Tonight, the grand final of Albania’s Festivali i Këngës 58 will take place — and with it, the first song for Eurovision 2020 will be known. The winner will be decided by the FiK58 expert jury, but until they have their say, wiwibloggs readers already have a favourite in mind.
The grand final of Festivali i Këngës 58 takes place tonight at 21.00 CET — find out how to watch live here. And according to wiwibloggs readers, there is one big favourite — Elvana Gjata with “Me tana”.
Elvana Gjata is your favourite to win Festivali i Këngës 58
Pop superstar and YouTube record-breaker Elvana Gjata has fast become one of the most talked-about acts in the FiK58 lineup. After her semi-final performance of “Me tana”, she was a clear favourite with wiwibloggs readers.
We asked our readers to pick their favourites of the 12 FiK 58 grand finalists, and Elvana comfortably emerged as the most popular act.
The Albanian diva picked up 1,377 votes out of a total of 2875 votes cast. In percentage terms, that’s 47.9% — almost half.
In second place was the X Factor winner Arilena Ari. Her entry “Shaj” picked up 496 votes — a respectable 17.25%. Sliding into third place was Era Rusi, whose song “Eja merre” had 252 votes or 8.77%.
The 12 finalists will compete tonight in the grand final of Festivali i Këngës 58. They will be voted on by a jury consisting of Greek Eurovision songwriter Dimitris Kontopoulos, Melodifestivalen producer Christer Björkman and Iceland’s Eurovision Head of Delegation Felix Bergsson, along with two Albanian jurors, ethnomusicologist Mikaela Minga and writer Pita Petro.
Who should win Festivali i Këngës 58? Results
- Elvana Gjata – “Me tana” 47.9% (1,377 votes)
- Arilena Ara – “Shaj” 17.25% (496 votes)
- Era Rusi – “Eja merre” 8.77% (252 votes)
- Sara Bajraktari – “Ajër” 8.45% (243 votes)
- Valon Shehu – “Kutia e Pandorës” 4.87% (140 votes)
- Gena – “Shqiponja e lirë” 3.83% (110 votes)
- Kamela Islamaj – “Më ngjyros” 2.4% (69 votes)
- Albërie Hadërgjonaj – “Ku ta gjej dikë ta dua” 1.77% (51 votes)
- Olta Boka – “Botë për dy” 1.53% (44 votes)
- Tiri Gjoci – “Me gotën bosh” 1.22% (35 votes)
- Bojken Lako – “Malaseen” 1.18% (34 votes)
- Robert Berisha – “Ajo nuk është unë” 0.83% (24 votes)
What do you think? Will Elvana take out the top spot tonight? Or will another act get the ticket to Rotterdam? Tell us your thoughts below!
So dissapointed!! My country always send these types of songs:powerful female ballads.It would have been such a nice change…oh well hope it could be strong enough to pass the semi but somehow doubted.
Honestly? If she sings the way she did tonight, I think it’ll be three qualifications in a row for Albania. Great choice! Just don’t do the whole thing in English! I’d like to think the last two years have told you why!
I felt it coming. Elvana on second place…. I think the juries made the wrong choice… why is it 100% jury in Albania?? No televote? I was hoping for a good uptempo song from Albania this year…
You heard the audience chanting for Arilena? I’m not sure she would lose televoting either. Both women were appealing choices for Albania.
The audience was chanting for both Elvana and Arelina.
But I think that Elvana has a bigger fan base in Albania outside of the studio/arena. It would have been more fair to let the televote decide or at least have 50/50 jury and televote.
I personally think that Arelina is a good artist but the song is really boring.
We all knew that involving Bjorkman would end up like this. Sabotaging other countries to benefit Sweden.
The public in Albania seem very happy so then im happy:) And you cant blame Christer. Thats good but fans are idiots so i know they will blame him anyway and Elvanas performance was NOT bettet then the winner so.
But will the winner do better than Elvana would’ve during ESC? I doubt it
That’s the question. Me tana would be a ”Jack in the box” depending on re-vamps. Some versions would sound amazing and could reach the ”Fuego” or ”She Got Me” type of hype. Other versions could butcher the song.
Shaj is under 3 minutes long and I’d advice Arilena not to touch it! Maybe a little tweak or two, but not much.
goodbye albania, i had high hopes that you would finally achieve a top 3 placement and ya’ll flushed it down the drain
Wow
I really hoped for an uptempo song from albania this year. That being said Arilena is an excellent choice
Elvana second place, Sara third…
And Arilena won. The comments will be on fire.
… and we’ll have our first ”ESC is cancelled. Corrupt juries.” kind of thread. I’d honestly be happy with Elvana, but I am REALLY excited to hear Shaj (hopefully not changed drastically) is Rotterdam in May.
