Sunday 22nd December will mark the fourth and final night of Albanian song contest Festivali i Këngës and will see the overall winner represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.
In Night 3’s Nostalgia Night, it was revealed that 15 of the 30 competing acts had progressed to tonight’s final. They are:
- Orgesa Zaimi – I parë
- Kejsi Jazxhi – Kur bota hesht
- Lorenc Hasmara – Frymë
- Jet – Gjallë
- Djemtë e Detit – Larg
- Nita Latifi – Zemrës
- Alis Kallaçi – Mjegull
- Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm
- Ardit Çuni – Amane
- Mal – Antihero
- Vesa Smolica – Lutem
- Algert Sala – Bosh
- Elvana Gjata – Karnaval
- Stine – E kishim nis
- Gjergj Kaçinari – Larg jetës pa ty
As well as awarding prizes for Best Lyrics and Critics’ Choice, the overall winner (and therefore Albania’s Eurovision representative) will be decided through a combination of jury and televoting, marking a change from the last two years, where the Eurovision entrant was decided by a separate public vote. This means tonight’s acts will have to impress both the jurors and voting public if they want to perform in Basel next year.
Who stood out in the first two nights? Let’s have a look at some ones to watch!
Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm
One of the favourites among eurofans this year is ‘Zjerm’ by Shkodra Elektronike and it’s easy to see why. Famed for bringing a modern twist to a traditional Albanian sound, the pair combined the beautiful, melodic vocals of Beatriçe Gjergji with an ominous spoken word section from Kolë Laca to create something truly unforgettable.
While it remains to be seen what jurors and the Albanian voting public will think about ‘Zjerm’, many eurofans see this as the most authentic entry in FiK this year, making it perfect for Eurovision. Will Shkodra Elektronike be in with a chance?
Ardit Çuni – Amane
Closing Night 1 was well-known Albanian singer and TV personality Ardit Çuni who ensured he would make a lasting impression by starting off his performance atop a giant ‘A’. He was then joined by dancers performing some truly impressive choreography for his dance-pop entry ‘Amane’.
Despite clear technical issues (with Ardit struggling with his in ear monitor at times), Ardit managed to pull the performance together with his energy, confidence and professionalism. It certainly paid off, as he got a huge reception from the crowd. If these issues can be fixed for tonight, could Ardit be the one to take it all?
Vesa Smolica – Lutem
Sometimes an entry truly pops when it is fully realised on stage and that was certainly the case with ‘Lutem’ by Vesa Smolica. Building to a dramatic chorus with a dance beat and prominent strings, the song really came to life when combined with FiK’s live orchestra and Vesa’s flawless live vocal which saw her belt big notes with total ease.
Fans have observed that ‘Lutem’ is exactly the sort of entry Albania has sent in the past and it wouldn’t be unheard of for FiK to totally surprise. Could we be watching Vesa lift the trophy tonight?
Elvana Gjata – Karnaval
Last but certainly not least is the most-anticipated performance in FiK this year. Many felt Elvana Gjata should have represented Albania at Eurovision 2020 with her song ‘Me tana’ and now, five years later, she could get her chance with her dance-pop song ‘Karnaval’.
Elvana delivered what many felt was a Eurovision-ready performance on Night 1, which saw her descend from the ceiling before performing her song alongside some truly jaw-dropping choreography. Do you agree that Elvana deserves the chance to finally perform at Eurovision?
Are any of our ones to watch your winner or are you hoping for someone entirely different? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to follow our socials.
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