It’s the first national final of the season, and in just over two weeks the winner of Festivali i Këngës 56 will also be declared Albania‘s entry for Eurovision 2018. But which acts are your favourites? Have your say in the FiK56 Wiwi Poll!

Festivali i Këngës 56 will kick off with semi-finals on 21 and 22 December, leading up to the grand final on 23 December.

Earlier in November, broadcaster RTSH announced the names of the 22 competing acts. Then yesterday, RTSH released the songs.

Unlike in previous years, where the songs were only heard for the first time in the semi-finals, RTSH has not only released the songs early, but they’ve also uploaded performance videos for each song. Oh, they do spoil us!

The line-up includes familiar faces from the Albanian song contest scene, as well as newcomers making their FiK debut. And as always, the trademark Albanian guitar solo is there in abundance. You cannot escape it.

But which songs are your favourites? Listen to the tracks below and vote for your favourites. You can vote for as many songs as you like, but you can only vote once — so make your vote count!

Festivali – Këngës 56 – competing acts

Click on the song titles to watch the video.

What are your favourite songs in Albania’s Festivali i Këngës 56?

[polldaddy poll=9891227]

What do you think? Which songs are your favourites? Who would you like to see represent Albania in Lisbon? Tell us what you think below!

READ MORE ALBANIA EUROVISION NEWS

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Colin
Colin
6 years ago

Top 7: Inis Neziri, Tiri Gjoci, Eugent Bushpepa, Rezarta Smaja & Luiz Ejlli, Artemisa Mithi, Mariza Ikonomi, LYNX. 🙂

Any of them could represent Albania with dignity. The thing is that they should probably not translate it, an advice probably nobody would listen to 🙁

Gerti
6 years ago

Eugetn bushpepa MALL THE BEST song and best voice

PianoNoobie
PianoNoobie
6 years ago

Inis must win. Although I know Inis and she will probably do a revamp in english.

I also would like to see Xhesika win. Her music is outstanding. Not sure about the lyrics though

Matthew
Matthew
6 years ago

Inis reminds me of Ana Kodra, but with a better song. If Albania don’t do that stupid language revamp, Inis may have a chance of winning ESC.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Matthew

hahaha

Matthias
Matthias
6 years ago
Reply to  Matthew

Eurovision 2018 – Albania Inis Neziri with “PIEDESTAL” ….!!! AMAZING !!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75sEdGED920

Gobio
Gobio
6 years ago

Only “Mall”, not “Piedestal”, we don’t need another Lindita-like flop, thank you.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Gobio

Mall is boring

Gerti
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Really mark mall is boring ??? Go sleep

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

Albania should definitely go rock this year.

Win
Win
6 years ago

Juliana Pasha endorses Eugent Bushpepa for FIK56 win: https://www.instagram.com/p/BcprrZ1hz1j/?taken-by=julianapasha

Gives special mentions to Orgesa and Mariza. Orgesa replied, saying if Eugent wins, he should take her and Mariza with him. 🙂

ENIS
ENIS
6 years ago
Reply to  Win

Nuk do ta prisja nga Juliana Pasha qe te mos votonte per PIEDESTAL. Teper i zhgenjyer . Te gjithe specialistet jashte po flasin per PIEDESTAL edhe si pretendente per te fituar edhe EUROVISION 2018.
ALBANIA ju lutem votoni Inis Neziri me PIEDESTAL…
Eurovision 2018 – Albania Inis Neziri with “PIEDESTAL” ….!!! AMAZING !!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75sEdGED920

David
David
6 years ago

# 1 – “Piedestal” – is Masterpiece !!!!
GO Albania !!!!!
GO Inis !!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75sEdGED920
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLxkK6oL0sk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Guy5k8moUBE

If you can this are you the number # 1.. She’s AMAZING & allround….
Checkout please !!!!!

jeff
jeff
6 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Guy5k8moUBE
this year go for Albanien….Inis Neziri with “Piedestal ” is one Masterpiece
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75sEdGED920
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Guy5k8moUBE?
BEANTWOORDEN

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

I am looking forward to FIK. Several songs sound really good. The only catch is, that with Albania, you are never truly sure is it what you actually get. Maybe a song that sounds great in Albanian will be washed out and boring in English (Fairytale ’16). I am just hoping that, whoever wins, will keep their song in Albanian, or at least go for a bilingual version.

