Alis

Early Life and Musical Education

Alis Kallaçi is an Albanian singer and songwriter. He originates from Shkodër in northern Albania. As a teenager he studied piano intensively and competed in various music contests. His dedication paid off when he won multiple awards in singing and piano competitions during his studies. These early achievements helped him build confidence. Alis also learned to play the guitar, which broadened his musical range and allowed him to experiment with different styles. By the age of 21, he had already made a name for himself in the Albanian music scene. This solid musical foundation set the stage for his successful career ahead.

Breakthrough with X-Factor Albania

In 2024, Alis Kallaçi achieved his breakthrough on the popular TV show X-Factor Albania. He auditioned for the fifth season of this singing competition and quickly became a standout contestant. Alis joined the team mentored by famous Albanian singer Arilena Ara during the show. With Arilena’s guidance, he refined his performances and grew more confident on stage. In April 2024, Alis was crowned the winner of X-Factor Albania Season 5, earning the most public votes in the finale. This victory launched him into national fame and opened many new opportunities. Winning the show at just 21 years old marked Alis as one of Albania’s most promising young talents and introduced him to a wide audience.

Early Releases and Collaborations

After his X-Factor win, Alis Kallaçi wasted no time in starting his recording career. In mid-2024, he released his debut single “Se të dua,” a duet with his X-Factor mentor Arilena Ara. Teaming up with a well-known Albanian singer helped Alis attract even more attention. The romantic pop song was well received by the public. It entered the Albanian Top 100 music chart. This successful collaboration confirmed Alis’s status as a rising star in the Albanian music industry. In 2025, Alis continued to grow his discography with new music. He experimented with contemporary pop and R&B sounds, showing his versatility as an artist. One notable release was the catchy single “S’ta kam than” in 2025, which climbed the local music charts and resonated with young listeners. 

Festivali i Këngës Debut in 2024

Building on his growing popularity, Alis Kallaçi entered Festivali i Këngës for the first time in late 2024. Festivali i Këngës is Albania’s biggest annual song festival. It is known for launching careers and selecting the country’s Eurovision entries. Alis competed in the 63rd edition of the festival with an emotional ballad titled “Mjegull” (meaning “Fog/Mist”). His performance in the festival’s live shows impressed both the jury and the audience. On 22 December 2024, Alis achieved an impressive third-place finish in the Festivali i Këngës 63 final. This strong result in his debut festival appearance further cemented his reputation as a serious artist. It also introduced him to a broader audience beyond pop music fans. It gained him respect in Albania’s traditional music circles and attention from Eurovision enthusiasts abroad.

Victory at Festivali i Këngës 2025

In 2025, Alis Kallaçi returned to Festivali i Këngës with even more experience and determination. He was selected to compete in the 64th edition of the festival with a powerful song titled “Nân” (meaning “Mother”). Throughout the competition, Alis delivered standout performances that demonstrated his vocal strength and heartfelt artistry. His growth as a performer was evident, and he had become one of the favorites to win.

The Grand Final took place on 20 December 2025. He won Festivali i Këngës 2025, securing first place in the final with his moving performance. This victory not only earned him a prestigious national title. It also gave him the honor of representing Albania on the international stage. As the festival’s winner, Alis is set to represent Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with his winning song. This recent triumph crowns Alis Kallaçi’s rapid rise in the Albanian music scene and marks the beginning of a new chapter where his talent will reach an even wider global audience.