Albania has selected their 2023 Junior Eurovision entrant through the annual selection process Junior Fest.
Prior to tonight’s show RTSH selected sixteen artists to compete in the selection, and have been preparing for their performances since their announcement on August 30th. The participants were chosen by a musical selection committee and then worked with young and established Albanian composers to write their entries.
The running order for the show was as follows:
- Amra Madani – “Rock Star”
- Franceska Kasa – “Perfekte jam”
- Elisa Skarra – “Një përqafim”
- Tea Metohu – “Smile”
- Rei Bardhollari -“Hasta manaña”
- Fiona Resuli – “Londroj me yjet”
- Viola Gjyzeli – “Bota ime”
- Irisa Haxhillari – “Melodinë e saj”
- Era Hasanaj – “Bisedë me një yll”
- Ea Zoga – “Lule n’zemer tuaj”
- Nikol Cabeli – “Vetëm unë”
- Anja Canaj – “E dua erën”
- Marianxhela Rodakaj – “Afrika”
- Keita Hitaj – “Eja”
- Ajshel Zykollari – “Pas endrrës time eja”
- Biorin Maxhaxhallaku & Keira Baku – “Violin apo kanarin”
The show also featured six guest performers: Arsi Bako, Ema Mici, Niki Zaimi, Luna Çausholli, Melodajan Mancuka, and Sardi Strugaj. Arsi Bako, Ema Mici, and Luna Çausholl were all participants in Festivali i Këngës #61, with Arsi and Luna being eliminated prior to the final night. Arsi also competed alongside Niki Zaimi and Sardi Strugaj in Kënga Magjike 2022.
After the conclusion of the show, it was revealed that Viola Gjyzeli had won, and would represent Albania in Nice, France for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Viola has competed in the last three editions of Junior Fest three times now, though she was disqualified in 2022 for unknown reasons.
This will be Albania’s ninth time competing in the contest since their debut in 2012. Last year’s representative Kejtlin Gjata finished in 12th place, their best placement since the 2015 contest where Mishela Rapo came in 5th.
What do #YOU think of Albania’s choice tonight? Let us know on our discord, on social media, or on our forum page!
