It’s the first national final held each year, known for its dramatic orchestral performances. Now Albania has released the names of the 24 acts vying to win Festivali i Këngës 55 and represent their country at Eurovision 2017. And there are a few familiar faces in the line-up.
The contest has attracted more than a few artists who have previously competed in Festivali i Këngës. Making a return from last year’s line-up are Dilan Reka and fan favourite Flaka Krelani. Absent from FiK55 is Besa Krasniqi, the Swedish-Albanian singer whose “Liroje zemrën” (Free your heart) was another fan favourite last year.
Also making a return appearance is Orges Toce (2011), Linda “Lindita” Halimi (2014), the rock band Lynx (2013, 2014), and Rezarta Smaja (2013, 2014, 2015).
The line-up also includes a number of competitors who have made appearances on The X Factor Albania and The Voice of Albania. This includes 2015 X Factor winner Edea Demaliaj, as well as Lindita who made a brief appearance on the final series of American Idol.
Twenty-four acts will be competing at Fik55, down from 30 last year. The smaller number of competing acts is part of a number of changes broadcaster RTSH is introducing, aimed at restoring public confidence in the competition. This will also include the introduction of a public jury vote along with the expert jury.
Festivali i Këngës 55 – Artists and songs
- Albulena Jashari – “Fjalët ia lë zemrës” (The heart leaves)
- Classic Boys – “Dashuria për jetën” (Love for life)
- Dilan Reka – “Mos harro” (Don’t forget)
- Edea Demaliaj – “Besoj në ëndrra” (I believe in dreams)
- Edona Vatoci – “Mirëmëngjës” (Good morning)
- Elson Braha – “Edhe një herë” (One more time)
- Erlind Zeraliu – “Dhimbja e gëzimit” (Pain and joy)
- Fabiola Agalliu & Agnesa Çavolli – “Shkon e vjen” (It comes and goes)
- Festina Mejzini – “Atje lart” (Up there)
- Flaka Krelani – “Osiris”
- Franc Koruni – “Macka” (The pussycat)
- Genc Salihu – “Këtu” (Here)
- Linda “Lindita” Halimi – Botë (World)
- Linda Rukaj – “Vija e lumit” (River line)
- Lorela – “Me ty” (With you)
- Luka & Serxhio Hajdini – “Koha plaket” (Old time)
- LYNX – “Sot” (Today)
- Neki Emra – “Dashuri dhe urrejtje” (Love and hate)
- Orges Toçe – “Shi diamantësh” (Rain diamond)
- Rezarta Smaja – “Pse prite gjatë” (Why wait long)
- Tiri – “Më zgjo” (Wake me up)
- Xhesika Polo – “Eva jam unë” (I am Eve)
- XUXI- “Metropol”
- Yll Limani – “Shiu” (Rain)
What do you think of the FiK55 line-up? Who would you like to see representing Albania in Kyiv? Share your thoughts below!
I’m excited. Hopefully, though, lessons will be learned from last year’s revamp and they will realize that sometimes keeping it in the original form or closer to it might be better. That or at least revamp it as well as they do for JESC.
D’OH! I didn’t see that link. You beat me to it.
Robyn: Lindita tried out for the final season of ‘American Idol’, but didn’t make the cut for the final 24.
The translations of songs’ titles have so many mistakes
YES! Lindita!
Lindita and Flaka I’m screaming yasssssssssssssssssssssss
this is gonna be a gr8 selection
I want Aslajdon Zaimaj, last year’s runner-up, to come back with a song like ‘Mermë që sot’.
@Robyn – of course there is a show aspect of ESC too…as it’s a TV-event. But it’s more like the extra spice to the dinner…not the important thing. But I indeed hope that even the “worst glamour freak” will admit the music is of course way more important than the visuals! It’s a music contest most of all, and a concert.
MF is FAR TOO much about glamour I think….so i like e.g. FIK (or Eesti laul, A dal etc) much better
Where can i listen to the songs?
*based on its own merits
Flaka is in again, great! I can’t wait to listen to the songs and read your reviews, guys! 😀
I hope there are many high-quality songs in there. Good luck, Albania! 🙂
And please, don’t ruin your song by revamping it again.
@MoreMusicLessGlamourPlease
“Their best entry by far is Identitet from 2013.”
I have a feeling you don’t assess each entry on its own merits but on its genre. That’s why there is no rock song you dislike. Not even one, I’m sure about that. 😉
Whatever Albania chooses, please let it be good and no more horrendous English translations. The way the word “you” was sung this year was just awful.
I love Albania one my favourite ESC Countries!
I reaken Albania will win very soon, the always send great entries! Maybe Tirana 2018 ?!?!
Really cool! I still listen to their songs.
Lindita Halimi’s song has a title in English 😮
I’m shaking with excitement that Flaka is back! So robbed last year!
“Xhesika Polo – “Eva jam unë” (I am Eve)”
This sounds like a smash already. Edyta Górniak is shook!
Lindita !
Rezarta !
Let’s hope for many rock songs also this year 🙂 Their best entry by far is Identitet from 2013.
I must say I like FIK a lot….very classy finals. The orchestra, the lenghty songs, with a REAL build up / natural flow, good instrumental passages…..
Some NFs focus far too much on unecssary glamour, cheesy gimnicks, and OTT trashy prdoctions…MF in particular. So it’s a bit of a refreshment to watch e.g. FIK in comparism! Focus on what ESC IS about…music, not glamour!
Will the Final still be in December?
Will they make the songs public again though? I really enjoyed Wiwi analyzing the songs.