The Wiwi Jury — our in-house team of music unprofessionals — is reviewing and rating the 40 competing songs in Eurovision 2022. Next we review Albania, who have chosen Ronela Hajati with “Sekret”.
Are we loving Ronela’s sekret combination? Read on to find out!
Ronela Hajati – “Sekret” (Albania Eurovision 2022)
Review: Ronela Hajati – “Sekret”
William: Pumping and thumping, bumping and grinding — Albania’s Ronela takes us on a journey with this one. The song plays on Albanian tradition and reggaeton beats, creating a mind-bending journey that screams “medieval sex dungeon” at one turn, “contemporary club in Tirana” at another. The song doesn’t really get going until 40 seconds in — but Ronela is so mesmerising you’re drawn in and hooked well before that. We know she can sing. We know she can perform. Throw in proper staging and our girl will most definitely roar up the scoreboard.
Score: 9
Robyn: This year, we’re getting a lot of subdued songs, going for understated impact. Fortunately, Ronela isn’t taking that path and is serving the mighty and powerful “Sekret”. Nothing is spared, with trilingual lyrics, plenty of dance breaks, a delightfully melodic chorus and ample moments for Ronela to own the stage. It’s surely going to be one of the stand-out performances of the first semi-final, and all going well, should deliver similar might in the grand final.
Score: 8
Oliver: Ronela Hajati showcases some strong musical ideas, from catchy lead riffs to classic Balkan vocal lines. Unfortunately, throwing all the best fruit into a blender doesn’t always make a delicious smoothie. “Sekret” is three minutes of musical chaos. A huge proportion of the vocal line is loud, borderline irritating spoken word. There’s no singalong melody, no distinct drop, just a coalescence of harsh discordant sounds, accompanied by a mind-boggling visual story. Albania’s qualification streak is in jeopardy.
Score: 2.5
Sebastian: A real masterclass in taking a solid song, pairing it with a ravishing diva, and revamping it for the gods. “Sekret” is anything but – it’s a loud explosion of fire and ethnic beats, and, in 2022, has fast stood out beyond the pack. Ronela sells it with power and vigour, and her confidence explodes in a year where the ballad prevails heavily in Turin. This is one to watch, and could just deliver Albania’s best result of the last decade.
Score: 9.5
Deban: Charged with the potency of a hunk on viagra, this year’s Albanian entry spanks you HARD, and throws you on the dancefloor HARDER. Marrying Balkan sounds with infectious beats, Albania’s jet fuel is “Sekret” — and this all-consuming magic potion doesn’t hold back! It’s got melody, sass, movement, sex and noise in equal measure. Ronela Hajati — the powerhouse behind this entry — is a formidable performer. Watch out because she’s all charged up to SLAY on the Eurovision stage.
Score: 6.5
Albania Eurovision 2022 ranking
In the Eurovision 2022 Wiwi Jury, we have 18 jurors but only have room for five reviews. The remaining scores are below:
Angus: 7 Antranig: 9 Cinan: 9 Jonathan: 8 Josh: 8.5 Lucy: 7.5 Luis: 9 |
Natalie: 8 Pablo: 9 Renske: 7.5 Ron: 8.5 Suzanne: 5 Tom: 8 |
We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 2.5 and a high of 9.5.
Wiwi Jury verdict: 7.97/10
What do you think of Albania’s Eurovision 2022 entry? Share your own score and review for Ronela Hajati’s “Sekret” below!
Would you look at that every single word Oliver said was true and all you people did is mock and berate him for the truth
Albania has hardly been a favourite of mine, as I don’t really understand the type of music showcased in FiK, usually too dated for my taste. But this time is different. The song is a real bop, reggaeton meets chalga and helicopter hairography, it’s something we really need as of today. It’s energetic, unapologetic, noisy and very powerful. And she’s got such a positive vibe, she really gets you into the song and she’s got good ideas on how to put on a show. In a year full of slow and moody songs, be a Ronela. One of my votes… Read more »
Toxic Polish trolls have raided the comment section. Nothing against the song I think it is one of the best this year.
Actually, they are serbian trolls bursting from jealousy! That’s uncivilised and sad but such are serbs.
the eurovisione jury is like a Suzanne ..? bo taste of good music ?
