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
Inis Neziri – Piedestal
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 It’s FIK, so as long as none of the outdated rock songs randomly win, I’d be happy.
Win INIS NEZIRIIIIIII
She deserve to win, but this time they wanted a man….?
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 : )
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 »
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
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.
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?
“What if everyone decides to send Finland 2015?” – That’s some nightmare you’re having! :p
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)
Mall is my favorite. I think it is Albania’s best shot for the final. Hopefully he gets picked!
Best shot at top 5 in the Eurovision final too.
Orgesa FTW, all the others are crap (Well, Piedestal is OK, but it’s way too similar to what Albania usually do).
MALL is the obvious choice.
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 »
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 »
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.
In Mall we trust.
Inis Neziri – Piedestal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In2JNOBnx-g ORGESA ZAIMI – “NGRIJE ZËRIN” <3 <3 <3
Marco! Polo! Polo?! Where’s Xhesika Polo? Juries you’re responsible for this.
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
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!!!!!!!!!!!
Agree with the reasoning, but I would pick uptempo pop with Orgesa and aim for top 10
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 »
Over-singing? You could say that about Lindita and a few others, but last night she nailed it. Not too much. Just enough.
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
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…..
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 »
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)
My favorite is definitely ORË E NDALUR ?
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
“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.
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?
@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.
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
@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.
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 »
”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 »
“PIEDESTAL” for the WIN !
“PIEDESTAL” INIS ==== IS THE WINNER !!!!! AMAZINGGGGG !!!!!?
ONLY ONE….”PIEDESTAL ” IS THE WINNER !!!!!
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? 😮
Yeah but Amar Pelos Dios is timeless, while Inis’es song is just dated(at least for me)
Older-fashioned songs are not making a comeback. Pitiful back-stories were always in vogue!
Sobral didn’t do anything new.
“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. 🙂
I predict they might make a comeback in 2018. 🙂
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
ONLY ONE….”PIEDESTAL ” IS THE WINNER !!!!!
Say it many times and it might come true. 😀
lol hopefully
“PIEDESTAL” INIS ==== IS THE WINNER !!!!! AMAZINGGGGG !!!!!?
“PIEDESTAL” INIS ==== IS THE WINNER !!!!! AMAZINGGGGG !!!!!?
Did you just post the same comment but with a different name? Guy, relax. The jury decides.
THANK YOU. Tasteful legend.
Only ‘Mall” has a chance to qualify and shine in Lisbon. Juries will give him points for his vocals.
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.
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 »
Inis will win this, easily
It’s Inis or Orgesa for me. But I also like the others in the top 5 of the poll (Mariza, Eugent and Artemisa).
Eugent, Orgesa and Inis. Thats my top 3 and i that order.
I surely hope the that quality of songs in the National selections will improve.
Is it true Kazakhstan is now a full ebu member and debuting in 2019
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
Is this the running order?
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
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”
Latvia has Esamiba, which is a great song and likely the winner there. Estonia has nothing this year.
Well I think Kulm and La Forza are amazing! And better than any of the Albanian songs.
I like them both, but I disagree. I think FiK is quite strong this year.
I do agree it’s strong, but only stronger than other FiK’s editions and not than other NF, at least for now.
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
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.
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.
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 ?