Festivali i Këngës 62 was the 62nd edition of the annual Albanian music competition Festivali i Këngës. The contest was organised by Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. It consisted of two semi-finals held on 19 and 20 December, followed by a nostalgia night on 21 December and concluded in the grand final on 22 December 2023. The four live shows were hosted by Adriana Matoshi, Kledi Kadiu, Krisa Çaushi, and Xhuliano Dule. Mal Retkoceri emerged as the winner of the contest with his song "Çmendur." The selection of the Albanian representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 was determined by public voting, with Besa Kokëdhima and her song "Zemrën n'dorë" being chosen to represent Albania.
| Festivali i Këngës 2023 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Dates | |
| Semi-final 1 | 19 December 2023 |
| Semi-final 2 | 20 December 2023 |
| Semi-final 3 | 21 December 2023 (Nostalgia Night) |
| Final | 22 December 2023 |
| Host | |
| Venue | Palace of Congresses, Tirana |
| Presenter(s) |
|
| Host broadcaster | Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) |
| Participants | |
| Number of entries | 31 |
| Vote | |
| Voting system | Jury selected the top three contestants, which included awards for Best Newcomer and Critic's Choice. Public selected the Albanian representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. |
| Festival selection | |
| Winner | "Çmendur" by Mal Retkoceri |
| Eurovision selection | |
| Winner | "Zemrën n'dorë" by Besa Kokëdhima |
Format
editThe 62nd edition of Festivali i Këngës was organised by Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) and took place from 19 to 22 December 2023.[1] The contest consisted of two semi-finals on 19 and 20 December, followed by a nostalgia night on 21 December and concluded in the grand final on 22 December.[2] The four live shows were hosted by Adriana Matoshi, Kledi Kadiu, Krisa Çaushi, and Xhuliano Dule, and were held at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania.[1] The contest was under the artistic direction of Bojken Lako, with Enkel Demi serving as the screenwriter.[3]
Voting
editAs in the preceding edition of the contest, the determination of the winner of Festivali i Këngës was conducted through a jury vote.[1] The winner would not receive an invitation to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.[4] Instead, a separate televoting was designated to select the Albanian representative for the 2024 contest.[1] Eligible participants in the televoting system included the audiences from both Albania and Kosovo.[5]
Contestants
editThe schedule for musical submissions to the RTSH was opened on 1 September and closed on 10 October 2023.[6][7] During this period, the broadcaster received over 80 submissions from a diverse group of artists and composers, encompassing participants among others from Albania, Kosovo, Italy and the United States.[8][9] For the first time, the selection panel was only informed of the identities of the applicants after the submission process had concluded aimed to ensure a fairer outcome in the selection.[10] On 17 October, RTSH published a provisional list of 31 participants selected for the contest.[11][12] Subsequently, on 1 November, it was announced that artists Samanta Karavella and Kejsi Tola would withdraw from the context.[13] Their participation was subsequently replaced by Irma Lepuri and the PeterPan Quartet.[13] Further changes to the participants occurred on 1 December, when Sardi Strugaj also announced his withdrawal from the contest.[14] In his place, Eden Baja was designated as a replacement participant.[15]
Key: Withdrawn Replacement
| Artist(s) | Song | Songwriter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Andi Tanko | "Herë pas here" | Andi Tanko |
| Anduel Kovaçi | "Nan'" | Anduel Kovaçi |
| Arsi Bako | "Zgjohu" |
|
| Besa Kokëdhima | "Zemrën n'dorë" |
|
| Besa Krasniqi | "Esenciale" | Besa Krasniqi |
| Big Basta and Vesa Luma | "Mbinatyrale" |
|
| Eldis Arrnjeti | "Një kujtim" |
|
| Elsa Lila | "Mars" | Elsa Lila |
| Festina Mejzini | "Melos" | Sokol Marsi |
| Kastro Zizo | "2073" |
|
| Kejsi Tola | "Vallëzoj me dritën" |
|
| Melodajn Mancaku | "Nuk jemi më" |
|
| Olimpia Smajlaj | "Asaj" |
|
| Samanta Karavella | "N'majë" |
|
| Sardi Strugaj | "Boshatisur" | Sardi Strugaj |
| Sergio Hajdini | "Uragan" | Sergio Hajdini |
| Tiri Gjoci | "Në ëndërr" |
|
| Artist | Song | Songwriter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Bledi Kaso | "Çdo gjë mbaroi" |
