On the first day of December, Albanian broadcaster RTSH premiered all 28 competing songs for Festivali i Këngës 64. As ever curiosity was big among both the Albanian audience and international Eurofans…even if interest seems a bit more muted than with last year’s edition. Still, several favourites already stand out.
Across various Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube polls, the top 10 songs are being ranked, and a handful keep cropping up. What makes things even more interesting is that question: “Who will represent Albania at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna?” Albania has always been known for presentations with ethnic motifs in its music, but this year more than ever, many songs carry such influences, clearly inspired by the success of the group Shkodra Elektronike, which achieved eighth place in Basel — one of Albania’s highest Eurovision rankings ever.
We’ve listened to the songs are happy to share our analysis on some of the most talked about entries.
Fifi ft. Tiri Gjoci – Rri
The duet everyone was waiting for did not disappoint — their voices sound incredible together. A powerful ballad that reaches its peak at the end. Across various rankings, it appears as one of the top three main contenders to win this edition.
Threex – Vite
The trio of sisters brings something not often seen in Albania: group singing, and with a song that unites them all. With a strong live vocal performance and stage presence, this song could make a splash and snatch the trophy. Unique and fresh.
Malvina Likaj – Përtej Shpirtit
A girl not very well known by the Albanian public has another strong piece. The song feels like a careful remake of Tumankuqe, a widely known traditional Albanian song. Strong and haunting with southern iso. It remains to be seen how the jury will rate this, since remakes are not allowed under the regulations. Still, the audience clearly enjoys it.
Sheila – Zemra e Tokës
The influence of Afro House and Deep House, popularized internationally by Kosovan artist Tayna, has reached our girl Sheila. She is described as having the most experimental and daring song of this edition. Again, this song hints of an older song, Qaj Maro. How this will affect the jury’s evaluation is unclear and even raises questions about the festival rules. Another fan concern in the comments is how it will sound live, but there is no doubt about Sheila Haxhiraj’s voice, which she has proven strongly since winning X Factor Albania 1. Throughout her career, she has been seen experimenting a lot, and this time she surprises again. Fingers crossed for Sheila, because all eyes and ears are on her.
Inis Neziri -Ta Kam Fal
The queen of ballads has chosen to bring a banger this time. She returns to the festival with a highly rhythmic song. Clearly, Inis is preparing a performance with dancers for this song, which is also among the favorites. Her voice always wows, but her song is constantly being compared to Elvana Gjata, as this is a style she has performed before. Still, Inis has always expressed admiration for Elvana, so now it is a matter of seeing how everything unfolds for her.
Evi Reçi – Kodi i Jetës
Evi experiments this year with something completely different from what we are used to seeing. A song dedicated metaphorically to her newborn son. An Evi we did not know was there, reborn together with her child, who now has a song called Life’s Code — a gift from mom this holiday season.
Rigersa Loka – Albanian Heart
The reigning X Factor winner brings her first song to the festival. With lyrics from one of the best Albanian songwriters, Aida Baraku, the text is considered weak by many, but the melody seems to recall the 2010s Eurovision era, making this a fun and refreshing addition to Festivali i Këngës 64.
2 Farm – Valle Mbi Hi
The experimental group returns to the festival after placing third during their last participation. This time they choose to dance on fire. Kastro and his colleagues want to take us through labyrinths only they understand and deliver highly artistic messages.
Ghiti – Okej!
A new artist participating with material produced by Bea from Shkodra Elektronike. The influence of the latter is clearly visible. Another experiment to see how it will turn out. But the question is will the song remain just okay? We cannot wait to see her perform this LIVE!
Alis – Nân
His song is spreading quickly online as a copied version reminiscent of a famous Madonna song, Like a Prayer, some seem to agree on similarities and some don’t. But one thing is sure, it is widely liked as a song with a very sensitive theme. Alis last year was placed third in Festivali i Këngës, after Shkodra Elektronike and Elvana Gjata.
Other names generating buzz are Sara Kapo, Kimi and Vedat Ademi. Everything remains a surprise, as Festivali i Këngës 64 has a very balanced list this season. We are eager to see all of the acts performing live with the huge RTSH orchestra. Festivali i Këngës 64 will take place from 17-20 December in Pallati i Kongreseve, Tirana.
Do you have another favorite not mentioned above? Or is your favorite in the list? Let us know in the comments down below.
Good, I thought there were 64 songs.