Like I said here before, I would be equally satisfied with both. I don’t see “Shaj” reaching my top 10 for example, but it will probably land on a respectable position. And the same would apply to “Me tana”. I hope people don’t jump on Arilena for the result they didn’t want, because she did a great job with her song.
Shaj is is a type of song which could end-up on my 10th-20th spot depending on the final polish and the strength of the whole year. It has potential, but it’s far from obvious yet. We started out with a good song and I am satisfied.
I was ready for Me tana and would be fine with it too, especially with a great re-vamp.
Though I preferred Elvana, I can see the appeal for Arilena. I think she’ll do well at eurovision in the jury vote since she has an amazing voice. I suspect Elvana would have gotten a higher amount of votes from viewers but I won’t outright discount Arilena, she could still get through to the finals.
I’m fine with the choice, Albania wasn’t going to touch my top 5 this year anyway
My final wishlist:
1./2. = Arilena / Tiri
3. = Kamela
4. = Elvana
5. = Sara
6. / 7. = Olta / Valon
When is the result?
Probably when the alcohol runs out. 😛
Probably at midnight CET?
Its taking so longg
It’s short compared to San Remo and Vidbir! 🙂 I wonder which one finishes the latest of them all? Probably Portugal (Festival da cançao) because of the time difference.
That whole Era Rusi routine was a bit “dirty nightclub”. 🙂
Oh, and the topless dancer in the glass box… I thought I was dreaming that up. 😛 (Nice homage to Azerbaijan 2013 there.)
About Elvana: I agree that the diva approach limits her. She seems very likeable, I would love if she moved more through the stage and interacted with the cameras.
About Era: I would describe the staging as “drunk people at a wedding reception”. 😀
About Arilena: I didn’t think it was creepy, but it’s dramatic indeed. I think the Black Swan inspired costume adds to that. I personally like it.
Era’s staging “drunk people at a wedding reception”. Perfectly put. Eja merre anyway reminds me of a song from a Balkan wedding after-party and that type of dancing seals the deal. I guess it would be something I would move to in a right occasion, but it lacks some finesse in this context.
Comparing Arilena to Black Swan is also really good. Yes, it’s a dark, mystical ballad.
I would love to drunk-dancing “Eja merre at a wedding reception. 😀 But it’s a contest, so yeah, it lacks some finesse. Even more when there’s no televote involved. Too bad, because songwise I think it could compete with “Me tana”.
My favorite is also Tiri, along with Arilena Ara. I am, like you, aware that his song isn’t really a magnet for mass audiences, but it won’t stop me when I collect my Top NF songs in April. In the end, that’s what matters = hearing good music. About Arilena, I agree that it borders on creepy, but that’s a good thing. The song is called ”curse” and she is singing about a frustration of the failed love. It should come across as driven by desperation and her acting was great.
Musically it’s not scary enough for that, in my opinion. The descending scales of the melody are not very inspiring, and neither is the rhythmic hook. The chill factor is entirely performance-led, I feel. (And that’s a problem.)
Ah, that priceless moment when the presenter can sing better than some of the contestants. 😀 (Terry Wogan would approve.)
I think Elvana can get a better result for Albania at ESC, even though she isn’t my favourite. But her performance wasn’t really “that amazing”, maybe the song doesn’t work quite well with the orchestra.
Kamela is still my favorite, but her fashion choices don’t help, it’s hard not to be distracted by them (loved the facepaint of the semi, though). And yes, this kind of entry hasn’t been doing well in Eurovision (but I won’t stop liking them because of that, of course). Valon would be my 2nd choice, but I don’t see this particular jury picking a rock song. In the end, I guess it’s indeed between Arilena and Elvana. The good thing is that they both delivered. So, I would be equally satisfied with both outcomes.
Kamela is great, but the song isn’t a favourite of mine.
For Valon, the song I really like, but Valon himself was being drowned out by the orchestra.
My favourite song is Sara’s “Ajer” now, but Elvana has the ready-made ESC entry, and Arilena is a very special singer. Tough choice.
I think Valon would benefit a lot if he had a proper band with him and just a few orchestra members joinging them. Anyway, it’s the kind of entry we know any other country wouldn’t send to the contest, and that’s a huge part of the appeal for me.
The way you feel about Kamela, is the way I feel about Sara! 😛 It says something that Arilena was able to appeal to both of us and also to Colin, who loved “Ended”. We all preferred different ballads, but this one works like an intersection.
Admittedly, Elvana was also good tonight. It’s a nice energetic song and I wouldn’t be against it. I still personally prefer Arilena’s entry, even if it would be more expected from Albania.
