Albania Archives - Eurovision Universe

Malmö Messages: outfit changes and odds changes

We are once again following the rehearsals. The countries performing in the second semi-final are now rehearsing again, but not all of them. Because at the end of the afternoon and the beginning of the evening, we will see and hear the big 5 and Sweden. Malta: We talked about a swimsuit in Sarah Bonnici’s previous rehearsal. She still sings her song ‘Loop’ in a swimsuit, but now she has covered her arms and upper legs with silver. She hardly touches the ground, as she is continually lifted. There is hardly any betting on Malta: the island ranks last in the odds. Albania: Besa is wearing a very different outfit than in the previous rehearsal: a dark suit adorned with gemstones. They seem to reflect the colors of the rainbow. Three dancers flank her, along with two backing vocalists! Albania still presents some live music, apart from the singer. It does little to help Albania. Titan is given a 31st place in the odds. Greece: Marina Satti is one of the bigger names in Greece. Dance also predominates here, as far as we can assess. We can trust in it that Marina Satti can put on a dazzling show. Greece seems to be becoming a sub-top contender with an 8th place from the bookmakers, but maybe there’s even more in store for Marina & co. Switzerland: Nemo has lost their first place in the bookmakers’ rankings today. Their singing talent could not be the reason, as was evident during Eurovision in Concert in April, when we heard ‘The Code’ live. In the new photos, Nemo is still wearing the feather suit and performing their balancing acts on the revolving platform. There are also new photos where Nemo is wearing exactly the same suit that Céline Dion wore when she won Eurovision. Czech Republic: The Czech song deals with a pedestal, but here in Malmö she is not standing on one. However, we see a lot of flames around Aiko. That’s a good thing, because both she and her dancers are dressed entirely in black. And this while the act is about the very last stage of grief: acceptance. Currently, the Czech Republic shares a 31st place with Albania among the bookmakers.

Malmö messages: a bunch of dancers and a singer dressed in fur

Today, the favorite Switzerland takes the stage. Will Nemo live up to their role? We will see. For Malta, Sarah Bonnici will perform. She will sing “Loop” while incorporating dance moves she showcased during the national final. Sarah wears a silver swimsuit, and four dancers lift, place, and dance around her. The graphics display various colors. The dance break has been changed somewhat (so there is one!) and the act naturally ends with fireworks. photo: EBU/Sarah-Louise Bennett Albania is represented by Besa, who sings “Titan” in English. She is accompanied by two backing vocalists and three dancers. More dancers are visible on the LED screens. Besa wears a blue bodysuit with white sleeves. The lighting alternates between red and blue. photo: EBU/Corinne Cumming Marina Satti will sing “Zari” for Greece. She wears a purple skirt and black boots, accompanied by four dancers in the act. During the act, she will showcase some street dance. The dancers, three men and one woman, somewhat resemble Marina’s personal gang. There are many close-ups according to eurovision.tv. They also report that the act is based on the same idea as the music video. photo: EBU/Sarah-Louise Bennett The favorite in the betting odds is Nemo, who sings “The Code” for Switzerland. According to eurovision.tv, Nemo doesn’t disappoint in their act. However, we decide for ourselves whether we are disappointed or not. So far, we have no reason to be. Nemo wears fur, though we’re unsure if it’s real or fake. It’s pink and white, and even their boots match. Nemo stands on a platform with a diameter of about two to three meters, which moves. This allows them to climb on it, jump off, and dance on it. photo: EBU/Corinne Cumming in collaboration with Eurovision Artists

