kejsi-tolaLast year, Albania’s Kejsi Tola stood on a wind machine while wearing a tutu. That visual helped her non-stop dance number Carry Me In Your Dreams finish in 17th place (11th place among televoters; 23rd place among the professional jury).

Albania begins its search for this year’s rep on December 24 when Festivali i Këngës, the annual selection contest, kicks off.  A total of 38 acts will compete over four nights, with the winner selected on December 27. The perfect way to celebrate Jesus’ birthday!

On the first night, 19 amateur artists perform and a professional jury selects one act to compete in the final. On the next two shows, 19 other acts will perform their songs in multiple versions (dance, ballad, etc.). On the night of the final, the jury chooses the winner.

Anjeza Shahini, who represented Albania in 2004 and placed 7th in the final with Image of You, appears to be an early front-runner. You can watch her 2004 performance below:

THE COMPLETE LIST OF ENTRIES:

The amateur artists selected to compete on Dec. 24:

  • Stefan Marena – Retë S’Na Ndajnë
  • Brikena Asa – Sa Dua Unë
  • Onanta Spahiu – Dashurisë I Erdhi Vjeshta
  • Jona Koleci – Stinë Dashurie
  • Nazmie Selimi – Beso Akoma
  • Goldi Halili – Tirana Broadway
  • Iris Hoxha – Zërin Tim Ta Ndjesh
  • Supernova – Gabimi
  • Ardita Tusha – Je Larg
  • Selina Prelaj – Të Dy E Dimë
  • Vitmar Basha – Një Tjetër Jetë
  • Jorida Zaimaj – Për Ty
  • Lutus – Botë Pa Sy
  • Kelly – Ajo
  • Dorina Toçi – Një Fjalë Të Ngrohtë
  • Borana Kalemi – Ti
  • Amanda Ujkaj & Violeta Lulgjuraj – Vitet Më Të Bukura
  • Yje Të Panjohur – Si Dy Të Huaj
  • Çlirim Leka – Nëna Ime

The 19 artists guaranteed a spot in the Dec. 27 final:

  • Anjeza Shahini – Pasqyra E Vetës
  • Teuta Kurti – Mall I Pashuar
  • Claudio La Regina – Ave Maria
  • Kamela Islami – Kalimtar
  • Bojken Lako & Banda Adriatica – Love Love Love
  • Besa Kokëdhima – Kalorës I Dashurisë
  • Dorina Garuci – Sekreti I Dashurisë
  • Juliana Pasha – Nuk Di Përse
  • Denisa Macaj – [Song title yet to be announced]
  • Erga Halilaj – Party
  • Era Rusi – U Dashuruam
  • Eliza Hoxha – Në Mes
  • Flaka Krelani – Lë Të Bëhet
  • Mariza Ikonomi – Vazhdoj Këndoj
  • Erti Hizmo & Lindita Halimi – Nuk Të Dorezohem
  • Stefi & Endrri Prifti – Still Not Sure
  • Guximtar Rushani – Gëzuar
  • Rovena Dilo – Përtej Kohës
  • Kejsi Tola – Pse Ekzistojmë