|
| Eden Baja | "Ajër" | Anxhela Llaha |
| Erina and the Elementals | "Jetën n'skaj" |
|
| Irma Lepuri | "Më prit" | Irma Lepuri |
| Jasmina Hako | "Ti" |
|
| Jehona Ponari | "Evol" | Jehona Ponari |
| Kleansa Susaj | "Pikturë" |
|
| Luan Durmishi | "Përsëritja" |
|
| Mal Retkoceri | "Çmendur" | Mal Retkoceri |
| Martina Serreqi | "Vetëm ty" |
|
| Michela Paluca | "Për veten" |
|
| Olsi Ballta | "Unë" | Bledar Gramo |
| PeterPan Quartet | "Edhe një herë" |
|
| Santino De Bartolo | "Dua të rri me ty" | Santino De Bartolo |
| Shpat Deda | "S'mund t'fitoj pa ty" | Shpat Deda |
| Stivi Ushe | "Askush si ty" |
|
| Troy Band | "Horizonti i ëndrrave" |
|
Shows
editSemi-finals
editThe semi-finals of Festivali i Këngës took place on 19 and 20 December 2023 and were broadcast live at 21:00 (CET) on the respective dates.[18][19] The running order for both semi-finals of the contest was determined during a press conference held on 1 November.[3] The first semi-final presented Albanian singer Viola Gjyzeli, who represented Albania in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023, and Italian singer Umberto Tozzi as special guests.[20][21] Albanian musicians, including Rachelle Andrioti, Aleksandër Gjoka and Indrit Mesiti, performed in the second semi-final.[22]
Key: Automatic Qualifier Qualifier Non-Qualifier
|
|
|
Nostalgia Night
edit
The nostalgia night of Festivali i Këngës took place on 21 December 2023 at 21:00 (CET).[23] Prominent Albanian artists provided accompaniment to some of the contestants in performing renditions of historical popular songs.[24] Following the conclusion of the show, a jury evaluated the performances and selected eight out of 17 contestants from the New artists category to advance to the grand final.[25] The remaining 14 contestants from the Established artists category automatically qualified for the grand final without the need for further evaluation.[25] Kosovo-Albanian artist Adelina Ismaili was a special guest of the show, where she performed her song "Zemrën nuk ta fal".[26][27]
| Draw | Artist(s) | Guest artist(s) | Song |
|---|---|---|---|
1
|
Eldis Arrnjeti | Myfarete Laze | "Pragu i vegjëlisë" |
2
|
Besa Krasniqi | Eranda and Irma Libohova | "Nuk e harroj" |
3
|
Kleansa Susaj and Michela Paluca | — | "Voilà" |
4
|
Sergio Hajdini | Eneda Tarifa | "Mesnatë" |
5
|
Arsi Bako | Eugent Bushpepa | "S'mund t'jetoj pa ty" |
6
|
Olimpia Smajlaj | Fitnete Tuda | "Shi bie në Tiranë" |
7
|
Jasmina Hako and Mal Retkoceri | — | "Fairytale" |
8
|
PeterPan Quartet and Troy Band | "Zitti e buoni" | |
9
|
Festina Mejzini | Florent Abrashi | "Mes nesh është dashuria" |
10
|
Tiri Gjoci | Sidrit Bejleri | "Erdh pranvera" |
11
|
Andi Tanko | Angus Dei | "Ku është dashuria" |
12
|
Erina and the Elementals and Olsi Ballta | — | "Hard Rock Hallelujah" |
13
|
Irma Lepuri and Shpat Deda | "Nel blu, dipinto di blu" | |
14
|
Jehona Ponari and Martina Serreqi | "Wild Dances" | |
15
|
Melodajn Mancaku | Edmond Mancaku | "Telefonatë zemrash" |
16
|
Big Basta and Vesa Luma | Elton Deda | "Qyteti i vjetër" |
17
|
Eden Baja | Anxhela Llaha | "Satellite" |
18
|
Anduel Kovaçi | Ilir Shaqiri | "Udhët e mia" |
19
|
Kastro Zizo | Rea Nuhu | "Sagapo, të dua" |
20
|
Besa Kokëdhima | Jehona Sopi | "Rrjedh në këngë e ligjërime" |
21
|
Elsa Lila | Enrico Melozzi | "Një serenatë për dy" |
22
|
Luan Durmishi and Santino De Bartolo | — | "Insieme: 1992" |
23
|
Bledi Kaso and Stivi Ushe | "Arcade" |
Final
editThe grand final of Festivali i Këngës took place on 22 December 2023 at 21:00 (CET).[28] Despite the participation of 22 finalists in the grand final, all 31 contestants, including those who were eliminated, were eligible for the selection of the Albanian representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.[29] Several influential figures attended the live show, among whom were the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, Speaker of the Parliament, Lindita Nikolla, as well as the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti.[30] Performing guests included Albanian singer Aurela Gaçe, actor Nik Xhelilaj, and Kosovo-Albanian singer La Fazani, who was the winner of the inaugural edition of Festivali i Këngës in Kosovo.[31][32][33]