Winteriscoming
Winteriscoming
6 years ago

I think Orgesa’s song sounds like a cheap albanian version of “Powerless” by Rudimental ft. Becky Hill
“Piedestal” sounds nice, but like “Botë” it wont be able to stand out and go to the final. “Mall” from Eugent as it is gets boring at some point, but with a 3 mins Remake and an english version it has a lot of potential!

Arthur
Arthur
6 years ago
Reply to  Winteriscoming

It’s ironic that these songs are better than the actual winning songs of the last 2 years (Ukraine and Portugal) and they still might have difficulty to qualify cus not a lot of people vote for Albania 😛

Gerti
6 years ago
Reply to  Winteriscoming

Whatch eugent bushpeta and band THE BEST ?

Kirby
Kirby
6 years ago

It would be interesting to see Orgesa in Lisbon. Her look would make her the Dihaj of 2017.

Junior
Junior
6 years ago

Mall sounds like Aerosmith singing some happy Coldplay song =)

Fayn
Fayn
6 years ago

It’s apparent to me that “Ngrije zërin” and “Orë e ndalur” are the finer entries, but unfortunately I doubt they’ll get anywhere since they contradict Albania’s MO of “melodramatic ballad or middle-of-the-road rock”. Of those, ‘Përjetë’ is probably the best option.

Marx
Marx
6 years ago

I love Mall. It sounds so Nordic 🙂

Marx
Marx
6 years ago
Reply to  Marx

..But because of that I fear that this song won’t win. Piedestal is far more likely to win because it sounds like most other Albanian entries. Hopefully Mall still wins. 🙂

Win
Win
6 years ago
Reply to  Marx

Host Adi Krasta said in an interview that the jury will be composed of just 3 people, and there might not be points used so that singers are not ranked (they might not want to offend them). They will just deliberate on a winner instead. So it might not be a traditional FIK in terms of results.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Win

Fik needs to use an International Jury and televote that matches Melodifestivalen standards.

In 2015 Elhaida Dani won over Lindita Halimi because the judges didn’t want a pop song at Eurovision… Then she changed the song anyway. These judges need to ‘get with it.’

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

I really like this selection. So much emotion in the songs. 🙂
Eugent Bushpepa – WOW, what a voice! If he can do THAT live, it should win. But…
There are also some great ballads sung by women, and there is LYNX.
Also, I really like “Divorci” as a song – it’s really edgy and could spring a surprise. This FiK is gonna be great fun. 🙂

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

Ballads, ballads and ballads. So many ballads!
There are a few songs I like: “Mall”, “Piedestal”, “Vonë”, “Ngrije zërin” and “Orë e ndalur”.

Phary
Phary
6 years ago

My favorite song is definitely Mall ! It sounds very current for FiK, that kind of folk-rock isn’t common in ESC so it might stand out, and he sings well. I don’t know if he will translate the song into English (if he wins) but it wouldn’t hurt to so much, the song has a very “sing-along” chorus. Orgesa’s song is also very nice. Out of the traditional FiK dramatic ballads Piedestal is the best but I’d like to see something else for Albania. I also quite like LYNX although the synth sound in the background doesn’t sound very well… Read more »

Anduela
Anduela
6 years ago

I think if the Jury gives points to Orgesa would be a huge mistake, since she’s notorious of being extremely homophobic.

I am citing from an article:
Orgesa Zaimi attacks homosexuals: They are dangerous, they can kill – Orgesa Zaimi has attacked homosexuals, considering them really dangerous. The singer, though explaining that she is not at all homophobic, has said, “In Albania, the most dangerous people are the Gays” Orgesa went on to say that the most dangerous are, in particular, the most visible ones, “who are and pretend they are not,” the singer said.
Source: http://www.balkanweb.com/site/orgesa-zaimi-sulmon-homoseksualet-jane-te-rrezikshem-mund-te-vrasin/

