Albanian broadcaster RTSH revealed the lineup for Festivali i Këngës 61. The competition’s line-up includes solo artists, groups, big names and newcomers. The artists and songs are:
- 2 Farm: Atomike (Atomic)
- Alban Kondi & Lorela Karoshi: Melodi (Melody)
- Albina Kelmendi: Duje (Love It)
- Anduel Kovaçi: Malli (Yearn)
- Arsi Bako: Sonte dua të jem me ty (Tonight with You)
- Melodajna Mancaku: Gjysma e zemrës sime (Half of My Heart)
- Elsa Lila: Evita (Evita)
- Enxhi Nasufi: Burrë (A Man)
- Erma Mici: Kozmosi i dashurisë (Love Cosmos)
- Evi Reçi: Ma kthe (Bring it Back)
- Fabian Basha: Një gotë (A Glass)
- Fifi: Stop (Stop)
- Franc Koruni: Në pritje (Awaiting)
- Genti Hoxha: Ajër (Air)
- Gjergj Kaçinari: Dje (Yesterday)
- Luna Causholli: Jetën ta fal (I give you my life)
- LYNX: Nëse ke besim (If you trust)
- Manjola Nallbani: Dua (Love)
- Permit of Stay: Fobia (Phobia)
- Petrit Çarkaxhiu: Emri yt mirësi (Your Name Goodness)
- Rezearta Smaja: N’Eden (In Eden)
- Rovena Dilo: Motit
- Sara Kapo: Para teje (In front of you)
- Serxhio Hajdini: Vështirë (Hard)
- Urban Band: Në çdo hap (In Every Step)
- Vanesa Sono: Aroma jonë (Our Scent)
RTSH has not yet revealed the date of Festivali i Këngës 61, though in 2021 the semi finals took place on December 27th and 28th, with the final taking place on December 29th. RTSH has announced changes to the format for the contest for this year, including new awards for: Young Artists, Alternative Group, and a career prize. The Jury will award 1-3rd place winners of the contest. In addition to Jury points, the contest will feature a public televote. The winner of the public televote will represent Albania in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
Last year’s winner of Festivali i Këngës was Ronela with the song “Sekret”. The song placed 12th out of 17 with 58 points in the first Semi Final, failing to qualify for the Grand Final.
What do #YOU think will win Festivali i Këngës 61? Share your thoughts with us in the comments, on our forum HERE or on social media!