Oliver, you better fu.k offffff, tasteless
Thanks for the score Wiwiblogs! As for the hate comments or “that’s overrated” comments, Albania has been in top 6 for a long time in eurovision scoreboard, it has also been in top 10 most watched videos on Eurovision channel since January, about the prepartys Ronela slayed with her performances and the crowd went crazy for her. Now tell me do you really think this song is really overrated or it is overrated just because you personally don’t like it. As for the voting Ronela said it herself that she doesn’t care that much as she knows how it really… Read more »
this basic song got more point than lithuania, ok…
I thought the song is just okay. The fact that it is the only song in its category this year make it stand out very much among the other competitors. Well played, Albania.
While I think this is a great song, I have concerns about the live performance. During the national final she sounds like she’s screaming (mostly off key), and since then the revamp introduced even more shouty moments in the song.
I’m sure she’ll qualify and I hope she does well overall, I just hope the live performance doesn’t disappoint.
She has already given excellent live performances in all the preparties
Wow a clear authentic ethnic bop! Sekret is definitely a song that will hype up and energise the whole stadium! Ronela is an immaculate perfomer and she will sure light up the stage…She has good chances to make it to the top 10 but i do think that 7.97 is a little high for the song when poland got such a low score…
I agree with Oliver. Can’t wait to see the outrage in two weeks.
Are you 13? Sorry, I should not offend a 13 years old who is clearly smarter than the lot of you
Let’s hope Ronela will one-up what Eleni left unfinished.
She will, because the song is a lot better and she doesn’t lack stage presence at all. She’s there to win it all guys.
You already commented like 4 times. What’s up with your rage? We got your opinion, you can go comment to what you like
What is your favorite song this year?
Great, now gtfo of this page.
I don’t know if Aria likes any songs this year. They are copying and posting negative comments on every blog
This polish troll is so annoying it is crazy
Actually, I’m not that much into this kind of female “agressive” bop but the ethnic vibes are always a plus and they are always welcomed. I’m glad they have kept some parts in Albanian too. The song has a lot of potential for staging and her vocals are strong. Given the fact that there are just a bunch of uptempo songs, I’d say Albania is a sure qualifier. If “Sekret” had appeared 15 years before, it would have won or at least made it to the top 5. In fact, it kind of reminds me of Ruslana’s “Wild Dances” and… Read more »
Bronze star.
Lol this rating is ridiculous
Für mich Absolute No. 1
Genau das was ich bei ESC brauche,
Albanien zum ersten mal mein Absolute Favorit ?
Grüße ??
The comments in here are disgusting. Ronela is a star and she deserves top 10 one of the best acts this year
Completely off topic, but for some reason wiwibloggs never write any coverage about the ticket sale. Has anyone have any idea what the seating plan is, little reluctant to buy tickets (which I will anyway if I’m lucky enough to get on in time) when it’s so unclear what the different rings and categories are. Preferably I want standing tickets, would people assume this is the ring 1 category 1? Or maybe if you don’t mind standing at the back (which I prefer, not as cramped) is this ring 1 category 2. Or maybe there is no standing tickets at… Read more »
I totally agree with you
There are no standing tickets
This is exactly the type of entry that comes to mind when you think of Wiwi, not surprised one bit that it ends up in their final top 5. They’ve actually done a decent job with their revamp for once tho it’s only around the middle of the pack in my ranking, still a bit of a mess but an entertaining one nonetheless. If last year’s results are any indication that’s where it will also probably finish once it gets to the final, ESC has fortunately moved on…
I disagree the song stands out and will make top 10
This is one of Albania’s best entries. I enjoyed how ethnic elements are blended into a contemporary melody. However having said that I still find it is somehow too chaotic and disjointed. It still misses that something which makes it really stand out and be memorable.
