Malmö Messages: party animals, tradition and strong women

Malmö Messages: Tonight's participants

Croatia: For a long time, Croatia was the number one with “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” according to the bookmakers. Now he’s in second place. The story is known: the song tells about young people leaving Croatia to find their fortune elsewhere. This is depicted by someone walking with a suitcase. The whole group wears traditional clothing. Baby Lasagna has not been praised for his singing talent so far, but that doesn’t seem to harm him. Split or Zagreb next year?

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Iceland: The friendly Hera Björk, who kindly spoke to us a few days ago, is back. With flair and enthusiasm, and without us having to worry about her vocals, she stands on stage. However, we do have a concern: the song. It doesn’t seem to make much of an impact yet. While Hera easily made it to the final in 2010, the odds currently give her a 29th place. The final seems far away.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

Slovenia: Many bodies around the Slovenian Raiven as she sings her Veronika. The dancers, all in bodysuits and with a lot of nudity, portray the story of this strong woman with her. Vocally, everything is well. But whether the beautiful but sad story of Veronika will be understood? We hope so! With a 19th place, the bookmakers are positive for now.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Finland: What Käärijä can do, Windows95man must have thought he could do too. We have our doubts about thát, but what he and his companion Henri Piispanen definitely succeed in is throwing a party. With the blurred Windows95 logo, the underwear, and the way too short 1970s jeans, the entry stands out. “No rules,” sings the man who follows the rules perfectly.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Moldova: We don’t understand it. Why wasn’t Natalia Barbu, who sings her “In the Middle,” allowed to bring all her look-alikes from the national final? Now she has added everything: butterflies, blossoms, wings, a violin… but she stands there alone. In 2007, she had to pay for her trip if she didn’t make it to the final. She did make it, but hopefully, she doesn’t have such a deal with the Moldovan broadcaster again. The bookmakers have her at 36th place.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

Related news

Eurovision 2026

Road to Vienna: Albania

Road to Vienna: Albania As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Road to Vienna: Albania Alis Kallaçi: Rising Albanian Pop Star Alis Kallaçi was born in Shkodër, Albania, where he developed a passion for music at a young age. He trained in piano as a teenager, won several competitions, and later learned guitar. These early achievements shaped his versatile sound and strong musical foundation. Breakthrough on X-Factor Albania His big breakthrough came in 2024 when he won X Factor Albania Season 5. Mentored by Arilena Ara, he impressed audiences with his vocal ability and stage presence, gaining national recognition at just 21. Early Music and Growing Success Following his win, Alis released his debut single “Se të dua” with Arilena Ara, which charted in Albania. In 2025, he continued building his career with pop and R&B tracks like “S’ta kam than,” proving his versatility and appeal to younger audiences. Festivali i Këngës Journey Alis debuted at Festivali i Këngës in 2024 with “Mjegull,” finishing third. This strong result boosted his reputation and expanded his fanbase beyond mainstream pop. Winning Festivali i Këngës 2025 & Eurovision 2026 In 2025, he returned to win Festivali i Këngës with “Nân,” securing his place as one of Albania’s top artists. This victory earned him the opportunity to represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, marking a major milestone in his rapidly rising career. A Star on the Rise With strong vocals, emotional performances, and growing international attention, Alis Kallaçi is quickly becoming a key name in the Albanian and European music scene. Nân: A Powerful Story of Motherhood and Letting Go Nân is a deeply emotional song that explores motherhood, separation, and unconditional love. Told from a mother’s perspective, it captures the pain and pride of watching children leave home to build their future. From Warmth to Silence: A Story Through Atmosphere The song paints a vivid picture of a once lively home धीरे turning quiet and empty. Through subtle details and fading sounds, it highlights the passage of time and the emotional weight of absence, creating a strong sense of nostalgia. Honest Emotions and Universal Themes What makes “Nân” stand out is its emotional honesty. There is no bitterness—only love, patience, and quiet strength. It reflects the universal experience of parents learning to let go, while holding on to memories. A Song That Connects With Everyone With themes of family, sacrifice, and human connection, “Nân” resonates across generations. Its storytelling quality makes it ideal for musical theatre and emotional performances, reaching listeners on a deeply personal level. Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest Since debuting in 2004, Albania has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 21 times. The country’s best result came in 2012 when Rona Nishliu‘s “Suus” achieved fifth place in the Grand Final. Over the years, Albania has showcased a variety of musical styles and continues to be recognized for its passionate performances and distinctive entries. ​Often, their entries reach the final of the contest. The Bookmakers Albania may sit 26th for now, but the real story will begin when rehearsals start.

Read More »
Eurovision 2026
Anja Kroeze

Road to Vienna: Albania

Road to Vienna: Albania As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Road to Vienna: Albania Alis Kallaçi: Rising Albanian Pop Star Alis Kallaçi was born in Shkodër, Albania, where he developed a passion for music at a young age. He trained in piano as a teenager, won several competitions, and later learned guitar. These early achievements shaped his versatile sound and strong musical foundation. Breakthrough on X-Factor Albania His big breakthrough came in 2024 when he won X Factor Albania Season 5. Mentored by Arilena Ara, he impressed audiences with his vocal ability and stage presence, gaining national recognition at just 21. Early Music and Growing Success Following his win, Alis released his debut single “Se të dua” with Arilena Ara, which charted in Albania. In 2025, he continued building his career with pop and R&B tracks like “S’ta kam than,” proving his versatility and appeal to younger audiences. Festivali i Këngës Journey Alis debuted at Festivali i Këngës in 2024 with “Mjegull,” finishing third. This strong result boosted his reputation and expanded his fanbase beyond mainstream pop. Winning Festivali i Këngës 2025 & Eurovision 2026 In 2025, he returned to win Festivali i Këngës with “Nân,” securing his place as one of Albania’s top artists. This victory earned him the opportunity to represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, marking a major milestone in his rapidly rising career. A Star on the Rise With strong vocals, emotional performances, and growing international attention, Alis Kallaçi is quickly becoming a key name in the Albanian and European music scene. Nân: A Powerful Story of Motherhood and Letting Go Nân is a deeply emotional song that explores motherhood, separation, and unconditional love. Told from a mother’s perspective, it captures the pain and pride of watching children leave home to build their future. From Warmth to Silence: A Story Through Atmosphere The song paints a vivid picture of a once lively home धीरे turning quiet and empty. Through subtle details and fading sounds, it highlights the passage of time and the emotional weight of absence, creating a strong sense of nostalgia. Honest Emotions and Universal Themes What makes “Nân” stand out is its emotional honesty. There is no bitterness—only love, patience, and quiet strength. It reflects the universal experience of parents learning to let go, while holding on to memories. A Song That Connects With Everyone With themes of family, sacrifice, and human connection, “Nân” resonates across generations. Its storytelling quality makes it ideal for musical theatre and emotional performances, reaching listeners on a deeply personal level. Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest Since debuting in 2004, Albania has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 21 times. The country’s best result came in 2012 when Rona Nishliu‘s “Suus” achieved fifth place in the Grand Final. Over the years, Albania has showcased a variety of musical styles and continues to be recognized for its passionate performances and distinctive entries. ​Often, their entries reach the final of the contest. The Bookmakers Albania may sit 26th for now, but the real story will begin when rehearsals start.

Read More »
Follow Us: