The 18 performances of Albania’s Festivali i Këngës 59 may have been pre-recorded, but the drama felt like it was live and rolling. And at the end of it — after three nights and a three-hour finale — a seven-person jury crowned Anxhela Peristeri the winner with her dramatic ballad “Karma”. Next stop? Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam.

Festivali i Këngës 59 winner: Anxhela Peristeri will sing for Albania at Eurovision 2021

Anxhela, who has a quarter of a million followers on Instagram, was completely unfazed by the spotlight of the past month. And it showed most clearly in the final, where she stood centre stage hitting note after note in her mystical ballad “Karma”, which she told us sends a message about the actions we take — and what the universe sends us in return.

She may have been accompanied by four backing dancers in gold and black capes. But even as they spun and dipped around her — at one point using her in a game of tug-of-war — she remained the focus of our attention. It’s called owning the stage and she most definitely understands how to do just that.

 

On the first night of Festivali i Këngës, Anxhela was a goddess in gold. The winner of Kënga Magjike 2017, she strutted onto the stage with the confidence of a contender. She stood tall in a floor-sweeping gown with a neckline cut dramatically to her stunning décolletage, and her shoulder pads seemed to give her added strength for the battle ahead. If “Karma” is a judgment on our past deeds, it looks like Anxhela has been very good indeed.

“I’m very happy — I’m so happy,” Anxhela told our Erdi backstage in Tirana ahead of filming for the final. “My composer wanted to come together in this festival. I was very excited because I wasn’t here a lot of years. It was a great opportunity for me.”

Albania has quite the history when it comes to revamps — and language swaps. Does she have any plans to perform in English if she makes it to Eurovision?

“I like Eurovision very much — I’m here for this reason. But I haven’t thought about it. My thoughts were in FiK. I wanted to be good here first. If I win I will decide the next steps.”

Anxhela is one of Albania’s best known singer songwriters. And like so many artists from the country, she has past Festivali i Kenges experience, taking part in the 40th edition in 2001. Yet, despite enjoying an award-winning music career, Anxhela went on hiatus in 2007. Thankfully, her retirement proved to be temporary and she returned in 2014. Besides her one foray into FiK, Anxhela has also competed in Kenga Magjike and Top Fest. She won the former in 2017.

Outside of Albania, Anxhela is also known in Greece, where she moved after completing her studies in Tirana. While there, she entered the local edition of The X Factor and has built up a very healthy following.

FiK 59 Results

  1. Anxhela Peristeri
  2. Sardi Strugaj
  3. Festina Mejzini

The Festivali i Këngës 59 Running Order

  1. Sardi Strugaj
  2. Xhesika Polo
  3. Orgesa Zaimi
  4. Wendi Mancaku
  5. Era Rusi
  6. Gjergj Kaqinari
  7. Rosela Gjylbegu
  8. Devis Xherahu
  9. Mirud
  10. Gigliola Haveriku
  11. Viktor Tahiraj
  12. Kamela Islamaj
  13. Florent Abrashi
  14. Inis Neziri
  15. Evi Reçi
  16. Anxhela Peristeri
  17. Festina Mejzini
  18. Kastro Zizo

What do you think? Does “Karma” need to be revamped for Eurovision? What sort of staging should Anxhela take to Rotterdam? Tell us your thoughts below!

Read more Albania Eurovision news here

296 Comments
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Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago

She’s keeping it in Albanian! Thank god

Mr X
Mr X
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton

Indeed !

Mr X
Mr X
3 years ago

Albania 6/10

Sean
Sean
3 years ago

Everyone will not believe me but I predicted the top 3! Sardi and Festina had solid songs and really strong performances (Festina most so in the final and Sardi in second night acoustic with that incredible staging) – I really saw them as the underdogs in the contest. Also Anxhela did deserve to win, her song was great and she nailed the vocals every night. I hope it will qualify! Wasn’t really sure about Evi Reci’s award for Tjerr – was that a newcomer thing? I would definitely have given that to Gigliola Haveriku, she was great. And shout-out to… Read more »

Kris
Kris
3 years ago
Reply to  Sean

Show me the source where you predicted it then I shall agree!

Sardi had something going
Festina was mediocre in all regards

Sean
Sean
3 years ago
Reply to  Kris

What do you mean by source? Here’s how I worked it out: -As has been said 101 times in these comments, Anxhela was a predictable winner, a favourite coming in and performed without mistake all three nights. It was between her and Inis, and Inis’ vocals were slightly sharp in the final. -Sardi also performed very well on all three nights and the staging worked really well, I thought it was not the best song but opened strongly. -Festina, ditto. The song really improved live, and it’s the kind of song that Albanian jurors seem to have liked in the… Read more »

Kris
Kris
3 years ago
Reply to  Sean

For something to be a prediction it needs to be done before it happens. So show me somewhere before 23rd Dec you wrote this

Now you’re giving an explanation of the result. Not a prediction. That’s what I meant.

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago
Reply to  Kris

girl is it that serious

Keith
Keith
3 years ago

Please could you post the full results as I don’t have Twitter and I’d be interested to see how the other contestants got on.

Tugay Turgay
Tugay Turgay
3 years ago

How many months left for eurovision Albania like in previous years chose their entry to grow and get it bigger and adding decorations on stage in the end the result is poor either stay in semi or or do not so good if they get to the final….last year contest cancelled how do we know they aren’t going to cancel it again??? Wait until next year at least still long time to choose a song for eurovision

Brin
Brin
3 years ago
Reply to  Tugay Turgay

“How do we know they aren’t going to cancel it again???” They’re not, have you been living under a rock or smth? The 4 scenarios ring any bell?

Bear
Bear
3 years ago

Seems the results haven’t been released. The tweet and the wiki list have been removed (no other sources show any result besides the top 3).

Bear
Bear
3 years ago
Reply to  Bear

This was an old comment which was just approved, but has there been an official release of the results, because the sources of the results on wiki don’t provide the results.

Loin dici
Loin dici
3 years ago

Karma’s core arrangement is great, but I’m not fond of the choice of instruments… and totally despise the mixing, her voice is behind the instrument. Praying for Albania to get a good, good revamp team for 2021.

Stephanie
Stephanie
3 years ago

There had to be better ones than this, or am I wrong?

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Stephanie

no none really suited that well for ESC, in terms of being competitive

Richard
Richard
3 years ago

I approve! The pacing is a little erratic, very start-stop, and I liked the quiet section in the middle, but an interesting choice. And the men in the swimming caps are a hoot!

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Richard

i especially like the bits near the end, but indeed there is a good build-up in this song

keeping it in albanian is one, instrumentals also i would not change much

more focus on finding correct staging to lift the performance even more i’d say

Bart
Bart
3 years ago

Yes!! The best singer wins!

Last edited 3 years ago by Bart
NickC
NickC
3 years ago

I would ditch the dancers, and keep it in Albanian.
So happy the 2021 season has officially started!

Nancy G
Nancy G
3 years ago

Some of the comments remind me of the US election. People whose candidate didn’t win are losing it! Eva Rusi was my favourite, but Anxhela is really popular in Albania so it’s perhaps not so surprising the jurors responded to her (also because they tend to like female ballads with traditional sounds it seems and her voice was great). Anyway, wishing her luck. With some staging help this could make the final.

RavensHeart
RavensHeart
3 years ago
Reply to  Nancy G

Considering how rigged and fraudulent the voting at FiK is known to be. Perhaps DON’T compare it to the US election

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  RavensHeart

Electoral College.

Elect
Elect
3 years ago
Reply to  James

The FIK jury is more like the Supreme Court, there are no elections for the Albanian entry. No public voting and no conversions into electoral points or electors. Just judges deciding who wins.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Elect

Much like electors.

Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago

The top 3 is… interesting…
Anxhela is a worthy winner. Her performance was solid, her song is good and her vocals are very strong. She was not my personal favourite, i dont like this diva like songs, but i am happy for her and i understand why she won. Good luck to her in Eurovision!

Nini Kiwini
Nini Kiwini
3 years ago

And now get ready for the „My Top 1“ Videos xP

Bluetree123
Bluetree123
3 years ago

FIK is FAKE! Albania is a very small country with a highly corrupt political cast. The Producer of the festival was part of the communist propaganda machine. As with Elhaida Dani, Arilena Ara and this year Anxhela Peristeri (all members of the ruling corrupt party) winners are chosen beforehand. Thats why 6 (mostly) unknown people (the jury) choose the winner and no televoting is allowed. This has made FIK super unattractive for the general audience and also other great artists. #FIKtive

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Bluetree123

no it is not, FiK is a festival on its own, like italy’s sanremo is also a festival on its own as well

whom you call unknown people either, they are either songwriters (yes poets can compose songs too, we see the same in estonia, also one poet there who composed soovide puu for Sandra Nurmsalu for example) and that one tenor, he also performed as interval act, great singer, he should do ESC too but that is a wish maybe, he could easily slay a song like Elina had in 2018)

Bluetree123
Bluetree123
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

Please, spare me with ur no-name poets.
1) Elhaida Dani was part of the electoral campaign of the mayor of Tirana, same with Arilena Ara
2) the director of the official video of Eugent Bushpepas song was the wife of the mayor of Tirana.
3) Anxha Peristeri officially joined the campaign in summer. Next elections will be in April, so I hope after that Anxhela manages to find 1-2 weeks to prepare for Eurovision 😉
Im not saying, artists are not entitled to a political opinion, but this correlation of public political engagement and wining FIK makes me sick!

Bluetree123
Bluetree123
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

Also, im not assuming all the above mentioned artists aren’t good. They are amazing singers, BUT the quality of songs declines, if there is no real competition. Hence these amazing artist we send are never real contenders…
Also the undemocratic way they choose the winner, paired with the undemocratic ruling cast in Albania enabled by artists, who should be characterized by a rather free spirit just leaves me with a bitter taste, really.

ALEX
ALEX
3 years ago
Reply to  Bluetree123

.

Last edited 3 years ago by ALEX
Mariko
Mariko
3 years ago

I just watched it without having seen the other songs and I think it’s decent! I really like some parts, but the slower parts bore me a bit. And I really don’t like the dancers.

Jamie
Jamie
3 years ago
Reply to  Mariko

Watch other other songs. You’ll instantly hate this.

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago

amazing winner, love it

glad she won

now Anxhela don’t make same mistake as Arilena, and keep it in albanian

Dalth
Dalth
3 years ago

She sounds great, but the song just plods along and ultimately doesnt really go anywhere. Will probably qualify if they sort out the stageing.

Regina Phalange
Regina Phalange
3 years ago

Decent but forgettable. Albania will probably not qualify. Too bad for them because Era was a safe finalist.

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago

Era doomed herself when she said she would go for english version

Bart
Bart
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

No Era wanted to make another version for the fans in English, but did not say she would change her song to English for the ESC

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago

Just to let everyone know: this edition of FiK is done. It’s over. We listened to some great songs, some good songs, and some bad songs. We chose favourites, and for some of us Anxhela wasn’t that favourite, but for some she was. So we can be mad for a bit if our favourite didn’t win, but now it’s time to get over it and start looking at Karma as a eurovision entry, not as the song that won FiK over better songs. I find that doing this actually makes me enjoy a song more: instead of comparing it to… Read more »

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton

I’m doing the same, because I preferred only Inis. But it’s still a not good song and nothing about it is original, modern or interesting

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago

Anxhela was by far the biggest name going into this edition of FiK, how are y’all surprised? The only question now is whether or not Graham mispronounces her name in Rotterdam…

Anyway this is a good song.

Lebanese esc fan
Lebanese esc fan
3 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

Well, she does need to qualify first for the final in order for us to find out whether he nails the pronunciation. Honestly, I think this song will be a borderline qualifier at best, depending on how semi 2 shapes up.

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago

semi 2 is the weakest semi, as proven last year

waitaminuteholdon
waitaminuteholdon
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

0 songs have been chosen, that might change

Leo
Leo
3 years ago

I thought that heat 2 was stronger this year. Aside from Albania, Moldova and possibly Estonia or San Marino, I couldn’t rule anyone out from qualifying (Portugal had a jury friendly song and votes from France, Spain and Switzerland, so would have at worst failed to qualify in 13th or 14th), and I have repeatedly stated why I think that Armenia would have fared well, in a heat with Iceland also so brilliant, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, Czech, Finland and Austria were also very good, and, like it or not, Georgia and Latvia looked like qualifiers too. Many of these acts… Read more »

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Leo

San Marino one of my faves of 2020, which is why i am glad Senhit is back, nice personality what she got too, hope again for a nice disco song

Georgia also one of my 2020 faves, i do though hope for less cheesy, but still same great rock vibe, Tornike’s voice is fire <3

Leo
Leo
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

I think that with a Dua Lipa-esque piece, Senhit’s disco niche could serve her well, but depends on what Dadi and Vincent do as well.

Last edited 3 years ago by Leo
Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Leo

Dadi got a lot of pressure on his shoulders now, delivering after his odds fave, same for Victoria, Gjon

Vincent well i am expecting another sort of Bruno Mars vibe song

Leo
Leo
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

I would like him (Vincent) to beatbox in his next entry. I think keeping upbeat will serve him well.

Last edited 3 years ago by Leo
Kirby
Kirby
3 years ago

Maybe an unpopular opinion of mine, but I’m sort of sick amd tired of those dramatic songs sung by a female singer with a powerful voice. Always the same. This year is no difference. In 2013, Albania brought something different: an anthemic piece of rock, but they weren’t supported. Then came a streak of dramatic-song screaming ladies (except for Elhaida, but that was a switched decision, with a more mid-tempo, uplifting song).

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
3 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

I saw her dress in the thumbnail and went “I know exactly what kind of song this is going to be.”

and then i was right

Teddie
Teddie
3 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

Personally didn’t notice Eugent Bushpepa was a screaming lady but okay.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

Last year was not an ethnic ballad.

Friedenau
Friedenau
3 years ago

Good ballad and strong performance. Dramatic. Very Albanian.

Yuks
Yuks
3 years ago

100% better than what Azerbaijan is sending in 2021!

Joe Lestingi
Joe Lestingi
3 years ago

I’m totally fine with the result, though I expected Inis to win it. “Karma” was a favorite of mine, but I also loved Pendesë just because of the message and vocals. It was either/or for me. I’m confused about the runner up and third place though.
It should have been:
1) Inis Neziri
2) Anxhela Peristeri (interchangeable 1st or 2nd)
3) Era Rusi
4) Wendi Mancaku
5) Mirud
/////////////////
6) Gigliola Haveriku
7-18) everyone else.
Fixed top 5, won’t settle for anything else.

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

I am happy she won, she had a great performance. What I am most surprised about are the 2nd and 3rd place winners. I wanna see the full point distribution because those two were never high on people’s favorite’s list

Micky
Micky
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Festina was second-last in my top and it finished 3rd…

Pineaple
Pineaple
3 years ago

We’re literally one national final in and already the entitled bullies that infest the Eurovision fandom are ranting over the result. Can’t people just accept that their favourite song isn’t going to win every single national final… Jesus Christ, this is why Eurovision fans have such a toxic reputation.

olivia
olivia
3 years ago

wow. are albanians right? this is harsh.

Ricky
Ricky
3 years ago

This is the type of song that needs to grow on you, but Eurovision is a 3 night show, sooo I doubt this will make it anywhere in the contest, its so predictable that it hurts! Maybe Anxhela can pull a Elhaida Dani and she can choose another song

Shift_key
Shift_key
3 years ago
Reply to  Ricky

How can it be predictable if it needs to grow on you??

Manuel Treill
Manuel Treill
3 years ago

People in these comments: OMG, another ballad with a female singer, Albania is not qualifying and are never going to switch things!!
The very same people: Would’ve sent the revolutionary Inis.

Andreu
Andreu
3 years ago
Reply to  Manuel Treill

Inis was my first and Anxhela my second. I think Inis has a more modern ballad than many of the other ballads present but it still a similar formula. I think for me the lyrics of pendesë is what really pulled me in. I will say that I’m not really upset since my second favourite won. But also don’t assume that most people wanted Inis because I’m sure Era has the most loyal supporters. Which in their case Era had a more upbeat yet still ethnic song. Regardless I’m very excited to see how they revamp the song, I heard… Read more »

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Manuel Treill

I’m one of those people! The difference is that Inis has a more impressive, modern song and classier staging. With that being said Inis would probably be around 28th place in my final ranking, where as Anxhela is probably going to be around 35th ranking

Shift_key
Shift_key
3 years ago

I don’t get the negative comments. It’s a nice song with modern and traditional elements. Isn’t this what Eurovision is all about? Do you really want bland Western sound from each country?

OpenUpToKazakhstan
OpenUpToKazakhstan
3 years ago
Reply to  Shift_key

Yep my thoughts exactly!