Sure, this is chaotic. But I say it’s chaotic good. Every single element of this song is memorable on its own, though the transitions between them are a little weird. In any case, it seems like one of those entries that are more suited for a live performance and if the music video is an indication of Albania’s intentions, Ronela may turn up the heat in Turin. I fear the juries won’t react well towards it though. Especially in an eventual final, when Spain offers the sexy bop wrapped in a more professional package. 6.5/10
I’m very curious to see how Spain will do. Being it the only mainstream bop in the sexy diva style, they have a lot on their favor. So I won’t be surprised if it gets a top 5, or even a 3rd place like the one “She Got Me” achieved. On the other hand, if this one fails, maybe it’s a sign the Eurovision televote and the most traditional part of the fandom are indeed going separate ways. Though it hasn’t make to my top 10, I wouldn’t mind this getting from 7th to 10th. It would be a good… Read more »
This fandom is toxic af. Wtf are these comments lmao. Cry more and go downvote me haha
Genuinely wtf? All I see is hate and toxicity here. Can people say their opinions without being jerks? Or you want to show your jealously so much because it is highly popular?
what’s with this tantrum you seem to be having? this fandom is toxic for what? having a different opinion to you. talk about “crying”, yet you’re the one who’s spit their dummy out over some opinions, touch some grass lmfao
What tantrum? I am saying it is better to say your opinion without being a jerk. I have no problem with the people who dont like the song. Besides, its funny that you tell me I am throwing a tantrum because of an opinion. Meanwhile this comment section alone is doing the same with some people’s average score and opinion. Oh and btw, I dont create 1000 accounts on wiwi just to comment nonsense. If you love grass so much, go outside and eat it, you sheep
The favorites like Sweden Mahmood from Italy and Chanel from Spain they will lose their voices after rehearseals because they have weak voice. But Poland Uk and Albania have a big voices that jury will vote for them…
This comment is so funny, hope you’re not serious
Did you check Chanel on the Eurovision house concert, or her live performances at the pre-parties? The girl has pipes for days, on top of being an amazing performer.
I would understand this comment if we had never seen a live performance of SloMo, but Chanel has been touring Europe for all the pre-parties and she’s literally slayed every single performance. “Weak voice” is simply factually not true at all.
I think that this Song Is not food for a studio version but this Is WOW for a live show ….
she has already performed it live in 4 pre-parties.
I love Ronela’s live performance she is going to SLAY on the Eurovision stage. I don’t like the re-vamp as much as the original as it loses some elements that made it authentic but she more than makes up for that on stage – 7/10 – Put this after some sad girl ballads and this will destroy them in the public vote. I think Ronela is more charismatic than Chanel.
Contrary to the popular opinion, i think this will get lots of points from the juries. Juries don’t get impressed by long notes or screams. The song is unique, and i watched a lot of music professionals on youtube praising it (melo participants included, it was the favorite of Medina and Tone)
Albania is always underrated with the juries, even with the jury bait songs. Don’t think this year will be exception
Juries are impressed by composition and instrumental and Groot said he wasn’t that impressed as it’s a song that relies more on attitude and rhythm and could be more cohesive and he wanted more. The re-vamp has taken out most of the authentic instruments and replaced them with digitised sounds which took away elements that were good in the original and it’s choppier and more abrupt. Ronela is great though.
Who is Groot?
Italian media are oftentimes hinting on Albania’s victory. Eurovision Winners are per-determined by the EBU anyway, but even so, this would be a well-deserved victory. And, of course, Italians love and support their Albanian brothers, so yeah!
Maybe next year, crossing fingers
Link?
I’m confused as to why everyone is bashing this now when it was a favourite like a day before!? Personally, this will most likely qualify, and I like it! It’s very danceable, feels very unique, and Ronela has pretty good vocals and knows how to energise the crowd. However, it really depends on the live performances if this gets top 10 or not
It is mostly toxic eurofans with fake accounts who just came here for the first time to spread toxicity. Ive been seeing comments such as Albania is overrated. Thats what tells you about the low IQ of these fans
A favourite where? In your living room?
Sounds like you are the one who has been living in his living room.
Of course I live there, it’s a part of my house. And let me tell I feel much more comfortable in here than in your dellusional bubble of tackiness.
Delusional bubble hahahahahahahahahahaha. What loads of nonsense you are going to say else?
Are you joking? This is clearly a fan fav for the top 10
17.Albania – It’s dynamic, ethnic, epic. There’s a lot of instrumental parts and they bring the vibes. The elements were there, they polished it, and now it shines.
