And just like that the 2021 national final season has been launched as Albania’s RTSH reveals the 26 songs competing to represent the country in Rotterdam. Things with the contest are going to be interesting this year as official dates have still not been confirmed for the contest, and they will not be hosting the festival within the traditional venue – the Palace of Congresses. Due to COVID-19, RTSH has made plans to host the show outside near Tirana’s Italia Square due to the prevailing advice of organizations like the World Health Organization. This change would allow the festival to happen in a more open-air state and reduce risk for artists, crew, and potential audience members. It is still unknown if the festival will feature the traditional live orchestra at this time.
What RTSH has revealed is that the contest will take place sometime between December 17th and December 26th depending on the weather. While Albania does have a rather warm winter season – the elements such as wind and rain wait for no one. Fans of the Albanian national final will know it by the nickname FiKmas, as it has recently taken place in the days leading up to the Christmas holiday season. While the venue might have changed, it is certain that the production and gleam of the contest will still be present.
Below #YOU can listen to the 26 songs competing for a ticket to Eurovision.
- Agim Poshka – “Vendi im”
- Anxhela Peristeri – Karma
- Devis Xherahu – Peng
- Enxhi Nasufi – Njësoj
- Era Rusi – Zjarri im
- Erik Lloshi – Jo
- Evi Reçi – Tjerr
- Fatos Shabani – Ty
- Festina Mejzini – Kush je ti dashuri
- Florent Abrashi – Vajzë
- Franc Koruni – E morën botën
- Gigliola Haveriku – E lirë
- Gjergj Kaçinari – Më jep jetë
- Inis Neziri – Pendesë
- Kamela Islamaj – Kujtimet s’kanë formë
- Kastro Zizo – Vallja e jetës
- Klint Çollaku – Do t’ia dal
- Manjola Nallbani – Ora e jetës
- Mirud – Nëse vdes
- Orgesa Zaimi – Valixhja e kujtimeve
- Rosela Gjylbegu – Vashëzo
- Sardi Strugaj – Ka me t’ba me kajt
- Stefan Marena – Meteor
- Viktor Tahiraj – Nënë
- Wendi Mancaku – Vesi i shpirti tim
- Xhesika Polo – Më mbron
The entries are a good spread of rock, pop, and indie sounds with that unique Albanian twist to them – and many of them may end up on the playlists of Eurovision fans across the globe. Many artists will also be making their return to FiK such as Mirud, Inis Neziri, Wendi Mancaku, Xhesika Polo, Era Rusi, Orgesa Zaimi, Anxhela Peristeri, and others.
Many of these songs would require a revamp to go to Eurovision, as many entries average 3 minutes and 20 seconds in length. Florent Abrashi has the longest song in the contest at 4 minutes and 25 seconds, while Mirud’s pop entry comes in at the shortest length – a total of 2 minutes and 47 seconds. 6 of the 26 entries clock in under the 3 minute maximum set by the Eurovision rule book.
What do #YOU think of the Festivali i Këngës entries? Which ones stand out to you as potential winners? Let us know in the comments, on social media, or on our forums page!
