Last night the Festivali i Këngës 56 jury confirmed the names of the 14 acts who will compete in the FiK grand final tonight. Eight acts from the first semi-final and six acts from the second semi-final will face off to be selected as Albania‘s act for Eurovision 2018.

Tonight the jury alone will decide the winner. But we want to hear what you think. Who are your favourites, going into the FiK 56 final? Who should win the ticket from Tirana to Lisbon?

Listen to the 14 grand finalists and vote for your favourites. As always, you can vote for as many acts as you like, but you can only vote once — so make it count.

Artemisa Mithi – “E dua botën”

https://youtu.be/KYJEz4rlf9c

Bojken Lako – “Sytë e shpirtit”

https://youtu.be/iwMlK4sKY9Y

Denisa Gjezo – “Zemër ku je”

https://youtu.be/ZE_z6UczU2U

Elton Deda – “Fjalët”

https://youtu.be/e4eSvugLs6s

Eugent Bushpepa – “Mall”

https://youtu.be/YqL1JvxwyTM

Inis Neziri – “Piedestal”

https://youtu.be/iSKtyPxT_Dg

Manjola Nallbani – “I njëjti qiell”

https://youtu.be/twnqDaxg1tY

Mariza Ikonomi – “Unë”

https://youtu.be/sJ7dM8cKX7o

NA & Festina Mezini – “Tjetër jetë”

https://youtu.be/St0kctW9ZHg

Orgesa Zaimi – “Ngrije zërin”

https://youtu.be/ypk6TkbmqYo

Redon Makashi – “Ekziston”

https://youtu.be/OmnD74HdVn8

Rezarta Smaja & Luiz Ejlli – “Ra një yll”

https://youtu.be/tHU7yLLA8vw

Tiri Gjoci – “Orë e ndalur”

https://youtu.be/EthI65buyhs

Voltan Prodani – “E pamundur”

https://youtu.be/X8lTKaifS7s

Who should win Festivali i Këngës 56 and represent Albania at Eurovision 2018?

[polldaddy poll=9904056]

READ MORE ALBANIA EUROVISION NEWS HERE

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Mario
Mario
6 years ago

Inis Neziri – Piedestal

Azaesc
Azaesc
6 years ago

My favorite song is still Orgesa’s but after the lives I think Eugent, Inis and Tiri would be good options as well. It’s FIK, so as long as none of the outdated rock songs randomly win, I’d be happy.

Lindita
Lindita
6 years ago
Reply to  Azaesc

Win INIS NEZIRIIIIIII

Eridjola Hëna
Eridjola Hëna
6 years ago
Reply to  Lindita

She deserve to win, but this time they wanted a man….?

irish esc
irish esc
6 years ago

mall has to win it is just a magical song and woulod make top 5 in esc i really like piedestal as well but i feel like it will be a borderline qualifier if albania chooses it : )

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago

I still think that Orgesa is the best option to get Albania to the final. The song is ready to Eurovision and even if they decide to translate it to english, I don’t think that would do any harm. I have my doubts if Mall wouldn’t be destroyed by editing/translation/revamp. Eugent is a very convicing performer though. That always help with the jury. I think Inis’ is great. She has stage presence, she has a good voice, I like her song and she sings it well. But I think Albania needs to shake things up after the last ballads. Timing… Read more »

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
6 years ago

Perjete (Xheskia Polo) should of won the entire thing and no matter what Albania sends now they will not qualify and will be contenders to come last in their semi

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Everybody is talking about Mall and Piedestal, but imagine if Manjolla wins in the end. My god!!!! That’s not what we want, but it’s the one that we deserve.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
6 years ago

Piedestal is my favorite this edition, but it would again be a too safe choice for Albania and wouldn’t qualify. Everybody loves Orgesa, but I really don’t think it would ever qualify or stand out. Mall is also good, but again doesn’t stand out. Their chances in actual Eurovision can’t ve decided yet, what if everyone suddenly decides to send Finland 2015?

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

“What if everyone decides to send Finland 2015?” – That’s some nightmare you’re having! :p

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

Nobody in Albanian finals is *that* bad, not even in the Latvian one, so *at least two* songs will not be *as bad*. (With all the love for the guys, sorry)

Rita
Rita
6 years ago

Mall is my favorite. I think it is Albania’s best shot for the final. Hopefully he gets picked!

Graham
Graham
6 years ago
Reply to  Rita

Best shot at top 5 in the Eurovision final too.

thespb01
thespb01
6 years ago

Orgesa FTW, all the others are crap (Well, Piedestal is OK, but it’s way too similar to what Albania usually do).

ImpressiveInstants
ImpressiveInstants
6 years ago

MALL is the obvious choice.