Kredential
Kredential
3 years ago
Reply to  Shift_key

It’s because for 6 of the last 7 years, Albania’s entry has been a vocally driven female ballad. I think people just want Albania to change it up a little bit, which is why Mirud and Era Rusi were big fan favourites because they brought something different to the table.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Kredential

I thought “Karma” was an ethno-banger?

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  James

what banger? you can’t dance to it.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

It dance choreography, it has pyro, it has traditional druma beating at a faster rhythm and it has sizzling hot men.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  James

*It has…

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Shift_key

sorry where are exactly are the modern elements? And yes traditional is great, but only when it sounds raw and pure (Poland 2019, Ukraine 2020, Albania 2019 and Armenia 2017 are great examples of that) this sounds just pretentious.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago

I really don’t want to be yet another naysayer, but yeah… this is a disappointing winner. The last few years Albania appeared to be on the rise in terms of the quality and originality of their entries, and there were definitely plenty of songs in this year’s selection that could have kept that trend going, but “Karma” was sadly not one of them. It’s just so painfully average on every level (with the exception of intriguing lyrics and Anxhela’s solid voice). This song is clearly going for something grandiose and epic, it constantly tries to wow the viewer and desperately… Read more »

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

agree with every little thing u said

ALEX
ALEX
3 years ago

Forgettable. Why does Albania keep doing this. The most mediocre song ever. The ONLY way she will even make it to the final is if she changes the song. Every damn year they don’t pick the best song for ESC.

Srdjan30
Srdjan30
3 years ago
Reply to  ALEX

She will easily make the final given the countries that are in the 2nd semifinal. The juries will lap this up. The only countries I see as sure qualifiers without hearing the songs are Iceland, Bulgaria and Switzerland.

ALEX
ALEX
3 years ago
Reply to  Srdjan30

Making it to the final to finish 16-18th place.

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Srdjan30

why would jury eat this up? they didn’t eat up Lindita and she had far more impressive vocals. In my opinion with an early prediction these countries will qualify in 2nd semi: the three u mentioned + Armenia, Georgia, Portugal, CZ, Finland, Denmark and the last place will be either Serbia/Poland/Latvia/Estonia – depending on the song ofc

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Srdjan30

second half of 2nd semifinal too

Irishfan
Irishfan
3 years ago

The situation with the virus is escalating and getting worse unfortunately. It is beyond belief that there will be a eurovision 2021

KESC
KESC
3 years ago
Reply to  Irishfan

In worst case, we will have scenario D, meaning we will have an online contest.

Jesper Hjellnes
Jesper Hjellnes
3 years ago
Reply to  Irishfan

Considering how both Junior Eurovision and Türkvizyon managed to take place during Covid, I can’t imagine ESC getting cancelled again in 2021

esc2021rotterdam
esc2021rotterdam
3 years ago

The EBU confirmed back in September that ESC won’t be cancelled again next year

Cameron
Cameron
3 years ago
Reply to  Irishfan

They have already said there is one, it might just look like JESC 2020

Ben R
Ben R
3 years ago

This song will be really cool in English! (I think it would do way better in ESC if she does it in English)

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Ben R

pls no

Fionn
Fionn
3 years ago
Reply to  Ben R

Wth

Sniper K-Wolf
Sniper K-Wolf
3 years ago
Reply to  Ben R

Pls not the same massacre than “Shaj”

Indiana07
Indiana07
3 years ago
Reply to  Ben R

I agree. I want Albania to make an English revamp.

Mr X
Mr X
3 years ago
Reply to  Indiana07

definitely not. there were will be enough songs in english.

Mr X
Mr X
3 years ago
Reply to  Ben R

never ever

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

Contrary to what many are saying, I enjoyed FiK this year. However, in order to assure more diverse winners and a more fair voting, next year they’d have to introduce the televote and to diversify the jury by age, gender and style preferences.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

This is something that bothers me, this idea that if you don’t get what do you want from a national final, nothing is worthy about it. I agree that Albania needs to try new things in Eurovision, that FiK needs a televote and more youthtul heads working with the entries’ selection and as jurors, but I don’t think the problem was the quality of the lineup. There were great performances on these last 3 nights. The problem is that we know a certain kind of song will win. It’s a mindset problem, not a quality one.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Exactly, it’s a mindset issue for Albania – Usually picking a young, but experienced woman with a belting ballad. Even if it’s a good song, it shows a pattern that can be allienating to those who prefer any other type of songs. The line-up itself is pretty good and I wouldn’t change the way the songs are selected. We only need more diverse people in the process of ranking them.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