There’s parts about this song I love, parts about it I despise. It’s such a mixed bag for me that I never know what really to think of this. Positives first; Ronela is a really good live performer and she belts out her notes like no one else. The ethnic elements to the song are cool. The negatives though, is that the revamp threw every bit of what used to be solid production, out of the window and into the nearby pond. It’s SO all over the place I can’t listen to the instrumental parts in the song anymore. I… Read more »
Every year it seems , Albania cops a lot of criticism for its entries- I am never sure why- maybe it’s because they are always one of the first to put out their selected song. In addition every year they seem to try really hard to put their all into their selected entry. Good for them. I love their entry this year- it’s everything that we can expect from a Dancing Diva act. It’s catchy, it’s a little bit kitsch but let’s be honest here- like it or not, it’s easily identifiable as an ESC entry and that’s a good… Read more »
The Score is a a little bit too high in my opinion.
I would give it an 7.5/10
8.5/10 Finally! The Albanian bop we have been waiting for! Sekret’s original version was already pretty good, but the revamp made Sekret 10x better. This song has everything an ESC banger needs: traditional sounds/instruments, a good vocal, drama and an artist with personality! Ronela is easily the artist with the biggest personality this year, I love her!
So, Poland got 6.34, and on the other side we have Albania with 7.97. ?????? No words needed!!!
Well Albania is better
“Serbian”. No words needed indeed
7.97 for this ? Well i’m not going to be sad when this gets 16th place in the final.
We dont care about you either
Maybe you should just calm down..It’s his opinion, respect it..
Well are you all not doing the same crying like kids on Wiwi’s opinion?
Among all these negative comments, I think Ronela’s score is deserved. Albania is my 6th place this year. It’s a great ethnic bop, and I’m sure Ronela will be amazing on stage
Lmao. Extremely overrate. This song has a lot of awkward pauses that could easily hurt their score.
Hahahahahahaha
Lmao, this won’t even be in top 10. It’s almost rehearsals time! Get ready for some favourites like Albania, Poland and Austria to flop .
And are you the Nostradamus who is so sure they will flop???
A little bit Overrated imo, the song is not really that good. It might do well with the televote, but i can already tell that the juries will not like this so much
Juries dislike generic bops but this is something totally different
Yeah its not generic at all. Its chaotic and messy but in a good way. People see “woman singing an upbeat song” and immediately think its generic
WTF hahahahaha imagine downvoting someone for such a harmless opinion. When i say esc fandom is a toxic mess people cry like babies
every year oliver and susan give a low score to albania …. this year is not acceptable
IMO, this is the one to watch this year – a real dark horse. If the staging and vocals are on point, a top 10 finish is on lock, and finishing higher wouldn’t be out of the question. I’m a little tired of it since it’s been out for 4 months and I’ve played it to death, but this is still a solid 8.5/10.
A bit of a flop for me and Ronela sounds quite aggressive
Isn’t this a bit too high?
7.97 come on!!! This is a joke
Rather high rating but it doesn’t really matter since this is an absolute BOP! Qauality ethnic and uptempo, probably the best of the uptempo entries this year! Both Albanian and English lyrics, I LOVE THE TRADITIONAL MUSIC IN THE DANCE BREAK AT THE BEGGINING OF THE SONG AND AFTER THE CHORUS! And Ronela’s charisma elevates the song even more live. My 13TH place, with an 8.5/10 RATING! 🙂
An ACTUALLY high quality ethno-pop!
*ethno-pop entry (forgot to finish my last sentence)
Yass. I love this. Albania and Spain are the divas I need this year.
19 years after Sertab’s magical victory of Turkey and the ESC community is still desperately trying to find the next ethno-Pop Diva, not noticing that the world has moved on… even if the song is chaotic, as Oliver says, or non-entity, in my words. For long now has Albania been choosing form over substance and no year has it been more like that than this year. I listened to it and watch the performance now many times in the hope to find a glimpse of the gold that everybody is seeing in it, but failing miserably at it… Maybe it’s… Read more »
Yep… Agree with you there’s not too much to it. Frankly I can see it being a surprise NQ.
sooo mad at Turkey for bringing that current to ESC . They dropped the bomb and then left
i would’ve kept this song 100% in albania, such ethnic sounds are no match with english or even spanish lyrics. apart from that, it’s a great song and it’s good albania will be slaying on italian soil !
no way people gave you 7 downvotes for this?!? looool