Aaran
Aaran
6 years ago

I really like Piedestal, especially as Inis can sing it almost identical to studio version. Having said that, Bote/World was in my top ten this year and look at how that turned out. Maybe Tiri or Orgesa would be better. I think Tiri has got quite good staging and it would be improved with the cut to 3min. Orgesa’s song could do with a revamp especially in the chorus and would sound better without the live orchestra. I’m not a big fan of Mall as it takes almost 2 minutes to hit the chorus but maybe this will be improved… Read more »

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

Two of my favourite entries has been eliminated: Xhesica Polo and LYNX. I recognise it’s fair, because both were out of tune, especially Xhesica. The studio version was great, but the orchesta version was disappointing. She was screaming, literally. I’m really disappointed. On the other hand, I’m happy with my other favs making it to the final. Arguably, “Mall”, “Ngrije zërin” and “Une” are the best songs from this bunch and I think they could qualify for the Grand Final in May. Please, don’t choose “Piedestal”, it would be another flop like “Böte” and “Perralle”. My top for the final:… Read more »

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

That’s what I think. The Albanian jury should pick a diferent song, not just the “same” song over the years. If Eneda and Lindita got stuck in the Semifinals, Inis will do to.

James
James
6 years ago

In Mall we trust.

KLAJDI
KLAJDI
6 years ago

Inis Neziri – Piedestal

dexxx3
dexxx3
6 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In2JNOBnx-g ORGESA ZAIMI – “NGRIJE ZËRIN” <3 <3 <3

Matthew
Matthew
6 years ago

Marco! Polo! Polo?! Where’s Xhesika Polo? Juries you’re responsible for this.

sam
sam
6 years ago
Reply to  Matthew

i wanted to see her go through but i can tell you didn’t watch her live performance… she had some serious vocal mistakes and the juries obviously shot her down for it

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

The thing is…in March, when we will have at least 10 more ballads, will this love for Piedestal survive? Right now, it really stands out, vocally and even musically, but we’ve seen this so many times before, and Albania needs something else.

Eugent and Orgesa are the only two options here (for ESC). Mall is my favourite and I think both artists are experienced and competent, as you can see by their attitude on the stage.

Let’s go shopping!!!!!!!!!!!

LalehForWD
LalehForWD
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Agree with the reasoning, but I would pick uptempo pop with Orgesa and aim for top 10

D
D
6 years ago

1. Orgesa Zaimi 2. Eugent Bushpepa 3. Artemisa Mithi 4. Inis Neziri 5. Tiri Gjoci 6. Mariza Ikonomi 7. Denisa Gjezo 8. NA & Festina Mezini 9. Rezarta Smaja & Luiz Ejlli 10. Manjolla Nalbani 11. Voltan Prodani 12. Elton Deda 13. Redon Makashi 14. Bojken Lako I would be extremely happy if Eugent or Orgesa win, but I’d also be okay with any of my top six winning. Of all the songs, I actually enjoy my top eight, so this is a very good year for FiK. I’m not sure what songs would be able to qualify (I know… Read more »

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
6 years ago

Over-singing? You could say that about Lindita and a few others, but last night she nailed it. Not too much. Just enough.

José
José
6 years ago

My top 10 for tonight’s show:
1. Inis Neziri
2. Tiri Gjoci
3. Bojken Lako
4. Rezarta and Luiz
5. Eugent Bushpepa
6. Orgesa Zaimi
7. Artemisa Mithi
8. Mariza Ikonomi
9. NA & Festina
10. Elton Deda

Monika
Monika
6 years ago

I don’t understand what’s all the fuss about Eugent Bushpepa’s “Mall”… After another rock failure in 2013 (Identitiet) I doubt Albania will go in that direction again… The safest choice should be Orgresa Zaimi. At least it’s not a dramatic ballad like Albania used to pick for the last 10 years, more or less. An uptempo song should get them the qualification…..

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

My personal favorites would be Piedestal, Ore E Ndalur, Une, Mall, Ra Nje Yll and E Dua Boten. I can honestly see either of them qualifying if they keep their song in Albanian, make a good performance, be careful of staging, ect. Piedestal is a phenomenal entry, very catchy, powerful and engaging. The ONLY issue (albeit maybe not minuscule) is it’s resemblance to some of the country’s previous entries. If it was a Latvian or Greek entry, I would have no issues at all. But even if it reminds of Bote, it’s way more catchy from the first listening and… Read more »

Blunder
Blunder
6 years ago

I disagree with the comments saying Piedestal is just another World/Fairytale. There are so many twists in the song’s structure and dynamics and it can surprise you with every segment. It keeps the listener engaged and interested, and I think it could do well in Lisbon with a proper revamp (which is guaranteed since the song is 3 and a half minutes long)

Atalia
Atalia
6 years ago

My favorite is definitely ORË E NDALUR ?

