After a record of 120 songs submitted, the Albanian national broadcaster RTSH reveals new details about “Festivali i Këngës 64”, that will determine who will represent Albania in Eurovision 2026.
In a new interview with Radio Tirana 1, Elhaida Dani – artistic director of the festival, singer, composer, and Albania’s representative at Eurovision 2015 – revealed the first details about what awaits the audience this year, noting that the festival will be held from December 17th to 20th.
“This year we received 120 songs. It’s a record I’m very proud of, […] Last year’s festival created a huge buzz, motivating Albanian artists to believe in the festival again”.
Said Dani.
The Albanian “Festivali i Këngës”, has for decades been one of the oldest traditions in the Eurovision world. It began in 1962 and is broadcast every year at the end of December. Since Albania joined Eurovision in 2004, the festival has served as the country’s national final. This year, Albania appears more prepared than ever for the event, to be held in Tirana’s Congress Hall. Excitement is high, and following the success of the duo Shkodra Elektronike, who placed eighth at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, the festival is once again capturing the heart of the Albanian public, with heightened interest in both the festival and Eurovision.
A Classic Festival with New Spirit
The festival, which has accompanied Albania’s cultural landscape since the 1960s, remains the most significant event in the national music calendar and a key stage for emerging local stars. This year, 28 artists will participate – 18 familiar names and 10 making their debut.
In its current format, the festival will span four evenings: two semi-finals, the grand final, and a special “nostalgia night”, during which veteran artists will perform classic songs in duets with young talents.
“The goal is to give a platform both to the veterans who created the music we hear today and to the new generation, who are the future of Albanian music”.
Explained Dani.
According to her, veteran artists are sometimes hesitant to return to the competition, especially after last year’s victory by the little-known duo Shkodra Elektronike with the song “Zjerm”.
“There are no benefits here, […] Only those whom both the audience and the jury truly love and appreciate will win”.
Dani said firmly.
Traditional Music Facing the Future
Dani revealed that this year’s central theme will be “Neo Albania Future” – a new vision for Albanian music. Elhaida explained that it represents “the future of Albanian music, rooted in our traditions yet looking forward”.
The competing songs will be released as early as November:
“We’ll release all the songs in advance so that by the time of the live shows at the Congress Hall, the audience will already know them, sing along, and celebrate with us”.
New Features: App and Global Voting
“This year, the process will be safer and more transparent thanks to the new ‘FiK – Festivali i Këngës’ app”.
Said Dani, likely in response to criticism of voting systems in recent contests.
The voting will be divided as follows: 50% jury, 25% public vote from Albania and neighboring countries, and for the first time, 25% from online voting worldwide through the new app, which will include an English interface.
Dani explained:
“This Way, we’ll connect the world even more closely to our music”.
Contestant List:
- 2 Farm
- Alis
- Egzon Pireci
- Endri Kaçaçi
- Enxhi Nasufi
- Erand Sojli
- Erik Lloshi
- Evi Reçi
- Fifi & Tiri Gjoci
- Frensi
- Gerta Mahmutaj
- Ghiti
- Gresa Gjocera & Bledi Kaso
- Inis Neziri
- Kamela Islamaj
- Kimi
- Kleansa Susaj
- Lorenc Hasrama
- Luna Çausholli
- Malvina Likaj
- Rezarta Smaja
- Rigersa Loka
- Sara Kapo
- Savjana Vjerdha
- Sheila
- Sihana Haxhnikaj
- Threex
- Vedat Ademi
Among the Contestants – Many Familiar Names:
Many of the contestants this year have competed in past editions, with only five exceptions.
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Alis – Participated last year with the song “Mjegull”, finishing in third place.
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2 Farm – Competed in the 2023 selection with “Atomike”, which was a fan favorite but failed to reach the final.
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Enxhi Nasufi – Well-known Albanian singer, took part in the 59th edition, serving as the 2021 national selection, with the song “Njesoj”.
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Fifi & Tiri Gjoci – A duo, each of whom has previously participated individually. Fifi competed in 2023 with “Stop”, and Tiri Gjoci in 2020 with “Me goten bosh”.
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Rezarta Smaja – Took part with “E jemja nuse“, composed by this year’s representatives Shkodra Elektronike, in the 2022 selection, placing third.
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Kamela Islamaj – A frequent participant, remembered most for “Me ngyros” in 2020.
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Lorenc Hasrama – Performed with the song “Fryme” last year, reached the final, and placed fifth.
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Inis Neziri – Competed several times, with “Pendese” in 2021 and “Piedestal” in 2018, the latter securing third place.
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Evi Reçi – A well-known festival participant who has entered numerous times.
Other past participants who placed lower include Sara Kapo, Egzon Pierci, Erik Lloshi, Frensi, Greta Mahmutaji, Greta Gjocera & Bledi Kaso, Kleansa Susaj, and Luna Causholli.
Elhaida Dani: The Star Who Became a Director
Elhaida Dani knows the stage well and is today considered one of the leading figures in Albania’s music industry. She won the 53rd national selection with the song “Diell”, later replaced on March 15th, 2015, by “I’m Alive” due to a dispute with one of the first song’s writers. She also competed in the 50th festival edition ahead of Eurovision 2012 with “Mijera Vjet”, finishing in 14th place but winning the award for “Best Melody” at the festival.
“Festivali i Këngës 64” Dates:
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First Semi-Final – Wednesday, December 17th, 2025.
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Second Semi-Final – Thursday, December 18th, 2025.
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Nostalgia Night – Friday, December 19th, 2025.
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Grand Final – Saturday, December 20th, 2025.
Albania at Eurovision 2025
“Zjerm” (in English: “Fire”), performed by the duo Shkodra Elektronike, represented Albania at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Albania qualified for the final from the first semi-final in second place with 122 points and finished eighth in the grand final with 218 points – 45 from the jury and 173 from the public.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Albania’s 22nd participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Albania joined the competition in 2004 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2012 when singer Rona Nishliu reached fifth place with the song “Suus”.
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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