But there are 7 entries I wouldn’t mind to see them winning. It’s overall a solid contest and most songs are pretty okay, at least.
The big question about “Me tana” is which kind of revamp it would get. It has a lot of space to grow and become great. But there’s a chance they will make it more generic too (imagine if they decide to translate it…).
I’m expecting them to translate it, the same goes to “Shaj”.
I agree. One of the reasons I would like to see Shaj as winner is that I see it as a final product. Me tana is obviously way too long, which leaves space for a lot of different revamp versions. I would be sad if it was translated or if the intro is gone. Personally, I’d cut the instrumental ending and maybe a few repetitive verses in between and added a punch to the chorus. That way, the song could be really amazing.
It would likely keep its original-sounding electronic hook, since that’s the main reason it stands out. But sadly the slow bit at the start might have to be cut. (It exposes Elvana’s voice a little too much.) As for translating it… usually that doesn’t work with Albanian, so it would just have completely different English lyrics instead.
I’ll answer all you guys at once, OK? 😀 I think “Shaj” is ready to go, but I fear they would translate the chorus, for example. About “Me tana”, don’t know if it’s what you’re talking about Mask, but I really don’t like the instrumental parts without lyrics. They sound like any other radiofriendly song and I would get rid of it. At least would look for a different beat, something more organic, with more drums. I would keep the intro, but I see your point. Though if Elvana delivers the intro, juries would probably respect her more. So, it… Read more »
Indeed Sabrina, I was discussing “Me Tana.” 🙂
And that’s funny that you don’t like the instrumental hook, whereas I think it’s the best part of the song, haha. But yeah it could be revamped with percussion, in theory.
As for those vocals in the intro, Elvana can work on it for sure, but it doesn’t hold up against the likes of “Nova Deca” (Serbia 2018) for example; an epic intro example. 🙂
Oh, the more I listen to that part, the more it bothers me haha The rest of the song I really like. Drums would work perfectly there. It would make it more ethnical. It would fit the traditional dance that they did with the handkerchiefs also. And I agree about “Nova Deca”.
”usually that doesn’t work with Albanian, so it would just have completely different English lyrics instead”
We know how that helped Albania in 2016 and 2017… Well, to be fair, Eneda’s lyrics turned out awful, while Hersi’s were fine, but her accent was beyond salvageable, which gave the same result.
If they are any smart, they’ll leave it in Albanian, as it helped Jonida and Eugent.
I would definitely keep the winner (any winner) in Albanian. One of the things I like the most about “Me tana” is how the language flows, the rhythm that comes from it. It wouldn’t be the same in English.
Elvana was good. It now looks like the jury might have to flip a few coins. The entries all have different strengths, so it just depends what aspects they will value more.
My prediction is Arilena to win.
So far, it’s a really believable outcome. She was outstanding in live. But we have to wait and see what Elvana brought to the table.
Eleni bringing the tough workout routine.
Even the backing dancers needed a rest. 😀
Total legend.
Another very strong FiK. Way to go, Albania!
So far, as I expected, Arilena and Tiri wiped the floor with their heartfelt performances. I am really impressed by their *acting* during singing to depict the emotional state they’re in. Arilena was especially expressive and the public picked it up. I would really like if she wins tonight!
Notable mention: Sara Bajraktari. If that’s how she sounds at 15, I can only imagine the diva she’ll be at 25. Go, Sara!
I still didn’t feel it with Tiri. Even though he has a great voice, the song just doesn’t connect with me. Sara’s song “Ajër” has a beautiful Chorus and Refrain that stay with me – I can remember “Ajër” and sing it back. I don’t remember Tiri’s song yet.
But Arilena is winning so far, on that stunning performance alone, for sure. 🙂
Ajer really is a nice and catchy song. It’s melody is really authentically Adriatic in it’s tone. Songs from Dalmatia, Primorje and Istria have that similar melos. I am familiar with it and I like it because it feels relaxing. Sara did an outstanding job. As music is personal, I can say I felt Tiri’s broken heart tonight. Even if jury puts him last, he can be happy for the performance he gave. Arilena… yeah, she was out of this world! I think I might up her rating! This is a winner as long as I’m concerned. 🙂
Arilena won the crowd, for sure.
Not my favourite song, but wow Arilena gave everything to the performance – definitely a star. Things just got interesting, because Elvana is no longer a safe winner.
I wonder what Bojken Lako whispered into the presenter’s ear? 😀
So far, great performances.
I need Elvana
Wow! That live rock orchestra sound just woke me up! 😀
I really hope Arilena wins… usually the people from Wiwi Bloggs like the upbeat, fierce and colorful entries, but Shaj reminds me of Suus and Kruna, very personal, full of emotion and a perfect vocal… i really hope this will be the juror’s choice!