Atalia
Atalia
6 years ago
Reply to  Atalia

This is my top 14:
1. Orë e ndalur
2. Ngrije zërin
3. Mall
4. E dua botën
5. Zemër ku je
6. Piedestal
7. Tjetër jetë
8. Unë
9. Ra një yll
10. Fjalët
11. E pamundur
12. Ekziston
13. Sytë e shpirtit
14. I njëjti qiell

Cristian Scarpone
Editor
6 years ago

“Mall” by Eugent Bushpepa is the right choice. Albania needs to send something different and stands out in the competition. With a good revamp that song has a big chance to qualify. His voice is amazing, that’s important.

“Piedestal” is the obvious cliché many eurofans every year go crazy about. Beautiful young lady who screams a dated mess.

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
6 years ago

It’s neither dated, nor a mess. And “Mall” Is typical Albanian Rock. Basically their 2013 entry updated. “Piedestal” could go on to great things. I also love how you call it a song that the Eurofans would go crazy for, despite the fact that your song is winning the poll. Maybe it’s the more typical euro fan song?

Cristian Scarpone
Editor
6 years ago

@Catriona Colville – How can you even compare “Identitet” to “Mall”. Two completely different songs. “Mall” is winning the poll just because more people think, and they’re right, that is a good and clever choice. It stands out for a reason, it’s different and better compared to the other songs in the final. Not because it’s a “typical euro fan song”. We have that one right there, behind, in second place. The cliché screamed ballad we’ve already heard before many times and from many nations at Eurovision and various euro-selections.

Ronda
Ronda
6 years ago

I don’t really think that eurofans are going crazy about ballads. They actually like anything but ballads. Haven’t you ever seen the famous “OMG! It’s another ballad!!!” thing?? :p

Cristian Scarpone
Editor
6 years ago
Reply to  Ronda

@Ronda – The fact that some people started with the “OMG another ballad” thing was because they thought there were too many ballads together in one edition. This doesn’t mean eurofans don’t love ballads, especially performed by pretty ladies with a dramatic touch and high notes. There are ballads and ballads. At the same time there are many uptempos worshipped by fans. One does not preclude the other.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

In terms of performance: Eugent, Inis and Orgesa all have a big advantage. Mariza has a good song, and Elton has a solid voice that I particularly like. Having now read some feedback, I’m surprised at the large support Bojken is getting – maybe I missed something there. I should also point out that Tiri Gjoci is winning in the “staging” and “choreography” marks – this could prove to be a decisive factor for the jury in sending someone to Eurovision. It will be an interesting final. 🙂 I hope Eugent wins, because I think he deserves it this year.… Read more »

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

”But when does my favourite ever win?!” – Ha ha… sometimes I have the same feeling, with this year ”losing” the win simultaneously in Iceland and Sweden, after the similar situation in Hungary and Denmark. Then I remembered that my favorite won in UK, Finland and Malta, so it’s actually a toss for most of the time. It will be an interesting final indeed. I won’t be able to watch, but since I’ve seen the performances in the semis, I have a good idea on what will be seen. The result… no idea! Internet’s clear favorites are Inis, Eugent and… Read more »

Anton
Anton
6 years ago

“PIEDESTAL” for the WIN !

Richard
Richard
6 years ago

“PIEDESTAL” INIS ==== IS THE WINNER !!!!! AMAZINGGGGG !!!!!?

Richard
Richard
6 years ago

ONLY ONE….”PIEDESTAL ” IS THE WINNER !!!!!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

I couldn’t disagree more about the oversinging. Sorry. Inis has a very musical style of singing, and reminds me of a young Christina Aguilera.
As for “modern” music, there is a backlash happening against this right now. Older-fashioned songs are making a comeback, and (as much as I critique him) this is partly down to Salvador Sobral. Ooo – did I just write the premise for a Wiwibloggs article topic? 😮

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Yeah but Amar Pelos Dios is timeless, while Inis’es song is just dated(at least for me)

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Older-fashioned songs are not making a comeback. Pitiful back-stories were always in vogue!
Sobral didn’t do anything new.