The jury determined Mal Retkoceri as the winner of the contest with his song "Çmendur".[34] Tiri Gjoci secured the second place with "Në ëndërr", while Shpat Deda took third place with "S'mund t'fitoj pa ty".[34] The PeterPan Quartet was awarded the Best Newcomer Award for their song "Edhe një herë", and Martina Serreqi received the Critic's Choice Award for her song "Vetëm ty".[34] Additionally, the winner of the televoting was Besa Kokëdhima with her song "Zemrën n'dorë", which concurrently designated her as the Albanian representative for Eurovision 2024.[34]
Key: Winner Second place Third place
| Draw | Artist | Song |
|---|---|---|
1
|
Kastro Zizo | "2073" |
2
|
Mal Retkoceri | "Çmendur" |
3
|
Erina and the Elementals | "Jetën n'skaj" |
4
|
Melodajn Mancaku | "Nuk jemi më" |
5
|
Tiri Gjoci | "Në ëndërr" |
6
|
Kleansa Susaj | "Pikturë" |
7
|
Irma Lepuri | "Më prit" |
8
|
Festina Mejzini | "Melos" |
9
|
Eldis Arrnjeti | "Një kujtim" |
10
|
Martina Serreqi | "Vetëm ty" |
11
|
Besa Krasniqi | "Esenciale" |
12
|
Sergio Hajdini | "Uragan" |
13
|
Olimpia Smajlaj | "Asaj" |
14
|
Anduel Kovaçi | "Nan'" |
15
|
Michela Paluca | "Për veten" |
16
|
PeterPan Quartet | "Edhe një herë" |
17
|
Besa Kokëdhima | "Zemrën n'dorë" |
18
|
Arsi Bako | "Zgjohu" |
19
|
Elsa Lila | "Mars" |
20
|
Andi Tanko | "Herë pas here" |
21
|
Shpat Deda | "S'mund t'fitoj pa ty" |
22
|
Big Basta and Vesa Luma | "Mbinatyrale" |
Broadcasts
editThe four live shows of Festivali i Këngës were broadcast from 19 December to 22 December 2023 on RTSH in Albania.[35] Each evening comprised a dedicated program on RTSH 24 and Radio 2, wherein participating artists shared insights into their behind-the-scenes experiences.[36] Furthermore, the shows were transmitted through Radio Televizioni i Kosovës (RTK) in Kosovo.[36] The grand final was also broadcast on Radio i Televizija Crne Gore through the Radio Crne Gore channel in Montenegro, as well as on Makedonska Radio Televizija through the MRT 2 channel in North Macedonia.[36]
| Country | Broadcaster | Channel | Show(s) | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Albania
|
RTSH | RTSH 1 | All shows | |
| RTSH Muzikë | ||||
| Radio Tirana | ||||
 Kosovo
|
RTK | RTK Muzikë | Show 1 – 3 | |
| RTK 1 | Final | |||
 Montenegro
|
RTCG | Radio Crne Gore | ||
 North Macedonia
|
MRT | MRT 2 |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d "Albania 2024: Your guide to the 'Festivali i Këngës' final". European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 22 December 2023. Archived from the original on 14 July 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Hertlein, Benjamin (19 December 2023). "Live-Chat Albanien: Erstes Halbfinale Festivali i Këngës 62: FiK 2023" (in German). ESC-Kompakt. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ a b Bijuvignesh, Darshan (1 November 2023). "Albania: More Details of Festivali i Këngës 62 Announced Including Line-up Change". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 20 December 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "Festivali i Këngës 62: Televoting entscheidet albanischen Esc-2024-Beitrag nun doch alleine: Kejsi Tola sagt ab" (in German). ESC-Kompakt. 2 November 2023. Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "Fest 62 në RTSH, nata speciale e nostalgjisë, në skenën magjike ngjiten këngëtarët Big" (in Albanian). Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH). 21 December 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Albania: RTSH Opens Submissions for Festivali i Këngës 62". Eurovoix. 1 September 2024. Archived from the original on 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Van Dijk, Sem Anne (19 September 2024). "Albania: RTSH Announces Submissions Deadline for Festivali i Këngës 62". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "Festivali i këngës në Rtsh/ Mbyllen aplikimet, mbi 80 krijime nga të gjitha trevat" (in Albanian). Festivali i Këngës. 12 October 2023. Archived from the original on 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Farren, Neil (12 October 2023). "Albania: More Than 80 Submissions for Festivali i Këngës 62". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Granger, Anthony (26 October 2023). "Albania: Song Selection Process Was Revamped For Festivali i Këngës 62". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "Albania: 'Festivali i Këngës 62' lineup is announced". European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 18 October 2023. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "Festivali 62 i Këngës në Rtsh, shpallen artistët pjesëmarrës në ngjarjen muzikore të vitit" (in Albanian). Festivali i Këngës. 