I like her song, I just feel like it’s right on the edge of being over-staged. If they had kept it a little more simple with even more focus on the singer, I think it would have been even more emotional.
Good luck to all of the performers tonight. 🙂
I haven’t seen all of them, so I hope to be pleasantly surprised.
Gena will win and all those women are awful
i thought i wrote to much sometimes but Nicky91 is in another league ;-).
I’m dying ???
I want Valon to win but Elvana also deserves it so either one of them would be good 🙂
Even if a jury member gives Elvana 0 points which i doubt they will she could still win. Thats good:). I know our swedish Jury member will give her points because he likes good songs combined with good performances always so if she dont win its not Swedens fault im sure off:)
I do like ”Shaj” but I feel it’s s bit anonymous, and would probably not even make the finale, whereas Elvanas song is s more uptempo song and which will attract more votes, especially from the albanian diaspora
Elvana better win, the song is already a huge success.
Poland 2014 was a huge sucees to with millions and millions of wiews but came 14th in ESC:). Its on the night that counts. Not 6 months before:).
This is Elvana’s to lose. I have faith she will pull through, but this is Albania after all so you never know.
Arilena Ara and Tiri Gjoci have songs I like the best (a moment of silence for Ende and Ankth), but I can see the appeal of finally sending something upbeat from Albania. In that terms, Elvana is the better option, as Era didn’t sell her song that convincingly in the semi. Choosing a song (especially the first one who has almost nothing to compare it by) based on a tempo can be tricky too. In a way, better having 10 great ballads / bops, than a great diversity between 10 mediocre songs. On the other hand, more diverse collection of… Read more »
Era sold the performance 100 times better than Elvana
I think Elvana will Winn, but I want Era Rusi to win
Elvana has no chance at winning, i mean why would juries let her basic outdated song win
your a little to much on the Elvana hate train. Its a good song:)
Elvana FTW! Fingers crossed in Buenos Aires!! Let’s do this!!! 🙂
I am really torn. Shay is my favourite song but for once Albania should send an uptempo song PLUS Elvana is such a huge superstar and the biggest star to ever compete at FiK (or one of the biggest), so i feel like they must use this chance…such a star comes rarely. And 3million views in 10 days come on…
So i’m really excited about tonight
LOL, sending Elvana just because she’s a diva, a huge star
the real deal, the real superstar is Arilena Ara, i can vision Shaj so much in our Ahoy, everytime i listen to it
Nicky honestly what’s wrong with you, stop trolling ffs. You even keep contradicting yourself since FiK began.
yeah a little to much Nicky91. Its nice that you have a big passion but a little to much now:)
Arilena’s vocal brilliance over that troll act from Elvana anytime
whoever wins I hope they keep it in Albanian, but I feel a translation incoming…
I wouldn’t mind either Elvana or Arilena winning, but due to the emotion in ‘Shaj’ coupled with the recent events in Albania, I think Arilena will win. I also would love it if Kamela comes from nowhere and snatches glory, ‘Me Ngjyros’ is amazing!
Gena would be a mind-blowing winner for sure!
But of course, Elvana is my pick to win?
Arilena’s song is perfection, perfect eurovision balkan ballad
perfect live vocals, also tonight’s performance she cannot do anything wrong, cause she is the Queen, vote for Arilena at eurovision or else
lol stop it’s a mediocre, predictable song. elvana’s song ain’t groundbreaking but it’s better
50 percent for elvana. No more to say judges… Albania has talked
*the gheys have talked
exactly my thoughts too about who bjorkman was talking about
Gena had a great crowd reaction people dancing clapping so he must be up there too as a alternative uptempo choice compared to elvana but i’m not sure he’ll appeal for the win
so i also think it is between elvana and arilena
Either Elvana or Arilena, I would kind of like to see Elvana, because Albania really rarely sends uptempo songs. But I love Arilena as well!
I’m hoping for a surprise Era Rusi victory ^^
Arilena has the prettiest name, looked drop dead gorgeous in the semi final and has a captivating voice. She has it all, except a captivating song. I really wish she had one because that lady belongs on the Eurovision stage more than anyone else in the competition.
Arilena cannot flop tonight with her worldclass superior vocals, no one is better than Arilena,
Arilena Ara the next Celine Dion, new superstar eurovision winner 🙂
I don’t want a next Celine Dion. I want a unique Arilena Ara.
Arilena has the prettiest name, looked drop dead gorgeous in the semi final, has a captivating voice. She has it all, except a captivating song. I really, really wish she had it because that lady belongs on the Eurovision stage more than anyone else.