AzeriChico
AzeriChico
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

“Pitiful back-stories were always in vogue!” Well, that’s absolutely wrong in case of Sobral. I voted (10 times) for his emotional song and performance. It was very beautiful and touching. Plus it wasn’t like any other stage performances in Eurovision where each step is calculated, where to look at, where to walk etc. It was just him, singing his song in beautiful portuguese. 🙂

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

I predict they might make a comeback in 2018. 🙂

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

I respectfully disagree. I think the problem is not outdated songs or oversinging., the problem is english revamps and bad staging, Lindita could have qualified had she sung in Albanian and had she not worn a bride of chucky costume

Richard
Richard
6 years ago

ONLY ONE….”PIEDESTAL ” IS THE WINNER !!!!!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Richard

Say it many times and it might come true. 😀

Ronda
Ronda
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

lol hopefully

Richard
Richard
6 years ago

“PIEDESTAL” INIS ==== IS THE WINNER !!!!! AMAZINGGGGG !!!!!?

David
David
6 years ago

“PIEDESTAL” INIS ==== IS THE WINNER !!!!! AMAZINGGGGG !!!!!?

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago
Reply to  David

Did you just post the same comment but with a different name? Guy, relax. The jury decides.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

THANK YOU. Tasteful legend.

Dew
Dew
6 years ago

Only ‘Mall” has a chance to qualify and shine in Lisbon. Juries will give him points for his vocals.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Dew

They should give for the song, mainly. I’m tired of these acts who try to scream just to catch the jury. I include Dami Im in this list.

NckC
NckC
6 years ago

I respectfully disagree, Robin. I think the problem is not ‘outdated’ songs, the problem is revamps, and especially changing the language to English, and the staging. Lindita could have qualified if she sang in Albanian, and if she did not look like Chucky’s bride, and she was close to qualify. Those revamps take away the organic feeling from the songs and make them look like oversinging West End/Broadway pieces. I think after Salvador’s victory, the mood is towards nostalgic, simple, vintage songs- Inis can do wonders if : 1) Keep the song in Albanian 2) use the money for revamp… Read more »

NckC
NckC
6 years ago

Inis will win this, easily

esc freak
esc freak
6 years ago

It’s Inis or Orgesa for me. But I also like the others in the top 5 of the poll (Mariza, Eugent and Artemisa).

Vanuatu
Vanuatu
6 years ago

Eugent, Orgesa and Inis. Thats my top 3 and i that order.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

I surely hope the that quality of songs in the National selections will improve.

EscAU
EscAU
6 years ago

Is it true Kazakhstan is now a full ebu member and debuting in 2019

Kyler
Kyler
6 years ago

Eugent should represent Albania in Lisbon. If Inis will win then they would have to stay in the semis for another year. Remember when Lindita won? Many thought she would get to the final because of her performance. But after the revamp she didn’t. Inis will be another Lindita and knowing it is a ballad, a weak ballad tbh, it would be placed in a bad position in a semis running order

Juuseven
Juuseven
6 years ago

Is this the running order?

LULU
6 years ago

Tiri Gjoci – “Orë e ndalur .-10/10 different lovely melody and he can sing
Inis Neziri – “Piedesta, -9/10 she sure can sing this excellnt song but must sing in albanian if she wins.
Orgesa Zaimi – “Ngrije zërin 8/10 very different for a albanian song again she can sing but not sure if she won how she would do in lisbon

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago

To be honest I’m not sure if any of these songs is good enough for Eurovision final. Maybe Orgesa’s song…., but with a revamp, and quite a big one. All the songs sound too dated, I mean I can’t see any of these song qualifiying over the artists we know for now, even tho we don’t know the songs. And I’m sure that Latvia and Estonia will have a better song than any of these so yeah. I miss “I’m Alive”

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

Latvia has Esamiba, which is a great song and likely the winner there. Estonia has nothing this year.

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Well I think Kulm and La Forza are amazing! And better than any of the Albanian songs.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

I like them both, but I disagree. I think FiK is quite strong this year.

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

I do agree it’s strong, but only stronger than other FiK’s editions and not than other NF, at least for now.

AzeriChico
AzeriChico
6 years ago

My personal top 5 for the final:
1. Inis Neziri – “Piedestal” 8/10
2. Eugent Bushpepa – “Mall” 7/10
3. Bojken Lako – “Sytë e shpirtit” 7/10
4. Rezarta Smaja & Luiz Ejlli – “Ra një yll” 7/10
5. Orgesa Zaimi – “Ngrije zërin” 5/10

Guillermo
Guillermo
6 years ago

Eugent’s “Mall” would easily qualify on ESC, Orgesa too. Inis is just another Lindita, she’s generic as hell. SHE WON’T QUALIFY ON ESC.

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
6 years ago
Reply to  Guillermo

Literally no songs released and you are talking about whether Albania will qualify with a song that isn’t even in it’s final version. Get a grip.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
6 years ago

Eugent has a great voice but I’m not a fan of the song
And they will have to shorten it for Eurovision so it will sound even worse :/
Inis is the clear winner and should represent Albania ?