🇦🇱 Road to Malmö: Albania

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Albania. Besa Besa Kokëdhima, known as Besa, is a famous singer from Albania. She was born on May 29, 1986, in Fier, Albania. When she was 15, she moved to the UK to study. Her music career started in 2003 with her first song, “Më Beso,” which won an award. She released her first album in 2006 with songs made with famous Albanian musicians. Besa has done really well in music contests. She won an R&B award for her song “Lëshoje Hapin.” She tried to get into Eurovision with “Nothin’ Gonna Change” and won an award for Best Female Singer in 2010 with “Kalorësi i Natës.” She’s also known for songs like “Fishekzjarre” and “Burning.” Besides singing, Besa judged on The Voice of Albania and released albums that got great reviews. In 2022, she sang “En Equilibre” in French. Recently, she was chosen to represent Albania in Eurovision 2024 with “Zemrën n’dorë” after winning the televote. Festivali i Këngës Festivali i Këngës is a prestigious music competition held annually in Albania, beginning in 1962. It’s famous for showcasing new talents and original songs across various genres, becoming a cornerstone of Albanian culture. Over the years, it has evolved but always remains true to celebrating Albanian music and creativity. This festival also serves as Albania’s method for selecting its Eurovision Song Contest entry since 2004, adding an international dimension to its significance. Winners gain not only national fame but also the chance to represent Albania on the Eurovision stage, making it a highly anticipated event in the country’s musical calendar. Since last year, a jury decides the winner, televote decides who will represent Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest. Besa won the televote this year with the song “Zemrën n’dorë”, which is now translated into English, titled “Titan”. Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest The first ever Albanian eurovision song was “The image of you” by Anjeza Shahini in 2004. “Titan” will be the 20th Albanian Eurovision song. Over the years, Albania has reached the Grand Final in many occasions. However, only one time the Albanians managed to reach the top-5: that was in 2012 with Rona Nishliu and her song “Suus”; she reached the 5th place. The Bookmakers Currently, Albania is 32nd in the betting odds to win the contest. However, the experience is that Albania reaches the final quite easily, so there is serious hope for Besa. The song And this is the song:

🇦🇱 🇮🇱 🇨🇭 Update on what happens in and around Europe

Albania has chosen, Israel continues and Switzerland teases. That is what happens in Europe on the field of Eurovision. Albania Albania has chosen. Not Mal Retkonceri, who won Festivali i Këngës goes to Eurovision. The favourite of the televote, Besa Kokëdhima, will do so. It is not known whether her song “Zemrën n’dorë” will be in Eurovision in the way it was presented last week. We will keep you updated. Note that you can find her biography, and all the others of the chosen artists so far, can be found on our website. Israel Israel continues to have auditions. Still, when a candidate gets 70% of the votes (50% of the audience, 50% of an expert jury) they are through to the next round. 17 december Noah Aharon, 94%Zohar Zacharov, 81%Or Giny, 55%Libi Natfali, 82% 18 december Mika Kertis, 87%Israel Levi, 70%Frida Uziel, 57%Eitan Jomo, 90%Romi Netz, 78% Note that Frida Uziel also took part in 2019. She was rejected, but saved by the hosts. This time, a saviour by the hosts is not possible. Frida didn’t make it to the next round 20 december Or Cohen, 83%Gal Kafri, 86%Shoval Mualem, 62%Tahel Perry, 79%Tamar Ben-Zvi, 77% Switzerland Swiss TV announced that they will not be represented by a man with a ballad. Still, everything is possible. A man, with an uptempo song? A woman, with a ballad? Or a woman, but uptempo? Or a group? We don’t know yet, but thanks for the teaser Switzerland!

Besa

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts NameBesa Kokëdhima Born29 May 1987 Nationality🇦🇱 Albanian National SelectionFestivali i Këngës 2024Festivali i Këngës 2011Selecţia Naţională 2009Festivali i Këngës 2009 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongTitan (2024) Biography Besa Kokëdhima is an Albanian singer. She was born 29 May 1986 and known simply as Besa, is a renowned Albanian vocalist. Born into an Albanian family in Fier, Albania, Besa moved to the United Kingdom at 15 for her education. Her musical journey began in 2003 with her debut track “Më Beso,” a collaboration with Florian Mumajesi and Albanian group Produkt 28, earning her the Mikrofoni I Artë award. In 2006, she released her self-titled debut album, a result of collaborations with notable figures in the Albanian music industry. Besa’s musical career includes victories and notable participations in various contests. She won the R&B category at “Notafest” for her single “Lëshoje Hapin.” In december 2008, she participated in Festivali i Këngës. She reached the semi-finals of Romania’s Selecţia Naţională for the Eurovision Song Contest with “Nothin’ Gonna Change.” She was honored as the Best Female Singer at Top Fest 2010 with her single “Kalorësi i Natës.” In December 2010 she participated again in Festivali i Këngës. Besa has released several successful singles, including “Fishekzjarre,” “Burning,” and “Zemrën Dot Nuk ta Lexoj.” In addition to her music, Besa has served as a judge on The Voice of Albania and released two acclaimed albums, “Besa për Festat” and “Ti Je Festa Ime,” featuring collaborations with the National Orchestra. Her French ballad “En Equilibre” marked her entry into the French music scene in 2022. Her selection for Festivali i Këngës 62 with “Zemrën n’dorë” and her subsequent televoting victory to represent Albania in Eurovision 2024 are recent highlights of her career. For the Eurovision Song Contest, Besa changed the song into English language, now entitled “Titan”. Unfortunately, Besa did not manage to make it to the final. Entries Titan Country🇦🇱 Albania Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsGia Koka MusicBesa KokëdhimaKledi BahitiFabrice ‘Alias LJ.’ Grandjean BackingsKevonSofia Mountassir DancersRiina HarjuSofia RuijaYasmin Janatuinen Results Semi Points: 14Position: 15Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/aQG22XJIdWw?si=wxdieI4JethPQPMZ