17 October 2023. Archived from the original on 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ a b Carter, William (1 November 2023). "Shocking Withdrawals from FiK 62, More Details About Albania's Upcoming National Selection". ESC United. Archived from the original on 28 December 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Grace, Emily (4 December 2023). "Albania: Sardi Strugaj Withdraws from Festivali i Këngës 62". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Van Dijk, Sem Anne (11 December 2023). "Albania: Eden Baja Replaces Sardi Strugaj in Festivali i Këngës". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Nis numërimi mbrapsht, lista e garuesve në Festivalin 62 të Këngës në RTSH" (in Albanian). Festivali i Këngës. 11 December 2023. Archived from the original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ a b Borggreen, Alberte (18 October 2023). "Albania: Rtsh confirm FiK 62 participants". ESC Xtra. Archived from the original on 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ a b Granger, Anthony (19 December 2023). "Tonight: Sanremo Giovani 2023 & Festivali i Kenges 62 Night One". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 19 December 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ a b Granger, Anthony (20 December 2023). "Tonight: Festivali i Kenges 62 Night Two". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "Fituesja e 'Junior Fest', Viola Gjyzeli interpreton në Festivalin e 62-të të Këngës në RTSH" (in Albanian). Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH). 19 December 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Mbyllet nata e parë e Fest 62, një mbrëmje plot emocione, muzikë të përzgjedhur dhe batuta" (in Albanian). Festivali i Këngës. 20 December 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Albania: The performances of the artists of the 2nd night of FiK 62!". OGAE Greece. 21 December 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ a b Granger, Anthony (21 December 2023). "Tonight: Festivali i Këngës 62 Night Three & Vidbir 2024 Wildcard Voting Closes". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "Albania: Finalists announced – Watch the performances of the third night of Festivali i Këngës 62!". OGAE Greece. 22 December 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ a b Farren, Neil (22 December 2023). "Albania: Festivali i Këngës 62 Finalists Revealed". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Adelina Ismaili 'ngre peshë' sallën e Festivalit të Këngës në Rtsh me 'Zemrën nuk ta fal': Shqipëria më ka dashur më shumë se Kosova!". Liberale (in Albanian). 22 December 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Adelina Ismaili rikthen performancën e saj ikonike të vitit 1996 në Festivalin e RtSh-së". Reporteri (in Albanian). 22 December 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ Granger, Anthony (22 December 2023). "Today: Albania Selects for Eurovision 2024 & Etapa Națională 2024 Submissions Close". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ a b Granger, Anthony (22 December 2023). "Albania: Festivali i Këngës 62 Final Running Order Announced". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Fest 62 – Begaj dhe Kurti ndjekin live spektaklin, të pranishëm edhe VIP-a të politikës, artit dhe showbizit" (in Albanian). Festivali i Këngës. 24 December 2024. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Aurela Gaçe elektrizon skenën e Fest 62: Kjo skenë më rriti, muzika është fryma ime" (in Albanian). Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH). 23 December 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Fitues i Festivalit të parë të Këngës në Kosovës, La Fazani ndez skenën e Fest 62" (in Albanian). Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH). 22 December 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ Terry, CJ (22 December 2023). "Albania: Besa Kokëdhima wins the FiK 62 televote and will compete at Eurovision 2024!". ESC United. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Albania: Besa wins ticket to Eurovision 2024". European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 23 December 2023. Archived from the original on 15 April 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Fest 62 për gjithë shqiptarët, do të transmetohet edhe në Kosovë dhe Maqedoninë e Veriut" (in Albanian). Festivali i Këngës. 20 December 2023. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Fest 62 në gjithë rajonin – Festivali do transmetohet në Malin e Zi, Kosovë dhe Maqedoninë e Veriut" (in Albanian). Festivali i Këngës. 20 December 2023. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.