Grab your party hats, your sparklers and your earplugs — Festivali i Kenges, the first national final of the new season, kicks off on Thursday.

Two weeks ago we got to know the 22 competing songs of FiK 56. It’s a wide-ranging mix of tunes and genres, from both newcomers and returnees (and, indeed, former winners).

And now RTSH has revealed the semi-final allocation and running order, which seems to spread the fan favourites out between the two shows. The first show includes Mariza Ikonomi, Eugent Bushpepa and Manjola Nallbani, while the second show features the likes of Orgesa Zaimi, Inis Neziri and LYNX.

FiK 56: First night running order

1. Elton Deda
2. Mariza Ikonomi
3. Endri & Stefi Prifti
4. Evans Rama
5. David & Genc Tukici
6. Voltan Prodani
7. Eugent Bushpepa
8. Rezarta Smaja & Luis Ejlli
9. Bojken Lako
10. Manjola Nallbani
11. Redon Makashi

FiK 56: Second night running order

1. Orgesa Zaimi
2. Denisa Gjezo
3. Grupi NA & Festina Mezini
4. Lorela Sejdini
5. Artemisa Mithi
6. Ergi Bregu
7. Akullthyesit
8. Xhesika Polo
9. Inis Neziri
10. Tiri Gjoci
11. Grupi Lynx

It’s still unknown how many acts we will see in the FiK final, but according to head of delegation Kleart Duraj, there will be 14 or 16 finalists.

Festivali i Kenges 56: Special guests

This year each night of the competition will include some very special guest performers.

On the first night we’ll see Riccardo Cocciante, the Italian singer who coached Elhaida Dani on The Voice of Italy. He’ll sing a duet with the “I’m Alive” hitmaker.

On the second night producers will welcome Kejsi Tola and Flaka Krelani, who will tackle both worldwide hits and traditional Albanian songs in cooperation with the Kelly Guga Band.

Among the other stars will be beloved divas Adelina Ismaili and Aurela Gace, along with Alban Skenderaj and Elsa Lila.

READ MORE ALBANIA EUROVISION NEWS

13 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Ben
Ben
6 years ago

Where can i watch Fik from the US?

ImpressiveInstants
ImpressiveInstants
6 years ago

Eugent, Ikonomi, and Rezarta + Luiz have an easy ride in SF1. SF2 is gonna be intense.

Matthias
Matthias
6 years ago

ONLY “Piedestal” is the best

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

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Matthias

Your alter egos agree with you.

Robert
Robert
6 years ago

“PIEDESTAL” ….!!! AMAZING !!!!! NR 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75sEdGED920

Ryan
Ryan
6 years ago

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

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

The second semi-final is ridiculous!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

In what way? :s

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

Looks like my fave, Eugent, will have an easy ride out of semi 1 straight to the final. Semi 2 is the tough one!

Blackquill
Blackquill
6 years ago

Good gosh, looks like my favorite is in the tougher semi of the two… I just hope a miracle will happen for Akullthyesit… as for the other semi, Voltan Prodani is my favorite, though I think I have to count him out, sadly.

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

Most of my faves packed in first one, dayum.
It seems like ‘Mall’ got a relatively decent spot – there’s a favourable difference betweem his and previous perfomance.

Pip
Pip
6 years ago

Second Semi Final is going to a be a bloodbath!

irish esc
irish esc
6 years ago

really like the running order for both semi finals and glad mall and vone will be on different nights can see them making final along with my other favourites from fik 56 : )