which will have the acts perform covers of songs from the festival’s long history.

Reminder! Maybe you want a say on our poll on who should win in Albania, then remember to vote here as well and then we’ll present the results right before the final.

Out of the remaining 21 songs, which one do #YOU prefer the most and which one do #YOU think Albania will pick for Liverpool?
Let’s hear from #YOU on our forum site right HERE, or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok and Discord.