But does FiK need to change its system or is that just what we think we want? I mean, if the voting/jury pool were younger would we still get the amazing Albanian songs that usually finish in my top three in my ESC rankings? Or would we start getting more Melfest rejects and plastic, cut-and-paste, Laurell Barker numbers? Even in terms of ESC results, Albania (since the semi final era started) are qualifying roughly 50% of the time. That’s not actually bad at all.
Not saying you and Sabrina are wrong, just offering an alternative take is all.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

That is indeed something to frown upon if FiK goes in a completely different direction, but I wouldn’t propose that. I have zero issues with how songs for the FiK line-up are picked, as I usually also enjoy the number of them too. But after being performed on stage, we should have a more diverse pool of Albanians picking their winner. A song like Me Tana or Zjarri im stands no chance if it’s *only* the middle aged and elderly jurors deciding. I’m not suggesting to rotate the table and have only young jurors there. I’m suggesting actual diversity, with… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I think you have valid concerns, Briekimchi, I personally wouldn’t like a radical change. After all, they had chosen “Mall” and “Ktheju tökes” not many time ago and both were between my favorites on their respective years. I mention some changes in the selection of the entries in case there’s a vibrant modern scene in Albanian music being left outside, but I think changing the jury process and opening to a televote could already change the mindset without flooding the lineup with plastic entries. For example: Inis said she had two options, the ballad and an upbeat song. If it… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Sabrina
Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I checked, and you make a good point – They indeed didn’t vote unanimously, which suggest they are likely not ”corrupt” as some are suggesting. I said they are mostly older because another poster from Albania said that all but two are over 50 years old. However, my post stands, because, even if the rest of the list isn’t synchronized, the winning song almost always tends to be a female sung belting ballad / midtempo with ”ballad-y” elements. Mall and Identited are outliers of the last decade (I count in Diell, not I’m Alive), but it still makes-up for 80%… Read more »

willchrisiam
willchrisiam
3 years ago

People keep saying this was elegant. What’s elegant about it – her kitschy dresses or the dancers’ outfits? She has an amazing voice but the song is nothing special and the staging is awful.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  willchrisiam

What is “kitschy”? Is that a British Ebgkish slang or something?

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago
Reply to  James

Kitschy means tacky. Not sure of its origin but because of the ‘sch’ in the word I am going to assume German or a Germanic language.

Anita
Anita
3 years ago

I am delighted that Sardi reached second place and I am sad because this whole package could have been elevated to something great on Eurovision stage.

Nicolas
Nicolas
3 years ago

Someone knows what is the prize won by Evi Reçi ?

Last edited 3 years ago by Nicolas
Yes
Yes
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

The Municipality of Tirana award.

Lali Eri
Lali Eri
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

Special Prize given by Municipality of Tirana

ALEX
ALEX
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

I believe it’s the award of the Mayor of Tirana

mark dowd
mark dowd
3 years ago

will probably qualify in 9th/10th. Then end up 19th in the final. Albanian Groundhog Day…

They need to shake it up a bit..

Malo
Malo
3 years ago
Reply to  mark dowd

*17th XD
Hey for me as an Albanian ESC fan, that is a great scenario. I hope it comes true XD
Its the best thing we can get under RTSH’s method.

RavensHeart
RavensHeart
3 years ago

Please Albania, switch to Kenga Magjike! instead of FiK

Last edited 3 years ago by RavensHeart
Malo
Malo
3 years ago
Reply to  RavensHeart

TV Klan (Kenga Magjike’s network) needs to register with the EBU and basically steal RTSH’s rights. They haven’t done it so far, and I don’t think they plan to. Too much of a hassle.

RavensHeart
RavensHeart
3 years ago
Reply to  Malo

UA:PBC don’t run Vidbir, that’s a channel called STB.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  RavensHeart

They’re competing song festivals from two competing broadcasters. It doesn’t make sense for a public broadcaster to ditch their flagship music program that is probably still do well for them, ratings-wise.