🇦🇱 Besa Kokëdhima represents Albania

Besa Kokhëdima represents Albania with the song “Zemrën n’dorë “. The song was chosen by televoting out of all the participating songs from Festivali i Këngës, the national song contest in Albania. Besa wrote the song together with Kledi Bahiti and Rozana Radi. The winner of the contest itself was Mal Retkoceri. These are, as far as we know, the results of the contest: Mal Retkoceri, “Çmendur” Tiri Gjoci, “Në ënderr” Shpat Deda, “S’mund t’fitoj pa ty” other songs in the final: Kastro Zino, “2073” Erina & The Elementals, “Jeten n’skaj” Melodajn Mancaku, “Nuk jemi më” Kleansa Susaj, “Pikture” Irma Lepuri, “Me prit” Festina Mejzini, “Melos” Eldis Arrnjeti, “Nje kujtim” Martina Serreqi, “Vetem ty” Besa Krasniqi, “Esenciale” Sergio Hajdini, “Uragan” Olimpia Smajlaj, “Saj” Anduel Kovaci, “Nan” Michela Paluca, “Për veten” PeterPan Quartet, “Nje here” Besa Kokëdhima, “Zemrën n’dorë” Arsi Bako, “Sgjohu” Elsa Lila, “Mars” Andi Tanko, “Herë pas here” Big Basta & Vesa Luma, “Mbinatyrale”

🇦🇱 Albania: second night Festivali i Këngës

Tonight is the second night of Festivali i Këngës, the Albanian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. The second semifinal will be held tonight, 21.00 CET. You can watch it here and on YouTube. The show will be aired from the Palace of Congress in Tirana and will be hosted by Adriana Matoshi, Kledi Kadiu, Xhuliano Dule & Krisa Çaushi. Full results are not expected tonight. These are the songs: Big Basta & Vesa Luma sing “Mbinatyrale” Elsa Lila sings “Mars” Jasmina Hako sings “Ti” Michela Paluca sings “Për veten” Anduel Kovaci sings “Nan’” Irma Lepuri sings “Me prit” Eden Baja sings “Ajër” Erina & The Elementals sing “Jetën n’Skaj” Kleansa Susaj sings “Pikturë” Arsi Bako sings “Zgjohu” Tiri Gjoci sings “Në ëndërr” Besa Krasniqi sings “Esenciale” Bledi Kaso sings “Çdo gjë mbaroi” Troy Band sing “Horizonti i ëndrrave” Martina Serreqi sings “Vetëm ty” Vesa Luma took part in 2005 (final), 2008 (semifinal) and 2013 (15th).Elsa Lila won Festivali i Këngës last year, but the choice of the televoters went to Eurovision.Arsi Bako took part in the 2023 semifinal.Tiri Gjoci participated in 2018 (final) and 2020 (final).Besa Krasniqi took part in 2016 (final).