Max
Max
6 years ago

to be honest there are many great songs and I didn’t expect it from FiK, but Orgesa is clearly my favourite and I think it can easily qualify to Grand Final at Eurovision if it wins

albani
albani
6 years ago

winer Mariza Ikonomi eshte fituese

albani
albani
6 years ago

winer Mariza Ikonomi

Geo
Geo
6 years ago

Of course will be another dramatic ballad. Countries like Albania and Malta are so melancholic, they always pick a ballad sung by a great vocalist (usually a female), and sometimes it works, but most of the times the formula is unsuccessful… “Hear My Plea” (2008), “Zemrën e lamë peng” (2009), “Feel the Passion” (2011), “Suus” (2012), “Përrallë” (2016), “Botë” (2017)…. They should go for a different direction, something up-tempo or mid-tempo. Rock doesn’t work, as well (see “Identitet” failing to qualify in 2013)…

true that
true that
6 years ago
Reply to  Geo

It’s very difficult to win a FIK jury over with uptempo. The success of Anjeza, Ledina, Kejsi and Juliana is very difficult to replicate. Lindita could have sung an uptempo too, but last year the theme revolved around the refugee flows into Europe, so “Bote” was the natural winner. Sometimes themes also gets in the way. FIK is notorious for “themed years”, where multiple songs talk about the same topic. This year too is a kind of themed year, where multiple rockers have made a comeback. It will be one of them winning.

Robby
Robby
6 years ago
Reply to  Geo

It’s not the country, its the JURY melancholic choosing voices and not songs, most of the time famous or successful artists form last decade or so. Fik has stopped in 1995.

Win
Win
6 years ago
Reply to  Robby

I think it stopped in 1999, but it did have some bouncebacks. Like Rona’s year was really good. What has really happened I think is that FIK no longer has the monopoly of shaping values through music. It’s run by public funds, which pale in comparison to other private sponsored events. It no longer shapes values, it just reiterates what older people already know, since they’re the default audience for FIK. I also think that their approach to not sending ESC-friendly songs is wrong. They say it’s to preserve good Albanian music, but bringing in the money flow that comes… Read more »

Kelly
Kelly
6 years ago

PLEASE ALBANIA CHOOSE EUGENT !!

Sadoc Lightfoot
Sadoc Lightfoot
6 years ago

I really dislike Orgesa. Cheep drum&bass trying hard to draw attention, IMHO.

Jac
Jac
6 years ago

It’s her fashion style that kills it for me. Plus her song is one of the only upbeat ones, Albania should give her a chance not another female ballad.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

One of my favourites. =(

Sadoc Lightfoot
Sadoc Lightfoot
6 years ago

I really dislike Orgesa. Cheep drum&bass trying hard to draw attention, IMHO.

Christian
Christian
6 years ago

I think Piedestal would be the typical FiK winning song but I’d love to see LYNX win it.

esc freak
esc freak
6 years ago

Piedestal, Mall, Perjete and Une are really good.

DenizNL
DenizNL
6 years ago

Lots of good songs, but why it it always either old men or young girls that participate? xD

ha
ha
6 years ago
Reply to  DenizNL

Eugent, Tiri, Manjola, Mariza, Denisa, Luiz & Rezarta, Xhesika, LYNX and Orgesa are 9 acts that don’t fit those groups. They still are in the minority though lol.

Lazarevfan95
Lazarevfan95
6 years ago

I like Ngrije zërin, Mall, Perjete, Vone and Piedestal the most. However i even if i like the songs i don’t want Perjete and Piedestal to win! I want a change from Albania and not another ballad.

kenna
kenna
6 years ago

‘Divorci’ is by far the best out of all of them, it has a lot of interesting elements. However, I am quite afraid how the song’s going to translate to the stage.

I must admit that I quite like ‘Mall’ too, but the composition of the song is pretty basic. ‘Ngrije zërin’ could’ve been a bit more with that theme and artist, but the execution failed. They should’ve gone full electro or add a bit more edge to that song.

Elmar
Elmar
6 years ago

The quality-wise “Piedestal” is the best choice for Albania, in my opinion. She gives me some Olta Boka (ALB 2008) vibes, which was one of my favourites in ESC 2008.

PS. That Orgesa girl reminds me of Dihaj. :p

Jac
Jac
6 years ago
Reply to  Elmar

So true, I love her dark fashion. I love how she puts her shades back on for the final chorus, total slayage.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

That Piedestal song is basically a mashup of World and Flashlight… I can’t at y’all wanting to hear it at the Eurovision. It’s so forgettable!