Louka
Louka
3 years ago

Is there an Albanian fan who can tell me more about the meaning of the song? I know what karma is but it stops there to be honest… “Occidentaly’s Karma” 🙂 ? Or is she singing in a more serious/dramatic way?

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Louka

I’m not Albanian, nor I speak Albanian, but the lyrics are already online: KarmaGod won’t forgive me this! Life like in fairytales had spoiled me High in the sky like I star I was living I was laughing like crazy when you were sobbing Heartless, I was in love with myself God won’t forgive me this The world fell on me You left me, my friends left me There’s not even light God won’t forgive me this I called you, but I don’t have a voice The tears gathered in my hand Rusted they are Because I was looking for… Read more »

Louka
Louka
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Ok so that’s the dramatic way lol. Thank you for the information

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Louka

Np 🙂

Kosey
Kosey
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Thanks Colin. I think I like the song more now I can understand the drama in the lyrics!

xohxoh
xohxoh
3 years ago

First candidate for NQ, sorry. We’ve seen this from Albania many MANY times before.

Srdjan30
Srdjan30
3 years ago
Reply to  xohxoh

I honestly think this will easily qualify given the countries in the 2nd semi. The juries will rank this high.

Stephanie
3 years ago
Reply to  Srdjan30

Albania will have Switzerland in its semi, which is represented by a Swiss-Albanian artist. I should suspect points will be bartered between the two of them

xohxoh
xohxoh
3 years ago
Reply to  Srdjan30

We’re not in 2005

WannaEatMySpaghetti
WannaEatMySpaghetti
3 years ago

As always from Albania, neither bad nor good. Predictable is the word. Good voice but bad song. It gives an average proposal and, as every year, I don’t know if Albania will end up in the final or not. If it does, it will probably finish at its favourite place (between the 17th and 20th). If not, it will finish between 11th and 14th place in the semi-final.

PS: before shouting at me that it is too early to make predictions, I agree. But previous years are always a good indicator.

Malo
Malo
3 years ago

We never got below 17th in the final so it’s more like (between 16th and 17th) xD

WannaEatMySpaghetti
WannaEatMySpaghetti
3 years ago
Reply to  Malo

Indeed, I was sure Albania finished 19th once but it was 17th. But the idea is the same^^
I still wish you the best and hope for you that Anxhela won’t make a revamp in english.

zach
zach
3 years ago

i have to say i’m surprised, i thought that inis was kind of a shoe-in, but i guess i’m kinda happy that anxhela won. ON THE OTHER HAND, the rest of the top 3 was just a wtf moment, and inis era and mirud all not making in into it is insane. why festina and sardi were the ones backed by the jury is beyond me.
i may sound like a broken record, but this really needs televoting in the future cause the jury continues to surprise (and usually not in a good way)

RavensHeart
RavensHeart
3 years ago

Why do FiK winners all sound the same?

Such a shame Albania always goes first, feels like the season always starts on a bum note.

Kris
Kris
3 years ago
Reply to  RavensHeart

When mall won In 2018 , it was the only time in last 5 years I had a Top 1 instead of a bottom 1. This year too it’s a bottom 1 for 2021.

Sniper K-Wolf
Sniper K-Wolf
3 years ago
Reply to  RavensHeart

“Why do FiK winners all sound the same?”

I think every year like you for Melodifestivalen.

Nicolas
Nicolas
3 years ago

The so random runner-up lmao

Kosey
Kosey
3 years ago

I enjoy the softness at the beginning, the almost dream-like quality – I am transferred somewhere unusual, but comforting. And then in the final minute, there is an awakening, I am not sure if it is a happy or sad one, but I feel satisfied at the end.

I am not getting massive winner vibes here, but a very decent entry and a nice one to start us off.

KESC
KESC
3 years ago

I may get downvoted, but this is just my perspective: I’ve always said it and will say it again: In my opinion, Albania should stop using FiK as their selection to choose their Eurovision Song. Having a festival to celebrate Albanian music and choosing a song for an European audience are not practically the same thing. Especially, if you have to decipher what according to the 50 year old jurors real Albanian music is. Is it only woman singing dramatic ballads year after year that don’t have enough appeal to a wider European audience? I remember some years ago, when… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by KESC
Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago
Reply to  KESC

Another option could be to switch from FiK to Kenga Magjike, which is similar to FiK except 1, it has televote, and 2, the quality of songs is WAY higher and much more diverse.