🇦🇱 Albania: Festivali i Këngës, first evening tonight

Tonight is the first night of Festivali i Këngës, the Albanian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. Normally, this marks the start of the national final season. However, this year everything is different. We already know two songs for Eurovision. The first semifinal will be held tonight, 20.00 CET. You can watch it here on YouTube and on Facebook. The show will be aired from the Palace of Congress in Tirana and will be hosted by Adriana Matoshi, Kledi Kadiu, Xhuliano Dule & Krisa Çaushi. Full results are not expected tonight. These are the songs: Stivi Ushe sings “Askush si ty” Besa Kokëdhima sings “Zemrën n’dorë” Mal Retkorceri sings “Çmendur” Eldis Arrnjeti sings “Nje kujtim” Shpat Deda sings “S’mund t’fitoj pa ty” Jehona Ponari sings “Evol” PeterPan Quartet sings “Edhe nje here” Festina Mejzini sings “Melos” Kastro Zizo sings “2073” Luan Durmishi sings “Përsëritja” Melodajn Mancaku sings “Nuk jemi ne” Olsi Ballta sings “Unë” Andi Tanko sings “Herë pas here” Sergio Hajdini sings “Uragan” Santino de Bartolo sings “Dua të rry me ty” Olimpia Smajlaj sings “Asaj” Besa Kokëdhima already took part in 2009 (4th) and 2011 (8th).Festina Mejzini was present in 2017 (semifinal), 2018 (final) and 2021 (3rd).Kastro Zizo participated in 2020 (semifinal), 2021 (final) and 2022 (semifinal).Melodajna Mancaku and Sergio Hajdini both reached the final in 2023.Andi Tanko took part in the 2016 semifinal.Olimpia Smajlaj reached the final in 2022.

Bledar Sejko

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts NameBledar Sejko Born10 September 1972 Nationality🇦🇱 Albanian National SelectionFestivali i Këngës 2012 In Eurovision2013 Malmö SongIdentitet (2013, with Adrian Lulgjuraj) Biography Bledar Sejko, born on February 19, 1971, is an esteemed Albanian guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist. In the late 1980s, during an era when Communist Albania suppressed pop music, Sejko pioneered one of the nation’s initial pop bands. This group, which also featured artists like Redon Makashi and Elton Deda, navigated the restrictive landscape to produce music clandestinely. Fondly nicknamed “Qepa” (translates to “Onion” in English), Sejko mentored Makashi in guitar and has always been celebrated as a master of the instrument in Albania. Furthermore, he’s credited for founding “Megahertz,” recognized as Albania’s inaugural rock band. Sejko last graced the Festivali i Këngës stage in 1992 with his band, Thunder Way. Their entry, “Legjenda e Heroit” (translates to “The Hero’s Legend”), unfortunately, secured the last position in that edition of the festival. He had graced the Eurovision stage in 2011, accompanying Aurela Gaçe on her track, “Feel the Passion.” He gained international attention when he represented Albania at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, performing “Identitet” alongside Adrian Lulgjuraj. Sejko notes that this song was influenced by motifs from Northern Albania and Chameria. In 2014, Sejko took part in Festivali I Këngës again, but now as a composer. Jozefina Simoni sang his song “Mendje trazi” and reached a 12th place with it. He started performing with a band called Bledar Sejko & Friends. Entries Identitet (& Adrian Lulgjuraj) Country🇦🇱 Albania Year2013 LanguageAlbanian LyricsEda Sejko MusicBledar Sejko BackingsErgys AbdyliEldi SmajaErdis KrajaErgys Turku Results Semi Points: 31Position: 15Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/3u5Se-vJ6MA?si=YBTCDKUVHUyOMXhV

Adrian Lulgjuraj

About Quick Facts NameAdrian Lulgjuraj Born19 August 1980 Nationality🇦🇱 Albanian National SelectionFestivali i Këngës 2015Festivali i Këngës 2012 In Eurovision2013 Malmö SongIdentitet (2013, with Bledar Sejko) Biography Adrian Lulgjuraj was born on 19 February 1980 in Ulcinj, a town in Montenegro with a significant Albanian population. He has been actively involved in the music scene for many years and has gained a reputation as one of the prominent Albanian artists. Lulgjuraj made his debut in the Albanian music scene in 2010, making appearances on several TV programs and notable music festivals like Top Fest. Competing twice, he consistently reached the finals and garnered multiple times. In 2013, Adrian Lulgjuraj, along with Bledar Sejko, represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest held in Malmö, Sweden. He got this opportunity because he and Bledar won Festivali i Këngës 54, in December 2015. They performed the song “Identitet”, which is a rock-inspired track. While they showcased a powerful performance, they unfortunately did not qualify for the final.Adrian Lulgjuraj also took part in Festivali i Këngës 56, in December 2015. His self penned song “Jeto de ëndërro” reached the final but did not reach the top-10 of the contest. Entries Identitet (& Bledar Sejko) Country🇦🇱 Albania Year2013 LanguageAlbania LyricsEda Sejko MusicBledar Sejko BackingsErgys AbdyliEldi SmajaErdis KrajaErgys Turku Results Semi Points: 31Position: 15Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/3u5Se-vJ6MA?si=yy4l6zckg9GO31j0