đŸ‡ŠđŸ‡± Tonight is the night for Albania

Happy FiKmas, that is what Eurovision fans wish eachother at the end of December. FiK stands for Festivali i Këngës. And tonight, the final will be held. Just as last year, the expert jury will decide who wins Festivali i Këngës 2023. However, a televoting jury will pick the Eurovision participant.

The show starts at 21.00 CET and you can watch it here, here and on YouTube. These are the 22 participants, in alfabetical order:

Andi Tanko Hëre pas here
Anduel Kovaci Nan’
Arsi Bako Zgjohu
Besa KokĂ«dhima ZemrĂ«n n’dorĂ«
Besa Krasniqi Esenciale
Big Basta & Vesa Luma Mbinatyrale
Eldis Arrnjeti Një kujtim
Elsa Lila Mars
Erina & The Elementals JetĂ«n n’Skaj
Festina Mejzini Melos
Irma Lepuri MĂ« prit
Kastro Zizo 2073
Kleansa Susaj Pikturë
Mal Retkoceri Çmendur
Martina Serreqi Vetëm ty
Melodajn Mancaku Nuk jemi ne
Michela Paluca Për veten
Olimpia Smajlaj Asaj
PeterPan Quartet Edhe një hëre
Sergio Hajdini Uragan
Shpat Depa S’mund tĂ« fitoj pa ty
Tiri Gjoci Në ëndërr

Andi Tanko took part in the 2016 semifinal.
Arsi Bako took part in the 2023 semifinal.
Besa Kokëdhima
 already took part in 2009 (4th) and 2011 (8th).
Besa Krasniqi took part in 2016 (final).
Elsa Lila won Festivali i Këngës last year, but the choice of the televoters went to Eurovision.
Festina Mejzini was present in 2017 (semifinal), 2018 (final) and 2021 (3rd).
Kastro Zizo participated in 2020 (semifinal), 2021 (final) and 2022 (semifinal).
Melodajn Mancaku and Sergio Hajdini both reached the final in 2023.
Olimpia Smajlaj reached the final in 2022.
Tiri Gjoci participated in 2018 (final) and 2020 (final).
Vesa Luma took part in 2005 (final), 2008 (semifinal) and 2013 (15th).

Related news

Eurovision 2026

Road to Vienna: Denmark

Road to Vienna: Denmark As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Road to Vienna: Denmark SĂžren Torpegaard Lund: Danish Pop & Musical Star SĂžren Torpegaard Lund, born on 23 December 1998 in Gudme, Denmark, discovered his passion for performing at a young age. Drawn to musical theatre, he gained early acting experience in short films before pursuing formal training. From 2016 to 2019, he studied at Den Danske Scenekunstskole in Fredericia, earning a bachelor’s degree in musical performance. This foundation shaped his versatile career as both a singer and stage performer. Breakthrough in Music Lund gained national recognition in 2023 through Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with his ballad “Lige her.” Although he didn’t reach the final, his vocal performance stood out. He later released an English version, “In a Perfect World,” expanding his international reach. In the same year, Lund debuted as a songwriter with “Stor Kunst,” collaborating with Tim Schou. He continued building momentum in 2024 with tracks like “De ting, jeg hvisker” and “En dreng som mig,” the latter connected to the musical Matador. His debut EP Øjesten, released in October 2024, blends contemporary pop with theatrical storytelling. Theatre Career & Achievements Alongside his music career, Lund has established himself in Danish musical theatre. He has performed in major productions including Oliver!, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Kinky Boots, and Jersey Boys. A career highlight came in 2022 when he played Tony in West Side Story at the Copenhagen Opera House. His talent earned him the prestigious Reumert Talent Prize in 2021. Lund has also performed at major national events, including Denmark’s televised Christmas show and Queen Margrethe II’s 50-year jubilee concert. In addition to stage work, he has appeared in the TV series Sommerdahl. As an openly queer artist, he received a nomination for Artist of the Year at the Danish Rainbow Awards 2024. Eurovision 2026 Journey In 2026, Lund returned to Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with “FĂžr vi gĂ„r hjem,” an upbeat pop track he co-wrote. His dynamic performance secured victory, beating strong competition and earning him the chance to represent Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. Musical Style & Future Outlook SĂžren Torpegaard Lund’s music combines modern pop with theatrical influences, reflecting his stage background. With growing recognition in both music and theatre, he is quickly becoming one of Denmark’s most promising artists to watch on the international stage. FĂžr Vi GĂ„r Hjem: Love, Temptation & Late-Night Emotion “FĂžr Vi GĂ„r Hjem” explores the intensity of attraction and the struggle between emotion and self-control. The song follows someone who knows they should walk away, yet feels pulled back by a powerful connection. This push-and-pull creates a relatable narrative about love, temptation, and emotional conflict. Capturing the Nightlife Atmosphere Set against a vivid late-night backdrop, the track highlights the thrill of living in the moment. It focuses on passion, closeness, and the excitement of giving in to feelings—despite the awareness that regret may come later. This tension between pleasure and consequence drives the song’s emotional depth. A Relatable Modern Love Story With its mix of intimacy and realism, the song delivers a compelling message about connection and the fragile balance between excitement and reality—making it resonate strongly with today’s listeners. Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest Denmark has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 52 times since its debut in 1957. The country has won the contest three times: in 1963 with “Dansevise” by Grethe and JĂžrgen Ingmann, in 2000 with “Fly on the Wings of Love” by the Olsen Brothers, and in 2013 with “Only Teardrops” by Emmelie de Forest.  The Bookmakers Denmark is currently ranked 3rd by the bookmakers and 2nd in the semi-final odds — things are looking strong. SĂžren says he’s coming to win
 and who knows, he just might.        