KESC
KESC
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton

I’ve heard that name, but I’ve never really watched it.
However, looking at the views on Youtube, one can already tell that it’s by far more popular in Albania than FiK.

Honestly, the songs in FiK barely had 100k views in one month, and I feel like these views came mostly from us Eurovision fans.

When does “Kenga Magjike” always take place?

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago
Reply to  KESC

not sure when it takes place, sorry. but I recommend u check out the song that Eneda tarifa won Kenga magjike with, its genuinely a million times better than fairytale.

Toinousse
Toinousse
3 years ago
Reply to  KESC

Usually it takes place at the end of November, before FIK, unfortunately this year it was cancelled due to Covid

KESC
KESC
3 years ago
Reply to  KESC

Absolutely!
What I wanted to say is that if you are already using this festival as your national selection and let a few jurors decide on your Eurovision entry, then you could at least also give the audience a say, which would be by far more democratic, even if the audience consists mostly of older people.

We may have a similar result then, but at least, the audience would be involved as well.

Last edited 3 years ago by KESC
Addy!
Addy!
3 years ago
Reply to  KESC

YT trends mostly comes from albanian artists from Kosovo if I am honest…maybe with the exception of Elvana, but yeah Kosovo albanian artists are way more advanced in commercial side of music while albanian artists from Albania are more advanced in contemporary (think Italian for comparison) music scene!!! And I totally stand by your comment about Albania needing a revamp and look for different options because the question is how many times they need to send dramatic pop ballads and realize that it’s not working that well for them…it worked once with Rona Nishliu (the irony that she’s from Kosovo… Read more »

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
3 years ago
Reply to  KESC

Important thing to note down is that you can change the song – you don’t have to go on Eurovision with the same song. Anxhela can compete with totally different song if she wants.

Last edited 3 years ago by Eurovision fan
KESC
KESC
3 years ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

That would be so great. “I’m Alive” was one of the best Albanian entries and by far better than “Diell”.

The singers are not the problem, but the songs..

Kris
Kris
3 years ago
Reply to  KESC

In 2017 , they introduced a measly televote and it was won by the most Eurovision ready song ‘Shiu’ . so , irrespective of the demographic a televote mostly decides better .

Kris
Kris
3 years ago
Reply to  Kris

I think you have been slightly mistaken in your recall.

They introduced a measly televote in 2017 , had 1/7th of the points. The televote was won by a song called ‘Shiu’ . That song was Eurovision ready. It would probably qualify.

The jury that year put Bote first and they had 6/7th of the points. So the televote didn’t agree with the jury. We all know Bote didn’t qualify.
So the comment I made was that people said most of the viewers are 50 yr old and they wouldn’t vote differently than the jurors. But they did vote differently.

Last edited 3 years ago by Kris
Kris
Kris
3 years ago
Reply to  Kris

I am saying based on how the songs did in the country. Shiu charted in Albania and won the televote . Based on that.

Ofcourse it could have not qualified. But it sure had higher chances than bote did in my opinion and the Albanian Televote’s opinion.

Kris
Kris
3 years ago
Reply to  Kris

I am saying the contrary. A song that fails to do well in its own country is not likely to do well outside it. So I said Shiu would “probably” qualify. Cause I can’t be certain. A local success may not translate to international success. But a local failure almost certainly translates to international failure. From what I recall bote finished 4th in the televote in Albania for that year. Bote didn’t even make the charts in Albania. So it was not likely to do well. The argument I’m making is Albania has better options available in most years and… Read more »

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
3 years ago

After this I think it's pretty much clear that  songs like Fuego or Me Tana will never win FiK. The only chance is that singers like Elvana Gjata apply with typical boring FiK ballad and then fully change the song if they win. :/

Malo
Malo
3 years ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

Yep the Elhaida route

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
3 years ago
Reply to  Malo

She played it smart I would say

And if there weren’t international jurors in FiK 58 I doubt Elvana would have been even in TOP 5

Last edited 3 years ago by Eurovision fan
Alex
Alex
3 years ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

This comment is funny because it’s true. But who knows, maybe Anxhela will also change the song entirely 😛

Alex
Alex
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

I should add that I don’t think this ballad is as boring as some others feel it is, but I do agree that there is potential for more especially with such a talented singer and songwriter. So we will see what the final version sounds like.