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

As I said yesterday my favs are:
-Eugent Bushpepa – “Mall” (Yearning)
-Xhesika Polo – “Përjetë” (Forever)
-LYNX – “Vonë”
-Mariza Ikonomi – “Unë”
-Orgesa Zaimi – “Ngrije zërin”

I didn’t listen to “Ngrije zërin” yesterday as seems it was missed. But it’s now part of my favs. All of them appeal to me and I think they have potential to qualify Albania for the Grand Final.

Guys, don’t go easy by choosing “Piedestal” or something like that, which are “Botë”/”Perralle” 2.0

I will write my review/impressions again and score these songs when the wiwi jury for FiK starts!

GRAHAM
GRAHAM
6 years ago
Reply to  Héctor

Eugent Bushpepa – “Mall” and LYNX – “Vonë”

albani
albani
6 years ago
Reply to  GRAHAM

une

sam
sam
6 years ago

i was really excited about lorela when it was announced she’d be competing but i don’t think her entry this year fits her. a shame, i’d love seeing her represent albania one year. piedestal is really the only song this year that has stood out to me, fik is one of my favorite selections too. this is just a weak year, i guess

Gobio
Gobio
6 years ago

“Piedestal” sounds like an obvious and safe choice for esc, but it would not stand out from the crowd, just like Eneda and Lindita, another female ballad with strong vocals, in this case I think “Mall” is the right choice as it is exceptionally captivating and well produced as opposed to the other sloppy dated Rock numbers that are included.

Marco
Marco
6 years ago

Eugent Bushpepa,LYNX or Inest Neziri and I’m happy:))

mocosuburbian
mocosuburbian
6 years ago

ZEMER KU JE
i can’t be the only one who loves it

nicholai
nicholai
6 years ago

Ngrije Zërin is a BOP! Would love to see it live in lisbon. definitely a different sound for Albania, and something unique for the contest as a whole.

Jac
Jac
6 years ago
Reply to  nicholai

Yaass I love Orgesa’s look.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

None of the above, because they’ll all be ruined by the orchestra. 😛

Win
Win
6 years ago

It’s going to be Mall by Eugent Bushpepa that wins. I really don’t see much competition.

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago
Reply to  Win

Just curious…are you Albania? FiK audiences always seem to for female screaming divas….hope you’re right about Eugene! Absolute fave!

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago
Reply to  blondboybc

Sorry, meant are you Albanian. 🙂

ESCViking
ESCViking
6 years ago
Reply to  blondboybc

Hopefully he is! And hopefully Eugent wins.

Win
Win
6 years ago
Reply to  blondboybc

Yes I am, and I am sure he will win. RTSH has a big number of ex Top Channel employees, and Eugent works for Top Channel as a main singer for their shows. There is a lot of love for him in RTSH, so they might choose a friendly jury to ensure his win.

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago
Reply to  Win

Thanks. I hope you’re right. I’ve had his song on repeat since I first heard it! Very well done! Please send him!

KESC
KESC
6 years ago

Woow Albania. This is definitely the best line up of songs in FiK ever. Well, currently there isn’t still an entry that overwhelms me, and where I say “Yes, it has to be this one”. However, there is no clear winner, compared to last year’s editions. So my favorites so far are Eugent Bushpepa with “Mall”. It stands out from the others, and it combines tradtional and modern elements. I also like Ergi Bregu with “Bum Bum”.It was catchy from the first listening, however I need to listen to the live version of it. And last, but not least, I… Read more »

Paule
Paule
6 years ago

Piedestal might win because it sounds exactly as boring and old-fashioned as their entries from the past two years.

Jac
Jac
6 years ago

I love Orgesa’s look! He’s song is really good also. I think she or the girl who sings Piedestal should win.

EscAU
EscAU
6 years ago

where did manjola’s video go?

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

Is it me, or is this the best line up of songs in FiK in years? There is no clear winner for me, many of these songs have the potential to win.

Celeste
Celeste
6 years ago

The best one is Tiri – Orë e ndalur

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

For me, Eugent Bushpepa’s song stands out the most of them all–it has both traditional and modern elements, a twist of Celtic and rock edge. Love his voice! Hope FiK doesn’t go for another diva as per usual! Dare to be different, Albania! Cheering for Eugent!

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Mall
Une
Vone
Lorela’s song.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Also “Ngrije zërin”. But I think “Unë” or “Mall” would achieve a better result at ESC. Both will need cuts though, which is a good thing for Unë.