Read More »
Eurovision 2026
Anja Kroeze

Road to Vienna: Denmark

Road to Vienna: Denmark As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Road to Vienna: Denmark SĂžren Torpegaard Lund: Danish Pop & Musical Star SĂžren Torpegaard Lund, born on 23 December 1998 in Gudme, Denmark, discovered his passion for performing at a young age. Drawn to musical theatre, he gained early acting experience in short films before pursuing formal training. From 2016 to 2019, he studied at Den Danske Scenekunstskole in Fredericia, earning a bachelor’s degree in musical performance. This foundation shaped his versatile career as both a singer and stage performer. Breakthrough in Music Lund gained national recognition in 2023 through Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with his ballad “Lige her.” Although he didn’t reach the final, his vocal performance stood out. He later released an English version, “In a Perfect World,” expanding his international reach. In the same year, Lund debuted as a songwriter with “Stor Kunst,” collaborating with Tim Schou. He continued building momentum in 2024 with tracks like “De ting, jeg hvisker” and “En dreng som mig,” the latter connected to the musical Matador. His debut EP Øjesten, released in October 2024, blends contemporary pop with theatrical storytelling. Theatre Career & Achievements Alongside his music career, Lund has established himself in Danish musical theatre. He has performed in major productions including Oliver!, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Kinky Boots, and Jersey Boys. A career highlight came in 2022 when he played Tony in West Side Story at the Copenhagen Opera House. His talent earned him the prestigious Reumert Talent Prize in 2021. Lund has also performed at major national events, including Denmark’s televised Christmas show and Queen Margrethe II’s 50-year jubilee concert. In addition to stage work, he has appeared in the TV series Sommerdahl. As an openly queer artist, he received a nomination for Artist of the Year at the Danish Rainbow Awards 2024. Eurovision 2026 Journey In 2026, Lund returned to Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with “FĂžr vi gĂ„r hjem,” an upbeat pop track he co-wrote. His dynamic performance secured victory, beating strong competition and earning him the chance to represent Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. Musical Style & Future Outlook SĂžren Torpegaard Lund’s music combines modern pop with theatrical influences, reflecting his stage background. With growing recognition in both music and theatre, he is quickly becoming one of Denmark’s most promising artists to watch on the international stage. FĂžr Vi GĂ„r Hjem: Love, Temptation & Late-Night Emotion “FĂžr Vi GĂ„r Hjem” explores the intensity of attraction and the struggle between emotion and self-control. The song follows someone who knows they should walk away, yet feels pulled back by a powerful connection. This push-and-pull creates a relatable narrative about love, temptation, and emotional conflict. Capturing the Nightlife Atmosphere Set against a vivid late-night backdrop, the track highlights the thrill of living in the moment. It focuses on passion, closeness, and the excitement of giving in to feelings—despite the awareness that regret may come later. This tension between pleasure and consequence drives the song’s emotional depth. A Relatable Modern Love Story With its mix of intimacy and realism, the song delivers a compelling message about connection and the fragile balance between excitement and reality—making it resonate strongly with today’s listeners. Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest Denmark has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 52 times since its debut in 1957. The country has won the contest three times: in 1963 with “Dansevise” by Grethe and JĂžrgen Ingmann, in 2000 with “Fly on the Wings of Love” by the Olsen Brothers, and in 2013 with “Only Teardrops” by Emmelie de Forest.  The Bookmakers Denmark is currently ranked 3rd by the bookmakers and 2nd in the semi-final odds — things are looking strong. SĂžren says he’s coming to win
 and who knows, he just might.        

Read More »
Follow Us: